Top Sport Fishing in Baja Mexico
Article by Anita Mckenzie
Copyright (c) 2008 Anita Mckenzie
The scenic 1,070-mile drive south along Baja Mexico’s peninsula has been no detour ant, because Baja’s sports fishing waters have been becoming more and more active each year. The state of Baja California Sur has three major international airports located in Loreto, La Paz, and Los Cabos. Many people simply choose the short 2hr flight available from San Diego.
It is obvious that the main Baja Mexico fishing centers are now expanding with growth and crawling with tourist activity; however, as you fly over Baja or cruise along either side of the coasts the Pacific side or the inside Sea of Cortez, you’ll see that Baja is still very much that wild and rugged land. The better portion of development is concentrated over only a minor percentage of Baja’s land.
Fishing in Baja Mexico is still amidst a wonderland of the desert’s harsh beauty which is available to fulfill an exhilarating life-enriching adventure.
A storm of development has occurred over the last ten years in the area between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, known as the Los Cabos Corridor and has drawn a tremendous amount of attention; and unfortunately as a result, Baja’s natural beauty is at times difficult to see and often overlooked. Fortunately for those who wish to experience and enjoy Baja’s amazing and natural wonders it has not disappeared, you just need to know where to look.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Baja Sport fishing, it’s important you be aware that this elongated rocky desert peninsula, surrounded by ocean waters has the potential to display a whole host of faces; all dependent on your approach to it.
If you’re of the folks who choose to drive south along Baja’s major highway (Mex 1) you can feel more at ease knowing that this highway has received many improvements over the last several years. During your travels along Baja’s highways for the first time you’ll soon recognize that this highway is far from the well groomed spacious highways or freeways we have all grown accustomed to in the US or Canada; however extra care and attention is recommended while driving. You’ll want to be on the alert for are variable numbers of grazing cattle and other unique Baja wildlife that frequently clutter the banks of the highways. Taking your time and planning your trip to Baja will help ensure a safe and enjoyable travel south. Make frequent stops so you may absorb the breath taking ocean and red desert scenery.
La Paz Fishing
The first of the Baja Sport Fishing centers I’d like to introduce is La Paz. La Paz the capital city of the state of Baja California Sur, offers a welcoming and charming atmosphere. This large city has a warm and inviting traditional friendly Mexican population. La Paz features a beautiful waterfront known as “El Malecon”, this is where the focal points of activities are centered. The Malecon is a popular and beautiful sea walk stretching along and beyond the downtown water front. Throughout the summer months this boulevard offers both locals and visitors alike an enjoyable place to hook-up with friends and enjoy many of Baja Mexico’s traditional foods, grab a taco, a special coffee or take in the various choices of vibrant night life.
La Paz also is host to some spectacular fishing; in particular during the warmer months while the migrating Dorado, Rooster fish, Tuna, and Bill fish travel up the channel in between the Baja, mainland and Isla Cerralvo in order to blend with the inhabitant leopard grouper, Pargo, and various reef species. Isla Cerralvo is situated directly over top of one of the globe’s best rooster fish holes. Espiritu Santo Island is an island near La Paz and has incredible big-game fishing and reef fishing. Espiritu Santo is easily available by way of safe fast boats positioning you right where the action is. Tuna, marlin fish, Wahoo, and the giant Travelly are just a few of the species caught in these amazing crystal clear blue waters.
Million Dollar Point is known as a focal point for snorkeling. This is where the Americans discarded massive amounts of war surplus in 1945. You can see everything from vibrant corals, shipwrecks, bulldozers and forklifts; that are populated with various species of resident fish life. If you’re not a scuba diver….try the snorkeling. There is so much to see when you visit these unspoiled reefs.
Although La Paz Baja’s fishing is a major attraction, La Paz has so much more to offer; La Pa has a traditional Mexico charm, distinguished yet energetic Mexican lifestyle not found elsewhere in Baja. Cobblestone streets provide an old world appeal as well as fun and interesting places to walk. Sit a moment upon one of the many beach front benches and enjoy the lovely view of the bay of La Paz, or go in search of great bargains, explore the fascinating history and culture as you stroll through the many narrow alleys that open to a whole host of shops specifically catering to the tourists. By late afternoon you can gaze at the glorious La Paz harbor sunset.
Cabo San Lucas Fishing
The Cabo San Lucas fishing areas include the Cabo Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. These areas in particular have undergone the largest and most rapid amounts of growth above and beyond any location in Baja California. Over the course of the last decade these communities have exploded with multi-story hotels, condos and new golf courses. Because this community is rapidly changing it is easy to find yourself twisted around with difficulty finding the street you’re looking for; because it may buried within a new large development neighborhood.
One thing that hasn’t changed, the Cabo Baja fishing is always fantastic! San Jose del Cabo host to the world famous double Gordo Banks; is also known to be Baja’s most consistent all year round off-shore fishing hole. The Gordo Banks hole can be easily accessible within a panga boats range of approximately six miles off-shore. This hot fishing hole is filled primarily with resident bottom fish; of which are attractive to hordes of migratory tuna, wahoo, dorado, and marlin fish ranging in the 1,000 lb range. The winter months are exceptionally good fishing at Gordo Banks, mainly because it is situated within the wind shadow of the range that forms the tip of Baja known as “The Sierra de la Laguna Mountain”. Cabo San Lucas is located at the very tip of Baja California Sur and is also where a nice sized marina exists. Many who visit Los Cabos enjoy the energetic night life as well as the variety of beach front hotels, exquisite and fine restaurants; and or sunning on the beaches while watching the cruise ships come and go daily.
Cabo San Lucas sits right on the meeting place of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. From the geographical perspective this is the reason for the consistency of terrific fishing on either side, or often both; for wahoo, tuna, dorado, and various types of bill fish. Cabo’s sport fishing industry is famous for its Striped Marlin Core Zone; the striped marlin makes its home just off the southern tip of Baja California Sur. Many who experience an exhilarating sport fishing extravaganza claim the thrill and excitement of it all to be unparalleled.
A Baja sport fishing adventure is not limited to fishing; it can include snorkeling in the revitalizing crystal azure waters, or perhaps a visit amongst the assortment of sea life and coral reefs off the Baja coasts, or explore any of the many remote white sand beaches and islands near La Paz or Los Cabos Baja.
If you’re interested in learning more Baja sport fishing and sport fishing charter and packages that can be tailored to suite your needs available in the Baja.
About the Author
Anita McKenzie a local resident and business owner La Paz, Baja California Sur, and is dedicated to providing you with useful information on Baja business and unique Baja travel & tourism.
http://virtual-la-paz.com for useful Baja info.