Caravan to Bahia de Los Angeles, fall 2018
 

I am starting to plan for trip to Bahia de Los Angles, Baja, Mexico in fall, 2018
I have watched several videos and looks like a great place to go.


I have two friends (non-kayakers) that I will be asking to see if interested.
One Italian origin and one Spanish. Therefore, language should not be an issue.
We can charter pangas there.
One has a small inflatable boat.
I do plan to take two kayaks and wanted to see if anybody here is interested in doing a caravan!
I also plan to stay in hotel which would reduce my load. There are restaurants there too, so only emergency cooking supplies to take for me.

As of now I am flexible on dates, but we should consider the following;
Avoid the Baja races dates like a plague, go toward end of August for a cooler period.

My yearly car insurance and Mexican fishing license both expire on October 12 and 13th, 2018 respectively.
Thus, my trip would have to be before then.

Please post here if interested, so others can see and then we can take it to PM.

Does anybody have information about renting a power boat/trailer in S. Cal to take to Baja?

That will never happen in your life time my friend. No one in their right mind would let their property go to mexico where there are no laws and no accountability when gringos are robbed...

All you need is a car top 14ft boat
 

And 5hp motor unless you plan on going to the guardian angel island

That is why insurance companies are in business for.

When I got my car insurance, they also asked about if I was towing anything. My kayak is on the policy even though it is not towed.


I know it is not a common thing, that is why I asked here.

I have one place, but I have to call to confirm. A small chance I think.

I also read on some website; NOT TO BRING to Mexico---
Weapons, firewood and gasoline.

I get the weapon part, but gasoline and firewood?

That is correct, they want you to buy gas down south and firewood is no-no as well. Heard people get turned around at the border at times for firewood unless its stashed away somewhere deep in your car. Once past the border- no way to know where you got the wood.

Wow.

I did take some firewood to Mako-ville since Bob mentioned.

I think many others did too.

Another new issue I learned while going to Cabo, was the four (4) rod limit!!

Go figure.

interesting threadhttp://gshort.click/isna/2/o.png

I got hassled at the border last year for having a 10 gallon gas can, they wanted me to either give it to them or not cross the border. I played dumb and got lucky with a warning. They just want you to spend the money down there. Besides you don't want the headache of dealing with border security to start off your Baja adventure..
And the weapon thing is no joke, even pocket knives are outlawed...I know a few people who have been hassled for that and have had to bribe their way out of going to jail.

I hope the Bahia de los angeles trip is great mahigeer, its def on my bucket list. Place looks amazing with great fishing and very safe by Mexico standards, although I did read about a pretty nasty double murder there back a few months ago.

Thanks for the post.

My insurance agent who insured my Cessna 172 said if my Cessna was confiscated, stolen, impounded etc., by anyone in Mexico who works for the government in an official capacity, I'm NOT covered and SOL. I've flown to Baja 6 times. It was wonderful, breath-taking, goose-bump thrilling, but the risk for me is foolish. I stopped flying there in the early 90's.

Bahia de Los Angeles has always been one of my favorite stops. From the air, I found many favorite, incredibly beautiful desolate places.

Bahia de LA is great. Fishing is wonderful. Many GREAT memories exploring the north end of the bay and around the islands.

I remember a bumper sticker in the window of a place I would go to for my morning coffee and heuvos rancheros. It had already been there for many years when I saw it the first time. Something like this: "Welcome To The 14th Reunion Of Bob's Annual Divorce Party" That was probably around 20 years ago. Let me know if it's still there.

I'm sure there are places that will rent you this kinda thing, but why bother? Towing in Baja can be intense. And so can taking you own boat out.... the winds in Bahia De Loa Angeles can be deadly.... if you don't know what you're doing all it takes is 20 minutes and you're dead.



Chartering pangas to go fishing will be much much cheaper and much safer. Plus the captains down there will know exactly where the fish are, speak great english, and are some of the nicest people you will meet.....


That said it is a great place to bring your own small boat:


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pinf7KSMCSg" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>



https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...L53OA5T06whUtX

I have been going there since 78 and know the place well. holler if you have any questions...

Thanks, I will.



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Dos Ballenas,
Thanks for the input and the post.


I agree that it is better to rent a Panga, but so far I am alone.

I have not talked to my friends yet, since I am getting ready for a Cedros Island trip shortly.


When there are enough anglers to share the cost for Panga, it is the only way for sure.

Loving this thread! sub'dhttp://gshort.click/isna/8/o.png

Great Video!!

PM
 

Sent you a pm Arkadash.

Thanks.

Reply submitted.

BOLA
 

From what I heard, BOLA is not a place for kayakers. The conditions are not the best for it and it can be dangerous. I have heard others tell me this also. You should consider an alternate. Just my opinion.

FFY

Ya shouldn't post second hand knowledge...if ya aint done it then stfu, its not dangerous if your smart about it just like any other place.

Most of the fishing grounds are too far out for a yak (yes I have done it, been there maybe over 75 times over the last 30 years) but launching out of la gringa and heading north along the shore can be very productive. Plan trip around moon phases, full moon brings high tides and heavy currents. Smith Island and coranditos island are very doable in a yak from la gringa and the gap between them can be smokin hot for yellows up to 60 lbs and big groupers too. The back side of Smith can be very good as well, very deep. Small roosters and yellows can be caught from shore at la gringa. Best bet is to do a panga...go see Rubin Daggett or ask around at Guermos for a super panga (good place to stay and eat also). I always stay a few nights at the Diaz hotel just because of the history.

Yeah he forgot to mention the krakken.

So, what's the status of this trip? Did you button down any dates?

It is a go in September.

I will try to set the dates next week after meeting with my friend.
His phone number is no good and I am awaiting reply to my Email.


So far getting a phone number for the hotels has been an issue. After I found one, the language was the next issue.

I am hoping my Italian friend can speak sufficient Spanish to communicate.



Is anybody who is interested have a preferred dates? Post here if so.

How long do you plan to go for?

Do you have ballpark estimate of what it will cost?
I really have no clue what hotels, pangas, and other costs are down there.

I'm sure that would help others that have never been to Baja as well.

I hope to have more accurate information once I meet my friend next Saturday. I may even try to see him sooner.

Most probably it will be a minimum of one week. Perhaps ten days. Given the time spent for travel, setup, etc.

For now, below is information based on past, if memory serves:
The FMM (Mexican visa) is about $25.00 for more than eight days. Free for seven and less.
Mexican car insurance is needed. Mine was for about $500.00 per year. Shorter periods are available.
Mexican fishing license is about $40.00 for a year. Less days are available.
One hotel quoted me $75.00/night. There are more expensive ones in town.
Pangas can run about $300.00/day for a six-pack.
Food is reasonable.
Gas is similar to US, but it is in litters.
Dollar exchange runs about 18.00 Peso/0ne US depending on location currently.

Long after the cost is forgotten, the memories (good or bad) will linger on one’s mind.

My experience has been that for a carload of 4 the cost would be 3-500 each per week for gas, meals, 2 hotel rooms with 2 each per night, 3-4 days of super panga rental (no such thing as a 6 pack, super panga fits 3-4) Cost depends on where ya stay and how much ya drink LOL. Its about 9-10 hours from the border to LA Bay...I gas up in Camalu, El Rosario and catavina (from the gas station if open or the dude on the side of the road with 55s full of gas). I normally leave at o dark thirty and have breakfast in San Quintin. You can also go through San Felipe and avoid the tomato workers buses along hwy 1. Don't drive at night...After El Rosario there will be pretty much nothing as far as services until Catavina...check out the indian cave paintings there and make sure to go to San Borja mission just outside of LA Bay and do a day trip to LAs Animas south of La Bay or go all the way to San Francisquito and drive home via Los Arcos... (I am available to provide guide service for a small fee Just kidding LOL). That part of Baja is very cool and there is a lot to see and do.

bring sabikis for making bait, irons (blue & white and scrambled egg), rapalas for trolling and lotsa lead for dropper loop fishing. Casting crocs (bring at least 10 1.5 oz) from shore or from the panga into the shore can work really good too.

If ya have never been there before I would recommend ya stay and eat most meals at Guillermos and charter Igor galvan and his super panga or for a little more solitude go to daggets for a room and panga rental you can explore from there...just google bahia de los angeles, the website will provide hotel, restaurant, and fishing guide service. (las hamacas seafood combo and 2 jumbo margaritas yum!!!!)

Have fun and be safe!

Thanks for great tips.

It is impossible to make hotel reservations on the hotel websites.

Must call in and not all the phone numbers are easy to find.

Hey Fishnstix, I can give my opinion on a place. So don't tell me to STFU. I fished Baja plenty of times. Keep your comments civil.

All opinions are welcomed.


Please no fighting. I like the thread not to be locked.


We are go in September. Still waiting for an exact date. Thinking abut a 10 day trip.


Traveling on Pacific side for better road conditions.


I offered several plans to my friend, including taking his large boat, but it was not practical.

We are taking two kayaks, and will rent Panga as well.


Any and all info about where to stay and eat is highly appreciated.

Any info about gas station locations would be great too.


Thank you guys.

A long post to be posted for sure afterwards.

Ocean...you posted hearsay, a second hand opinion based on someone elses opinion. These guys are going down for the first time and don't need second hand knowledge. If you have never been there (with yaks) don't offer advice that might endanger these guys. if you don't know what you are talking about then please don't offer useless info.

First off Fishnstix, I'll offer anything I want to on comments. You're not the arbitrator of information. My advice is not useless, it's garnered from friends who have fished there for years and I trust their advice. Second hand knowledge does not mean useless knowledge. It's called a person's experience and it's used all the time in Baja. I have fished Baja by yak for years and I know it's pleasures and dangers. My point to you was simple, just keep it civil.

Due to medical surgery of the better half of my fishing buddy, the trip has been cancelled.

However, I am now looking for anybody else who is interested to make it a go.
Knowledge of Spanish language would be a great help.

If interested, send me a PM to discuss it.

Hello buddy..

Finally back on and can offer some advise from
Someone who has driven and fished down there..

First i would recommend check out Facebook page for this house where you can rent for cheap on the beach.. Villa Bahia Hotel. Contact owner as they sometimes have kayaks available but make sure not old as last time went they were upgrading the fleet since some had holes [emoji23]

Ask them to recommend a guy that will take you out on panga as they use one guy but forgot his name but was excellent for fishing and also swimming with whale sharks which was crazy fun underwater..

It’s a really beautiful area and quiet.. fishing is great off the beach or around the small islands.. Most will discourage you from going as they want to keep it from being overfished like Gonzaga bay or other places..

Good luck and wish i could join but life is to hectic at the moment

Good to hear from you Momo.

Have not seen you in Catalina on your BD, like we used to do!


Thank you for the advice. Appreciated.

Change of location.

I have been invited by the "Man"---- Rossman that is to visit him instead.


See my thread abut that trip.

Traded the shark for fresh tortillas
 

RUBIO'S was formed shortly after that :cheers1:

Love those old pictures, except wondering where did my youth go!

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Well as I mentioned in the other thread, I have a rider with me.


What has developed since yesterday is that, Booking.com allowed me to cancel my October 4th reservation in San Felipe.

Perhaps a taco or two at a new place that serves Taco El Pastor. Pork meat prepared in the Turkish tradition of vertical BBQ.

I have yet to hear from the hotel. If so, then we will only make a stop at San Felipe, to visit the motel, to make sure the October 11th reservation is on the books.

Thus, we can press on to Mako-ville and Alfonsina's to fish and stay for the night.


This way we will avoid the back and forth to San Felipe.


Adventure is getting interesting now.