Punta Pescadero (between Cabo & La Paz)

[Goodidea]

Has anyone fished there? How is it? What is the weather like in Dec? I have heard wind can be a real problem, is that true, or just an occasional thing?

I am thinking of bringing the fly rods. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Tom

[ 03-02-2004, 09:26 AM: Message edited by: Goodidea ]

[Miss B Haven]

Check out - the "Baja Catch", should be available at Fishermans and maybe West Marine. Good info on the East Cape area including whats available, the wind patterns (Yes- the wind comes down the Gulf in the winter) etc.

[fishwhenican]

Check out this web site. Weekly fishing reports and articles by the co-author of "The Baja Catch"
http://www.bajadestinations.com/index.htm
Also get the book!

[TWB]

I have fished from Punta Pescadero to Cabo Pulmo Reefs. I have been there in March and latter. Garyk is right on with his report, the winter months are not the best time to fish the Gulf.
The fish back out to the warmer water in the winter and move up into the gulf in the spring and summer. With that said, there are always a few fish around, but don't expect it to be the best in Dec. Nice, secluded hotel at Punta Pescadero.

There is a reason that Los Barriles is a wind surfing destination in the winter, like the Columbia R. is in the summer. Wind...quite often in the winter, it can blow for a week at a time. However if you are used to the afternoon NW wind at the Oregon coast, it's no big deal.

I have seen guys in camp with fly equipment, they do ok, just ok.

Really, the best time is in the spring and summer.

Loretto in July is hot...so hot you can't breath, and wide open hot bite on sails....!!

[Larry@BigWater]

OK, Stupid Question. Do you ever use or wish you had fighting belts down there? If so, have you seen the fighting belt replacement, which goes on the butt of the rod instead of around the anglers waist? Do you think it has an application "down there"?

[garyk]

I've fished just north of there at El Cardonal. I believe Dec to be a really off time there due to the water temperatures. The fish migrate north as the Sea of Cortez warms.

Last time, in March, we had spotty fishing. No yellowfin, few dorado around and caught mostly skipjack tuna - or whatever those ones are that cut purple and are only good for cat food. Next time I'll go in April at the earliest.

If you have to fish Dec, ya might want to look further south.

[ketchumfast]

I have been fishing out of Los Barriles every year for the last four years. I first visited the area in December, and it is cool at night, maybe to low 70's in the day, and often windy. I stay at the Hotel Palmas de Cortez and they have their own fishing fleet of probably 75 boats. Most of them are out of the water in Dec. and Jan. if that gives you any idea on what to expect about fishing success in December. I know that they are now starting to get the boats back in the water. I have fished from May to mid June there, and that is some great fishing. Marlin, sails, dorado, & tuna the main attraction. I think sails are probably more abundant (on the average) in June, but I'm no expert and could be wrong.
I have seen people with spinning, casting, and fly rods walking the beach and they apparently do ok. Not sure what they are catching, and I get the impression that it's just something to pass the time when they aren't on a boat. Here are a couple of sites in addition to the ones provided in previous posts. The data is collected right at the hotels as the fishermen come in, and I have checked. It's reliable. The last time I looked the smoke house data was through 2/12 so that shows you it's a little slow yet. They update their site usually by Thur. or Firday of that week. I think they take off a little time about now too. It's well deserved as they work 24/7 during the main fishing season.

http;//www.bajasmokedfish.com.mx/

http://www.rancholeonero.com

No matter when you go, you will have a great time. The people are great, weather great and fishing great. Just sometimes the catching is a little slow, but then you can't have everything all the time. As anywhere else, timing plays a big part in success.
Have a great trip.
I'll be going down there May 1-May 15 and will try to post some reports. Isn't it about May yet [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[ketchumfast]

Woops, here's the hot link:

http://www.bajasmokedfish.com.mx/

:blush:

[Billfisher]

As for fighting belt alternatives, try buying some crutch tips from your local hardware store (should cost less than $3.00). They take the load off pretty well, and keep Gimbal butts from digging into your tenderloins. -D

[Puffin]

dont know about dec but i will be there in two weeks staying in the area between la paz and los barilles about a month plenty of fish last year hope 4 the same this year i think november is better than dec if that helps

[MYRTLE BEE]

Have fished this area many times from nov.to april. In Dec. I would fish deep water structure which is often overlooked because everyone wants marlin and dorado. These areas hold big fish when conditions are right. Going south from Los Barriles hotels.
La Ribera area - big pargo,snapper,huachinango
23 37.594n
109 33.319w
El Banco - 250 ft. year around big fish
23 37.860n
109 31.528w
Mulejino -amberjack,tuna
23 38.354n
109 31.489w
El Bajo- good spot yo-yo iron
23 36.892
109 30.292
Going north of Los Barriles toward Punta Pescadero
Tuna-hole famous spot 1/2 mile off beach nov.-april big amberjack,pargo,cabrilla
23 48.144n 109 41.408w
Punta Perico- nov to may great for yellowtail and snapper 24 01.745n 109 48.368w
take lots of Iron best is blue&chrome 3-5oz.

Puffin,
Have you thought about hitting the Bahia Magdalena area for Grouper as a "Break" in catching Dorado and Yellowfin? I wish things worked out better for me this year. Oh well I'll be preping for next year. Have fun.

[onebadfish]

goodidea,
i've fished just south of there and done really well on dorado.

keta,
have you fished mag bay? do you know the scoop there? tell all please?

I just want to fish there. Protected water on the Pacific side and shallow water Grouper.