Zihwatanejo trip... TRIP PLANNING THREAD!

[Uglygreen]

Well if er are going to do it its probably time...First thing is to pick a date.

1) Fishing is worst on a full moon period.

2) Avoid "local" Mexican holidays. Accomodations are hard to find.

3) Spring Break is most busy, but not too bad as most of the spring breakers in that area are in Ixtapa, Not Zihuatanejo.

So, first question is when is spring break? Whats the moon doing that week? and does our spring break coincide with either a full moon or a Mexican holiday?

UG

[ 10-16-2003, 08:11 PM: Message edited by: Uglygreen ]

[fish_on]

I have been looking into a trip and from what I can find the best moon is Jan 16th-27th teh 19th-23rd being no moon or Feb 14-25th with 18th-22nd being no moon. There is a big bill fish cometition the end of Jan and first of Feb so take that in mind. Some the people I talked to suggested the January moon because the water will be in closer and there seems to be a cold current that has come in in Feb and driven the blue water out a bit. There don't seem to be any holidays during any of these no moon phases. Here is a link to a moon phase chart

http://choicesportfishing.com/moonphase.php

[ 10-16-2003, 06:30 PM: Message edited by: fish_on ]

[onebadfish]

i go every year to zih to fish. we are going to try a new spot this year. check out this site: http://www.escapeixtapa.com/index.shtml . i have fished between there and zih at potosi, and the blue water is always way closer, the further you go along the shelf south. let me know how you do.

[Uglygreen]

Here is the last "interested" list...

Gun Rod Bow
Javid Johnson
Loyd Johnson
Uglygreen
Skrimmy
Skein
Mr. Fisherman
WP
pearl
wak'm&stak'm
Longhunter
ketchumfast
Capin' Dan
Fish_N_Russ
fishbait
King Fisher
Wildhawg
Mack Slayer
big n bright
No Wishin Just Fishin
Tagster
GoFish
cdj356
FODF
billfish
Born to Fish
rodbender
slammer
willametteriveroutlaw
Popeye
Julie Rose
Albacore Tuna Captain
Pilars Mate
Pilar
South Paw
8 Knots
NorRivDave
Bankbound and Father
Norm
RichH
Sturgon Tom
FISH4MORE
jcarufo
Tacklebuster

----------------------------------

UG

[Uglygreen]

Looks Like spring break for Oregon Schools is the 20th thru the 28th of March in 2004. Which works pretty close for being a "NO MOON" period. Although March isn't traditionally the peak of the best fishing, I'm guessing thats when most people can make the trip, but I'm TOTALLY willing to look at dates earlier or later.

UG

[ 10-16-2003, 08:18 PM: Message edited by: Uglygreen ]

[skein]

Yep, that's when spring break happens, and that's the only time we can go. DON'T let that be the determining factor though. Go when it's best and when most of the crew can get free.

Oh, be sure and add DipSeaDiver to your list. :smile:

Skein

[DipSeaDiver]

But, if you leave us behind I will never forgive you.....

DipSeaDiver

[Mello-Yello]

So, at the risk of sounding naive, do you folks trailer your boats down there?



I'm sorry, I meant with the exception of Popeye, do the rest of you trailer your boats?

[ 10-16-2003, 10:32 PM: Message edited by: Mello-Yello ]

[Rodbender]

I can't make it-too many trips to Zihua in the past mean I'm looking further south this year.

All the Best to everyone heading down!

[WP]

I have no school connections but Spring break seems a viable time to do this...the first anual, Great Salty Dog Excursion! Please add Joanna as I can't leave home without her :smile:
Keep up the good work Brad...and welcome back, glad it all worked out O.k....I may be next!
Dave

[Sea Jypzee]

Put me down on the list of interested as well, though I'm not sure I'd have the funds to do it this next spring 04'.

[royalfish]

This sounds like way to much fun, please put Royalfish and wife down for two very interested ifishers wanting to make the trip Just need a few more details to make a decision.
Kevin and Laura

[Norm]

I have a couple of free Alaska air tickets I need to burn before spring break. I've never been to Zihwatanejo but had a co-worker that went last year. He stayed in Troncones at here and said it was nice and only about $50.00 a night. Since this will be a family vacation I'll probably only fish a day or two. Any recomendatons on other places to stay closer to town? I'll have my wife who likes to shop and my son who is 13 and likes to swim with me.

We are thinking about a trip around xmas or in January so my son doesn't miss a whole week of school. Any tips from you guys the have been there would be appreciated.

[Aqua-Holic]

After doing a quick search for air fare for figuring purposes......this is the result:
Using the dates: depart from Portland (PDX) on Mar 20th to Ixtapa (ZIH) and returning Mar 27th.
America West $715 per person including tax.
United $735 per person including tax.
Frontier and Alaska also offer service.
Due to spring break.........those reservations are filling fast.
For figuring purposes I would add $1000 for lodging for the week.
Airfare the following week would be approximately $100 less per person.

[Miss B Haven]

Unless things are "abnormal" (slow business?) airfairs will be higher during spring break (and other holidays of course) and often blacked out for using free airmiles. YOu can usually get out of the "zone" by staying a little longer (down the day before and home a day later).
Might want to consider this in choosing the date. :smile:

[ 10-17-2003, 03:55 PM: Message edited by: Miss B Haven ]

[ketchumfast]

Welcome back UG. Hope your back is improving every day. I am still VERY interested in the Zih. trip, but have hit a little snag. Consequently, I'll have to wait to see what date is finally picked. I had to move my East Cape trip up to the 1st. two weeks in May. I'm not sure I can swing two trips so close together if the trip ends up being towards the latter part of what is being discussed for your trip. I'm still in the planning for it though.
I asked a question on another thread last fall, and don't believe I got an answer; so I'll ask again. If a person doesn't have their own tackle, will the boat provide it ? I know they do on the East Cape, and I was just wondering what the situation is in Zihwatanejo.

Tight lines to all, and Let the planning begin

[Born to Fish]

You'll need to remove my name from the list. Thanks.

[onebadfish]

norm,

we'll be there from dec22 - jan10.. we've been there 5 or 6 times. let me know if you want any info. i also know firsthand the lowdown on truncones, pros and cons.

[Uglygreen]

Yellow Fin Tuna 30-100 lbs. Good Year Round

Giant Tuna 100-600 lbs. Only avalible Feb - May

Sail Fish 40-140 lbs. Year Round, Best Dec - Feb & May - Aug

Marlin 200-1000 lbs. Year Round, Best Jan - May

Dorado 20-60 lbs. Year Round, Best May - Nov

Rooster Fish 20-70 lbs. Year Round, Best May - Nov

Wahoo 20-60 lbs. Year Round, Peak Dec - Jan

Amberjack 30-60 lbs. Year Round, Best Jan - May

Pargo 5-30 lbs. Year Round

Grouper 5-45 lbs. Dec - May

Sierra(Spanish Mackerel) 2-15 lbs. Year Round, Best March - May

Barracuda 10-30 lbs Year round - Best night fishing full moon

------------------------------------

UG

[WP]

One thing to consider is the possibility of having two (or 3) dates for this adventure. It would be great if we could all go at the same time but maybe if that isn't workable, the "majority" could set up the trip and second date chosen to accomodate the rest? Just a thought, Dave

[WP]

What process are we going to use to make decisions? Tinme is flying by and if we are going in Feb, we need to get on it. Any voluteers? Brad, any additional information? I checked the discount tickets and found hotel/air packages for about $1000 per person DO, but the hotels are in Ixtapa...how far away is that to commute? Is there anything in Zwhat that anyone recommends? I would like to make final plans soon...it is almost November. Do we need to arrange for Pangas before we go or are they readily available...is the any to avoid or to particularly seek out? This is a new destination for me so help is definately welcome! TUNA!!!!
Dave

[Popeye]

I like WP's suggestion...two or three dates. Julie and I are in for the Spring Break one. We're going to book it...See ya there Skein and DipSea! and?

[ 10-27-2003, 06:09 AM: Message edited by: Popeye ]

[skein]

Yep, we're spring breakers if for no other reason than that's the only time DipSea can get away.

Sounds like AquaHolic and the Missus may be joining us.

Warm water at last ! I can't wait.

Skein and the Diver

I have surplus time and am financially challenged. I have enough mileage for airplane tickets. If I go about how much will it cost once I get to Mexico?

[Popeye]

Keta....A good friend of mine just got back from there, he stayed at the Posada Real in Ixtapa for $79/nite and said it was a great place

Jim....Have you and Dean booked yet

[ 10-29-2003, 08:48 AM: Message edited by: Popeye ]

Thanks Popeye. I thought this would be the case. I guess there aren't many overpasses there to sleep under.

[skein]

Keta,

I think you can beat that price in Zihwatanejo. Ixtapa is more up-scale and touristy, while Zihwa is lower key.

Popeye,

Not yet, but may do so today. I'm going to try to call Dean and chat with him once more.

I remember David Johnson, GunRodBow, and UG all went down there last spring, and I'm interested in revisiting that thread to double-check their accomodations and other expenses, i.e. charters for fishing.

Are you staying in Ixtapa or Zihwat?

Skein

[Fishplay]

Sundays Oregonian had 5 day packages at NH Krystal in Ixtapa starting at 551.00. Roundtrip airfare and lodging based on double occupancy.

I'm guessing another 500.00 (min)in spending money.

PleasantHolidays.com

[Popeye]

Skein....I replied to DipSea's e-mail. We're staying in ZTown at the Villa Del Sol. We are NOT going to be able to cruise the boat down because of business activities :depressed: and we're only going to be able to stay 5 nites because Skip is also going, and we can't leave the bus. for too long at the same time
AND I can tell you that things are really booked down there for that time slot!

[Aqua-Holic]

Popeye.....I've talked to Jim and hope to get booked by the end of the week.. :grin:

[Popeye]

Dean....ya thinkin' ZTown or Ixtapa

[ 10-29-2003, 04:29 PM: Message edited by: Popeye ]

[skein]

Popeye,

ZTown. I hear it's cheaper and closer to the action. XT is more upscale, (read Tinsel Towny)

Skein

[Popeye]

Jim.....I agree, but.....They also have some pretty tinsely places in Zihua too. Don't ask me how I know this :grin:

[Tagster]

Which of the beaches is best for access to the pangas and central festivities?

I looked at Villa Del Sol and don't necessarily want to spend that much money on hotels...we will if it has the best access.

I don't want to book something that is far away, though.

Playa La Madera ?
Playa La Ropa?
Playa La Madera ?

If we are going to do this, I need to combine it into something my wife will like, also. Therefore beach front or ocean view is key.

Thanks, Tag

[8knots]

We stayed at Playa Madera this summer. You can walk to the Pangas from there. You would have to take a short cab ride from Playa La Ropa to the main fleet. The beach is nicer at Playa La Ropa for hanging out. Playa Madera is less expensive and more Mexican..sort of like a locals beach. You can find tons of places on line at ZihuaRobs and other sites. Good luck. Spring Break will be the busiest. Word is that last Winter/Spring during non-holiday dates that there were plenty of deals to be had due to the lack of tourist. A little slow with Iraq and post 9/11.

[Uglygreen]

If your planning on fishing stay in Zihuatanejo... Ixtapa is 15-20 minutes away by cab or 30 minutes by bus from the pier in Zihuatanejo. No fishing out of Ixtapa. Like the difference between Lincon City and Depoe Bay.

UG

[royalfish]

Ugly Green,
Sounds like there are some spring breakers making reservations. Do you know if there are any other groups going at a different time?
The miss's and I are really thinking about coming, but spring break is not the best time for us. Let me know if you have any more details.
Thanks Kevin and Laura

[Uglygreen]

Im 70% sure that myself, Gun Rod Bow, Wildhawg, possibly Fishbait, and hopefully a few others will make Feb 14-24 the week we go. Will be confirming that and making reservations in the next two weeks.

Popeye, Skein, and a few others are going the week of spring break. We will try to leave a few fish for them. Haha

Lowest fare I found for that week was $407 on a America West / Mexicana deal.

UG

[Aqua-Holic]

My wife and I just confirmed the week of March 20th thru 27th.

[royalfish]

A lot of fun in the sun from the Feb rainstorms of Portland should be great. Keep us posted. Thanks Royalfish

[Fishplay]

Originally posted by Uglygreen:


Lowest fare I found for that week was $407 on a America West / Mexicana deal.

UG

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">Brad, can you share the details please? Does this include air and hotel. How many days? I'm thinking very seriously about joining you guys.

February sounds better to me. If I'm going to Mexico I aint waitin till Spring Break. By then it will muggy here again and miserable there.

[Uglygreen]

I just looked it up on Expedia.com. Tuesdays usually have the lowest fares. Thats airfare only. Motel 6 type accomodations in Zihuatanejo run about 30 bucks a night. Fishing (gear and bait provided) is about $200 bucks a day - per boat. Divide that by however many people you have on the boat. Food I would figure about 20-30 bucks a day depending on how much you drink. I have done the trip (solo) for less than $900 bucks total, but $1200 to $1500 is probably more like it.

Airfare $500 /w tax
Fishing $500 /2 people, 5 days on the water
Lodging $200 /w airconditioning
Food $200 /not including drinks
Misc. $100 /taxi, tips, etc...

UG

[royalfish]

UG, if you have a free minute send me an email at royalfsh.teleport.com with the details of your dates etc. Would like to know if we need to bring our own coolers, baggies,tackle etc. Oughta be alot of f un

[royalfish]

UG,
I don't know if you have picked your dates yet, but I gave you a bum e-mail address. [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img] Try royalfsh@teleport.com. I also sent you a message, look forward to seeing you all in Z if not before!
Royalfsh

[moocher man]

The Dec. 2003 Western Outdoors mag. has a very interesting articule about the area you are all interested in going to. It is a super mag. for fishing in Mexico. Loads of good info and suggestions. Adios..........

[Gun Rod Bow]

I sent some info to Royalfish that we aquired.

I'm in negotiations with the war department (at my house) on our trip status. If we go, it'll be the Feb dates.

I also sent an e-mail to the charter I prefered down there. I'm waiting for a response from him.

I'd say my wife and I are 90% for some time during the Feb 14-24 slot.

Anyone else?

[cdj356]

We are going to try the february 16 to 23 . Havent made any plans as where to stay . Would love to get information as to where you are staying and about your charter .
thanks C.D.Johnson

[Gun Rod Bow]

We stayed at the Hotel Las Brisas on Madera Beach.

[Gun Rod Bow]

We found rates on America West via Mex city for $403.

We're looking at 17th thru 24th.

A couple from K-Falls may come along. We are now 95%.

[Gun Rod Bow]

We're in. Feb 17th thru 24th. America West. Satying at Las Brisas. Fishing with Hiram. 2 couples. All set.

If others need info PM me.

If others would like info on charters, I can offer what I know.

Hope to see some of you there.

[onebadfish]

i return from zih on january 10. i'll be there 2 1/2 weeks fishing from zih all the way down past petatlan. awesome jack cravelle fishing in the bay on rapalas. they'll wreck your plugs till your arms fall off. anyone whoes taking their own gear needs to be aware that it's $50 each way just for your fishing gear on many of the airlines that serve zih. gear up for 70-100 pound sailfish, 30-45 pound dorado, 20-25 pound jack cravelle, 5-8 pound mackarel, and some freaky needlefish 5-15 pounds. big roosterfish if you go before february. i'll let you all know the real report when i get back.

[ 12-02-2003, 06:52 PM: Message edited by: onebadfish ]

[Longhunter]

Saltwater Mag about Zihuatanejo
Wish I could go, maybe next year!


http://www.saltwatersportsman.com/sa...213858,00.html