Baja Spearfishing Expedition 2004
Date: 3/10-14/2004
Trail Time: 3 Days
Location: Baja California Norte, Mexico
Mapping / GPS / Waypoint File: .GIF Map Image Calexico to L.A. Bay / .MPS (Mapsource) Track File for Calexico to L.A. Bay
Maps available for the Baja Peninsula: MexicoMaps.com
Trail Rating (1-5 Scale): 2
Major Obstacle: None
Attendees:
Scott Brady: 2004 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD
Charles Koekemoer: 2004 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD
Nate and Paul Laufer, Dave
Day 1
We drove from Calexico to San Felipe via Mex 5. Other than the usual difficulty driving through the border town (poor signage, erratic traffic), the trip south was uneventful. Mex 5 is a well maintained two lane road feeding San Felipe. Other than the small remnant of the Colorado River (Rio Colorado), there is little scenery on this portion of the trek. The desert east of the Sierra Las Pintas is spartan, accentuated by vast salt flats and the dry lake bed. San Felipe is a small town on the gulf, which caters to visiting Americans with its many beach camps and hotels. We continued south on the narrow, paved road that leaves San Felipe along the coast. This road is in good condition until the airport. After the airport this "road" degrades into the WORST (non-technical) road conditions I have ever experienced in a vehicle. The thin layer of asphalt is severely potted, with holes in the surface several inches deep, and many feet across. It is impossible to avoid all of the holes, and the vehicle is punished by the irregularities. I was very thankful for the durability of the Toyota products we were driving, as the many impacts at high speeds would have easily exceeded the capability of most vehicles. This road terminates just north of Puertecitos, changing to a graded dirt road.
The road from Puertecitos to Punta Bufeo.
Despite the corrugations on the road south from Puertecitos, we were able to maintain a steady pace on our way to Punta Bufeo. We made the 80 mile distance in a little over 3 hours. Punta Bufeo has a nice bay to the north, lined with small block houses. There is a great view of the point and Isla San Luis. We camped at the southern edge of the bay, and set out to spearfish off of the point. The warm temperatures of the prior week initiated some of the spring plankton upwelling and water clarity was poor.
Punta Bufeo
South of Puertecitos
Punta Bufeo
Camp 1
Day 2
Gonzaga Bay (Bahia San Luis Gonzaga)
We woke early on day two in an attempt to take advantage of calmer waters off of the point. The water clarity had not improved much, with the fishing not improving either. We decided to break camp and head to Gonzaga Bay in an attempt to find better conditions. We stopped for lunch at the local restaurant and enjoyed fantastic fish tacos. We attempted more spearfishing after lunch, working the western shoreline of Isla San Luis Gonzaga, but the water clarity was even worse than Punta Bufeo, only a few feet at times. We were running out of time, and needed some clear water, so we drove further south to Bahia de Los Angeles. On the way south the desert came alive with vegetation, in stark contrast to the areas north of Gonzaga Bay. We were treated to Cardon Cactus, Boojum, and Elephant Trees, along with numerous wildflowers.
Lunch at Gonzaga Bay
Elephant Tree
The Baja Desert
Cirio, or Boojum Plant
Coco's Corner
Wildflowers
Day 3
We woke early from our very basic camp in a wash south of Bahia de Los Angeles and set out to find some FISH! After talking to some kind local gringos, we parked the vehicles on the rocky shoreline south of town and tested the water for clarity. Visibility was near 20 feet, so we tossed on our gear and began trolling the reefs. I was the first in the water, and made a clean shot on a 2-3 lb fast moving Mullet. I had to lead him by several inches in front of his snout to make the shot. A Mullet does not make for great eating, but good attractant (burly) to entice the larger reef fish and pelagic species.
The first fish of the day
The crew, readying themselves for some adventure!
We found a very productive reef about 100 yards north of our location, and were very successful spearing larger reef fish, and some Barracuda. I was able to shoot a 3-4 lb. Sargo, a smaller Triggerfish and several other species. The other members of the group were also successful, providing a good catch for lunch. We blackened the fish and pan seared them on the beach for lunch.
Collage of L.A. Bay
Nate
The Crew
Paul
We left L.A. Bay shortly after lunch, and gassed up the vehicles at $3+ per gallon at the local station (not Pemex). We wanted to cover as much ground as possible on Mex 1. We camped near the beach North of El Rosario, and made an early push to the border. I had the interesting experience of being stopped by Mexico Highway Patrol Officer near San Vicente. I was speeding, though not near the rate he indicated. I did not intend to argue the point with him, and we came to an "agreement" that $61 was an appropriate fine for my transgression. I gave him cash, and he gave me back my drivers license. There was no receipt or ticket given, not that I expected one. The fact that he was wearing $200 ray-ban sunglasses was not lost on me, but he was nice/respectful, and I was quickly on my way. We took the toll road from Ensenada to Tijuana, and crossed the border shortly after 2:00 pm.
We had a very nice, though rushed trip into Baja; only wetting our appetite for clearer water, and bigger fish!
View the entire album here.
