Intrepid Baja - Mexico

Join Intrepid Fly as we take you to the revered Baja Peninsula in Western Mexico for a truly unique salt water fishing experience in the Sea of Cortez. This region is fast becoming one of the most respected fisheries due to the length of the season, the consistency of the weather and the world class fishing that offers numerous species both inshore and off shore. After much travelling and researching the region with local guides, we have isolated the best lodge from which to base yourself, within close proximity to the fishing. Here Intrepid Fly offers you accommodation in a 4 star lodge as well as private residences if you prefer.

Access to the region is via the USA or mainland Mexico. The closest airport is San Jose (Caba St Lucas), in the South of the peninsula, 30 minutes from the city of Cabo St Lucas. The transfer to the lodge is 1.5 hours through a rugged and arid terrain along tarred roads. The lodge boasts it own beach, close to the underwater canyons and is a short drive to neighbouring villages and other beaches you can fish along. The lodge is comfortable and self sufficient.

The Fishery

It is no secret that Mexico offers unlimited fishing opportunities across the entire coastline both on the Gulf and the Pacific. This particular "interior" coastline along the Sea of Cortez allows you to target game fish from the boats and off the beach, providing the intrepid angler with great deal of choice. The weather is consistent, the water temperature is warm and the fishing is phenomenal. The regions coastline varies dramatically from a harsh mountainous, arid landscape that meets long white sandy beaches. The beaches are secluded, with little to no development along them. The water is generally in the high 20's (centigrade) while the weather is in the high 30's presenting some humidity.

Your appointed skippers will take you out a short distance to the under water canyons in search of the larger species like marlin, sailfish, dorado and tuna to name a few. The species most sought after in Baja are the rooster fish, blue and striped marlin and pacific sailfish. You will be encouraged to do most of your fishing off the boats, as this provided you with greater mobility to target many species and to move around while some fish may have "lock-jaw". Should your only focus be targeting roosters, this will be possible along the lengthy beaches in front of the lodge. Other beaches are available and local guides are recommended for these excursions. Quads and ATV's are also available.

Shore based angling is largely limited to the rooster fish in the appropriate months (May - July). Other fish available are Jack crevalle, garfish, snapper, pargo and grouper to name a few. These months accommodate a lot of sardine and mullet, which the roosters are feeding on. Anglers will need to prospect the shoreline and sight fish to roosters and shoals of bait. Conventional anglers will require surface and sub-surface lures that match the bait. Fly fishermen will require a 9-weight rod with an intermediate line and various leaders depending on the size you are targeting and how picky they are while feeding (20 - 50 lbs). Flies must resemble the bait fish and must remain dense while still sinking a few inches under the surface. Poppers and gurglers are also appropriate if the roosters are feeding aggressively.

Off shore fishing is more popular here as it yields the best catches and allows the angler greater freedom to target the lengthily canyons a few miles out to sea, in front of the lodge. Specially designed fishing boats and an experienced guide are essential in this area. The off shore prospects are vast and requires an experienced skipper to approach the fishery in search of the pelagic species. The boats available are 20 ft locally designed pangas that are more affordable and suitable for all species and up to 3 anglers. The 24 ft cruisers are suited to larger groups and more comfortable for big game fishing. Those wishing to target roosters off the beach may hire quad bikes to cover the region.

While fishing off shore for the pelagic species, you will be fishing at a depth of 200 + metres. Generally conventional tackle will be employed for trawling for billfish. The speed and lures will depend on your target species. If you are fly-fishing, you will be able to target species by spotting activity on the surface, specifically tuna and dorado. Teasing and chumming methods are employed on request, while you will be encouraged to use 10 - 12 weight rods supported with the best drag system reel you can afford. You can expect to raise dorado, tuna, mackerel and even wahoo. Roosters are often targeted from the boats just off the beach while conventional anglers enjoy huge success with live baits. Spotting rooster fish off the boat is possible and necessary at times.

While targeting bill fish on fly, we recommend that you use a 14 - 15 weight rod with a floating line on a high quality reel. We recommend that you employ a local guide who is proficient in teasing fish to the boat to avoid disappointment. Sailfish and marlin will be raised over the underwater canyons by various methods. Generally they will be teased close to the boat and our guide will advise you when and where to deliver the short and accurate cast expected of you. The rest is up to you. Intrepid fly practices a strict code of catch, tag and release.

The Lodge

Intrepid Fly has a preferred 4 star lodge on the beach front and is the exclusive booking agent for Africa. Other hotels are available but on previous inspections we feel that the lodge is unquestionably the best venue in the region. Should you specifically require a 5 star hotel, we can arrange accommodation for you close by. Should you wish, Intrepid Fly has also secured a few private homes that are available for rental in close proximity to the lodge so that you can still benefit from its services and access to the fishing.

Intrepid Fly's preferred 4 star lodge is situated on the beach, overlooking the Sea of Cortez. This established lodge provides for both anglers and non anglers. You will be waited on by highly trained, English speaking staff, providing you with the best in comfort, cuisine, relaxation. We highly recommend this destination because of its proximity to the most productive beaches and canyons. Your fishing is as close as 10 minutes away. The lodge offers exceptional local meals, in the dining area overlooking the sea by the pool and bar. The en-suite rooms are all air-conditioned with their own balconies, most of which are overlooking the beach and a short distance for the central area. Internet and a full cellular reception is available. Other activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and horse riding.

Season

The lodge is open all year round. March to November is high season for Sailfish, marlin, dorado and tuna. Mackerel and yellowtail are from December - May. Roosters from April - September, but the best months are May to July.

Fly Tackle

For all your fishing requirements, please contact us so that we can assist you in your selection. Intrepid Fly can source all equipment at a competitive price, or call us to arrange for you to visit a shop we recommend close to you (SA only).

General Information