Every spring, summer and fall a few of us from both coasts spend a week panga fishing at Cerralvo Island/Punta Arena area. Yellowfin tuna, skipjack, Pacific jack crevalle, dorado, five species of pampano and snapper and rooster fish keep our rods doubled over. The food is fantastic. We have two fantastic local cooks who prepare all of our meals, but you will have to open the cooler door to get a icy cold beer. Special dietary needs? Just let us know.I have had the same cooks since 2006 and the meals get better every year. Fresh sashimi, sushi and incredible fish tacos are and even rib eye steak is typical fare. The barbecue is very busy! And the camaraderie is even better. Your single occupancy air conditioned room and our dining room with an on the beach view of Cerralvo Island and Punta Arena . makes for a casual fun atmosphere. Most everyone enthusiastically makes a date to return at the same time every year. Our season starts in April and ends in October.
What time of year is best? April and May are cooler and cooler water species like snapper, pampano, jacks and roosters are more prevalent than dorado and some of the tuna family that appear more often as the water warms.The roosters are also very catchable in June and dorado become more numerous too. Billfish start to appear along with many other species. July is about multiple species including big dorado, billfish, wahoo and multiple species of the tuna family. In August and September I expect, and usually get, many dorado, yellowfin tuna, black skipjack, true skipjack and the occasional billfish. Water temps climb close to 90+degrees F. Some anglers return after there spring or summer trip for the fall variety!
Price includes seven nights single occupancy in a beachfront lodge with daily maid service, three great meals per day with beer and soft drinks, local taxes, fishing licenses, panga fishing (two anglers) for six days, and local surf fishing in front of the hotel. Airfare, hotel transfer, bait, and tips to guides and staff are not included. Manny, our English speaking taxi driver will be waiting for you at the airport. Ground transportation to the panga fleet is provided by us for the entire week. See trip documents for more details.
Sit on top kayaks and SUPs to paddle near the hotel are included. If you wish, bring a small ice chest and freezer bags for transporting some of your catch home. We encourage catch and release!
Gary will provide tutelage as needed in fly fishing in the surf, and from pangas (boats). Instruction will include casting, knot tying, leader building, and fly tying or whatever you want to work on. The captains are from fishing families that have fished in Las Arenas environs for generations. Gary has built a strong relationship with them over the 28 years he has been fishing here. They are the very best fly fishing captains in the area. Learn flies and methods specifically adapted to the climate, habitats and species of this rich area on the Sea of Cortez. This is prime time for some of the best fishing at Las Arenas and Cerralvo Island, which always offers a large variety of fish to target. In the opinion of many, including me, there is no better place to fish in Baja because of all the different types of habitat-and the abundance of species. Because of our multiple opportunities to cast to fish every day, you will be a much better angler at the end of the week. But most importantly, we have fun!
La Ventana is located in an isolated area about one hour from La Paz. It is a small wind surfing village in the winter with very friendly people and a quiet atmosphere. We are right on the very fishable beach, but there is no pool, ATMs, nightclubs or mall shopping nearby. The hotel atmosphere is casual and clean. Clean (no writing or tears) US dollars are very acceptable and in common usage. For packing, gear, and transportation information see Trip Documents . Or contact Gary here and request a registration packet.
The cost of the trip per person is based on single occupancy. A fifty-percent deposit and Registration and Acceptance of Responsibility forms are required to reserve your spot. The total must be paid in full 60 days before the trip, payable in US dollars by cash, check or money order. Sorry, no credit cards accepted. These trips are first come first serve and are limited to eleven people-and many clients now reserve a year or two in advance.
Upon arrival your assigned room will be shown to you with a quick tour of our facilities. Dinner is served around seven PM. In the meantime rods and equipment are made ready.