Anywhere from 40 to 120 miles depending on where you leave from and what part you travel too. 8:30am Loreto bay and 9am Villas Del Palmar. It lasted for several hours, then suddenly everything stopped. There are innumerable yacht charters that will literally make all heads turn to the dock. The fish at Mag Bay are also well-fed, but the lack of boat harassment and sheer numbers of marlin make it an exceptional destination, especially for fly fishing. Blue Skys trolling tackle was heavier than I normally usemost of their light tackle was on one of Korchinskis other boats, but they did have several smaller outfits that were used to catch bait and mahi, so we rigged them up with 5 feet of 60-pound-test leader and a 9/0 circle hook. Call or email us for pricing on other customized options. All transportation while on tour. www.tailhunter.com Mexico Office: Tailhunter Sportfishing. Whale watching sessions by Panga. Or normally out of the bay? You know fishing is good when it has come to strictly catch and release on wahoo and even tuna. . Magdalena Bay is a gorgeous place to visit just for the pristine beauty, mangroves and giant sand dunes of the outer islands. It is a type of fishing like you have never seen before. One of the best parts of traveling is the pleasant surprises that come along every trip. The interconnected bays include Bahia Magdalena, Bahia Almeja and a series of smaller bays ending at Santa Domingo to the north. All rights reserved. He and his crew load two kayaks aboard each panga and head for a destination determined by anglers goals, the season and the mornings conditions. Magdalena Bay has the best striped marlin fishing in the world - and that is true for fly fishing marlin and other fish as well. Are Wahoo in the bay too? But we had a great morning with yellowfin tuna small to maybe 20 pounds and skipjack. The afternoon was filled with searching for wildlife from the bow as National Geographic Sea Bird navigated Canal de Soledad. These are but a few samples available. Mexico's Magdalena "Mag" Bay is among the best and most consistent sportfishing experiences in the world. Some of the thousands of fishing pelicans. 4-day fishing adventure in Quepos Costa Rica. Or, you could be left shaking your head at the fish-filled mayhem that can turn on at any moment. Baja is well known as a great place to whale watch. 1). The marlin pulled me through and over large bait balls, with frigate birds wheeling just overhead. A chain of islands that serve as a barrier protect the bay from the vast Pacific Ocean, creating an ideal environment for a large population of marine life, including the most popular species of sport fishing. Our journey to Thetis had us leaving the lodge in two pangas at dawn for a 15-minute ride to a launch point of sorts on a shallow beach. Its not an easy task to release a 60 lbs wahoofrom a popper on a spinning rod. The ridge consist of a long range of mountains with many peaks coming up to 100 ft or so. 1. It hits me with as much depth as the water beneath me. Its easy to understand that the more remote a location is, the less fishing pressure it receives. Smith has released more than 5,000 billfish on fly in his career. Custom Fly Fishing Panga Package 7 days: $2950/person At The New Island Home. During our inshore days, we managed to catch many species fishing different areas in the bay. Fishing far offshore might take longer, particularly with a stiff headwind chop. Drake Magazine Back Issue Content: 2009 Recession Fish Birth of a Fly Tyer Winter Reds Arizona Bass Night Stripers Stoneflies and a Girlfriends guide to Flyfishing. The return trip took us perhaps 20 additional minutes when the wheel bearings in the old trailer failed halfway across the sand. The other deal is subject to the same booking conditions youve opted for with Looking for info on Lodgings and Panga rentals in Mag Bay for a few days in September. 10:30-12:30 PM Tour. The dorado . Huge fish boils are still the norm here, providing the fly fisher the opportunity to cast a fly in the churning waters with equal chance of catching dorado, tuna, wahoo or billfish. Smith believes that the marlin at the Finger Bank are harder to catch on fly than those at Mag Bay. $1000 for a Cape Horn 27 and $1,750 for a Pro Cat 37. . The local panga fishermen are mad as h*ll that the sardine and marlin are getting fished out illegally with up to 14 large industrial size boats going out of Magdalena Bay every night, each boat harvesting 100 - 200 tons of fish. My imagination is already running full speed when I look across the river and cant believe what I see. ADIOS LA PAZ CARNAVALE 2018! Light jacket or sweater. 11 min read. The gray whale spends summers in the waters off Alaska, and then heads 6,000 miles (almost 10,000 km) south to the warmer lagoons of Baja in January, February and March. We werent fishing, but were chasing birds and bait instead. Mag Bay will give up nothing easy, but for anglers willing to put in the time, money, and casts, the payoffs can be fantastic. That creates truly special opportunities to experience packs of striped marlin in every direction and boiling at the surface, especially from a kayak. 27' SPORT PANGA . But I wait. But its a short season, and for many locals, the whale-watching jobs end far too soon. Magdalena Bay, Lopez Mateos, Baja. These dramatic openings attract gamefish amidst spectacular surroundings boiler rocks, sheer cliffs and herds of sea lions. Trip Date: Group Size: - + - + Show map . As mentioned, the main predators of the sardine include the Striped Marlin, sea lions and occasionally whales, which work as a team to corner and push the bait balls to the surface from the depth of the sea, a situation that takes advantage of the earwigs, pelicans and seagulls that attack from outside by launching themselves like rockets on sardines as part of the food chain. No one just stumbles onto Magdalena Bay, unless they are cruising from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and can spend a few days fishing along the way. 4) The Panga brings the kayaks out to the location so they are ready when we arrive in the boat. Frozen in the blue quiet. We can customize your trip to include both mangrove and blue water days. The sight of multiple tall dorsal fins cutting through bait schools is enough to get any anglers heart racing. . In 2018, Smith and Shafer spent 12 days in Mag Bay, releasing 317 striped marlin on fly. It's normal for the whales to surround the boat, play around, and look you in the eye. Four kayak anglers explore the rich offshore and inshore waters of Baja's Magdalena Bay. Full services of our Adventure Consultants. When the bite is on, Shafer will run the boat up from Cabo San Lucas, while Smith flies from his home in Florida to Cabo, then drives six hours to Puerto San Carlos where a local guide will ferry him out to the boat. The waters are teeming with fascinating marine life, and the Baja peninsula is primarily known as a fishing paradise. quantities. Wed jump in and the bait would quickly dash over to see if our boat offered any protectionwhich it didntthen they would take off again. What to target, and where, within the greater Mag Bay system, are decisions that might leave anglers second-guessing over a vast expanse of quiet water. modifications. We hefted the bow to accommodate the new trailer he backed down, and soon we were again in the water, on the inside, headed back to the lodge under the rising full moon. You, Its been a crazy year for humans but for fish its been just fine. 15. Sport Fishing Charters. Copyright 2017 - bajaflyfish.com - All Rights Reserved. This day tour is the ultimate whale watching experience in Cabo San Lucas - you will likely have the opportunity to see gray whales and their calves up close and personal in calm, shallow water, and the opportunity to pet the whales is not uncommon. Mostly they are out on the Ridge. He knows fishing and is always ready. The Importance of Estimating a Sport Fishs Size and Weight, Marlin Expeditions Offers Light-Tackle Paradise in Guatemala. Mag Bay is almost the same size as San Francisco Bay. What I like most about mag bay in general is the seclusion and peace. Then the sleigh ride began. Guides here are well versed in spin and baitfishing, but not so much with flyfishing. The bite for three hours was as hot as it gets for three anglers fishing a seamount 75 miles off Costa Rica. With four passengers, kayaks and lots of gear, our boat was heavier than the norm, but with mucho creaking, the truck pulled us out and only once required a stop to add air to a sagging tire with an old bicycle pump. We're hoping to fish for Wahoo. Some offshore destinations also require a boat ride across a sandy peninsula. Winning this round, Nick holds a handsome golden trevally that has taken the place of the snook and marlin we came to catch. I hadnt seen one of those reels in 30 years, so it was a bit retro but lots of fun. A support team helps shuttle kayaks and anglers to the action surrounding Mag Bay. While whale watching remains the primary focus in all of Magdalena Bay, fishing in Puerto San Carlos and Lopez Mateos continues to be off the charts for the few anglers who would rather fish than watch. The area has numerous small commercial fishing villages where the expertise and fishing knowledge is passed down in families. On one day last year, they raised 143 marlin and released 50, all on fly tackle. 4 People Minimum, 2 pangas (2 per panga) 7 nights 5 days fishing; B ottom and/or Deep Sea Fishing depending on the season and target species.. Its a place for the most curious and adventurous people to be at. The kayakers were brought offshore on pangas but fought the fish on their own. LOCATED IN SMALL FISHING VILLAGE OF LOPEZ MATEOS AND LORETO 760-908-BAJA Bob's cell . Silver Lining Kings. I dont think we ever saw more than three sport-fishing boats in a day, but there was clearly a specific area where all the action was taking place. Its possible to get diesel fuel in Mag Bay, but they bring it to you by panga; its more economical and safer to just keep your cruising speed low and complete the entire trip on one load. Chapstick. Grey whales (gray for you Americans) show up in Magdalena Bay religiously each year, their migration route is roughly 12,000 miles from Alaska to the Baja and return, feeding along . This means: It is for the same fishing charter, package and date(s), It has identical amenities attached (including the meal plan, cancellation policy, Behind me, Ricardo lets out a soft whistle that sounds just like a distant coyote. As usual, the whales did not let me down. Little has changed over the years in this small fishing village where the main available activities are around the fishing, whale watching and Eco Touring. Between these islands and smaller sand banks which . Or, at least those lucky enough to find us and have the opportunity to enjoy Magdalena Bay fishing and all the beauty it has to offer. 4 STROKE YAMAHA OUTBOARD. $0 - $400 $400 - $600 $600 - $800 $800+ Magdalena Bay: 7 fishing charters available . Today, BD has grown into the leading digital media platform for all things saltwater fishing, bringing our large and passionate community the best and most authentic fishing information in the form of fishing reports, fishing gear reviews, fishing recipes, saltwater fishing articles, tackle tips and more from coast to coast. We build . When we were dumped back in the water, we still had another hour or so run out to the fishing grounds. For more details on trip rules, cancellation and travel insurance visit our, Roundtrip professional ground transfers from and to the Loreto airport. we're a party of 3 adults. . What was the point? he said. Many regions of Baja waters still remain untouched by the tourists so you can land upon a lot of rare catch. The ridges, peaks, banks, and underwater structure outside of Magdalena Bay offer some of the richest fishing grounds in the world. I pushed up the lever drag on the Daiwa Saltiga and came tight immediately. I can deal with anything at all to get to the great fishing, but here the trip is simple, the place is fantastic, and the fishing is utterly ridiculous. Marco and others are finding a way to make both experiences happen safely and symbiotically. 7) 3 days offshore one day inshore. Thats the shortcut route; to boat down to the large mouth of the bay and then northwest to Thetis is more like 45 miles. Hi, no Wahoo never come inside the bay. With anglers launched, the pangas remain in proximity and in contact to bring bait, food and drinks, gear, or to pick up fish for dinner and put them on ice. Yet the vetting of anglers capable of the daily will and skill necessary to excel in these waters seems to happen organically. All meals and beverages as indicated on the itinerary. Nick answers my next question in the affirmative: Yes, John, thats a coyote trying to drag a giant snook into the mangroves. Rumor has it that the record for conventional tackle releases at Mag Bay is close to 200 striped marlin in one day, which pretty much sums up this amazing fishery. Information on the bay, although always a little scarce, has become easier to find. The Finger Bank is Mag Bay Lite. So, come out and say hi and let's set you up for visiting us in La Paz in 2023! La Paz - Las Arenas/ Muertos Bay/ Suenos Bay/ Magdalena Bay Fishing Report from Tailhunter Sportfishing for Week of Feb. 24-March 4, 2018. . That begs some explanation. This lodge and operation is nothing short of amazing. Marlin take turns tearing into a ball of bait the size of an SUV. His captain was Juan Jose Abaroa Flores, who ran the Mucho Loco for the Rolling Stones for many years back in the 1980s. The boats that overnighted at the bank reported 30-plus releases a day. Boulevard marina esquina marlin 1 lote C9 Col. Centro Cabo San Lucas B.C.S Mexico 23450, The Most Popular Water Sports That You Must Try Once. 888.752.2828; FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING OVER $50; More. Call us today for more information or to book your trip (619)483-7315. There is nowhere else like it on Earthyou just have to figure out how to get there. The experience is both fascinating and intriguing. The frenzy attracts frigate birds that swoop in from above. The sea lions also were feeding on the bait when they werent nipping at the stripeys or growling at us. MAGDALENA BAY, Mexico Just off the bow of our 22-foot open boat what Baja fishermen call a "panga" a whale spout erupts with an adrenalin-spiking "fwooosh." The bay is obviously full of fish. Incredible Striped Marlin Action in Magdalena Bay, Mexico. Swimming with the fishes in Baja By John Huber Photos by Nick Price. Your staff could not have been nicer, the fishing was insane, and the captains were amazing. Sun protective clothing and hat. A 50% deposit is requested on all open party trips. It feels like the curiosity is mutual. On other trips, he had watched dozens of marlin finning on the surface as they cruised slowly downsea. Calle Puerto La Paz 40, Bahia Magdalena, 23740 Magdalena Bay, B.C.S., Mexico. Its one of Bajas last frontiers, but there are few other places on Earth where so many billfish congregate so predictably. There were five of us on the trip and we had five days to chase bait balls. We have two well-equipped sport fishing boats, as well as multiple pangas (covered or non-covered), depending on where you want to go and what you want to catch. However, the crew soon gave us the high sign; with at least 2 hours to get to the lodge, it was time to pack up. All National Parks & Biosphere Reserve access fees required by itinerary. Most of the sport-fishing boats that hit Mag Bay come from Cabo and run the 170 or so nautical miles north. Fly anglers heading a few miles in any direction can find all sorts of species slicing through baits big and small. Juan was fantastic and really went above and beyond to make sure our time there was special and unique. Once at the grounds, the kayaks slide easily off the pangas low sides. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. We're hoping to fish for Wahoo. Cruiser rates vary. We watch a reel getting emptied and watch the fish leap, flip, and dive. A remote, isolated bay that sits some 120 miles north of Cabo San Lucas, there is not much in this part of the Baja. Larocque, the owner, uses 26-foot pangas as mother ships to transport kayaks, anglers and gear within and outside the bay. Have you ever noticed that fantastic fishing spots are nearly impossible to get to? There is only one hotel for Magdalena Bay. I even caught one on a Penn Senator 113. Answer 1 of 4: Hi all, I'm going to try and keep up with an on-the-go TR for our 9 night journey through Baja Sur; helps to keep the details fresh and gives me something useful to do when I wake up before the crack of dawn. A Bonnier LLC Company. For many years the only sport fishermen that dropped a hook in these waters arrived by long range charters out of San Diego California. Its just not that common like the sea of cortez cities and up north. You may be in the surf one day, taking waves to the chest, and the next morning you could be pulling hard on a 14-weight. Its relative inaccessibility has allowed it to remain one of those rare places that time has virtually forgotten. Its not a place to learn flycasting; its a place where knowing how to manipulate 500-grain sink-tips is just as important as knowing how to move big poppers on floating lines. Seen here is Marc Mills with a nice yellowtail. Roosters are notorious for reluctantly coming to within landing distance of the beach or panga, only to run again - sometimes stripping as much as 300 yards of backing from the reel. We had a day or two to spare, so Korchinski offered to take us out on his 43-foot Riviera, Blue Sky. Standard operating procedure called for fishermen to simply sit in their pangas for the short ride. This gives me some time to calm down. Two minutes later, Aldo points and says, matter-of-factly, Marlin. I jump to the bow, strip line off my reel, and stand in awe as 15 marlin blitz bait around us. The Life of Ryan. They werent lit up and there wasnt any bait in sight, they were just following the ones that were actively feeding. You have contacted us immediately after booking with all the details of the other deal They claim that they could have caught more, but everyone got tired of rigging up flies! Magdalena Bay Properties; Fishing Calendar; Booking Calendar; Contact Us; SPA; ADVENTURES; YACHT SERVICES; LOCATED IN SMALL FISHING VILLAGE OF LOPEZ MATEOS AND LORETO "Olivia" 22 LA PAZ PANGA . But know this: If youre thinking of just rolling down to DIY the bay, make sure you are highly competent in a boat. The Fishery: There are three separate fisheries accessible from the small Pueblo of Adolfo Lopez Mateos. Because his goal is to release as many billfish as possible without permanent injury, the single hook is key: It wont impair the marlins ability to breathe or feed like a double-hook rig can. This author does not have any more posts. His operation is fittingly named Magdalena Bay Whales, but his new camp offers experiences beyond whale watching. Captain Frankie to make sure we catch as much fish as you can. Casting into feeding blitzes is common in these inshore waters. The inshore waters that lay just beyond the barrier islands team with sierras, roosterfish, corvina, cortez halibut, pargo, grouper, yellow tail, skip jack, dorado, yellowfin tuna and wahoo. These static bait balls provided the best photo opportunities. (8 with children) maximum. He says there are still cannon balls stuck in the rocks. It is a long run from the launches out of the bay. How deep into the pool would you like to go? Other times, there was a guy on the bow with a spinning rod, throwing some kind of lurehe also was hooking up regularly. It may not display this or other websites correctly. So, here we will try to, Fishing Report MagBay Oct 13 2020 So far this season has been a little unusual. 4 nights of lodging in Costa Baja Resort. Speaks great English and got us some (9) wahoo last September. Over summer 2021, weve caught a whole lot of, Well, we have delayed our Mag Bay fishing reports once again, and for that we apologize. Panga $450 - Unguided Light Tackle $750 - Guided Fly Fishing. In the morning, the bait schools were bigger and were running together as a group, rather than trying to hide in a ball. Infante stuck a Daiwa Saltiga lever-drag reel in my face. Trip Itinerary. 755 Paseo Obregon. he history of this Lodge as a core spot for Magdalena Bay fishing is deep rooted in the recent history of the town of San Carlos. If there are five marlin attacking the bait, there are 20 or more slowly swimming beneath it. For angler seeking some of the best fishing left on the planet and that appreciate remote and wild locations, this is your place. You can select from a day tour (US$450 per boat for five hours of whale . Next year, Im going to track down the center-console guys and book a few days of fishing to go along with the diving. Ramon . The excellent fishing also continued inside the bay for . About. Those who know me, know that fishing is my life. If youre lucky, you might even get your hands on some Spotted Bass, Dog Tooth Snapper, Halibut, Snook, Corniva, and Grouper. full service galley A/C. Puerto Vallarta, or simply "PV" is the epitome of Mexico's sportfishing scene. We offer all inclusive trips so you have nothing to worry about except enjoying your vacation. Our contact during the booking process was Marco: he was flexible with our requests about . Magdalena Bay is a large (1,200 km) and highly productive coastal bay located between 2415' N and 2520' N, and 11130' W, and 11215' W in B. C. S. (Fig. Check with locals or hire one of the guides on the bay to take you to the current hot spot or species. This trip was a trip of a lifetime. This group of men and woman did not build the Lodge for a business, but rather for their friends, family, etc and they kept the Lodge low profile for many years. Their main reason for heading south is to mate and give birth in the protected shallow lagoons in Baja. Several times, they were following the same bait balls that we were and I could see the angler on the bow hook up with a fly rod. Our Packages are based on 2 Anglers, notice that this is a suggestion you can add Anglers, days or combine it with other locations. Reels spin loudly to the tune of unknown breakoffs and the occasional Spanish Mackerel. Lopez Mateos/Magdalena Bay . Thanks guys! This is not a gentle bonefish lodge or an idyllic river with mountain backdrops. CABO PANGA FISHING--This tasty wahoo-dorado combo came aboard the Cabo San Lucas charter panga Cheer's for anglers Renee Shattuck and Miguel Hernandez, on a day that also produced 11 more dorado and a sailfish with Capt.