Forty five minutes southeast of La Paz is one of the most productive blue water fly fishing areas in the world. Gentle seas, fair weather, a precipitous drop of the ocean floor, plus an incredible number of migrating pelagic and resident species make this the perfect setting for fly fishing. Captains typically pick up guests for the day’s fly fishing around 6:30 am each morning in front of the property. Live sardines are obtained and used as chum to attract fast-moving species near to the boat and hold them in the area. Flies are then presented, and the action can be fast and furious. A strong double haul with quick delivery will increase the odds of success, and casting distance is also an advantage with shy fish. Fishing can be excellent year-round but the best action and conditions for fly fishing comes in May, June and July and again in October. During these months, fair but hot weather settles into the area and an abundance of bait attracts migrating species like roosterfish, jacks, dorado, billfish, tuna, and wahoo. During the summer months, all these species and more can be anticipated, but anglers targeting a specific quarry may find that there are certain weeks when chances are better.
Dorado and roosterfish tend to be the predominant target species for fly fisherman. During May and the beginning of June, large roosterfish migrate into the area and will aggressively take a well-placed fly. Roosterfish possess exceptional eyesight and incredible acceleration, making them a challenge to hook and land. As the season progresses, the larger roosterfish move off to deeper cooler water and become more cautious. Ten- to fifteen-pound roosterfish continue to be abundant throughout the summer months though. As the summer progresses and hot weather sets in, dorado (mahi-mahi) appear in greater numbers and any floating structure has the potential to hold fish. Commercial sharking buoys set by local pangueros are frequented by fisherman and a handful of live sardines can get the party started. A fierce take and acrobatic displays make dorado one of fly fishing’s top sport fish.
Though dorado and roosterfish get a lot of press, there are numerous other exciting species to target. Marlin, sailfish, tuna, skipjack, bonito, jack crevalle, and pargo are a few that can be expected to be seen and should be anticipated with appropriate gear. Another species that has been showing up in recent years are milkfish. These are massive fish in schools of 50 - 200 found feeding lazily on the surface. They are finicky but offer some solid potential. Surf fishing from the beaches also has some excellent opportunities. Jacks, roosters, sierra, ladyfish, and pompano cruise the shore looking to corral bait fish into the sandy shallows. Sight casting, teasing fish in with spin gear or just blind casting in a probable spot will get the job done, and a shore blitz is not an unlikely sight.
Each boat has one Captain that is friendly and well-experienced with fly fishing. Their English is limited but they are able to communicate. They actually know quite a bit of English but are extremely shy. The fishing host also rotates between boats during the trip to offer more detailed fishing instruction.
