Gonzaga Bay camping thread - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

GregAndrew · 01-08-2014, 07:47 AM

I recommend the air mattress also. The campsites down there are sand over something the consistency of hard sand stone. Don't even bother with the cheap wire tent stakes and bring a hammer of some type. Fill all the rings with stakes and bring extra tent rods if you have them. Please use caution at Gonzaga Bay with the prevailing winds, which are offshore. I would not recommend the location to anyone without experience in wind and wind-chop. General rule of thumb is "when you see the dust kicking up on the hills, way back behind and above the camp, it is time to head back". If you don't experience high winds at some point, you have just experienced a miracle. Megabaits, Irons and some topwater lures are the mainstays. You can use plastics, but not in the open water cause the Triggers will bite em in half. There are a couple of mini marts within 1 mile of the camp grounds, one with gas. Pangas are available at Papa Fernandez' camp. I think we only went through 2 or maybe 3 checkpoints crossing at Mexicali, but one is between Papa's and the marts, and the beach camp grounds are on the other side of the marts. Last year they were 1 bridge completion from paving all the way beyond the bay. Campo Beluga, where we stayed, had flush toilet outhouses and fresh water shower stalls (not heated).

walrus · 01-08-2014, 09:15 AM

If you're not in a hurry to get equipped for the April trip, I would like to talk to you at our pre-trip get together.

I have been camping nearly all my life and I teach desert and winter camping skills. It's very difficult to find the right sleeping system for you via a web forum. I'll be happy to discuss what you need to be as comfortable a possible.

I would be happy to talk about any camping questions anyone on the trip may have at the pre-trip get together.

buddha · 01-08-2014, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walrus

If you're not in a hurry to get equipped for the April trip, I would like to talk to you at our pre-trip get together.

I have been camping nearly all my life and I teach desert and winter camping skills. It's very difficult to find the right sleeping system for you via a web forum. I'll be happy to discuss what you need to be as comfortable a possible.

I would be happy to talk about any camping questions anyone on the trip may have at the pre-trip get together.

Sent you a PM with my telephone number.

Iceman · 01-08-2014, 09:35 AM

Ahhh .........Bahia San Luis Gonzaga

makobob · 01-08-2014, 09:46 AM

Iceman, what sweet memories, thank you for sharing. Tight lines and bloody gaffs.

Makobob

tattuna · 01-08-2014, 09:55 AM

1st time I went camping ever was in Gonzaga in 2004. I've been back at least once a year ever since. Like Greg mentioned the winds are no joke! They'll topple your tents. Be sure to bring some rope to tie your tent to the palapa to help keep it from caving in on you. The winds there usually blow from 30-40 mph anywhere from a few hours to a few days at a time.

I've only camped at Campo Beluga since it has restrooms and showers. $20 a night per palapa. Each palapa can fit 3 or 4 tents comfortably. You can camp at Papa Fernandez or Alfonsinas but neither have showers unless you rent a room.

A good site to check out is the webcam at www.papafernandez.com. I think it takes a picture every 30 minutes. A good source to check the days before your trip to check on conditions.

This is a pic we took at the webcam a few years ago. Flat calm that day but 40+ mph winds that night turned the bay into a raging rough sea. The average tides are around 30 feet.

You guys are gonna love it there! Bring lots of jigs and prepared to get freight trained by the grouper and snappers that rule the reef. I can't make it in April but I hope to get down there this year.

Another thing worth noting is to know the difference between a totouava and a wsb. They both can be found in that area that time of year and look fairly similar. Biggest difference is the totouava will land you in jail. The totouava is usually a little more bronze in color and sometimes has spots on the dorsal fin. I don't remember if they have a "zipper" like wsb.

GregAndrew · 01-08-2014, 09:59 AM

No zipper on them.

01-08-2014, 09:35 AM	#4
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	Ahhh .........Bahia San Luis Gonzaga __________________

01-08-2014, 09:46 AM	#5
makobob Baitless on Baja Join Date: May 2013 Location: Vista California, Gonzaga, San Quintin, Asuncion, Mag Bay Posts: 4,250	Iceman, what sweet memories, thank you for sharing. Tight lines and bloody gaffs. Makobob __________________ http://www.mako-ville.com Home 760-630-4470 Cell 760-520-2514 YES YOU CAN

01-08-2014, 09:55 AM	#6
tattuna Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pasadena Posts: 329	1st time I went camping ever was in Gonzaga in 2004. I've been back at least once a year ever since. Like Greg mentioned the winds are no joke! They'll topple your tents. Be sure to bring some rope to tie your tent to the palapa to help keep it from caving in on you. The winds there usually blow from 30-40 mph anywhere from a few hours to a few days at a time. I've only camped at Campo Beluga since it has restrooms and showers. $20 a night per palapa. Each palapa can fit 3 or 4 tents comfortably. You can camp at Papa Fernandez or Alfonsinas but neither have showers unless you rent a room. A good site to check out is the webcam at www.papafernandez.com. I think it takes a picture every 30 minutes. A good source to check the days before your trip to check on conditions. This is a pic we took at the webcam a few years ago. Flat calm that day but 40+ mph winds that night turned the bay into a raging rough sea. The average tides are around 30 feet. You guys are gonna love it there! Bring lots of jigs and prepared to get freight trained by the grouper and snappers that rule the reef. I can't make it in April but I hope to get down there this year. Another thing worth noting is to know the difference between a totouava and a wsb. They both can be found in that area that time of year and look fairly similar. Biggest difference is the totouava will land you in jail. The totouava is usually a little more bronze in color and sometimes has spots on the dorsal fin. I don't remember if they have a "zipper" like wsb. __________________ IG @tattuna

01-08-2014, 07:47 AM	#1
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	I recommend the air mattress also. The campsites down there are sand over something the consistency of hard sand stone. Don't even bother with the cheap wire tent stakes and bring a hammer of some type. Fill all the rings with stakes and bring extra tent rods if you have them. Please use caution at Gonzaga Bay with the prevailing winds, which are offshore. I would not recommend the location to anyone without experience in wind and wind-chop. General rule of thumb is "when you see the dust kicking up on the hills, way back behind and above the camp, it is time to head back". If you don't experience high winds at some point, you have just experienced a miracle. Megabaits, Irons and some topwater lures are the mainstays. You can use plastics, but not in the open water cause the Triggers will bite em in half. There are a couple of mini marts within 1 mile of the camp grounds, one with gas. Pangas are available at Papa Fernandez' camp. I think we only went through 2 or maybe 3 checkpoints crossing at Mexicali, but one is between Papa's and the marts, and the beach camp grounds are on the other side of the marts. Last year they were 1 bridge completion from paving all the way beyond the bay. Campo Beluga, where we stayed, had flush toilet outhouses and fresh water shower stalls (not heated).

01-08-2014, 09:15 AM	#2
walrus Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Baja fish camp Posts: 478	If you're not in a hurry to get equipped for the April trip, I would like to talk to you at our pre-trip get together. I have been camping nearly all my life and I teach desert and winter camping skills. It's very difficult to find the right sleeping system for you via a web forum. I'll be happy to discuss what you need to be as comfortable a possible. I would be happy to talk about any camping questions anyone on the trip may have at the pre-trip get together.

01-08-2014, 09:59 AM	#7
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	No zipper on them.