Guides here are well versed in spin and baitfishing, but not so much with flyfishing. The boats that overnighted at the bank reported 30-plus releases a day. Eventually, the marlin would tire of the diver/sea lion combination and leave the area. We are in the Bahia San Francisco, not to be confused with the Bahia San Francisquito, there is the Bahia de Los Angeles and in general the names here are very Christian: Isla Espiritu Santo, Bahia Concepcion, Santa Maria, Magdalena Bay, Isla Angel de la Guardia, Asuncion, Todos Santos. 8:00 AM - Meet at Sea and Land Office. The sight of multiple tall dorsal fins cutting through bait schools is enough to get any anglers heart racing. Ricardo Villegas shows us the rocky point on the north side of the boca (Spanish for mouth of the bay). . Bathroom and snack stop along the way. Combination packages mixing cruiser, panga, kayak or beach fishing; Large groups and Seminars; Activities that include snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, kayaking, four wheelers, eco-touring and horseback riding . We watch a reel getting emptied and watch the fish leap, flip, and dive. We build . www.tailhunter.com Mexico Office: Tailhunter Sportfishing. There is only one hotel for Magdalena Bay. It feels like the curiosity is mutual. 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. FULL DAY TRIP 280 . If we can't match the rate of the other deal because one of the above conditions is Fishing Expeditions | La Paz | Baja Sur Mexico | BACo. I stayed with Wilber, and he and his son will take me out in his Panga at first light. Bright blue silence. Soon, Nick calls out every anglers favorite two words. Next year, Im going to track down the center-console guys and book a few days of fishing to go along with the diving. The vision is to share this Mag Bay fishing experience with the world. I dont want to spend a lot just to be on a huge/fancy boat ran by Americans. The plan was to run up beyond the feeding marlin and cast a live bait into the fray. . The fishing they have done over the past 30 years is enough to amaze any fishermen with days on the water around hidden tuna pens that are unimaginable fishing. Captain Frankie to make sure we catch as much fish as you can. From about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., fishing 35 or so miles off Mag Bays southern entrance in Baja California, Mexico, four kayakeros released nine striped marlin. Wed run ahead of them and the five photographers in our group would plop into the water; the bait would swim over and use us as cover. For a fly angler, there is great appeal in the unknown. The Magic of Magdalena Bay - an amazing place in Baja California Sur The following day, a strong tide is rapidly dumping out of the river were fishing, exposing a sandy beach. My head snaps around to locate it. It is protected by two islands - Isla Magdalena to the north and, Isla Santa Margarita to the south. You can select from a day tour (US$450 per boat for five hours of whale . Possibly reel in until you give up for the day. Jonathan. Fly Fishing for Marlin in Magdalena Bay Mexico . Sport Fishing Charters. the Magdalena Bay offshore striped marlin show continued into January, much to the amazement of the locals. 1-2 Day Whale Watching Tours Magdalena Bay - Sea Kayak Adventures Lopez Mateos/Magdalena Bay . . $0 - $400 $400 - $600 $600 - $800 $800+ Magdalena Bay: 7 fishing charters available . As I get closer, the bluewater world comes into focus. Captain G, for example, starting driving a fishing panga 42 years ago when he was 12 years old. 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.. It is such a large area, with so many species and migratory aspects to the fish, thatunless you were to fish 12 months a year, through all the tides, moons, and weatherit would be nearly impossible to figure out this fishery. 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. With options to fish in the Bay, inshore and offshore, you'll be sure to have an amazing time fishing Mag bay. The Finger Bank is Mag Bay Lite. Mag Bay Fishing at its finest - A Premier Magdalena Bay Fishing Lodge A lively circle-hooked tinker mackerel is the perfect snack for a hungry striped marlin. 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. No one plans on hopping into town for supplies or entertainment, because it just doesnt exist. Id try to follow but had no chance to catch them unless they turned back our way. Magdalena Sport Fishing. Show map . 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. his Lodge was built nearly 30 years ago by some well respected Americans with a vision for fishing in Mag Bay that was far ahead of the time. Guided Beach, includes fly fishing guide, UTV rental, all fly fishing equipment and lunch: $575. Panga $450 - Unguided Light Tackle $750 - Guided Fly Fishing. It quickly became evident that in Mag Bay, everything is far away. The frenzy attracts frigate birds that swoop in from above. A prime example: Magdalena Bay, on the Pacific coast of Mexicos storied Baja Peninsula. Swimming with the fishes in Baja By John Huber Photos by Nick Price. The fear is gone in an instant. Round trip transfers from Loreto, the closest airport, are in our listed package prices. https://magbaylodge.com/ . The best fishing offshore is Aug through December, inshore . Magdalena Bay , 2/8/2023, National Geographic Sea Bird. But we had a great morning with yellowfin tuna small to maybe 20 pounds and skipjack. The Finger Bank is so named because of three areas where the bottom rises from 3,000 feet to around 300; on the charts, they look like fingers. He knows fishing and is always ready. Hes a perfectionist: Every leader is tied to IGFA specifications, with a 20-pound-test tippet and 12 inches of shock leader. 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. An All Inclusive World Class Fishing Lodge in Magdalena Bay, BCS Mexico, That awkward snippet of time between Christmas and New Years is what I often refer to as the Skin Flap Days. In Mexico's stunning Magdalena Bay, humans and whales meet up Sea of Cortez - Mexico - SAN I wasnt alone in this contest. For fly fishing we have a custom panga package. Private TOUR. I even caught one on a Penn Senator 113. On one dive, there were five snorkelers in a semi-circle and a family of sea lions swimming opposite from us. Get the Most Wahoo Possible in One Fishing Trip Grey Whale Watching Tours Baja California Sur Full service of our Adventure Consultants. A remote, isolated bay that sits some 120 miles north of Cabo San Lucas, there is not much in this part of the Baja. What I like most about mag bay in general is the seclusion and peace. Magdalena Bay: Mercurial World review - poolside pop with seductive 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. Saltwater charters usually begin toward the end of October and run through January. Baja Flyfishing Co is excited to offer Lopez Mateos/Magdelena Bay as one of our destinations, providing access to several hundred miles of mangrove channels, pristine beaches and the fabled Thetis Banks. 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 . 3 Full Days of Fishing. The engine that moved my kayak at several knots (enough to leave a wake) was a large striped marlin to which I was tethered with 50-pound braid and a 6/0 circle hook embedded securely in the corner of the fishs mouth. 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 . Our contact during the booking process was Marco: he was flexible with our requests about . Those who know me, know that fishing is my life. Mag Bay will give up nothing easy, but for anglers willing to put in the time, money, and casts, the payoffs can be fantastic. These are but a few samples available. Many are also reminiscent of North America. From dawn til dusk. For more information email us at tagsportfishing@gmail.com or click on the link Mag Bay fishing trips. What else is out here? Panga (Boat) Price: $595 for the whole day, price will include up to 6 adults. The marlin will corral baitfish into tightly packed balls before feeding at will. Part of the issue with Mag Bay and cheap Pangas is that the Wahoo are about 40 miles offshore generally and in the pacific. We build custom fly and light-tackle fishing packages that suit your plans, and your . Or normally out of the bay? . Video by Spencer Millsap. Everything worked out really well, and I wanted to let everyone know how much we appreciated it. Also, whats a good time (month) to fish Mag Bay? Ask Bob. In addition, Loreto's waters are home to other species like snapper and seabass, all year long. Flyfishers will come to have a deep love and appreciation for Magdalena Bay, but not for the reasons we normally expect from a fishery. Thanks guys! This trip was a trip of a lifetime. Once relaunched, we encountered a northwest wind, not yet brisk but enough to promise a slow, bumpy ride. He says there are still cannon balls stuck in the rocks. The best fishing offshore is Aug through December, inshore there is pretty unique fishing year round. 4) The Panga brings the kayaks out to the location so they are ready when we arrive in the boat. . Reservations can be made by contacting Cary or Erika at Success Sport Fishing - 760-230-6331. March 2023 Baja Fishing Report - Discover Baja Travel Club Magdalena Bay Whale Sanctuary Tour from Cabo San Lucas Mexico Sardine Run & Striped Marlin - Baja Expeditions Your email address will not be published. Bob Hoyt Mag Bay Outfitters He is on here as well. 11 min read. Behind me, Ricardo lets out a soft whistle that sounds just like a distant coyote. Nick Smith has been fishing Mag Bay for years. From Cabo, its an 18-hour trip at a fuel-saving 9 knots. Martinez had located lodging for us at the Hotel Alcatraz in Puerto San Carlos and secured a guide that ran a 25-foot panga. Our 24 ft panga is for 2 anglers is $400 per day. Korchinski had been toying with the idea of running up to the Finger Bank, some 60 nautical miles north of Cabo. 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. One time the marlin had moved on and we floated with six sea lions and what was left of the bait ball for probably 15 minuteswhen a new batch of marlin suddenly appeared and everything started anew. As he fished, Promnitz watched a school of large sardines get picked off one by one by a wolf pack of a dozen marlin, using body language and coloration to communicate as they took turns teaming up on the baitfish, he told me later. During the calving season, the gray whales migrate to the Baja waters, and so do humans. You are using an out of date browser. The road trip takes a few hours from the airports at La Paz, San Jose del Cabo, or Loreto. The Best Snorkeling Experience in Magdalena Bay - Magdalena Bay Have you ever noticed that fantastic fishing spots are nearly impossible to get to? One of the best parts of traveling is the pleasant surprises that come along every trip. Magdalena Bay fishing area weather was mostly clear in the mid-90s, with water temperatures at 78 to 84 degrees. Magdalena Bay and Lopez Mateos - Baja Flyfishing Company 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. We work closely with a group of local panga drivers who know these waters like the back of their hands. Marco and others are finding a way to make both experiences happen safely and symbiotically. Magdalena Bay - Success Sport Fishing Yet the vetting of anglers capable of the daily will and skill necessary to excel in these waters seems to happen organically. I imagine that the upwellings push the bait to the surface and thus the marlin follow close behind. Additional non-fishing guests may also be added to your room. For over 18 years, family-operated Mag Bay Tours (U.S. tel. . Puerto Vallarta, or simply "PV" is the epitome of Mexico's sportfishing scene. Most of the striped marlin are between 80 and 125 pounds; rarely will you see one surpassing 150 pounds, making them perfect fish for light tackle or the fly rod. I was traveling with retired Marine Col. Hunter Ledbetter who had a friend named Jim Korchinski who owned a charter boat in Cabo. So we hop out of the panga and begin casting a variety of sinking lines and Clousers into colliding currents. Magdalena Bay is the name for a 30-mile-long harbor with a collection of mangrove rivers and swamps near the bottom of Baja's Pacific Coast. If you have always wanted to fishing in Mag Bay, there is no better option. package offer, etc.). Magdalena Bay Whales (Puerto San Carlos) - Tripadvisor 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. But there is more to Magdalena Bay than the sardine run. For two days we take turns fishing this bite and entering the marlins underwater world. The productive and healthy marine environment is an anglers dream come true! we're a party of 3 adults. The conditions of your booking with us still allow penalty-free cancellations and A longtime light-tackle angler says few things compare with taking a blue marlin on the fly. During our inshore days, we managed to catch many species fishing different areas in the bay. different, you still keep your existing reservation including the cancellation policy. One problem I flyfish and got a guide already. 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. We anchored in Man Of War Cove. including a link to the offer on the website and the exact price being quoted. Mag Bay Lodgings/Panga Rentals? | Bloodydecks I take a deep breath, pull my mask down over my face, and slip over the side of the panga. 6) Fish the grounds for 5 to 6 hours and return home. Prices subject to change without notice. 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. 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. All meals and beverages as indicated on the itinerary. In 2018, Smith and Shafer spent 12 days in Mag Bay, releasing 317 striped marlin on fly. 1). calm waterways of a . The whales might even let you pat their backs if you seem friendly. When we reached Thetis Bank, the crew put us in over an 80-foot high spot, though wind and currents quickly moved the kayaks off. Find frigate birds low on the water and the stripeys are sure to be there. Im on! His ten-weight is buckled in a perfect inverse curve to his smile. 15. This experience leads to an appreciation that goes beyond the norm, beyond expectation, and certainly beyond fishing trip.. We have extreme fishing for Wahoo, Tuna, Marlin, Dorado and more coupled with an amazing atmosphere in a relaxing lodge environment. 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. Fishing Magnificent Mag Bay - Anglers Journal - A Fishing Life Get in touch now. Promnitz, Hobies director of fishing development, managed four releases (helped by strong arms and 100-pound braid). Its relative inaccessibility has allowed it to remain one of those rare places that time has virtually forgotten. Chapstick. How far out is the ridge? Are Wahoo in the bay too? Located on the Pacific Ocean side of the Baja Peninsula, Baha Magdalena, or Mag Bay, is one of the most legendary yet remote fisheries in North America.This 30 mile long bay, famous as a home to the gray whale during its southern migration, is formed by two sandy barrier islands named Isla Magdalena/Isla Margarita and provides incredible inshore and offshore fishing.