San Quintin: Baja Pescador’s Quick Trips and Tips
Baja PESCADOR’s Guide to a Fishing Paradise
(Tackle quick tips at the bottom)
San Quintin is a charming fishing town in Baja California, which has become a favorite destination for my wife and I.
How I started… I joined a group of experienced anglers and was put to work by the older fishermen, loading up coolers, bags rods, ice, etc. and misplacing my camera bag "Eekkks" my first time around, it was unfortunate and over time i learned more but insurance helped and I recovered.
It is always overwhelming the first couple trips as you learn what to bring and what not, we have found that traveling with less often makes the experience better and easier.
So after 2 years and a new camera (thank you god) I finally had the time to show my wife the town, a little sea sick on the boat but she enjoyed it, opened her eyes to how happy these people are and provided a much needed reset after a few stressful months.
My visit with her was much more pleasant as it was just myself and her with a few friends along the way, we stayed at the Old Mill hotel offering stunning views and easy access to the sea while enjoying shrimp tacos and a local party for whole roasted pig as carnitas with friends in the night. It was one of those afternoons where the beers started on the boat and continued easily. We celebrated the birthday of a mutual friend, and they hosted us to the perfect small town house party filled with a band, karaoke and great food and family.
(Birthday Boy, We shared one too many drinks together)
The culinary scene is no surprise, featuring an amazing restaurant run by a renowned chef from mainland Mexico who specializes in not only preparing your freshly caught fish in creative ways, with an amazing menu and a variety of choices. We love it but for this occasion we chose to hang with the locals, where my wife and I would get to experience the culture.
After a day of fishing, Right by the dock, there's a taco stand serving up authentic flavors, perfect for a hang out. Best fish tacos in the world if you ask me, but overall it was a quick trip for us and although we wanted more the kids were at home waiting and we were just excited have a break away. It was great fishing as always and unfortunately i didnt bring the camera out enough as I wished both times. Sometimes it better that way, anyhow Very good bottom fishing but for some reason I always forget about the photos here and a big lingcod would change my mind. But overall just so much fun to pull on the fish one after another. Even tho we released most.
TLDR
Fishing Recommendations
- 40 lb Monofilament Line:** A great starting point, with any brand working well. We typically run about a 10-foot leader, which allows for easy dropper loop tying.
- Dropper Loop Knot: We use a non-traditional method, tying an overhand knot that wraps through itself 7 times mid-line.
- Bring 2-3 rods:
- One casting rod for light trolling and yellowtail surface irons.
- Another for bait and dropper loop fishing. We use a 60lb out fit
- A final rod for dropping your preferred jig.
- Hooks: Our favorite brand is Owner, but any strong, high-quality hooks that can withstand the weight of larger fish will do, particularly for those over 40 lbs.
- Jigs: Prioritize the action and shape of the jig over color, as the fish care more about the jig's movement.
- Bait Fishing: Start out on bait to gauge the fish’s mood, and try different methods like bait or jigs.
Questions for You
1. Do you have any specific brands or models of circle hooks and jigs that you prefer?
2. What are some of your favorite fishing techniques for targeting different species in the this specific area.
3. Do you bring any special gear for fishing at varying depths, Have you targeted offshore tuna in the area?
We'd love to hear your thoughts and tips on fishing in San Quintin or other fishing experiences we need to do. Share your insights in the comments below, and follow the Baja PESCADOR blog for more fishing guides and travel recommendations.
- Dropper Loop Knot: We use a non-traditional method, tying an overhand knot that wraps through itself 7 times mid-line.
- Bring 2-3 rods:
- One casting rod for light trolling and yellowtail surface irons.
- Another for bait and dropper loop fishing. We use a 60lb out fit
- A final rod for dropping your preferred jig.
- Hooks: Our favorite brand is Owner, but any strong, high-quality hooks that can withstand the weight of larger fish will do, particularly for those over 40 lbs.
- Jigs: Prioritize the action and shape of the jig over color, as the fish care more about the jig's movement.
- Bait Fishing: Start out on bait to gauge the fish’s mood, and try different methods like bait or jigs.
Questions for You
1. Do you have any specific brands or models of circle hooks and jigs that you prefer?
2. What are some of your favorite fishing techniques for targeting different species in the this specific area.
3. Do you bring any special gear for fishing at varying depths, Have you targeted offshore tuna in the area?
We'd love to hear your thoughts and tips on fishing in San Quintin or other fishing experiences we need to do. Share your insights in the comments below, and follow the Baja PESCADOR blog for more fishing guides and travel recommendations.
