Our friends and partners at Red's Fly Shop put together a great video walk through of tips, flies and gear for Baja's Roosterfish from their most recent trip with us at Fly Fish Mex. Roosterfish are a fabulous gamefish - big, strong and beautiful! To make the most out of your trip we highly recommend checking out this video to familiarize yourself with some of the basics of fly fishing for Roosterfish. Thanks Red's!!

Bahia de los Suenos

Baja, Mexico

Travel information

Traveling to Bahia de los Suenos, guests fly into La Paz (LAP), Mexico or San Jose Del Cabo (SJD). Most Airlines have frequent service into SJD. Flights from Los Angeles to SJD are typically about a 2 hours. Flights into La Paz (LAP) are limited but available.

Once you arrive, FFM ground transportation can be arranged for commercial van transportation to Bahia de Los Suenos. Numerous car rental agencies are also available at the airport. The ride from the LAP airport is about 45 minutes, and 2 hours from SJD.

It is important to coordinate your flights with the rest of your group as the transfer will take the entire party to and from the airport based on your fligths.

Documentation

You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Mexico. This will be used to obtain your Mexican Tourist Card. Keep your copy of your tourist card with you during your stay. No inoculations are required. Retain tourist card at all times when in Mexico and for return to officials upon departure.

Parental consent for minors

Mexican law requires that any non-Mexicancitizen under the age of 18 departing Mexico must carry notarized written permission from any parent or guardian not traveling with the child to/from Mexico. This permission must include the name of the parent, the name of the child, the name of anyone traveling with the child, and the notarized signature(s) of the absent parent(s). The State Department recommends that the permission should include travel dates, destinations, airlines and a brief summary of the circumstances surrounding the travel. The child must be carrying the original letter – not a facsimile or scanned copy – as well as proof of the parent/child relationship (usually a birth certificate or court document) and an original custody decree, if applicable. Travelers should contact the Mexican Embassy or closest Mexican Consulate for current information.

Air Travel Rules and Regulations

Before your departure we encourage you to review the current government and regulations for Air Travel. Current government rules can be found on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) web site: www.tsa.gov/

Mexico customs allows 2 cameras, 4 rods, and 4 reels per person upon entering Mexico.

You should also visit the web site of your air carrier(s) to confirm their current rules for carry-on and checked baggage. The rules and regulations are continually updated and should be checked prior to your departure date.

Ground Transportation

Airport Shuttle Information & Rates

Accommodations and Meals

Guests are housed in luxury villas, in an ideal setting, on the Bay of Dreams (Bahia

de los Suenos). Rooms are well appointed master King suites or double Queen Suites each with their own private bath. Rooms share Jacuzzi and pool access, only steps to a private white sand beach with adjacent reef for snorkeling or fishing. Kayaks and stand up paddle boards are also available on request. A weight room and tennis court is available on property as well as spa treatment on request. Guest may also fish on the beach in front of the property which holds roosterfish and a variety of inshore species.

A full breakfast and lunch and dinner are available in the restaurant from 7 am for non-angling guests. Anglers will have breakfast served in the restaurant and lunches will be packed on board boats. A boxed breakfast can also be prepared for an early day of fishing.

Dinner is from 7-9pm with 3 choices of main course, appetizer and desert. Please be sure to share with us your dietary restrictions and allergies prior to your trip so the cooks can accommodate your needs.

What to expect for Anglers

A normal fishing day starts with breakfast servedat 6:30 in the restaurant or brought on board in the cooler with lunch. Pangas arrive on the beach in front of the Villas at 7:00-8:00 am where guests board. When available, bait is caught and loaded onto pangas. A bait boat is hired to expedite the netting process, and a full day bait cost on average $65 per boat per day, depending on availability and location.  The days fishing plan is discussed with your Captain and boats head out to fish. Most fishing is within 15 miles of the lodge including the beach in front. Fishing usually wraps up in the early afternoon and guests are dropped on the beach in front of the villas. Half day evening fishing can also be arranged from panga or fishing from the beach. Kayaks are also available and a good option for inshore and beach fishing.

What to expect Guests

Breakfast and lunch and dinner is in the restaurant at your leisure. For a list of side, day trips and spa treatments, please consult host for options and prices.

Alcohol

A full restaurant and bar is available on site. Alcohol and beer can also be purchased from town via Captains or host. Please have cash available.

 Water

It is not advised to drink the water from the faucet at the lodge. Bottled water is available from the lodge, and is provided in the rooms daily. Boats are stocked with water and additional beverages can be provided upon request.

Climate:

Temperatures typically range from the low 80’s to 100 degrees. Isolated afternoon thunder-showers are rare but a possibility year round. Wind can be factor while fishing and the sun is very strong. Be prepared with water resistant sun block.

Clothing

Clothing should allow you to layer down during the day. Mornings are often cool. Rain/splash gear can add to your comfort. Polarized sunglasses are a must. Sun protective clothing and hats are recommended.

Currency

The official currency of Mexico is the Peso. However, US dollars are preferred for staff and guide gratuities. Please bring appropriate denominations. Credit Cards are accepted in the restaurant for outside drinks and food, but gratuities are preferred paid in cash.

Power and Communications

There is Wi-Fi and satellite TV for guests to enjoy during their stay. No electrical converters are required during your stay.

The house does not have a guest phone however for emergency your host can arrange to have you use his Mexican Cell phone onsite. US cellular phones should work but please check with your provider before departing the US to avoid expensive roaming charges. Facetime through Wi-Fi or WhatsApp are a good consideration for calling home.

Laundry

Laundry service is available for a small fee.

Environmental Dangers

The Property at Gran Sueno is very well maintained and managed to keep insects out. Baja, Mexico is a desert environment so the bugs are a little different. Occasionally desert creatures show up in search of water or food, and can be avoided by staying on established pathways. Landscaping on the premises is well maintained and managed, although watering can introduced some mosquitos. A personal bug repellent is a pre cautionary consideration.

As with any beach, swimmers should check for jellyfish and rays before entering the water.

Your worst enemy is the sun so be sure and bring a large hat, sun block, lip balm, and sun protective clothing coverage!

Medical Facilities

Fidepaz is the best hospital in La Paz for tourists. Cabo San Lucas also has medical facilities.

The lodge will take every effort to ensure your safety while you are a guest at the Lodge. However, outdoor activities of this nature are not entirely ‘risk free’. The lodge recommends investing in travel and/or medical evacuation insurance.

Gratuities

Captains like to be tipped on a daily basis. We recommend about $110-$150 per boat per day for a satisfactory day of fishing..

 Suggested tip for the lodge staff $3-$5 a day per room.

Shuttle driver $25-$50 per van each direction.

Meals are included in the package price, but restaurant gratuity, outside snacks and alcohol is not. We recommend 10$ per customer per day, for restaurant gratuity, plus any additional bar or restaurant charges.

Included

Lodging, fishing and meals.

Not Included

Airfare, ground transportation, bait, alcohol, fishing license, staff and guide gratuities. Bait on average cost $60 per boat per day, depending on availability. Rod/reel rental is available at $40US /day.

FLY FISHING BAJA, MEXICO

Fly fishing in saltwater can be extremely tough on gear. Having fishing tackle that is well suited for the environment and species is key to a successful trip. Having back up for rod, lines and reel is highly recommended. If you do not have the necessary gear for fishing Baja, top quality rental gear is available on site. Below is a list of suggested tackle and gear for fly fishing the East Cape of Baja and beyond.

SUGGESTED GEAR FOR Baja Fly Fishing

5 Essential Things To Bring For Your Trip

Rods:

Single hand 9 foot fly rods suggested for boat fishing. A fighting grip and butt is suggested for larger wt rods. Two hand overhead fly rods can also be effective while blind casting or teasing fish from the beach.

8 and 9 wt - For use beach or inshore for small to medium species up to 20 lbs

10 wt- For use beach or boat fishing inshore and offshore. This is probably the most useful size rod fly fishing Baja, for both casting and fighting capabilities

12wt – For use off shore fishing for larger species like Marlin, tuna and bull Dorado. A cast able 12 wt. can also be useful beach fishing for Grande roosterfish.

13/15 wt – For large Marlin and Tuna

Reels

Size should be matched to line capacity for dedicated rod. For Inshore fishing, reels should have minimum 250 yards backing of 40-80lb tensile strength, Offshore minimum 300-450 yards of 60-80lb. backing, we prefer gel spun backing. A sturdy, water proof drag is advised.

Fly Lines

Integrated shooting heads are the most useful line for fishing Baja. They load rods quickly and can power larger flies comfortably.

We suggest having a full sink and surface set up:

Top water- clear intermediate sink tip, full intermediate, or floating lines

Down Deep- Full sinking integrated line, with strong 30lb plus core strength.

 Tippet- 12, 16, 20, 30, 25, 40 and 60lb

Leaders- Tapered to class tippet or hand tied tapered leader stepped down, attached with blood knots or double surgeons knot. Bite guard used when necessary

Flies

The primary bait fish are sardines, ballyhoo, mackerel, ladyfish, green jacks, skipjack and squid.

Bait fish flies are tied on 2/0-3/0 hooks depending on size of bait and fish species.

 Squid Flies – Tied on 4/0 – 6/0 hooks, Squid popper tied with lead hook #6/0 and stinger 2/0-4/0

Commercially tied Flies- Sardine pattern- Kinky muddler, Charlie’s airhead, EP sardine imitations, Hoo fly, Bledzos crease fly

Small bait fish patterns- deceivers, clouser minnows, shrimp

Large bait patterns- EP mullet patterns (tan/wht), Hollow tie mullet, kinky muddler flying fish patterns (blue/wht)

Marlin-sailfish- Cam Sigler poppers pink/wht or blue/wht

For fly tying instruction, see videos here.

Fishing accessories

Fishing bag

Pliers

Leader material 12,16,20,30,40,80 lb fluorocarbon

Cutting nips

Hat

Sunglasses

Sun protection

Medical tape for strip finger protection

Small first aid kit

Wind breaker rain jacket

Waterproof bag

Headlamp

Insect repellent

Deck shoes or flip flops

Guides Choice

Guides minimum set up for a day of panga fishing: I fish with 2 x10 wt set ups and at least 1x 12wt set up:

Rods-10 wt rods (2)

Reel- (2) loaded with 350 yards gel spun backing

Lines- clear intermediate tip integrated shooting head line and 2^nd reel with full sink integrated shooting head line

Leader: butt section 3-4’ 40lb fluorocarbon tied with blood knot to 20 or 30lb class leader 5-7’.

Rod- 12wt

Reel- 350-450 yards gel spun backing plus spare spool.

Fly Fishing Baja Equipment list

Packing List:

Rods	Long Sleeve Shirts	Water Bottle
Reels	Short Sleeve Shirts	Lens Cleaner
Leaders	Quick Dry Shorts	Camera
Flies	Quick Dry Long	Film
Line cleaner	Pants	Extra batteries
Clippers/line cutters	Fishing Hats	Plane Tickets
Pliers	Lightweight Rain	Travel Cash
Knife	Jacket	Visa
Stripping Guards/Tape	Sun Gloves	Passport
----------------	Bandannas	Sun Screen!
Fanny pack	Hip Pack	Lip Balm
Wading Socks	Waterproof boat	Liquor if desired
Bug spray	bag	Snorkel mask and
Toiletries (shampoo, etc)	Polarized glasses	fins if desired
	Universal adaptor	Snacks (nuts, Cliff bars, etc)
Reel lubricant	Bathing Suit
	Boat Shoes/Sandals
Contact Information:
James Shaughnessy	541.601.9632	info@flyfishmex.com

At the end of July our great friend and on-site videographer Miseal Felix contracted Covid-19. He became very ill which ultimately landed him in the hospital ICU for several weeks breathing through a ventilator. We are happy to report, that outside of loosing his sense of taste and smell, Miseal is back on his feet and recovering well. From all of us in the Fly Fish Mex family, "Thank you for your help!" and contributions to help offset the cost of Miseal's medical expenses. The following is a letter from Miseal that he wanted to share with our guests.

Like many young children I grew up thinking action superheros like Batman, Captain America, Superman, and Iron Man were actually real and that they appeared out of no where to help people in trouble. What I never imagined was that I might need a superhero to help save me in real life some day. When that day of need came for me a few months ago heros did not arrive in colorful caped costumes like in the comic books. However, to my surprise, heros did show showed up dressed as normal people who cared for a friend in need. They say there are no words to describe how grateful a person can be when they receive the blessing of a second chance at life. All I can say is THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all of those who helped me get me through the hard times of Covid. For that I am forever grateful! You guys don't have the heart of a chicken, you have the heart of a ROOSTER!

Your friend forever,

Miseal Felix

If you are interested in using the FlyFishMex shuttle service, please send your airline itinerary and number of guests to info@flyfishmex.com to reserve space.

There is a new system at the San Jose del Cabo airport to reduce curbside crowding and increase flow of track at the shuttle bus/van meeting area outside of baggage claim. If you've visited us in the past, you likely witnessed the relative free-for-all craziness of newly arrived "got a cold margarita on my mind" vacationers scurrying around the crowd to locate their shuttle drivers. Thankfully, those times are now behind us! Now the process is organized so that drivers are assigned numbered canopies where their guests can go to meet them. Guests taking our shuttle should exit the baggage claim and meet the driver at canopy #10.

Alternatively, if you arrive to Baja via the, much smaller and less congested, La Paz airport simply exit baggage claim and look for your driver.

If you have a trip planned with us and need to arrange transportation between the airport and Bahia De Los Suenos, please email us to coordinate and schedule shuttle times. Our van comfortably accommodates up to 8 passengers with luggage.

Shuttle rates are listed below. The total transfer cost is split between the total number of passengers. Charges can be added to your invoice in advance or you can pay cash on-site.

Shuttle Rates Each way
To/From San Jose del Cabo (SJD) airport and the lodge (2 hours)
1 Passenger - $150.00
2 Passengers - $180.00
3 Passengers - $225.00
4 to 8 Passengers - $250.00

To/From Each way La Paz (LAP) airport and the lodge (45 minutes)
1 Passenger - $120.00
2 Passengers - $135.00
3 Passengers - $150.00
4 to 8 Passengers - $185.00

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The key to any successful destination fly fishing trip is knowing what you need to bring and making sure you pack it into your luggage. We came up with a list of 5 essential things to pack that will make your trip more enjoyable and rewarding.

#1 Passport and Fishing License
Be sure that your passport is valid for the dates of your trip and that you have copies (digital or print) of all other necessary travel documents and buy, and print, your Mexico fishing license online prior to your trip. Purchase Fishing License Here! Note: the website charges pesos, not US dollars.

#2 Flies
For a full week of fishing bring a minimum of 4 dozen flies in a variety of sizes and colors.

• Sardinas - 24-30 flies in size 2/0-4/0 hooks and 3"-6" long in tan/white, grey/white, and olive/white
• Clousers - 6 flies in size 1/0 hooks in chartreuse/white
• Billfish Poppers - 1-2 flies in size 4/0-8/0 hooks and 8"-10" long in pink/white or blue/white

#3 Leaders
Bring 25 yard spools each of fluorocarbon in 20#, 30#, and 40#. We are fans of Seaguar line but any quality brand will do.

#4 Rod, Reel, and Line Outfits
We recommend that you bring at least three rod and reel outfits to tackle the various species we encounter in Baja. Back-up rods and spare reel spools for different lines are recommended. Here are our outfit recommendations.

• A 9 wt. with floating and clear intermediate sink tip lines and 150 yards of 60# backing for small roosters, jacks, and pompano.
• A 10 wt. with clear intermediate sink tip lines and full sink line,350 yards of 60# backing for large dorado, roosterfish and jacks.
• A 12 wt. intermediate sink tip, and full sink lines with 350-500 yards of 60#+ backing for billfish, dorado, and tuna.

#5 Fishing Accessories and Clothing
The Baja environment is often times hot and humid and it's essential to plan and prepare to maximize your comfort while fishing in these conditions. We highly recommend packing the following items.

• Polarized sunglasses for various sun conditions
• Sun block
• Large brimmed hat
• Buff or hooded sun shirt
• Sun shirts
• Sun pants
• Bug repellent
• Waterproof bag or backpack
• Nippers and pliers
• Footwear to protect feet when walking on hot sand and boat decks

In the Fall months, the Baja Desert transforms from a hot arid landscape to a lush flowering oasis. The desert turns green with blooming flora and clouds of butterflies hatch and migrate across Mexico and beyond.

 Inshore and offshore the water has warmed to its annual peak and the fishing can be on fire. Fall is the time of year for BIG fish.  Offshore, larger marlin and monster Dorado feed on schools of skipjack and yellowfin tuna. Inshore, roosterfish are feeding on ladyfish, mullet and sardines before the cooler water and winds drive them elsewhere in November.

Also, during the Fall months, fishing pressure is generally lower. Summer is over and families are back to school and work. With all the fishing action the boats are more spread out chasing fish both offshore and inshore.

This is a wonderful time to be in Baja and the best time for a record catch.

To view our seasonal calendar click here: https://flyfishmex.com/fishing-calendar/

We are currently taking reservations for seven (7) night / six (6) fishing day and six (6) night /five (5) fishing day packages for our Spring (April-July) 2025 season and Fall (Sept-Nov) 2024 fishing seasons. Packages start and/or end on Saturdays for the weeks listed below.

After an amazing first season operating out Magdalena Bay program, we are thrilled to announce the dates and details for next season. For more details and information about our Mag Bay Marlin program click here.

(UPDATED 9/3/2024)

If you are interested in learning more about our program or making a reservation, please feel free to contact us at flyfishmex@gmail.com or call us at 541-601-9632 for more details.

Experience what is considered the #1 place in the world to land a roosterfish on the fly. Bahia Suenos is the best Baja has to offer for beauty, luxury and incredible fishing action.

Roosterfish are a primary target for many guests but a variety of sport fishing species can be found close to the lodges proximity. Marlin, dorado, wahoo, jack crevalle and many other species can be found within a suprisingly close boat ride from the lodge.

Bahia Suenos is a great place to share with non anglers and can accommodate larger groups and families.

Please see the below availability and email us with any questions or requests.

To view our seasonal calendar click here: https://flyfishmex.com/fishing-calendar/

We are currently taking reservations for seven (7) night / six (6) fishing day and six (6) night /five (5) fishing day packages for our Spring (April-July) 2025 season and Fall (Sept-Nov) 2025 fishing seasons. Packages start and/or end on Saturdays for the weeks listed below5

After an amazing first season operating out Magdalena Bay program, we are thrilled to announce the dates and details for next season. For more details and information about our Mag Bay Marlin program click here.

(UPDATED 11/20/24)

If you are interested in learning more about our program or making a reservation, please feel free to contact us at flyfishmex@gmail.com or call us at 541-601-9632 for more details.

As more of the world's population receives the Covid vaccination, destination anglers are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel with regard to resuming international travel and we are starting to receive a surge of booking requests for our upcoming 2021 season. Mexico was quick to install "safe" travel protocols and has been open to foreign visitors for some time now. The only travel requirement is obtaining proof of a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of return travel to the US.

Although, the flow of travel between Mexico and the US has, reportedly, been seamless over the past several months I wanted to experience it for myself and see if there are any possible hang-ups that could affect travel for our guests. On February 25th, I flew to Mexico to gain some first hand knowledge on navigating travel during the pandemic, establish staff Covid protocols and onsite testing option for our guests, and do a little "pre-season" fishing.

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Leaving the US was business as usual, no changes or travel restrictions, except for mandatory wearing of masks in the airport and onboard the plane.

Upon arrival in Mexico I was required to present the standard immigration documentation, passport and customs form. In addition to the usual required documents, I was asked to fill-out a simple Covid questionnaire (including the address where I would be staying for contact tracing) and get a digital temperature reading from my forehead. Overall, travel into Mexico was smooth and easy. 

Our shuttle driver to the lodge was masked and the air was flowing, which made me feel safe. The lodge felt very safe as well, with staff wearing masks and practicing social distancing. The lodge, restaurant, and grounds all naturally offer plenty of open air and space to spread out away from others.

February is a windy month on the East Cape but I managed to fish a couple days and scout some waters for moving bait. Many of our favorite beaches were loaded with sardines and pelicans crashing down on them. With such wide spread bait available on the days I did get out, fishing was excellent. Cold water species including yellowtail, sierra, bonita, and wahoo were in full force! Although its been a bit too cool for roosterfish, the first one of the season was landed just south of the lodge a few weeks back. Things are lining up well for good fishing ahead.

The lodge at Gran Sueno is a set in a remote area so I secured a private Covid testing lab and technician to administer tests on-site at the lodge. This allows for our guests to conveniently schedule tests and receive the results within 72 hours of returning to the US. The cost for an on site test is $55-$70 per person depending on the size of the group and results are emailed within a couple hours. I took my test poolside and received my results via email within an hour.

For those that extend travel in Mexico after their stay with us their is testing available at the international airport for $35-$75. You are advised to arrive 4 hours in advance of your flight to allow time for testing and processing the results before you check in.

My return flight to the US was as easy as the incoming flight. At the airport I presented my passport and negative Covid test results then asked to sign a form confirming my identity is the same as what is one my test results. After checking in for my flight, I went through a temperature check point before continuing on to the gate.   

What I learned is that travel to Mexico is easy and seamless. I do not anticipate guests running into any issues so long as you plan ahead, prepare accordingly, and follow general safety guidelines. If you do plan on visiting Baja this season we highly encourage you to wear face masks, wash your hands often, and use sanitizer frequently as you travel. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us, we'd love to hear from you.

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Fly Fishing for Marlin was the surprise highlight of our 2021 May-July fishing season on Baja's East Cape. We were fortunate to capture some amazing footage and memories of hook-ups and epic battles. This is one of our favorite compilations of Margaret working her marlin magic.

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We're still working out a few final details but we're so excited about our new Pacific Marlin program that we couldn't resist sharing a short glimpse of what we have on tap for November 2022. Stay tuned for more on this exciting fishery coming soon. In the meantime, you can view some of the heart pounding action that we witnessed during our November 2021 scouting sessions.

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