Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge - Campo Las Encantadas 10/24/2016. Loooong w/pic. How else?

This would be my third trip to this region upon the invitation of a kind soul named MakoBob. The conditions were promised to be great and it was not disappointing. Winds were kind to us and we fished every day. Some did much better than others as it is usual with fishing trips.

We had a good group of anglers who (and I am not kidding) talked fishing 95% of the time. We shared meals at camp prepared by the assigned anglers, or took turns to provide the nearby restaurant with the ingredients for meals to be prepared by operator’s wife and help.

I will let others post about their catch and time at the camp.

So pour your favorite beverage, sit back (scroll through the pictures first if you cannot wait) and then come back read the post. Fishing will be one of the subjects that will be discussed. The post will be here waiting for you.

Take your time.

Campo Las Encantadas trip 10/24-31/2016

Sunday October 23, 2016

I left home very tired after a day of packing and loading the Hobie Outback kayak on my 4Runner. I also had to spent time and energy with last minute plumbing blockage at the kitchen sink which required snaking the line several times. I have all the tools, so hiring a plumber was not an option.
It was 10:00 PM before I was on my way to San Diego. I cannot get up at 3:00 AM and drive to San Diego to meet Bob at Johnny’s Shell at 5:00 AM. Then drive all day to our destination.

Therefore, I left early in the evening and made a rest stop at the Pala Casino and Resort near San Diego. It was located less than an hour north of our meeting location in El Cajon and played some Black Jack. Needless to say, I helped, in a miniscule way, with their electricity bill!!

Monday October 24, 2016

Around 3:45 AM, I left the casino and met Bob at the Shell Station. He was the only one there waiting. I was (½) hour early.
Soon Brandon, Shane and Mike arrived. We waited until 5:30 for others, and when no one else showed up, we left for Calexico.
Shane drove Bob’s truck all the way to the camp at the head of the caravan.
Bob hopefully enjoying a restful drive. I in turn followed Shane and Brandon followed me.

I popped in a book on CD that I had bought and it was about the Making of America.
The twelve CDs read by the author with a British accent were very informative and kept me awake both ways.

1-We are going toward Calexico (east) and the sun just starting to come up.
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By the time we arrived at the Arco station, before the border, it was daylight. Mr. PukaShell and domtesta27 who were riding together were waiting.

Once more we caravanned toward the border and this time I brought the rear.

We got our FMM as needed and caravanned to San Felipe where we met Jefe Dos and two friends.

After a nice fish taco “breakfast”, we once more lined up to drive to our destination—Campo Las Encantadas, Baja, Mexico, earth.

2-I was bringing the rear following Jefe Dos accompanied by Tom and Dan who joined us at San Felipe.
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3-On this trip, this was my first view of the Mar de Cortez (Sea of Cortez) or Gulf of California, whichever you prefer.
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4-Road out of San Felipe is very bumpy for a while.
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5-I would not mind to have a nice house like this at this location.
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6-The road serpentines near and far to the water after San Felipe.
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7-Some road scenery……
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8-After a while south of San Felipe, the road improves vastly.
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We arrived at junction of the dirt road to Campo around 2:00 PM if memory serves. The cars in front left and I stayed to deflate the tires. My new tool
worked great, once I figured out how to use it. No instructional manual was provided with the unit. Only trying to remember the YouTube videos that
I had seen on the subject. All tires were lowered to 20 PSI each easily, once I figured how to do it.

Once at camp, the first order of business for me was to set up my tent and bedding for the night before it gets dark.
I had headlamps, but it is easier during the daylight.

9-This spot has become my “camp” site and worked great with the 4Runner next to it.
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Dinner of pork, beef, and chicken tacos was prepared by Mr. PukaShell and was shared at the neighbor’s Patio. Paul had been there the day before.
Dan and Eric who were spearfishing joined us for dinner too. Not sure when Fishnstix and Richard had arrived.
We experienced some light drizzles, so there was no fire pit meeting that night.

Having not slept for many hours, the borrowed cot felt good. The cot had been omitted from my extensive list. Doooh.
I am not sure there was even room for it. Bob lend me one of his own for the duration.

Tuesday October 25, 2016

Although I like to sleep late in the mornings, here it is impossible because of the neighbor’s @#$%%^&& rooster.
And I am not talking about the fish that everybody was after.
A two legged @@#$%& which at any time of night and or day could crow. Especially after 5:00 AM will do so loudly announce the beginning of the day.

In the morning some of the gang was going to have breakfast at the restaurant, so I tagged along too.

10-I had the first breakfast of the trip at the “restaurant” operated by Luis’s family, joined by some other gnarly characters.
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11-At breakfast Luis told Bob that the boat motor is working! What boat we asked????? Apparently Bob has a boat as well at the camp.
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I wanted to---at some point to fish the actual Gonzaga Bay some time during this trip. Since I had the kayak on the 4Runner, and wanted to call home
from the only store around that has a land line, I left for the Gonzaga Bay.

There is a well-stocked market which has a land line at very reasonable cost to use, as well as ice and other necessities. There is also the
only gas around for miles. It is only (16) miles round trip and you have to pass an army inspection check point.

If you have read my previous report/s about this location (if not—why?) you may remember that there is a nice hotel at the end of the peninsula.
There are also residential units which I guess mostly belong to Americans who live there at times.

There is also a very primitive runway for small planes to use.

12-It is nice to be able to park a plane in front of your garage and fly back and forth to Gonzaga Bay…..
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13-or have one of these….. http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN6905.jpg

14-The construction of the new restaurant at the hotel is ongoing and they serve food on the patio.
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I fished the bay for a while. Since the trolling did not produce any bites and besides a few fish on the fishfinder and some jumping mullets, there was no activity fishing wise, I took a lunch break.

Around 2:00 PM I beached the kayak and enjoyed some fish taco and a Corona while having a conversation with two Americans who were there to have lunch as well. They had a player and played great Cuban and other music that I liked. It was a very pleasant time, until I had to put the kayak on the
4Runner and pack up to go back to my camp.

15-Upon arrival at the camp, I saw the guys playing some ball in recognition of the World Series that is in progress. Paul hit a homerun.
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We were able to hear at camp via XM radio, and watch on TV at the restaurant some of the early games.
Later, the TV set was out of service, and that was that. I missed a great Cowboys football game, but we were there for fishing.

Dinner was Gumbo, beef and shrimp at camp prepared by Jefe Dos and his guests Dan and Tom.

Later we gathered around the fire pit and continued taking about---wait for it---fishing.

Side note—Perhaps it was by my request on the long thread about this trip, or most likely just a good sense of the people present, we did not (at least I did not hear) any political (current election) discussions. Given the fact that it was a hot topic and minds were already made up, there was no sense of ruining the mood.
I was very happy in that way.

Wednesday October 26, 2016

After breakfast I setup the kayak and went east of the camp. I was told to look for some reefs under the water
with the fishfinder, but the battery terminal had come off of the battery, and without checking I assumed the battery was dead.
So, I trolled and made casts.

16-This fish was my first trigger fish of the trip.
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I spent (¾) of the day on the water and then returned to camp tired, yet content with events of the day.

17-Dinner at restaurant was always nice, comfortable and enjoyable. It was Pizza which was made from scratch at the restaurant with the ingredient
provided by Mike, Shane and Brandon.
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We had a raffle with items brought by me and Mr. PukaShell. He provided some beautifully handmade items for the raffle.

Not sure which night was the first night that we made fire, but we had it every night after the first night is my recollection.

Some jokes were told, but most of the discussion was ---wait for it—fishing related topics.

18-Speaking of hot; notice the temperature reading at (10) minute to five PM.
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Thursday October 27, 2016

The first half of the day I worked on preparation of the night’s meal. The second half I hung around the camp and rested.

19-Bob and I had the hosting duties of the dinner at the restaurant for the group on Thursday.
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The menu was Turkish meze to go with Raki (a Turkish national drink), which consisted of—
Melon slices, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, black olives, Feta cheese, lavash bread, pureed eggplants,
Grape leaves Dolma and Borek (Spanakopitas in Greek).
Of course the ever present rice, beans and tortilla was served too.

20-The main dish was marinated lamb chops.
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21-At dinner Fishnstix stood up and gave a well-deserved toast to Bob and asked us NOT to clown around.
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22-So we didn’t….
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Although I seldom go to bed before midnight at home, here I was in bed by 10:00 PM and some nights even earlier. Dinner at camp usually is served no
later than 6:30 PM and by 8:00 PM we are around the fire.
Once more we got the fire going and sat around the campfire socializing and getting mesmerized by the dancing flames. Even if the weather is warm,
there is something magical about the campfire and the comradery of campers with a common passion to discuss.

Ok enough waxing poetic.

Friday October 28, 2016

In the morning enjoyed breakfast at camp with leftover Turkish meze that doubles as breakfast menu too!
Then set out for some fishing.

24-I am getting ready to hit the water after a loooooooooooooooot of preparations.
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25-Water so clear that it looks like it is not there.
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26-This little bird must have not had many contacts with people. It was not afraid of me and it came over to check me out.
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This morning I decided to try the east side of the camp toward Punta Bufeo. Point of killer whale in Spanish.

27-I caught this small yellowtail while trolling toward Punta Bufeo.
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28-There are several beachy areas east of the Punto Bufeo that one can pull out and take a dip in the water if too hot or fishing is slow.
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29-The water so clean and comparing to ambient air, cool that makes it irresistible not to take a dip.
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So when I got very hot going east with the hot sun shining on me wearing long pants, long sleeve shirt and gloves for sun protection, I decided to take a dip.
I pulled in one of the beaches and just waded in the water. Fully closed. It felt great.

30-Interesting rock formations, I would say. Some geologist could have a field day here.
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31-I call this picture---Pelicans having a “caucus” meeting for the new election….
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Fishnstix worked all day on smoked tri tips and baked beans and we enjoyed them at the camp.

Once more around the fire ring to do what? Talk fishing. What else.

Saturday October 29, 2016

Today was our turn to take Bob’s boat out. We could; this way reach the island easily and look for the elusive roosterfish. John M and Mike who captained
the boat and yours truly got on the way around 7:30 AM.

32-While we were trolling with the boat; I had the first fish (Sierra) of the crossing to the Isla de San Luis.
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Author with a silly pose. How gosh.

33-The kayakers (Mike Scales and YakDout) were working hard to get to the island.
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34-We spent most of the morning trolling around the island looking for roosterfish boils to no avail.
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35-John M also hooked this nice sierra among many other fish. He had the hot lure. A very large Krocodile with silver pattern on it.
My camera battery was dead with no backup in my possession. Thus, no more pictures of our catches.
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We caught many fish; mostly John with the hot lure. Mike was running the boat and also catching fish. After circulating the island and saying hi to the
kayakers, we headed toward the Punto Bufeo to be close to land due to available fuel concerns.

I even caught a needle fish using my church key lure. John took this picture.

35A-Caught this needle fish while trolling.
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We were back when the fuel was getting low around 3:00 PM. Later I went to the store to make another call to home and get gas to replace the gas we
used in the boat for that day.

Back to camp in the afternoon to rest and later dinner of chicken Mole. Chicken provided by John M and Mike, other expenses taken care of by Paul,
Dave and I think Brien.

Many people were packing for early departure, so the fire ring was not busy. I went to bed for a good night’s rest once more to be woken by the
@#$%^&# rooster early in AM.

Now some info about the camp;

36-The new bathroom was spacious and close.
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37-It had a working toilet and shower.
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38-The installation of a sink and other accessories will make it a complete working bathroom. Not sure how the interior lighting for use at night is going
to be handled.
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39-The covered patio was a blessing to provide shade most of the day.
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40-If I heard correctly, Bob was in the navy in a pluming department. Thus, to make sure no one would miss any of the conversation around the fire pit
at night, he had plumed a couple of toilets around the fire pit.
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Actually it was the crown seat for the angler with biggest catch of the day. I think one should be for the biggest, and the other for the smallest, or skunk.

41-New to this trip in addition of other improvements was the fish cleaning station with a huge water tank. As well as an excellent vacuum pack unit
and freezer that required the generator to be running.
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42-It is PM folks…..
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Sunday October 30, 2016

Most people have left the camp. Dave and Brian went back to the island with kayak to catch roosters.
On advice of Bob, I went to the west instead of the island. Mr. PukaShell who worked tirelessly helping Bob was in the camp most of the time, though
he did some fishing too.

I had three trigger fish back to back.

43-Notice the fish has taken the mid hook. Later I noticed the hook was missing. It had come off the split ring. I had to use a special plier to install it
with a little difficulty, yet it was missing. Go figure.
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44-Yet bigger trigger fish.
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45-Most times that I was on the water; it was choppy and somewhat windy. If I am on the patio resting, then the water would be like glass!
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46-If you don’t catch trigger fish here, you are really unlucky.
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In lieu of money for his share of the boat gas, I bartered the hot lure of John and one plainer silver large Krocodile.
Unfortunately due to a stupid mistake later I lost it. However, I still had had the plain one which caught fish too.

47-This bass wants to eat a pray almost as big as itself.
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48-This was my biggest fish of the trip. A (6) lbs. Gulf Grouper, I am told.
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49-A tired and gnarly looking--yet happy author with silly smile and his catch.
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It was the only fish that came home with me. Sivak (Dave) was kind enough to fillet it and show me how to use the
Vacuum packer machine.

50-This was one of the many needlefish that I caught while trolling either from the kayak or the boat.
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51-The picture does not do it justice, but this is an actual small hill. After getting exhausted on the water kayaking and fighting fish in the heat,
one must lift the heavy kayak on to a dolly and pull it up the hill above the reach of the high tide.
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Some would actually roll the kayak all the way to the camp.

52-Beautiful sunset was a nightly occurrence.
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We had dinner at the restaurant with some visitors that had car problem. We invited them to share the shrimp (provided by Bob), rice and beans with us.
At every meal there was rice and beans and tortilla.

After that and a short rest to enjoy a stogie, I started packing which was complete by 12:30 AM.

53-This was the temperature reading in PM while I was packing for home.
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Monday October 31, 2016

Next morning we left camp promptly at 7:00 AM, having got up at 5:45 AM. Bob is very insistent in that.
Every minute of delay adds to wait at the border, he says.

54-We were greeted with this sunrise as we started our trek home.
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We had the couple from Seattle with car trouble (small transmission leak) to drive in the middle of caravan. This way it insured if there is a bigger problem
we could see and stop to help. I was again bringing the rear behind Mr. PukaShell, Dave, the couple and Bob’s truck.
Dom was driving Bob’s truck this time from the camp to the Chevron gas station in Calexico.

In San Felipe, we stopped to have delicious taco and soup “breakfast”, while the couple looked for auto parts store and departed from us.

55-Also in San Felipe, I got gas and took this picture on hallowing day. I was dressed up as a pregnant man!
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56-Road leading to and from San Felipe to the border was newly done and very nice.
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We were at the border by 12:40 PM and as I followed Mr. PukaShell zip through the final street in a good pace, I was happy thinking we will be through
in (15) minutes. Well, it took (1.5) hours, which is not too bad. It was Monday morning after all.

We did the last stop as caravan at the Chevron gas station, had a quick bite and said our good-byes.

It was close to 3:00 PM and I had another five hours or so in good traffic mind you to get home. I had been on the road with not much sleep the night before.
It was decided to visit the Pechanga Casino for a few hours rest. This way it would be later and the traffic would be faster (wink, wink).
Well, I made most of my losses to Pala at a hot table, and got a free meal comped to boot.

I was in my nice bed by 11:00 PM and with no @#$*() ^rooster around, I slept well. Thank you.

It was a lot of preparation, some cost and very physically demanding trip. Made some new friends, revisited old friends from last year who share my
passion and caught some fish. Also lost some weight.

57-Who says I pack too much??
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Perhaps next year I can do it differently. We shall see.

Present in camp with different durations (in alphabetical order) were;
Corvina===AKA Brian
Dannowar===AKA Dan +Eric
Domtesta27===AKA Dom
Fishnstix===AKA Bob +Richard
Gr8fuldude===AKA Paul
Jefe Dos===Jeff +Tom and Dan
John M===AKA John
Mahigeer===AKA Hashem
Makobob=== AKA Bob=== AKA Host with the most!
Mike Fitz==AKA Mike
Mike scales===AKA Mike
Monstafish=== AKA Shane
Mr. PukaShell=== AKA Robert
Sivak===Aka Dave
YakDout === AKA Brandon
We also celebrated Paul and John’s birthday, which was the same night.

Hope you enjoyed the post. Now go get an Aspirin.

THE END

P.S. To my trip-mates; if there is any correction needed in the post please advise. Thank you.