Punta Arenas - Cerralvo Island Fishing Trip

Russ Hampton is organizing a fishing trip for club members with Gary Bulla of Gary Bulla's Saltwater Fly Fishing Adventures ( http://www.garybulla.com ) to Baja Mexico for October 1st to October 8th, 2024. You will be fishing the Punta Arena / Cerralvo Island area, which is south of La Paz. We will be staying inthe small fishing village of Ventana at Baja Joe's ( http://www.bajajoe.com ) which is about a hour south. of La Paz. The hotel is a beachfront hotel with a view of Cerralvo Island and Punta Arena. All meals and drinksare included except hard liquor, and we will have our own cook. Included is group airport transfers, local taxes, fishing license, 6 days panga fishing, (two persons per boat), and bait for chum. Not included are airfares,tips to the pangeros, and hotel staff. Typical tip to the captain is $20.00 US per person per day paid at the end of each days fishing, $10.00 per person for bait, and for the cook and maid $30.00 total for the week. The cost of the trip is approximately $2,000.00 (room, meals and Fishing).

The 2024 trip was a great success you can read about it in the Reports Section of this Website and see some of the trip's photo's in the Photo Gallery Section of the Website.

Additional Information on Fly Fishing at Punta Arena/Cerralvo Island
Hosted by Gary Bulla
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Every spring, summer and fall a group of adventurers fly fish from pangas at Cerralvo Island/Punta Arena area. Yellowfin tuna, skipjack, pacific jack crevalle, dorado, five types of snapper, ladyfish, yellowtail, roosters and many other types of fish keep our rods doubled over. Marlin and sailfish often show up. The trip is fully catered, the food is fantastic and the camaraderie is even better. Almost everyone enthusiastically makes a date to return at the same time every year.

Gary will provide tutelage as needed in fly fishing in the surf, and from pangas (boats). Instruction will include casting, knot tying, leader building, and fly tying or whatever you want to work on. The captains are from fishing families that have lived in Las Arenas for generations. Gary has built a relationship with them over the 20 years he has been fishing here. They are, by far, the most experienced fly fishing captains in the area. Learn flies and methods specifically adapted to the climate, habitats and species of this pristine area on the Sea of Cortez. Bring a small tying kit and vice if you wish to join in the tying sessions. This is prime time for some of the best fishing at the Cerralvo Island area, which always offers a large variety of habitat and fish to target. Most of all, we have fun!

The village that we call home is located in an isolated area about one hour from La Paz. It is a small fishing village with very friendly people and a great view of Cerralvo Island. ATT /Cingular cellular phones work from your room. Call your provider in advance to activate your international calling before you leave. Wireless internet is available in some parts of the hotel. Rooms are air conditioned, and fans are provided.

US dollars are very acceptable and in common usage. It is difficult to get travelers checks cashed. Contact Gary by email at gary@garybulla.com or at (805) 933 1367.

We stay at a casual beachfront hotel with a view of Cerralvo Island and Punta Arenas. We have our own cook who prepares three fresh meals per day with all beverages except hard liquor. You will get a chance to purchase in La Paz when you arrive and /or you may want to bring your own special wine or liquor. You can also order more during the week.

Group airport transfers from La Paz, local taxes, fishing licenses, panga fishing for six days (two persons per boat). Bait, and tips to guides and staff are not .You will need about $300 cash to cover these costs. A typical tip to your captain is $20 per person per day-paid at the end of your daily session. Bait is $10 per person most days. Tips to the cook and maid are about $30 total for the week.

We have free sit on top kayaks to paddle near the hotel and the evening beach fishing can be productive for small roosters and jacks.

We encourage catch and release and the captains understand this. We may have some of your fresh caught fish for dinner or a captain may request a fish for himself if you dont mind. If you wish, bring a small hard ice chest and freezer bags for transporting some of your catch. This can work for those who live on the west coast and are flying non-stop. There are a few small freezers to freeze your catch and the airlines allow for this in a hard ice chest and will charge an extra fee as an extra bag. Check with your airline.

Itinerary

A van and English speaking driver will meet the group at the airport. He will take you to the large supermarket in La Paz so that you can buy anything you need-toothbrush, wasabi, or liquor. Beer is provided at the hotel.

For six days, beginning the day after arrival:

We get up an hour before sunrise for a hearty breakfast. We (the fishermen) pack our pre-prepared sandwiches, chips and drinks for each pair of fishing partners. We load the lunch boxes into the van and head for the beach to meet our captains at sunrise. Use two rod ties or Velcro wraps to bundle your rods together and Gary will provide protective slip over bags for the road trip. We are normally back on the beach at about 2 oclock and head back to the hotel for rod rinsing, siesta, snacks, tying or leader building. Dinner is at seven oclock. As mentioned, there is some good beach fishing in front of the hotel, especially in the late afternoon. An 8w with an intermediate or sink tip and a stripping basket will do the job.

The cost of the trip per person is based on single occupancy. Rooms are assigned first come first serve as deposits are received. A fifty-percent deposit is required to reserve your spot. The total must be paid in full 60 days before the trip, payable in US dollars by cash, check or money order. Sorry, no credit cards accepted. Travel and medical insurance is highly advisable, especially with the way airlines are running these days- and then there is weather! We only lose about 2% of fishing days due to weather, but the insurance is very reasonable.

Lets see some backing!

Gary