San Quintin Fishing
 

Took the kids to SQ this week for some R&R and some fishing. Didn't get much of either...

Overview
I took the new Trident to San Quintin. I had no fish finder or bait tank, so I was only relying on
surface clues and birds. Very little bird action both days...

Day 1
I started out by thinking I was going to paddle around Bahia SQ, but Capn. Kelly was gracious
enough to let me hitch a ride with his son Oscar. Oscar dropped me off near the point while
his charter was making bait.

I told the family I'd be back at the hotel by 10am and I had the only vehicle.

By the time I got to the point (Cabo San Quintin)an hour after being dropped off, I realized
I only had about 1/2 hour to fish, then I would have to paddle back in to the Old Mill to meet my family.

I paddled to the point looking for 'butts and YT. Bait was plentiful but very small. My bait tank
still hasn't been installed and I left the bucket in the car.

I got a single raked bait after about 25 minutes, then a sea lion wouldn't stop following me,
so I decided to head in. Little did I realize how far it was from the point to the Old Mill.

As it turns out, it's about 8 miles. It took me 4 hours to paddle the entire bay, including
making a wrong turn and paddling up False Bay. Not a lot of fishing, but a great workout!

Day 2
Wanted to fish San Martin and was very determined after yesterday's bad timing. Unfortunately, got
a late start and didn't hit the water until 8am after searching for a decent launch site.

Found my launch and paddled out to San Martin Island. I did this mostly to see if it was
possible. The reports from the locals weren't favorable for San Martin. There were no
other boats fishing there - only a couple of clamers.

San Martin Island
http://www.abszero.com/fishing/07-08/sm-0708.jpg

I fish a couple of paddies along the way and hooked into 'cudas, but nothing more.
I was hoping for YT or possibly dorado. By the time I got to San Martin, I paddled to the West
side of the island and did a single drift for a single Bonito.

3lb. Bonito
http://www.abszero.com/fishing/07-08/sq-bonito-0708.jpg

While this wasn't a successful "catching" trip, I definitely got some intel for my next trip
to SQ. I may head down there next week (sans kids) to actually fish the places I've "discovered".
I think I'd have a chance to score if I spent more than 30 minutes fishing.

How did the Trident work out during all that paddling?

Your insurance agent called, your policy has been cancelled. You violated the cajones/cerebro ratio. lol Glad you made it back ok.

Did the family enjoy the trip? Was there much for them to do around the hotel?

Cool report Dave.

Too bad the fish didn't cooperate.

How was the water, clarity and temp?

The Trident performed flawlessly paddling throughout. In the bay it was super smooth
and in the ocean it handled the slight chop with ease (along with the swell).

Even for the long paddle, it wasn't too bad. While my shoulders got tired, it still didn't feel
like the yak was dragging.

The water was clear, but I couldn't get a temp, since I didn't have the FF.

Weather was cloudy in the morning and sunny in the afternoon. Wind was variable at times, with
it being a bit windy one day.

How long was the paddle to san martin from your launch site?

It was about a 5 mile paddle (one way) from where I launched to the island.