Baja California, camp & fish

fishwhenican · 11-29-2002, 04:30 PM

OK, WP you started this with bringing up a trip to the Baja in June. Now I looked up some info on the web and have just learned enough to be dangerous. Where were you looking at going to? It looked like Punta Chivato or Loreto wouldn't be too bad, not too far down yet the Dorado fishing is supposed to be good. I have driven to San Diego before in 1 day, but not with a camper and boat. Would you take a camper or tent or motel it? It looks like at least a 3 1/2 day drive to get there and seemed that you may want to cross the border on a day that the banks are open to do a $ exchange. Has anyone done this type of trip before? I know that there is a private boat permit, but it is only $31. You would also need at least 2 weeks,since it would take approx. 7 days in drive time. Tell me more, go ahead WP lead me astray.

WP · 11-30-2002, 09:46 AM

I am not the expert...Chris has done the whole thing! They went down in a single run, sharing driving. My thought was to drive to L.A. or SanDiego and sleep and then run to Santa Rosalia, as a destination. I am old...I camp at Holiday inns! I gave some thought to camping but I think a motel (shared) would be a reasonable choice for me! San Lucas Cove, below Santa Rosalia is suppose to be a great place to camp (and fish). I am open to other destinations...no firm plans as of yet...just dreamin' of the wonderful days we will have fishing! There seems to be enough people planning on going to make it fun!
Chris,
Any help for us unknowing?
WP

Clarity · 12-03-2002, 10:09 PM

I have been to Baja twice, thus I'm no expert, but here's what I know.

Last time I went I drove straight through. I will never do that again. The whole trip took 34 hours to Santa Rosalia from Albany. That included gas stops, one small repair stop, one restaurant stop, and about an hour and a half taking care of paperwork in Tijauana. The border crossing at TJ is open 7/24. I crossed at 3am which made me easy pickings for the local policia, but $40 mordida fixed that.

Look into a group called "vagabudos del mar" There is a membership fee, but you'll recoup it when you buy their insurance. They will also sell you your fishing license, boat permits, boat insurance, medical evac, and they are a good source of info. You can buy your car insurance when you cross the border, but I prefered to have that taken care of ahead of time. Your insurance will not work, Mexico only recognizes Mexican insurance companies. A weeks insurance for my boat, trailer and truck was $62 plus the $35 membership fee. Boat permit =$32, weekly fishing license = $24.

Both of my trips I stayed in Santa Rosalia. Loreto would be my second choice, it's only 100 miles south. Loreto is a little larger town, and better known. June means Dorado and Yellowtail are your trophy species. They migrate north, so Loreto will see the Dorado first.

Don't worry about exchanging money, your ATM card works. Banamex is the biggest bank, it's in most towns of any size, and the ATMs actually give the best rates.

I stayed in hotels both times, there are several nice ones in both spots. The one I use in SR is $35 a night for a double. There is a campground just 7 miles south of SR in the village of San Lucas. This is where you actually fish out of. I'm sure there are campground in Loreto too, I have seen books dedicated just to camping in Baja.

You could re-trailer your boat every day, but the easiest thing to do is launch and then anchor in the bay. You have to launch at high tide. Wading out to the boat is never a problem since the tide rarely swings more than 2 feet.

Hope this all helps, let me know if you need more.

Pitch Pocket · 12-04-2002, 06:44 AM

Haven't been there myself, but I have a friend in LA that flys his plane to Loreto often. Besides inexpensive real Mexico type prices, good food and outstanding fishing, I understand they have a pretty popular nude beach.

WP · 12-04-2002, 12:12 PM

WP thinks...hmmm, well you could reconsider not going Chris! Thanks for all the info for the board Diamondside
WP

corrirod · 12-04-2002, 12:36 PM

I don't know about you Pitch Pocket but I'm pretty sure nobody wants to see me nude so I'll just stick to fishing! :grin:

Man I hope I can make the trip! I really miss Mexico. If I can convince the family to go I will probably take a day, either coming or going, to take my daughter to Disneyland.

Diamondsides is right about getting all your paperwork out of the way before you get to the border. It's worth the membership. When it comes to the policia the rule is: "Don't argue, PAY!" The more you run your mouth, the more trouble you'll get into, and the more you'll pay later.

Aaaaaaaahhhhh, I can smell the tequila from here! If I get a new job, vacation time for this trip is going to be on my list of demands!! :grin:

Pitch Pocket · 12-04-2002, 05:07 PM

Ukkk, I wasn't talking about you Corrirod. It's supposed to be YOU looking, for crying out loud.

From the photo's I've seen, it's quite a show at times.

fishwhenican · 12-04-2002, 07:59 PM

Thanks Diamondside, I have found some good web sites Bajadestinations.com and Bajalinks.com They have a link to vagabundos.com I was looking at Camping (pu camper) so that it would be easier to change locations, like go down to Loreto if the fishing was better there at the time (grass is greener and all that). San Lucas cove has a RV park next to the water and I did read that people leave thier boats anchored in the bay. I wondered if it would be too hot to camp at that time of year? Also thought it would be better to be closer to the boat rather than leaving it 7 miles away? I don't have any firm plans yet (have to talk the wife into it) but was looking at going in late June. Really would love to go, just would feel better if there was a "traveling partner". Of course if we are gone too long Pillar is likely to catch the first TUNA off the coast here.

[ 12-04-2002, 09:02 PM: Message edited by: fishwhenican ]

Clarity · 12-04-2002, 09:30 PM

Is it too hot to camp? That depends on your tolerance I suppose. Late June will get you in triple digit temps fairly regularly, and the humidity can be pretty bad for days at a time. If there are full hook-ups there don't count on the power staying on in San Lucas. Your right about staying mobile, though, the bills should be thick in Loreto by then.

I wouldn't worry about your boat being moored in the bay, theft is very rare. All the local gringos carry back their tackle that can't be locked up, but that is just a precaution.

Have you guys thought about livewells? Your going to want one, the livebait fishing there is incredible! I built one for my trip, pretty easy and worked well.

batman · 12-05-2002, 05:18 PM

Ohh baja my favorite place! i was in Loreto in June and July of this year and have been there before - dorados should be there at that time - it is hot though for camping - however lots of folks do it. If you are taking a boat, you need to get Gene Jira's book, The Baja Catch. It is the ultimate book for Baja tin boat fishing - it will tell exactly where everything is and all you need to know about baja fishing. The reef and surf fishing is also excellant in the Loreto area - I caught and amazing number of species just casting Krocs off of the shore and using carnitas - bait, squid mostly. This year was cool and the dorado and sails were in short supply and it was a little windy - only cught one dodo and it was 35 miles out...so the later you go the better, I think - anyway you can probably find my previous on on my trip if you search a bit. Loreto is a wonderful town and the people in Baja are great - and get all your insurance and tourist cards before you hit the border - no mordida for me ever while I was there, drive right thru... and there are lots of ATMs, don't worry about it - also try bajanet.com for lots of good info on travel, fishing, etc..... bajadestinations.com is good too for the fishing reports. have fun! Batman

batman · 12-05-2002, 05:22 PM

Oops, thats Gene Kira's Baja Catch. b