|
BAJA
When I think of Baja, I think of standing in the surf at sunrise, 9-weight rod in hand. Down the beach there’s a ruckus going on. The water
is boiling with white froth as a predator charges though the school of baitfish. It’s breakfast time in Baja. Up until this point, I’ve been completely
relaxed, enjoying warm water gently lapping over my bare feet. In a split second, everything changes. All my senses are on high alert. I’m ready to
cast my fly as this brawl passes in front of me. With a decent cast and a lot of luck, I’m toe-to-toe with a big roosterfish or maybe a Pacific jack. If
the hook set was good and my luck continues to hold, I’ll fight the fish and land it. This absurd blend of peaceful tranquility and adrenaline charged
action keeps me running back to Baja time and again. ~ Judith
Baja, Mexico is a long, narrow strip of land with the Pacific Ocean on the west side and the Sea of Cortez on the east. Along the Sea of Cortez, in the central
and southern regions of the peninsula, several fishing resorts dot the shoreline. Stream to Sea focuses many of its fly fishing trips in the East Cape region,
just outside the town of Los Barilles (50 miles north of Cabo San Lucas). The waters in the East Cape team with life: roosterfish, jacks, Sierra mackerel, dorado,
marlin, sailfish, and tuna to name merely a few. While you can successfully fish from the beach on the East Cape, much of the fishing is done from pangas, local
fishing boats operated by Mexican captains. The East Cape’s calm waters make offshore and inshore fishing from these boats a real pleasure.
With North America’s largest living coral reef, Cabo Pulmo, nearby, the snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities are unparalleled. From parrotfish to the occasional
sea turtle, inshore snorkeling presents many underwater surprises. Diving with a certified company in the off shore leads to spectacular views of schooling jacks, Carey
turtles, giant mantas, green morey and other amazing underwater life.
To get your land legs back, hike through the desert of Sierra de San Franciso de Desierto, a park skirting the town of Mulege hosting over two hundred prehistoric drawing
sites in caves and rock walls. Other options for recreating in Baja abound. They include kite boarding in Los Barriles, and surfing along the Pacific coast. With its
lengthy coastline, Baja offers limitless opportunities for sea kayaking. And it is possible to combine many of these activities, such as kayaking, with a fishing trip.
On the way back to the lodge, stop in one of Baja’s spectacularly restored missions. Two of the most impressive can be seen in the towns of Loreto and San Ignacio. San
Ignacio is also a popular place to whale watch. In winter, the coastal lagoons of Baja become a nursery for the California gray whale. Locals and foreigners alike, gather
each year to watch mothers and their calves in shallow waters.
Whether you’ve spent the day fishing or hiking, an ice cold cerveza tastes phenomenal. Coupled with homemade tortilla chips, freshly made guacamole, and spicy pico de
gallo, you’ll soon wonder if you’ll ever be able to leave. Overlooking the water as the sky turns a pinkish hue, you’ll feast on fresh fish tacos with lime, watching
local children laughing and splashing in the water, enjoying the warmth of the sun and sea.
Baja offers so many options for fun in the sun and Stream to Sea is ready to help you plan the perfect trip.
Gary Bulla Fly Fishing Adventures: www.GaryBulla.com
Baja on the Fly: www.BajaFly.com
Discover Baja: www.DiscoverBajaCalifornia.com
|
