East Cape Live Cam

When the words "Baja" and "sportfishing” are mentioned in the same sentence, most anglers will immediately think of Cabo’s giant blue marlin, La Paz’s plentiful sailfish, or Loreto’s dorado and yellowtail. For indeed, the southern regions of Baja California rank as one of the most productive fishing grounds in the world. What many anglers fail to realize is that the northern regions of Baja also provide some great sport fishing. Located just 68 miles south of San Diego lies the town of Ensenada, and here anglers will find a different brand of Baja sportfishing.

In many ways the waters off Ensenada remain as alluring today as they must have been 400 years ago when Sebastian Vizcaino named this area "Bahia de Todo Santos" (Bay of All Saints). Upon first sight, it is obvious that this bay contains all the features necessary to classify it as a productive fishing site -- the islands of Todo Santos, the rocky coastline of Punta Banda, the sandy bottoms of Estero Beach, and the numerous kelp beds found throughout the entire bay. It is these features that attract the resident populations of bonito, barracuda, kelp bass, calico bass, halibut and lingcod. During summer months the bay is visited by many of the most highly prized migratory species -- yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, yellowtail, dorado, and even an occasional billfish.

Reasonable room rates, a wide selection of restaurants, and an entire town accessible by foot are all factors in making this town an attractive destination. However, for the weekend angler the most attractive aspect of this area is certainly the sportfishing fleets that patrol the bay of Todo Santos. In the remainder of this article we will look at two of these fleets, both offering the same service but with different personalities.

Both fleets discussed in the following pages are located just off Lazaro Cardenas Blvd. Upon entering the town of Ensenada, and after turning right on Lazaro Cardenas, make a right turn at the first street light. Both fleets are located just south of the fish market, along the docks.

Gordo’s is perhaps the best known, and certainly the largest fleet serving Ensenada. A completely self-contained operation, the Gordo’s "complex" offers everything an angler could want, including a fleet of six boats, their own restaurant, hotel, and parking lot. The Gordo’s fleet not only fishes the bay of Todo Santos, but they also make long range trips when the tuna or albacore are running outside the bay. Fishing with Gordo’s is like fishing with any of the larger U.S. fleets. Those who are accustomed to fishing from pangas or cruisers will need to adjust to this new style.

Lily’s Sportfishing is the child of Sammy Susarrey. The Susarrey family has a long history of sportfishing the waters off Ensenada. Oscar Susarrey, Sammy’s father and partner, skippered the well known Ensenada Clipper for several years. Today, Oscar is the skipper of the Lily fleet's "Lily Supreme." Sammy’s fleet tends to be more personal in nature, with smaller boats, instant access to the skipper, and the ability to pick-up and "run" to a new location when the angler feels the need. Lily’s fleet tends to be a bit more expensive, but factors such as fewer anglers, the ability to move rapidly from location to location, and the experience one receives when fishing the Baja waters in a small boat must all be considered.

A Look at Bahia de Los Angeles

One of the most picturesque areas in Baja California is Bahia de Los Angeles, commonly referred to as "Bay of L.A." Due to it’s relative closeness to the U.S. border, it is rapidly becoming a sought after destination for travelers venturing to Baja. At only 398 miles below the border, or about 12 hours of driving, tourists can leave the hustle and bustle of Southern California and find themselves in this island-packed bay of paradise. Due to it’s proximity, anglers find it possible to trailer small boats here and take advantage of an extended four day weekend. Driving 12 hours each way allows for two full days fishing at the bay.

Finding the Bay of L.A. is easy. Take highway 1 south approximately 363 miles below the border. This brings you to a small spot called Punta Prieta, which is in the heart of the Viscaino Desert. Punta Prieta is home to many cirio and cardon cacti, but not much else. From this point, follow the signs along this relatively good road, 42 miles to the bay. It is good insurance to top off the gas tank in both the vehicle and boat before leaving Catavina, which is your last chance for fuel before reaching the bay.

Bahia de Los Angeles is blessed with many islands that are scattered throughout the bay. Travelers arriving by car are awestruck by the incredible first view of this picturesque scene. These are called the Midriff Islands. This majestic view makes it a photographer’s paradise.

There are several hotels that are located within this surprisingly large town; all of which cater to the fisherman. The most popular is the Villa Vitta. This hotel offers 40 air conditioned rooms, an excellent restaurant, a fresh water swimming pool, and a large campground located on the beach. Traveling further into town brings you to Mama Diaz’s hotel, where you will find 20 air conditioned bungalow-style rooms. Among the wide variety of choices presented for campgrounds, I have stayed at Guillermo’s trailer park. Guillermo’s offers both water and electrical hookups, as well as hot showers. As another choice, many elect to pay a nominal fee and camp on the beach across from the Villa Vitta, where those wishing to "get away from it all" may wish to camp on the beach in either direction. Still others drive the ten miles along the rugged two wheel drive road toward Punta Gringa. This area offers unlimited beaches within the bay and offers a good area to moor your boat.

There are several launch ramps available in Bay of L.A. The best all around ramp is the one in front of the Villa Vitta Hotel. It is approximately 50 yards long and may be used at even the lowest of tides. The charge is $10.00 for launching and retrieving. The launch ramp at Guillermo’s R.V. Park is 9 feet wide and may only be used at mid to high tide. I was once able to launch my 24-foot Skipjack at medium tide, but I had to retrieve it at Villa Vitta at low tide. Yellowtail are the main fishing attraction to the Midriff Islands. The strong tides and numerous reefs attract a lot of bait. These reefs contain lots of yellowtail and an occasional grouper and black sea bass. The yellowtail here are without a doubt the strongest I have ever caught. The average fish runs about 15 pounds, although fish in the 35 pound class are not uncommon.

A medium to heavy rod and reel capable of handling 40# line are recommended. I opt for a Newell 540 - 5.5 (a high gear retrieve ratio) and a medium action rod. My last trip to the bay resulted in three broken reels due to strength and power of these brutes. Yellowtail may be caught on live mackerel pinned to a 8/0 hook or with iron jigs. My favorite is UFO #5 in blue/white or chrome. The best time to fish Bay of L.A. is June through October. The months of July, August, and September tend to be the best, but also tend to be extremely hot. These summer months also give you a shot at catching dorado, and the occasional yellowfin tuna.

The islands closer to the launch ramps get more fishing pressure. These islands, at times, have some of the best fishing known to man. Other times it is impossible to catch anything. I like to venture to La Guardia Island. La Guardia is the largest and furthest of the islands, and is 42 miles long. In addition to the fantastic fishing, it offers some magnificent crusing. It is necessary to consult chart #21008 for reefs, schoals, and protected anchorages. Since it is conceivable to not see any other boats for your entire stay, be sure to bring the necessary fuel and provisions. As is required with traveling anywhere in Mexico, the proper paperwork must be secured prior to entering the country. This paperwork includes; certified birth certificate, Mexican auto insurance, fishing license, and tourist permit. All of the above may be obtained from several travel groups that cater to baja enthusiasts (such as the Amigos de Baja). The Bay of L.A. is a great spot for those seeking fantastic yellowtail fishing, and is also noted for its splendid cruising. It is definately worth considering as a family vacation.