Baja on the Fly 

Mexico

Gary and Yvonne Graham’s Baja on the Fly has provided literally thousands of guests quality saltwater fly-fishing 365 days a year in Baja since 1991. Their guides are experienced, FFF-certified and English-speaking.

Baja on the Fly is your best bet to put you on marlin, sailfish, dorado, roosterfish, tuna, snook and jacks on a fly. Their Baja destination list continues to grow. It now includes East Cape, Magdalena Bay (both offshore and in the mangroves) and Loreto.

The Sea of Cortez and its white beaches harbor bountiful and varied sea life - a true saltwater fly fishing paradise for the angler. With more than 850 species of identified fish, it ranks as one of the world's most productive fly fishing areas. Black, blue and striped marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado, jack crevalle, pompano, roosterfish, and sierra and occasionally a wahoo are all found in East Cape waters. In addition, there is dolphin, porpoise and more than a half dozen different types of whales, most of which migrate to this area seasonally to breed and give birth. The East Cape is also an excellent destination for non-anglers, offering activities such as shopping, tennis, horseback riding, kayaking, snorkeling, biking and hiking. End a day of exercise with a treatment from the local massage therapist.

Location:
Baja on the Fly operates day trips based out of Loreto, Magdalena Bay, or the East Cape of Mexico’s Baja California.

Fishing Program:
The one constant when fly fishing with Baja on the Fly is nothing has to be constant. The key to this program is flexibility. One day you may be driving up and down 30 miles of beach casting to various species, while the next day finds you fly fishing inland mangroves for snook or out in the blue water chasing dorado and sailfish.

Your guides will always try to match the fishing to the ability of their clients. They always look for ways to optimize your chances of success based on your level of skill. If catching fish matters less to you than being challenged, let them know. It might make a difference how they approach the day. They will try to organize your trip to give you optimum chances at catching fish. Sometimes roosterfish or dorado will not be available and your guide will suggest you go for tuna or jack crevalle; or the beach is quiet, so a panga trip will be more successful than your planned ATV trip. Unless the weather is a factor, the final decision is yours, but we may offer you the option.

Fisheries:
Magdalena Bay is as large as San Francisco Bay, with one hundred and thirty two miles of shoreline and countless miles of mangrove lined esteros. Offshore are some of the most famous banks on the West Coast including Thetis, Uncle Sam, The Ridge just to name a few. Magdalena Bay is a virtually untouched destination for the adventuresome fly angler.

East Cape:
The Sea of Cortez and its white beaches harbor bountiful and varied sea life - a true paradise for the angler. With more than 850 species of identified fish, it ranks as one of the world's most productive fishing areas. Black, blue and striped marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado, jack crevalle, pompano, roosterfish, and sierra and occasionally a wahoo are all found in East Cape waters. In addition, there is dolphin, porpoise and more than a half dozen different types of whales, most of which migrate to this area seasonally to breed and give birth. The East Cape is also an excellent destination for non-anglers, offering activities such as: shopping, tennis, horseback riding, kayaking, snorkeling, biking and hiking. End a day of exercise with a treatment from the local massage therapist.

Loreto:
This unique marine environment is only a 30 minute drive from Highway Mex 1 and Cuidad Constitucion, and under four hours drive from La Paz. Where the flat Llano Magdalena has sunk lower than the Pacific, the ocean has intruded and created a string of barrier islands over 209 kilometers long, separated from the peninsula by a series of shallow bays with an average depth of less than 18 meters. Arroyos that sank under the Pacific have become bocas or "mouths" that let the sea in; these bocas now form channels between the barrier islands. Naturalists could spend a lifetime exploring the mangroves and estuaries along the eastern bays and shores. These mangrove estuaries have been hidden from the fishermen…and a wide variety of fish abound! Due to the relative lack of commercial fishing interests, onshore catches, near the mangroves, include halibut, yellowtail, red bass (mangrove snapper), grouper, corvina, and snook.

Non-Angling Activities:
If you are interested in spending some time on non-angling activities in Loreto, consider a ½ day excursion to Coronado Island. Admire the Sea Lion colonies, Sea Birds, swim the crystal clear waters, and enjoy the white sandy beaches of the Coronado Island.

Shoehorned between the arid peaks of the Sierra de la Gigante and the shores of the deep-blue gulf, Loreto can sweep visitors off their feet with its beautiful surroundings, but that is only the beginning of this town's appeal. There is a hospitable spirit, an unusually long list of outdoor diversions and an alluring; slightly worn-at-the-edges feel. Moreover, this town boasts a historical tradition unrivaled in Baja, being the oldest permanent settlement in the Californias, dating to 1697 when Spanish padres founded Misión Nuestro Señora de Loreto.

The local mission (completed in 1752) remains in use to this day and is without doubt the most recognizable building in town. Close by is the Plaza Civica, an inviting cobblestone beauty surrounded by lush vegetation, with the obligatory gazebo at its heart. The grandeur of Loreto's physical setting is manifest along the malecón, a lovely brick promenade fronting the gulf.

Accommodations and Meals:
Lopez Mateos on Magdalena Bay: This small town is reminiscent of old Mexico. The people are friendly, but most of them do not speak English. However, there is an American couple, Bob and Diana Hoyt, who run the operation, and all the Captains and most deckhands speak English. Clients stay in a comfortable 3 bedroom home in the town of Lopez Mateos. The house is located about three blocks from the boat launch.

The local restaurant can prepare your evening meals and bring them to your house...including your catch of the day. Breakfast items for you to prepare, drinks, etc. can be purchased from the local la tienda (store). Lunches can be ordered the night before from the Hoyts.

East Cape: Buena Vista Resort has 60 rooms that are clean and well maintained with two doors to each room-one of which exits onto an individual patio. Grounds are beautiful, terraced, and well kept with fountains at every level. Rooms are air conditioned, but there are no televisions in the rooms. However, there are telephones in each room. Meals are served restaurant style at your own table, and the hotel prices listed below include all meals and taxes. The swimming pool is shaped like a whale with a bridge spanning the tail, a large Jacuzzi and a swim-up bar. In addition, there is a bar with a large screen television next to the restaurant for sports events.

While none of the rooms are right on the beach, the dining room and bar are and the hotel sits right on the beach. Run of the house rooms are at the highest level, nearest the office and parking lot. Standard rooms are in between and premium rooms are closest to the beach, pool and dining room. The hotel site was once a natural warm water spa, and the warm water flows under the hotel into the Sea of Cortez, attracting bait and fish. Snorkeling and fishing in front of the hotel are excellent.

Swings, shuffleboard, table tennis, etc. are located at this hotel to attract families, babysitting services are provided by the staff.

Meals are served either in the lovely El Navigante Restaurant or outdoors on the oceanfront terrace. The breakfast menu is extensive, and offers an array of both traditional American and Mexican favorites. At lunch, choose between hamburgers, tostadas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, soups and salads. Dinner’s menu is even more extensive. The (American plan) menu includes a large selection of beef, chicken, seafood and Mexican dishes. Soup and salad come with the meal. For those wanting to eat the fish they just caught fresh that day, the chef will prepare it to their liking. Guests in the mood for lobster, shrimp, surf and turf or a giant seafood combination for two can order a la carte, off the European Plan menu. Picnic lunches are provided on each fishing boat and Saturday nights are celebrated for the Mexican Buffet and Ballet Folklórico Floor Show.

Loreto: Hotel Oasis offers 40 very spacious, air-conditioned rooms and suites on the beach overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Rooms have a bathroom, coffee maker, two double beds, and closet space. Enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and nearby islands from your private balcony or patio.

The tropical style facilities at Hotel Oasis include a heated pool, a restaurant overlooking the beach, a bar/lounge, and free private parking. The restaurant opens at 5 a.m. so the guests can enjoy breakfast before heading out for an exciting day of fishing. On some nights, the restaurant features buffet style home cooking! These buffets typically consist of seafood, chicken, steak, and more. The town's international airport is only 4 miles away.

There are several very good places to eat in Loreto. Your outfitter recommends the following: El Taste, which is located across from the small gas station; JR’s on the malecon, next to Charlie’s (a good place to go for happy hour or sports TV – offers the ‘best hamburger in Loreto’); and Pancho & Martina’s-Mexico Lindo y Que Rico, located a block east of the Pescador Market.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart home and arrive in Loreto
Days 2 – 3: Full days of guided fishing
Day 4: Drive to Magdalena Bay.
Days 5 - 6: Full days of guided fishing
Day 7: Return to Loreto.
Day 8: Depart Loreto for home.

Complete Trip Details