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.
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.
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.
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.
Before fully shifting gears to our 2022 season, we had to take a few looks back at some of the incredible moments we captured during our last season. We are grateful for the opportunity to share such special fishing adventures with our friends and guests each season. We can't wait to get back on the water! Watch this short compilation to get you through to your next fishing session on the horizon.
The lifeblood of the Sea of Cortez are the sardine schools. They swarm along the sandy beaches during the warmer months. These baitfish, along with ladyfish, mullet, and skipjack, attract the sportsfish that make Baja one of the top saltwater fly fishing destinations in the world.
The 2021 summer season was one for the record books! We had some amazing guests that fully took advantage of great fishing conditions on top of well rested and eager to eat roosterfish. Our videographer, Miseal Beltran, managed to get out with several groups to film anglers throughout the summer and has been busy editing the footage recently. This volume our video stoke series features David and Christa living out their "Roosterfish Dream". Enjoy!
With rested fish and ample bait the upcoming 2021 season is lining up for some incredible fishing and our team at Fly Fish Mex is excited to host anglers again! To feed our excitement we put together a short stoke reel of some epic fishing action from our past few seasons to share with our friends and fellow saltwater fly fishing junkies. If you are considering fly fishing in Baja we'd be happy to hear from you, contact us.
Our 2021 season starts in two weeks and we can't wait to get back on the water! This months video stoke series highlights some epic footage of roosters and jacks from last season. Enjoy. If you are considering fly fishing in Baja we'd be happy to hear from you, contact us.
In 35 years of fishing Baja I have experienced incredible natural wonders and the best saltwater fishing in the world. In all of the years I have spent in Baja, I have never missed a fishing season. The Baja is a truly a special place, but even this paradise has challenges to overcome. In that time, I have faced the trials of El Nino, hurricanes, Avian Bird Flu, H1N1, SARS, Dengue Fever, and now Covid-19. All of these have had their own unique challenges, wrought with uncertainty and trepidation.
Covid-19 may be the most difficult situation we have faced. It seems the world has taken a paradigm shift. Until a vaccine or resolution to the virus is found, the uncertainty of dealing with it could be a way of life. How we deal with Covid-19 is what will make the difference.
As the world shut down in March and April, so did international travel. I was forced to watch my bookings dwindle away. Fortunately, the Fly Fishing community came together and did the right thing to help each other. I am proud to be part of a special community where people are willing to consider the bigger picture and the well-being of not only themselves but others. Most of my guests were willing to roll over their payments to 2021. I may have lost the better part of a season but, thankfully I know I will be able to fish another day.
In Baja, on the Sea of Cortez, sport fishing heats up in the beginning of May. This year Covid-19 dictated everything, except the fishing, was going to be different. As the US began to open up, I was determined to make it to Baja and not break my chain of 35 seasons. Even more importantly, I had a handful of hopeful clients who were holding onto their early June dates. Every day I studied the restrictions and policies for travel in the US and Mexico, and directed my efforts at keeping my guests fully informed about the ever changing conditions. The policy released by the US Embassy in Mexico noted land border closures, but also stated that this closure did not apply to air travel and air travel workers. I frequently contacted the airlines serving Baja and learned they planned to continue having daily flights to and from southern Baja (SJD airport). In late May, the State and Municipal Governments of Baja Sur and La Paz released a plan for reopening on June 1. At last, I was beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel, and booked my flight to rooster fishing Paradise.
Even on the day of the flight I was still conflicted. Riots in Portland made the world feel even more unstable. I was worried whether I was doing the right thing? I wanted to answer all the questions my clients and I had about being able to travel and upon arrival, would we be able to catch fish? As I sat in my seat waiting for takeoff, a friend texted me to say “I’m so psyched you are going down, good luck!” I texted back, “I am not sure what I am doing.” I watched and as the text bubble indicated a response was coming. It took awhile, so I figured he was writing a long response to reassure me. Finally, the text popped in just before takeoff. It simply said, “Jump and the net will appear”. I jumped!
The danger of air travel was, of course, a consideration. With some benefit /cost analysis, I decided if I followed suggested protocols, I could travel safely. As it turned out, the flights were fairly empty and passengers were seated to meet social distancing guidelines. Customs was a breeze with only a short few Covid-19 questions, followed by a temperature scan as we walked through security.
As I arrived in Baja, the Mexican Government unexpectedly extended the closure without giving a definite reopening date. Once again, I waited and searched articles and probed contacts who work for the Municipal Government of La Paz. Finally, on Friday June 12, I got the answer I was hoping for: hotels, sport fishing and the beaches would be REOPENING on June 15. Little did my guests clients know that they would be soon experiencing some of the most spectacular rooster fishing on the planet.
Many clients caught and released personal bests, with some fish approaching record class
The lodge felt safe. It is open air with plenty of sun filled space and was sparsely occupied. Safety protocols were being followed and the anglers felt like they had made the right decision to come down and fish. My opinion is that everyone has to make their own decision based on their definition of safety. Staying well informed was essential to being able to make the right decision. The fact is, you can legally travel to and from Mexico and hotels, beaches and sport fishing are currently open. Daily flights are available and airline management is making every effort to protect their passengers.
There are times in life where you have to jump, and believe, “the net will appear”.
