I pushed up the lever drag on the Daiwa Saltiga and came tight immediately. 755 Paseo Obregon. Incredible Striped Marlin Action in Magdalena Bay, Mexico. Soon, Nick calls out every anglers favorite two words. Captain Aldo Atonto tells us the fish will be up within the hour. With options to fish in the Bay, inshore and offshore, you'll be sure to have an amazing time fishing Mag bay. A half-dozen marlin were below, attacking the bait within a few feet of our group. 4 People Minimum, 2 pangas (2 per panga) 7 nights 5 days fishing; I was traveling with retired Marine Col. Hunter Ledbetter who had a friend named Jim Korchinski who owned a charter boat in Cabo. Saltwater charters usually begin toward the end of October and run through January. Those who know me, know that fishing is my life. The local panga fishermen are mad as h*ll that the sardine and marlin are getting fished out illegally with up to 14 large industrial size boats going out of Magdalena Bay every night, each boat harvesting 100 - 200 tons of fish. Sunglasses. Camera (get ready for some superb images!) On kayaks smaller than the big Pro Angler such as the Hobie Passport models from which two anglers fished you can straddle the vessel with your feet in the water to increase resistance. I recall hearing Morgan Promnitzs voice crackle over the VHF under my seat, as a stripey towed him toward the horizon: Marc! Whale watching has been passed down through Crispins family to his adult sonalso our hostMarco Antonio Mendoza, who built a safari-style camp at the base of the mountains on a nearby island. The area erupts with outstanding action in 2019. The Baja Flyfishing Co. LLC offers a variety of guided fly fishing, spin fishing and light tackle off shore packages as well as guided beach and kayak fishing. It hits me with as much depth as the water beneath me. Dinners are not included as there are now more options to eat in town. While shots at multiple marlin are primarily what draws anglers to Mag Bay, its hardly the only outstanding opportunity here. An All Inclusive World Class Fishing Lodge in Magdalena Bay, BCS Mexico, That awkward snippet of time between Christmas and New Years is what I often refer to as the Skin Flap Days. Hot b-fast, pre-pack lunch & cold beverage to-go. Dorado, Tuna, Sailfish, Marlin, and even Wahoo likely on the Fly Panga 23 Recreational Pleasure Refined Polished inner liner Under $17,000.00 + engine, includes global shipping. After catching and mostly releasing many tuna, I dropped slow-pitch jigs during the afternoon in 200 or so feet to catch Pacific red snapper, gulf grouper and various small reef fish. For two days we take turns fishing this bite and entering the marlins underwater world. On other trips, he had watched dozens of marlin finning on the surface as they cruised slowly downsea. This same phenomenon happens in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, with sailfish; the boats look for frigates close to the surface, then run to them. But we had a great morning with yellowfin tuna small to maybe 20 pounds and skipjack. We're hoping to fish for Wahoo. But I wait. Flyfishing is not remotely new to Mag Bay, but the current state of the sport absolutely is. If even one of the four people in this panga had ever flyfished for marlin before, I would feel better. With options to fish in the Bay, inshore and offshore, you'll be sure to have an amazing time fishing Mag bay. This means: It is for the same fishing charter, package and date(s), It has identical amenities attached (including the meal plan, cancellation policy, Cruiser rates vary. Four kayak anglers explore the rich offshore and inshore waters of Baja's Magdalena Bay. His captain, Chip Shafer, runs Smiths custom 64-foot Bayliss Old Reliable from Costa Rica or Guatemala up to Cabo San Lucas in September, and they usually stay through December. Filter results by: Price per Day. The kayakers were brought offshore on pangas but fought the fish on their own. Drake Magazine Back Issue Content: 2009 Recession Fish Birth of a Fly Tyer Winter Reds Arizona Bass Night Stripers Stoneflies and a Girlfriends guide to Flyfishing. The fish at Mag Bay are also well-fed, but the lack of boat harassment and sheer numbers of marlin make it an exceptional destination, especially for fly fishing. His operation is fittingly named Magdalena Bay Whales, but his new camp offers experiences beyond whale watching. There must be 50 to 100 marlin all around me! Daiwas Marc Mills was unable to follow that advice, as he was also hooked up. These boats have to be self-sufficient and will spend their evenings anchored down at one of the three acceptable anchorages. MagBay lodge offers pickups, taxis from loreto, or car rentals are all options. These static bait balls provided the best photo opportunities. Magdalena Sport Fishing! One of the most amazing sights at Mag Bay is watching hordes of striped marlin chase schools of Spanish sardines and tinker mackerel to the surface. It is a type of fishing like you have never seen before. But it is also the common name of the greater environment that surrounds it, including a series of massive barrier islands with their own bays and an active offshore ecosystem. The sea lions also were feeding on the bait when they werent nipping at the stripeys or growling at us. When I see the first sailfish approach the baitball, I swim back to the boat. There are so few boats in Mag Bay that there is never any fighting over bait ballsbut Shafer doesnt chase them at all because he feels that it puts the fish down. It was probably the most incredible experience Ive ever had on the ocean, being able to see them from the stealth of a kayak that left them unaffected by my presence.. Larocque, the owner, uses 26-foot pangas as mother ships to transport kayaks, anglers and gear within and outside the bay. Be Sure to Check Out MAG BAY LURES with MAG BAY LODGE which is where we stayed and who organized this whole beautiful trip for us! The largest town along the bay, Puerto San Carlos, has a handful of hotels and restaurants and is a great base for whale-watching or exploring the bay. Marlin Magazine may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Whale watching has provided an alternative economy, and in some ways a different narrative, on Mag Bay. Brian J. Cantwell. different, you still keep your existing reservation including the cancellation policy. Fast and very furious: Doubleheaders and even triple and quadruple hookups are the norm when striped marlin are actively feeding on bait balls near the surface. On morning number four of our trip, the cool bay air gives me goose bumps as we motor. MAGDALENA BAY, Mexico Just off the bow of our 22-foot open boat what Baja fishermen call a "panga" a whale spout erupts with an adrenalin-spiking "fwooosh." The baitfish school together for protection; the ones on the outside are the first to get eaten, so naturally everyone wants to be in the center. Smith has released more than 5,000 billfish on fly in his career. . We hefted the bow to accommodate the new trailer he backed down, and soon we were again in the water, on the inside, headed back to the lodge under the rising full moon. The conditions of your booking with us still allow penalty-free cancellations and Mag Bay Lodge is one of the few operations in the area that caters to anglers. Top to bottom everything was amazing. The MagBay Advantage; About; Wholesale Registration; Dealer Locator; Product Catalog Sun protective clothing and hat. Also whats the best way from Loreto to Lopez mateos. I found spinners with 20- and 30-pound braid perfect for throwing poppers or Sebile Stick Shadds worked back fast and hard. La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico. It is a long run from the launches out of the bay. Professional naturalist and bi-lingual guides. we're a party of 3 adults. Our contact during the booking process was Marco: he was flexible with our requests about . Panga $450 - Unguided Light Tackle $750 - Guided Fly Fishing. Seen here is Marc Mills with a nice yellowtail. The Drake Magazine. 3. Mag Bay offers a sweet blend of elegant modern lines and the rustic California flare. Hands down, it is my absolute favorite fishing destination and the crew, boats, and service provided just make it so much fun. Their main reason for heading south is to mate and give birth in the protected shallow lagoons in Baja. Ive battled big tarpon, but this is new, and different, and on this morning the unknown has gotten to me. He can probably set up anything. During the calving season, the gray whales migrate to the Baja waters, and so do humans. Striped marlin gather in great numbers off Magdalena Bay during the fall and early winter, but its remote location, cutting deep into the mostly uninhabited Pacific side of the central Baja coast, keeps fishing pressure minimal. Striped marlin gorge on bait balls off far-flung Magdalena Bay, creating unparalleled action and record catch numbers. These places in the bluewater world are teaming with life, and they showcase the dance on a daily basis between apex predators like billfish, sea lions, and anglers. Hundreds of miles of Mangroves Inshore for countless species There are innumerable yacht charters that will literally make all heads turn to the dock. He runs adventure trips all over the world to photograph everything from sharks to orcas to anacondas. 7 hrs whale watching and more. When we reached Thetis Bank, the crew put us in over an 80-foot high spot, though wind and currents quickly moved the kayaks off. his Lodge was built nearly 30 years ago by some well respected Americans with a vision for fishing in Mag Bay that was far ahead of the time. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Magdalena Bay is the name for a 30-mile-long harbor with a collection of mangrove rivers and swamps near the bottom of Baja's Pacific Coast. Next season there will be a fleet of 25-35 Boston Whalers and perfect American built accommodations available in MagBay. Get over here! Magdalena Bay is a gorgeous place to visit just for the pristine beauty, mangroves and giant sand dunes of the outer islands. Hes a perfectionist: Every leader is tied to IGFA specifications, with a 20-pound-test tippet and 12 inches of shock leader. Thank you again for everything. A series of barrier Islands form a . It has moved onto the next stages, where perhaps more balance can be found with each fishermans son or daughter finding opportunity in new industries that are well-managed and well-regulated. quantities. What I like most about mag bay in general is the seclusion and peace. . The fishing in Mag Bay is diverse and plentiful. Discover the amazing variety of fish Mag Bay has to offer! And yes, the snook is too big to fit between the roots.. You, Its been a crazy year for humans but for fish its been just fine. Copyright 2017 - bajaflyfish.com - All Rights Reserved. The next morning, we ran 55 miles south in Enrique's panga to the estero that I believed to be Hoctor's spot. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. . However, the crew soon gave us the high sign; with at least 2 hours to get to the lodge, it was time to pack up. The return trip took us perhaps 20 additional minutes when the wheel bearings in the old trailer failed halfway across the sand. Wed been researching and prepping for this trip for months, bringing enough gear to fish for whatever we encountered. I feel the grab on my second cast. Once relaunched, we encountered a northwest wind, not yet brisk but enough to promise a slow, bumpy ride. Thats all he likes to do, and he does it way better than anyone Ive ever fished with. Show map . Within a couple of minutes of hopping into the kayak, a savage strike had ripped line from the spool. Please call for a quote. https://magbaylodge.com/ . Behind me, Ricardo lets out a soft whistle that sounds just like a distant coyote. About. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. So, come out and say hi and let's set you up for visiting us in La Paz in 2023! Once at the grounds, the kayaks slide easily off the pangas low sides. Our next trip: October 20-25, 2022. 10:30-12:30 PM Tour. For over 18 years, family-operated Mag Bay Tours (U.S. tel. Captain Frankie to make sure we catch as much fish as you can. Many are also reminiscent of North America. The sardine run is going to be extinct at this rate. Its not a place to learn flycasting; its a place where knowing how to manipulate 500-grain sink-tips is just as important as knowing how to move big poppers on floating lines. Time and tide now allow ! Our stay at Magdalena Bay was both exciting and educational, but there was still more to come on this trip. Cancn's up there somewhere. 4 STROKE YAMAHA OUTBOARD. The sight of multiple tall dorsal fins cutting through bait schools is enough to get any anglers heart racing. We have two well-equipped sport fishing boats, as well as multiple pangas (covered or non-covered), depending on where you want to go and what you want to catch. Private TOUR. These are commercial fishing villages, where local knowledge is passed down from father to son. CABO PANGA FISHING--This tasty wahoo-dorado combo came aboard the Cabo San Lucas charter panga Cheer's for anglers Renee Shattuck and Miguel Hernandez, on a day that also produced 11 more dorado and a sailfish with Capt. Some boats continue to rack up double and a . The excellent fishing also continued inside the bay for . Panga (Boat) Price: $595 for the whole day, price will include up to 6 adults. Promnitz said later he might have been close enough to cast a jig to them. Loading kayaks back aboard is as simple as the unloading, whether heading back to the lodge or to another fishing spot. By 3 p.m., seas were sporty and building. 4 nights of lodging in Costa Baja Resort. Casting anything you want all day long and hooking wahoo, giant tuna, dorado, marlin one after another on every cast. Our packages will include: Roundtrip professional ground transfers from and to the Loreto airport; The best accommodations in San Carlos; Breakfast and panga lunches; 4 days of panga fishing (3-4 per . Fishing in Mag Bay. Mostly they are out on the Ridge. I wanted to take the time to give you some really good feedback on our trip with your team this year! If you have always wanted to fishing in Mag Bay, there is no better option. ENSENADA YELLOWTAIL GURU--Panga fishing at Ensenada with Vonny's Fleet includes a traditional Baja beach launch at the southeast corner of the bay for quick access to the prime fishing grounds at the tip of Punta Banda . . The pedal drives free up the kayakers hands when fighting fish, and reviving billfish. Your email address will not be published. If you want to have a great time by the sea, Tag Cabo Sportfishing is your best bet. Check with locals or hire one of the guides on the bay to take you to the current hot spot or species. Then, quiet. There is nowhere else like it on Earthyou just have to figure out how to get there. Our Packages are based on 2 Anglers, notice that this is a suggestion you can add Anglers, days or combine it with other locations. From about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., fishing 35 or so miles off Mag Bays southern entrance in Baja California, Mexico, four kayakeros released nine striped marlin. Just dont expect flats boats, perfect English, or guides with full fly boxes. Looking for info on Lodgings and Panga rentals in Mag Bay for a few days in September. full service galley A/C. I can deal with anything at all to get to the great fishing, but here the trip is simple, the place is fantastic, and the fishing is utterly ridiculous. We hopped out and lifted the bow while the driver pulled the truck away, unhooked the trailer and soon arrived with another old trailer. Looking out onto the Bay of Banderas, this town is finely positioned for inshore and nearshore fishing, with deepwater action on offer in the Pacific Ocean just a few miles out. You can select from a day tour (US$450 per boat for five hours of whale . In the event of cancellation notice must be received in writing by the spot holder or charter master 180 days . On one dive, there were five snorkelers in a semi-circle and a family of sea lions swimming opposite from us. All rights reserved. The experience is both fascinating and intriguing. Cabo Fishing rentals/ Cabo fishing Charters. It is one of the longest bays, it is considered the second largest in the Pacific. Marco and a few locals have begun taking experienced free-divers to the marlin grounds, where they pay to swim near the baitballs found offshore here in the fall. Driving in the natural scenery along Bajas mountain range we take you to Magdalena Bay to take pleasure and admire one of the most exceptional grey whales encounters; where we get close to experience them onboard a full-equipped, open boat "Panga.". We will match the rate of the other deal if the You can drive all the way to Mag Bay. How many fisheries in the offshore world allow you to first experience the angling, then immerse yourself in the water with your quarry? A surreal feeling begins setting in as the soft light of evening meets the low slack tide. Or normally out of the bay? The experience is both fascinating and intriguing. Baha Magdalena is a protected bay on the Pacific coast in Baja Sur. 1. The fear is gone in an instant. We build custom fly and light-tackle fishing packages that suit your plans, and your . At one point, the crew in one panga shouted excitedly into the radio something about cow yellowfin swimming underneath the boat. The in-water viewpoint was very interesting. As he fished, Promnitz watched a school of large sardines get picked off one by one by a wolf pack of a dozen marlin, using body language and coloration to communicate as they took turns teaming up on the baitfish, he told me later. Bob Hoyt Mag Bay Outfitters He is on here as well. So, here we will try to, Fishing Report MagBay Oct 13 2020 So far this season has been a little unusual. Great, I think to myself. We all know that fishing in Mag Bay is world class. One problem I flyfish and got a guide already. Light jacket or sweater. Contact Jimmy Camacho from Jimmys Sportfishing. If youre planning your next getaway to Baja California Sur, the lagoons of Mag Bay are a must-see! Jonathan. Mag Bay is almost the same size as San Francisco Bay. The area has numerous small commercial fishing villages where the expertise and fishing knowledge is passed down in families. This is familiar; this pull, this need to clear my line rapidly. Magdalena Bay; La Paz; Blog; Boat Specs Solid reinforced fiberglass hull. And in the case of Mag Bay, the bigger that sense of adventure the better. We work in partnership with ex-fishermen panga captains who turned to eco-experiences and have the knowledge and network to absolutely maximize your experience here. Prices subject to change without notice. In addition, Loreto's waters are home to other species like snapper and seabass, all year long. The interconnected bays include Bahia Magdalena, Bahia Almeja and a series of smaller bays ending at Santa Domingo to the north. twin 500 hp john deere turbo diesel. View map . Required fields are marked *. . I hear waves hitting the side of the boat, birds calling out, radio chatter, Spanish being spoken rapidly. We watch a reel getting emptied and watch the fish leap, flip, and dive. You know fishing is good when it has come to strictly catch and release on wahoo and even tuna. Smith told me they were at the Finger one day when there were marlin tails everywhere and everything imaginable was crashing a bait ball the size of an Olympic swimming pool: birds, dolphins, whales, marlin, mahi. The Fishery: There are three separate fisheries accessible from the small Pueblo of Adolfo Lopez Mateos. Its a place for the most curious and adventurous people to be at. Whale watching sessions by Panga. This gives me some time to calm down. Two minutes later, Aldo points and says, matter-of-factly, Marlin. I jump to the bow, strip line off my reel, and stand in awe as 15 marlin blitz bait around us. We are in the Bahia San Francisco, not to be confused with the Bahia San Francisquito, there is the Bahia de Los Angeles and in general the names here are very Christian: Isla Espiritu Santo, Bahia Concepcion, Santa Maria, Magdalena Bay, Isla Angel de la Guardia, Asuncion, Todos Santos. The waters are teeming with fascinating marine life, and the Baja peninsula is primarily known as a fishing paradise. 4) The Panga brings the kayaks out to the location so they are ready when we arrive in the boat. My head snaps around to locate it. I grabbed it, pushed off from the panga and pedaled hard as I free-spooled away from my lively 7-inch mackerel. From dawn til dusk. With anglers launched, the pangas remain in proximity and in contact to bring bait, food and drinks, gear, or to pick up fish for dinner and put them on ice. What I like most about mag bay in general is the seclusion and peace. You have contacted us immediately after booking with all the details of the other deal You Save. ADIOS LA PAZ CARNAVALE 2018! 888.752.2828; FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING OVER $50; More. Custom Fly Fishing Panga Package 7 days: $2950/person At The New Island Home, Includes air port transfers, lodging, and meals. Baja Flyfishing Co is excited to offer Lopez Mateos/Magdelena Bay as one of our destinations, providing access to several hundred miles of mangrove channels, pristine beaches and the fabled Thetis Banks. Offshore vs. Inshore Fishing in Cabo San Lucas: Which is Right for You? The Lodge at Mag Bay offers a truly extraordinary experience. The central Baja region is home to Wahoo, Yellowfish tuna, Wahoo, and Dorado. Most of the striped marlin are between 80 and 125 pounds; rarely will you see one surpassing 150 pounds, making them perfect fish for light tackle or the fly rod. 5) Clients board the kayaks at the fishing grounds with full bait tank. Little has changed over the years in this small fishing village where the main available activities are around the fishing, whale watching and Eco Touring. $1000 for a Cape Horn 27 and $1,750 for a Pro Cat 37. Difficult as this adventure might seem, you can catch more striped marlin in a week here than you can in a half-dozen seasons in Southern California. This luxury fishing yacht charter with a personal chef onboard cooking meals and 2 deckhands working alongside. It's normal for the whales to surround the boat, play around, and look you in the eye. Each winter, adventurous tourists come to meet and touch grey whales that have come en masse to get their offspring through the first few months of life. Larocque, the owner, uses 26-foot pangas as mother ships to transport kayaks, anglers and gear within and outside the bay. I have been visiting mag bay since my youth. Nearby, Promnitz and Mills found good action on yellowtail to 25 pounds in mid-depths, fishing speed jigs. The afternoon was filled with searching for wildlife from the bow as National Geographic Sea Bird navigated Canal de Soledad. Swimming with the fishes in Baja By John Huber Photos by Nick Price. What to target, and where, within the greater Mag Bay system, are decisions that might leave anglers second-guessing over a vast expanse of quiet water. The food is true Mexican cuisine with a varied and customized choice of meals that is included with your stay. Often there will be a half-dozen boats circling one bait ball. Blue Skys trolling tackle was heavier than I normally usemost of their light tackle was on one of Korchinskis other boats, but they did have several smaller outfits that were used to catch bait and mahi, so we rigged them up with 5 feet of 60-pound-test leader and a 9/0 circle hook. Mexico's Magdalena "Mag" Bay is among the best and most consistent sportfishing experiences in the world. If you prefer to Fly Fish from Our ProKat or CapeHorn please just refer to standard offshore packages for pricing. Several times the fish towed me over flashing silver scales adrift after the carnage of marlin attacks. The best out of 7 charter fishing deals in Magdalena Bay - enter dates to check availability . The multi-station layout on the Jarrett Bay 56 makes it a one-of-a-kind sportfishing boat. Winter fishing features "yellow tail" (jurel) and other species that usually are deep in the sea rocks. For more information email us at tagsportfishing@gmail.com or click on the link Mag Bay fishing trips. There were five of us on the trip and we had five days to chase bait balls. I hop on a boat, shoot out in the morning, flip some baits around the red rooster III who just got there from a 3 day run. Our SUV is bouncing along the dirt moguls of a dark road . Magdalena Bay - SLC magbaylures.com Name Toby Boat Name 36' ProKat Aug 31, 2018 #11 . There is only one hotel for Magdalena Bay. Hi, no Wahoo never come inside the bay. Im not sure if Ricardo is even aware of how skilled he is at imitating every bird, insect, or wild sound he hears, but Ive noticed. I put a foot in the middle of the kayak and in one quick motion swiveled to plop my butt down on the seat as Larocque leaned over the side to click a Mirage pedal-drive unit into its slots. . The diving is great! Bring in 5 Wahoo, a few tuna and dorado and head home for a Wahoo Ceviche dinner! Juan was fantastic and really went above and beyond to make sure our time there was special and unique. How To Choose The Right Propellers For Your Outboard Engines. Magdalena Bay (often called Mag Bay by Americans, but according to the professor we heard lecture that is not preferred by Mexicans) is a gigantic natural harbor at 25 miles N-S and 13 miles E-W with multiple good anchorages. 1). The marlin will corral baitfish into tightly packed balls before feeding at will. Our plan was simple. Gathering my thoughts and my breath, I start to move, swimming toward a grey shadow. The plan was to run up beyond the feeding marlin and cast a live bait into the fray. . Outfitting on Mag Bay has increased over the years, and the business of guiding flyfishers seems to be on the upswing. Round trip transfers from Loreto, the closest airport, are in our listed package prices. Landing this exotic and surprising prize opened our imaginations. Fishing far offshore might take longer, particularly with a stiff headwind chop. BD Outdoors began as a forum-based fishing community to connect saltwater anglers and provide a home to share the latest fishing reports and news. This past su. Known locally as The Whale King, Mendoza is a pioneer of whale watching and sport fishing on the bay. Any info would be greatly appreciated . : $950. California fly angler wins conventional bass tourney. We're hoping to fish for Wahoo. There is no dependable water source in the region, which has greatly restricted development; there are also no big-boat marinas, very few hotels and a minimal supply of reliable fuel. For more information about the optimal seasons to visit Baha Magdalena, as well as the sport fishing options available and other more specific details, click on the link below. Doing battle with a striped marlin from a kayak typically results in a sleigh ride. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Its relative inaccessibility has allowed it to remain one of those rare places that time has virtually forgotten. . Magdalena Bay Whales - Your Adventure Our Passion . Part of the issue with Mag Bay and cheap Pangas is that the Wahoo are about 40 miles offshore generally and in the pacific. He knows fishing and is always ready. following conditions are met: According to customer reviews, some of the most popular fishing charters in Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur are: 2023 FishingBooker.com. Our 24 ft panga is for 2 anglers is $400 per day. Max 4 anglers per cruiser. There were marlin everywhere, not just on the bait balls. I could hear shouting across the waves, as other kayak anglers, rods bent over hard, were pulled in various directions. Silver Lining Kings. Magdalena Bay fishing area weather was partly cloudy in the high-70s, with water temperatures at 67 to 73 degrees. I never fished Mag Bay, but I want to soon. Between these islands and smaller sand banks which . 3 Days Fishing Pro Cat 36 5 Nights Lodge, 3 Days Fishing Cape Horn 28 5 Nights Lodge. calm waterways of a . Ramon . The road trip takes a few hours from the airports at La Paz, San Jose del Cabo, or Loreto. All reservations for charter are considered tentative until 25% deposit is received. You can view the rates for lodging here: . All rights reserved. from La Ventana around the waters off Cabo San Lucas and all the way up the Pacific Coast to Magdalena Bay - Wherever the fishing action is best. Copyright 2018 Baja Fishing Convoys - All Rights Reserved. The Location and Accommodations: Lopez Mateos is still a very remote part of the Baja and as such is a long ways from the bustle of Cabo and La Paz. The gray whale spends summers in the waters off Alaska, and then heads 6,000 miles (almost 10,000 km) south to the warmer lagoons of Baja in January, February and March. That begs some explanation. In the afternoons we still found the bait balls, but they were smaller and probably tired.