I took it all in from a little plastic boat that weighs considerably less than I do, while rushing over the surface with no evident means of propulsion. View map . 10:30-12:30 PM Tour. 2. Dorado, Tuna, Sailfish, Marlin, and even Wahoo likely on the Fly :). different, you still keep your existing reservation including the cancellation policy. We werent fishing, but were chasing birds and bait instead. And yes, the snook is too big to fit between the roots.. MAGDALENA BAY TOUR. 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. Brian J. Cantwell. . This trip was a trip of a lifetime. Calle Puerto La Paz 40, Bahia Magdalena, 23740 Magdalena Bay, B.C.S., Mexico. He knows fishing and is always ready. The waters are teeming with fascinating marine life, and the Baja peninsula is primarily known as a fishing paradise. We spotted the frigate birds working the surface; when we got close, we could see the marlin in hot pursuit. Custom Fly Fishing Panga Package 7 days: $2950/person At The New Island Home, Includes air port transfers, lodging, and meals. The other deal is bookable online and is still available when we check. Mexico's Magdalena "Mag" Bay is among the best and most consistent sportfishing experiences in the world. Mostly they are out on the Ridge. Its all part of the adventure when kayak-fishing Magdalena Bay. Double Room: $80. It's normal for the whales to surround the boat, play around, and look you in the eye. "Get in! Loading kayaks back aboard is as simple as the unloading, whether heading back to the lodge or to another fishing spot. The best time - season to fish Magdalena Bay it's from early June to late December. The sea lions also were feeding on the bait when they werent nipping at the stripeys or growling at us. The afternoon was filled with searching for wildlife from the bow as National Geographic Sea Bird navigated Canal de Soledad. 7 hrs whale watching and more. Ive been in the flyfishing industry my entire adult life, and I dont approach fish with trepidation. Magdalena Bay is the name for a 30-mile-long harbor with a collection of mangrove rivers and swamps near the bottom of Bajas Pacific Coast. Show map . During the calving season, the gray whales migrate to the Baja waters, and so do humans. Its just not that common like the sea of cortez cities and up north. He says there are still cannon balls stuck in the rocks. 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. We woke up to a ham-and-egg breakfast and to find that the crew had already caught a healthy supply of live bait. Our stay at Magdalena Bay was both exciting and educational, but there was still more to come on this trip. Hundreds of miles of Mangroves Inshore for countless species All meals and beverages as indicated on the itinerary. Juan was fantastic and really went above and beyond to make sure our time there was special and unique. Baha Magdalena is a protected bay on the Pacific coast in Baja Sur. Throughout the years, many offered insights, stories and shared details about some of their favorite Magdalena Bay fishing holes: Gene . One problem I flyfish and got a guide already. 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 boats that overnighted at the bank reported 30-plus releases a day. Situated on a secluded arm of the Bay the Inn offers six waterside bungalows. The grounds we fish at are completely loaded with Wahoo, Dorado, Tuna . The other deal is subject to the same booking conditions youve opted for with One of the most amazing sights at Mag Bay is watching hordes of striped marlin chase schools of Spanish sardines and tinker mackerel to the surface. By 3 p.m., seas were sporty and building. Bathroom and snack stop along the way. Hands down, it is my absolute favorite fishing destination and the crew, boats, and service provided just make it so much fun. Copyright 2023 Marlin Magazine. It may not display this or other websites correctly. When I see the first sailfish approach the baitball, I swim back to the boat. Yea, that works for me! Incredible Striped Marlin Action in Magdalena Bay, Mexico. Drake Magazine Back Issue Content Winter 2019. For a fly angler, there is great appeal in the unknown. The in-water viewpoint was very interesting. 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. Wed been researching and prepping for this trip for months, bringing enough gear to fish for whatever we encountered. Its normal for the whales to surround the boat, play around, and look you in the eye. The vision is to share this Mag Bay fishing experience with the world. Around 12:00 noon we arrive in the small fishing town of Lopez Mateos, check-in to the hotel and get ready for an afternoon of whale . Just dont expect flats boats, perfect English, or guides with full fly boxes. On morning number four of our trip, the cool bay air gives me goose bumps as we motor. 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. In 2018, Smith and Shafer spent 12 days in Mag Bay, releasing 317 striped marlin on fly. Eventually, the marlin would tire of the diver/sea lion combination and leave the area. At one point there were almost 20 marlin around and below me, casually swimming along. With options to fish in the Bay, inshore and offshore, you'll be sure to have an amazing time fishing Mag bay. 10%. Id try to follow but had no chance to catch them unless they turned back our way. . From dawn til dusk. But there really is no spot in the area for a base for a sport fishing operation. Copyright 2017 - bajaflyfish.com - All Rights Reserved. At one point, the crew in one panga shouted excitedly into the radio something about cow yellowfin swimming underneath the boat. full service galley A/C. Its not an easy task to release a 60 lbs wahoofrom a popper on a spinning rod. Shades of blue mix with seasonal browns and greens where the desert meets the saltwater within the calmer main bay. Baha Magdalena is a protected bay on the Pacific coast in Baja Sur. 755 Paseo Obregon. Instead, he simply trolls a standard East Coast spread with two dredges, two squid chains and a pair of hookless lures or ballyhoo, and all fish are teased to the boat. The two "foundations" of Loreto's sport fishing are the "dorado" and the "yellow tail" (Seriola lalandi dorsalis). All transportation while on tour. 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. BD Outdoors began as a forum-based fishing community to connect saltwater anglers and provide a home to share the latest fishing reports and news. Im not sure if Ricardo is even aware of how skilled he is at imitating every bird, insect, or wild sound he hears, but Ive noticed. 8:30am Loreto bay and 9am Villas Del Palmar. Calle Puerto La Paz 40, Bahia Magdalena, 23740 Magdalena Bay, B.C.S., Mexico. What I found very interesting was that as I was swimming after the now-disappeared commotion, several striped marlin would come up to the surface and swim next to me. These are but a few samples available. Im on! His ten-weight is buckled in a perfect inverse curve to his smile. This experience leads to an appreciation that goes beyond the norm, beyond expectation, and certainly beyond fishing trip.. Some boats continue to rack up double and a . Its one of Bajas last frontiers, but there are few other places on Earth where so many billfish congregate so predictably. There is only one hotel for Magdalena Bay. Round trip transfers from Loreto, the closest airport, are in our listed package prices. 1. You, Its been a crazy year for humans but for fish its been just fine. Full services of our Adventure Consultants. There were marlin everywhere, not just on the bait balls. 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. On other trips, he had watched dozens of marlin finning on the surface as they cruised slowly downsea. Our plan was simple. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Additional non-fishing guests may also be added to your room. . 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. Nick answers my next question in the affirmative: Yes, John, thats a coyote trying to drag a giant snook into the mangroves. During our inshore days, we managed to catch many species fishing different areas in the bay. Thank you again for everything. In the bay, between 85 and 95 miles of mangrove-filled canals provide a seemingly endless source of light tackle fishing especially for groupers, snapper and snook. Going on a whale watching tour in Loreto is a must-do! ENSENADA YELLOWTAIL GURU--Panga fishing at Ensenada with Vonny's Fleet includes a traditional Baja beach launch at the southeast corner of the bay for quick access to the prime fishing grounds at the tip of Punta Banda . 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. Marlin Magazine may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Fishing far offshore might take longer, particularly with a stiff headwind chop. But Im a little scared right now. 2 ton central forced A/C unit. Full service of our Adventure Consultants. 3 Days Fishing Pro Cat 36 5 Nights Lodge, 3 Days Fishing Cape Horn 28 5 Nights Lodge. It has moved onto the next stages, where perhaps more balance can be found with each fishermans son or daughter finding opportunity in new industries that are well-managed and well-regulated. As you get closer, you can spot the marlins fins slicing the surface. You are using an out of date browser. Its easy to understand that the more remote a location is, the less fishing pressure it receives. About. Offshore 25 miles, the wind picks up and I hear it mix with the country music coming from our little travel speaker. Smith has released more than 5,000 billfish on fly in his career. Striped marlin gather in great numbers off Magdalena Bay during the fall and early winter, but its remote location, cutting deep into the mostly uninhabited Pacific side of the central Baja coast, keeps fishing pressure minimal. Mag Bay also has some of the finest lodges, yacht charters, and tourism infrastructure in the country. 4 nights of lodging in Costa Baja Resort. 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. But we had a great morning with yellowfin tuna small to maybe 20 pounds and skipjack. Mag Bay is about the size of San Francisco Bay, and the largest villages in the area are Puerto San Carlospopulation: 5,500and Lopez Mateos, which are a bit rustic to say the least. Or, you could be left shaking your head at the fish-filled mayhem that can turn on at any moment. Aldo may be the best captain I have ever fished with. I dont want to spend a lot just to be on a huge/fancy boat ran by Americans. The bay itself is as vast as it can get and has a feeling of wilderness. The Life of Ryan. 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. In other circumstances, I might have thought it was a good time to return to the panga, but I was having such a blast and had gotten so used to climbing up the swells and skating back down that I hardly gave the conditions a second thought. For two days we take turns fishing this bite and entering the marlins underwater world. These places in the bluewater world are teaming with life, and they showcase the dance on a daily basis between apex predators like billfish, sea lions, and anglers. Most panga fleets participate throughout the whale watching season (which usually lasts into April) at San Ignacio Lagoon and Magdalena BayLopez Mateos and Puerto San Carlos. These videos do not represent "great fishing trips" but rather just the everyday sport fishing here in Mag Bay. Known locally as The Whale King, Mendoza is a pioneer of whale watching and sport fishing on the bay. 4 STROKE YAMAHA OUTBOARD. Other options are available. MAGDALENA BAY, Mexico Just off the bow of our 22-foot open boat what Baja fishermen call a "panga" a whale spout erupts . It was probably the most incredible experience Ive ever had on the ocean, being able to see them from the stealth of a kayak that left them unaffected by my presence.. We will match the rate of the other deal if the Day 1 - The tour departs at 6am from our office in the Cabo San Lucas Marina. Ive battled big tarpon, but this is new, and different, and on this morning the unknown has gotten to me. 4. After more than an hour, I was able to bill the beast and work the circle hook out of its jaw, then pedaled for 10 minutes or so holding the marlin by its bill alongside until it was kicking strongly for a healthy release. Depending on seas, etc its a little tricky to sport fish from a panga in those areas getting out in time and back. Each morning, we would meet the guide and run across the bay in the panga, where we then met a boat trailer ferry to take us over land and across the peninsula to the Pacific, which saved us hours of running time. I found spinners with 20- and 30-pound braid perfect for throwing poppers or Sebile Stick Shadds worked back fast and hard. from La Ventana around the waters off Cabo San Lucas and all the way up the Pacific Coast to Magdalena Bay - Wherever the fishing action is best. If you find your deal on another fishing website at a lower rate, contact ourcustomer careteam. The ridge consist of a long range of mountains with many peaks coming up to 100 ft or so. We all know that fishing in Mag Bay is world class. Each winter, adventurous tourists come to meet and touch grey whales that have come en masse to get their offspring through the first few months of life. 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. Outfitting on Mag Bay has increased over the years, and the business of guiding flyfishers seems to be on the upswing. The cold waters of the California Current and the warm waters of the Donaldson meet over this structure, trapping massive amounts of plankton and krill against the structure that forms the Ridge. 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. Thirty minutes later and its the post-release chatter, all high fives, and back slaps. Required fields are marked *. . Our 24 ft panga is for 2 anglers is $400 per day. The Baja Flyfishing Co. LLC offers a variety of guided fly fishing, spin fishing and light tackle off shore packages as well as guided beach and kayak fishing. Long walks on the beach in Southeast Florida. Is family owned & Operated "Proudly Creating Life-Long Memories" for morethan 23,000 people in the past 32 plus years .You will have the privilege to embark on a interactive adventure through the majestic ever glade waters of " Magdalena Bay" with father Crispin (Whale King) or one . Then the sleigh ride began. When we arrived, there were several other boats on the horizon and it wasnt hard to figure out where the fish were. Captain Frankie to make sure we catch as much fish as you can. The Fishery: There are three separate fisheries accessible from the small Pueblo of Adolfo Lopez Mateos. I was traveling with retired Marine Col. Hunter Ledbetter who had a friend named Jim Korchinski who owned a charter boat in Cabo. The inside protected mangrove channels provide critical nursery habitat for a wide variety of species including: snook, corvine, bonefish, spotted bass, pargo, snappers, golden trevalle, broomtail grouper, sierra, Cortez halibut, leather jacks, as well as roosterfish. Magdalena Bay Whale Watching Tours from Loreto. Magdalena Sport Fishing. Magdalena Bay. Or normally out of the bay? The best time - season to fish Magdalena Bay it's from early June to late December. Hot b-fast, pre-pack lunch & cold beverage to-go. If you are approaching from the north, the drive . 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. 11 min read. But there is more to Magdalena Bay than the sardine run. 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. Bright blue silence. Mag Bay Lodge is one of the few operations in the area that caters to anglers. If youre planning your next getaway to Baja California Sur, the lagoons of Mag Bay are a must-see! Puerto Vallarta, or simply "PV" is the epitome of Mexico's sportfishing scene. quantities. He runs adventure trips all over the world to photograph everything from sharks to orcas to anacondas. Magdalena Bay, or Baha Magdalena in Spanish, is a 50 km long bay, and about 200 km of lagoons and channels on the Pacific side of the Baja California Sur, in the municipality of Comond. It is a long run from the launches out of the bay. The shoreline is home to hundreds of mangrove-lined channels and is a sight to behold. The conditions of your booking with us still allow penalty-free cancellations and But know this: If youre thinking of just rolling down to DIY the bay, make sure you are highly competent in a boat. They claim that they could have caught more, but everyone got tired of rigging up flies! 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. But it is also the common name of the greater environment that surrounds it, including a series of massive barrier islands with their own bays and an active offshore ecosystem. This author does not have any more posts. It is not an easy sport by nature, and when you add an environment that is full of opportunity, yet as challenging as the sport itself, then flyfishing goes beyond sport and into crazy worlds where fish light up, cannon balls get lodged into rocks, and anglers can feel their heart and hands charge with anticipation. La Paz - Las Arenas/ Muertos Bay/ Suenos Bay/ Magdalena Bay Fishing Report from Tailhunter Sportfishing for Week of Feb. 24-March 4, 2018. . The marlin pulled me through and over large bait balls, with frigate birds wheeling just overhead. We build custom fly and light-tackle fishing packages that suit your plans, and your . Fish with us at the Lodge at Mag Bay. Our Mag Bay yacht charters are luxurious, affordable, and have all the amenities to fit your budget. including a link to the offer on the website and the exact price being quoted. If you want to have a great time by the sea, Tag Cabo Sportfishing is your best bet. Possibly reel in until you give up for the day. Flyfishing is not remotely new to Mag Bay, but the current state of the sport absolutely is. Magdalena Bay; La Paz; Blog; Boat Specs Solid reinforced fiberglass hull. For more information email us at [email protected] or click on the link Mag Bay fishing trips. LOCATED IN SMALL FISHING VILLAGE OF LOPEZ MATEOS AND LORETO 760-908-BAJA Bob's cell . In the event of cancellation notice must be received in writing by the spot holder or charter master 180 days . Smith told me they were at the Finger one day when there were marlin tails everywhere and everything imaginable was crashing a bait ball the size of an Olympic swimming pool: birds, dolphins, whales, marlin, mahi. He can probably set up anything. Looking for info on Lodgings and Panga rentals in Mag Bay for a few days in September. : $950. An anglers skill set and a sense of adventure still has to be there. What I like most about mag bay in general is the seclusion and peace. This lodge and operation is nothing short of amazing. Jimmy is the guy! Magdalena Bay , 2/8/2023, National Geographic Sea Bird. How many fisheries in the offshore world allow you to first experience the angling, then immerse yourself in the water with your quarry? Flies are cast in the general direction of these rocks while the outgoing tide makes a massive rip a half-mile wide. Dinners are not included as there are now more options to eat in town. The ridges, peaks, banks, and underwater structure outside of Magdalena Bay offer some of the richest fishing grounds in the world. www.tailhunter.com Mexico Office: Tailhunter Sportfishing. Then, quiet. 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. My head snaps around to locate it. This is not a gentle bonefish lodge or an idyllic river with mountain backdrops. In terms of the run up, down or across the bay to reach the fishing grounds, the ride on the pangas seldom took less than 45 minutes and often was an hour or two. The baitfish school together for protection; the ones on the outside are the first to get eaten, so naturally everyone wants to be in the center. . His captain was Juan Jose Abaroa Flores, who ran the Mucho Loco for the Rolling Stones for many years back in the 1980s. Call us today for more information or to book your trip (619)483-7315. E: [email protected]. Part of the issue with Mag Bay and cheap Pangas is that the Wahoo are about 40 miles offshore generally and in the pacific. The marlin will corral baitfish into tightly packed balls before feeding at will. The best fishing offshore is Aug through December, inshore there is pretty unique fishing year round. : $675. length:7.25m/23 feet 8 inches - width 1.78m/ 5 feet 8 inches weight 1500 lbs / Made from Fiberglass. 4 People Minimum, 2 pangas (2 per panga) 7 nights 5 days fishing; Kids: $200.00 $179.00. The bait moves as the marlin and occasional sea lion push it forward. Our globe-trotting correspondent discovers big striped marlin and plenty more in the Galpagos. The volume of commercial fishing in the bay can be overwhelming for some, yet eco-tourism and a mindset of supporting a healthy ecosystem has more than a foothold here. We had two different captains, both were knowledgeable and informative. Runs a panga from Mag Bay. At this moment the sardines move from one place to another trying to survive and it is the moment when they start trolling in our boats with quality equipment, for this reason we must be very attentive and prepared to live the moment they are hooked in the trolls and a power struggle begins between the Fish and the lovers of sport fishing, these are the last minutes or hours of life of the fight of the King of the Pacific "El Marlin", the dorado or another fish that will touch you witness live. I wasnt alone in this contest. Check with locals or hire one of the guides on the bay to take you to the current hot spot or species. These are commercial fishing villages, where local knowledge is passed down from father to son. Jonathan Roldan's. Tailhunter Sportfishing. 15. In short, a Puerto Vallarta fishing adventure is what angling dreams are made . Behind me, Ricardo lets out a soft whistle that sounds just like a distant coyote. Mag Bay Lodge is one of the few operations in the area that caters to anglers. Cancn's up there somewhere.