Discover Baja's Best Spots To Fish From Shore and What Lures to Use:

Baja Mexico, with its sun-soaked beaches and vibrant marine life, beckons nomadic adventurers seeking an offbeat thrill. Imagine the salty breeze, the sound of crashing waves, and the promise of reeling in the catch of a lifetime from the shore. Welcome to the world of shore fishing in Baja, where the adventure knows no bounds.

As a seasoned nomadic angler, you're about to discover a new superpower—the art of fishing in one of the world's most captivating coastal landscapes.

Lure Types and Their Use:

Spoons:

Do you ever walk to the coastline, but have no idea what's under the water? I love to use spoons to understand how deep the water is, if it's sandy or rocky, if is there seaweed, etc... It's the perfect type of lure for exploration.

• Any predatory fish will bite a spoon

• You can tell how deep the water is

• They are cheap in case you lose them

• Easy to cast in the wind

When it comes to spoons, consider the Krocodile spoons and generic spoons weighing between 10-100 grams. In shallower waters, opt for a lighter weight, but don't shy away from the heavier ones—they're easier to cast and catch big fish. Keep in mind, that some of Baja's speedsters like Dorado and Roosterfish demand a fast retrieval to keep their interest.

Jig Head:

A jighead is great for finding cabrilla, sand bass, and halibut. Just attach a soft plastic that resembles a grub or minnow and you're good to go.

• Bounce it off the bottom

• Slowly receive it in the shallows

• Works for any type of nearshore fish.

This is my preferred method to fish for halibut on the sand flats. I've learned to keep the lure 1-3 inches above the bottom, but dragging it on the bottom is also fine.

Top Water:

Topwater lures like poppers and spooks are great for areas with a lot of rocks. You can effectively fish them without getting stuck in every cast. Summer is the best time to use these lures in Baja because the water is warmer and the fish are more active.

• Use in rocky spots where other lures will get stuck

• Attract fish to the area by sound

• You can see when a fish strikes

I don't use top water often, but if it's a calm water day with low wind I will fish topwater for an exciting surprise.

Fishing Locations and Expectations:

Let's explore the angler's paradise across Mulege, the Bay of Conception, the Bay of L.A., and the iconic Cabo San Lucas. Each locale paints a unique canvas of diverse fish species and picturesque scenery.

Mulege:

I strictly only use a spoon or casting jig here in Mulege. Walk down around the lighthouse on the rocks and you can catch Jacks, Corvina, Small Roosterfish, Pargo, Halibute, and more!

I like this spot for the windy season because the lighthouse makes a great wind block and it is easy to cast. If you hang out long enough the locals may even share their favorite fishing spot... a 20-minute drive away. Stop by Birote's Everybody for some great fresh food and fishing advice.

Bay of L.A. (Bahía de los Ángeles):

This is a great bay with productive fishing from shore. You're going to have to get your steps in though because the fish won't come to you, you have to go find them. Keep your eyes out for the birds diving, that will tell you where the bait fish (carnada) are. When there's small fish the big fish won't be far away.
Big jigheads work well in this spot, as do casting jigs. I like to start fishing an hour before sunset in this spot. You will most likely spend some time at Playa La Ginga. Keep your eyes out at night for octopus lurking around for shellfish. Low tide is best for seeing them.

You can expect to catch large Mackerel, Barracuda, and massive Halibut.

The Bay of Conception (Bahía Concepción):

This is where you will find some of the most stunning camping in all of Baja. Most camping is $100-$300Mex per night. I found the fishing to be subpar. A few online forms point out that this area has been overfished by commercial shrimp boats. The southern tip is a bit more productive holding:

Cabrilla, Golden Trevally, Sand Bass, Pargo, and more.

Cabo San Lucus:

Welcome to the party zone of Baja! Down at the southern tip you can expect to see whales while you're fishing! It's truly stunning.

I like to use topwater in this area. Find some rocks with sandflats in between them and start working your popper down the beach. You can catch the prized Yellow Tail or a 70lb Roosterfish! In the realm of Baja fishing, there's a gem known as "roosterfish alley." Located an hour and a half north of downtown Cabo on the East Cape, it's the ultimate destination for sightfishing these electrifying creatures. Picture yourself in a real-life aquatic adventure, stalking roosterfish against the backdrop of Baja's stunning coastline.

Don't forget the cardinal rule: Watch out for those waves! A surprise splash could turn your leisurely stroll into a two-mile trek back home, soaking wet. I tell you this from experience.

Fishing in Baja is not just a sport; it's a comedy of errors, a dance with the unpredictable, and a journey of unexpected delights.

Conclusion:

As your Baja fishing adventure comes to a close, remember the key takeaways. Equip yourself with the right lures, embrace the unpredictability of the waves, and savor the unexpected delights that Baja throws your way. And here's a nod to responsible angling—support the local economy by securing fishing licenses.

Now, fellow nomads, it's your turn. Share your own Baja fishing stories and discoveries. Let's build a community of adventurers, united by the thrill of shore fishing in the enchanting waters of Baja Mexico. Your next reel-worthy tale awaits!