Hosted Big Game Fishing | Baja East Cape | Mexico

The below itinerary is only a suggested one, as there are daily flights leaving form the Uk. Therefore should you wish to extend your stay with more time in Mexico, the itinerary below can be tailored to suit.

DAY 1:

Depart UK (alternative routes available)
Arrive Dallas

Depart Dallas
Arrive San Jose del Cabo

As you walk out of the terminal building, look for our representative, who will be waiting to greet you. Transfer to the hotel – approx time 60 min’s.

Overnight accommodation: Palmas Hotel Poolside (Twin room) R/O

DAYS 2 & 3: Fishing Days.

Panga Fishing Boats.

As this is a Hosted trip, people will be assigned a boat for the day and the Host will split his time between each boat everyday. Each day there will only be 2 anglers per boat.

The fishing starts early in Mexico so ensure you are dockside by no later than 06:40 as they like to live straight away so they can gather bait for your days fishing. You will then meet your boat captain and crew for 8 hours panga fishing for the species of your choice.

Overnight accommodation: Palmas Hotel (Twin room) R/O

DAYS 4 TO 6: Fishing Days.

Super Sport Fishing Boats.

These next days you will be fishing from purpose built big game boats fully equipped with only the best outriggers to keep your lures in the best pattern.

Our captains and crew will be happy for you to do as much or as little of the rigging, running lines and hooking of fish as you require.

Just make it clear at the beginning of each day what you want to do and fish for.

Overnight accommodation: Palmas Hotel (Twin room) R/O

DAY 7:

In the morning the group will then take the Sportquest Holidays taxi transfer from the Palmas hotel to Depart San Jose del Cabo’s Airport.

Depart San Jose del Cabo
Arrive Dallas
Depart Dallas

DAY 8:

Arrive UK

Destination Overview:

Palma De Cortez is located in the East Cape of the Baja Peninsula which is around 100miles from Cabo San Lucas. The Sea of Cortez is a giant bay where fish like to come and feed on the nutrient-rich waters before heading back along the coastline. The sea of Cortez offers a huge variety of species including all the Billfish family and the inshore fishing for Roosters and Jacks is world class. The shore fishing is something that is not done often but you can have very good results fishing into dark just outside the hotel where Roosters and Jacks will be hitting the bait balls against the shoreline.

Where is the destination?

The Sea of Cortez is located off the East Cape of the Baja Peninsula in Mexico, Cabo San Lucas. Being located on the east side means you will be fishing the rich waters of the Gulf of California

Where do they fish?

The inshore fishing along the coast is world class and Lighthouse Bay is one of the best around. When big game fishing the fishing starts as close as 2 miles out so no time is wasted motoring out to the grounds. The deep drop off where the Billfish cruise is only a short steam of around 10 minutes from the jetty.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds?

Both inshore and offshore grounds are all located very close to the hotel and you can be fishing within 10 minutes of leaving the jetty. However, if there are known shoals of Tuna that are feeding then somedays you may be travelling up to an hour to reach them.

What fish will I catch?

The offshore species will include Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna and Dorados. These can all be targeted on the same day which is a major pull for the sea of Cortez. The inshore fishing at Palma De Cortez is excellent. You can expect to catch Roosters, Jacks and Snappers. Occasionally the Dorado come in very close to feed on the huge inshore bait balls. Along with all of the above, if you decide to fish the many reefs you will also catch many different types of Snappers plus the very hard fighting Amber Jacks which grow to a very good size.

How many fish will I catch?

This all depends on the chosen species you wish to target, the weather and the time of year. If you are after catching a big Billfish then to hook one a day would be an ideal expectation and anything over this would be classed as a bonus. You should get action from other species such as the Dorado and Tuna to keep you busy. The inshore fishing is always guaranteed to be a good day with lots of action from the Jacks and if you are lucky enough you will get to see a huge Rooster or two.

How do they fish?

On your offshore fishing days, the boats will head to the steep drop-offs where the predator’s patrol. You will be mainly trolling artificial lures and teasers, then once you have a Billfish in the spread the deckhand will pull the lure in so you can cast a bait to the Billfish and seeing a Billfish strike at close quarters is an unreal experience.

The inshore fishing days will be mainly using fish as bait. These will be trolled behind the boat on outriggers, the deckhand will use live pilchards by the handful to excite the Roosters and Jacks. Once you have located the feeding fish the action should be pretty exciting and constant.

Do the guides speak English?

All the captains and deckhands speak good English. Sometimes hand signals are needed to explain things, we call it worldwide fishing language.

Who is best suited to this destination?

This destination is perfect for those who like a lot of action as the Sea of Cortez is packed with fish. You certainly do not need to be an expert big game angler as the deck hands will take great care of you. On the other hand, if you are an experienced big game angler you will also have lots of fun as the action can be fairly hectic on occasions when the Tuna are running or the Dorado are hungry.

What skill level is required?

This destination suits anglers of all abilities from first time big game anglers to the most experienced.

How physically demanding is this trip?

If you choose to troll then it’s not that physical as when you hook a fish you can sit in the fighting chair and let the boat do the work. Additionally, you can stand toe to toe with the fish and battle it out. You can choose to lure fish if you so wish, which is fairly demanding, but not the normal technique for this part of Mexico.

When to go?

The season is from the end of April to November with May and September the best two months as this is when the Tuna and Dorado run. May sees a lot of good-sized Marlin and September is a great month to target many different species. Whenever you decide to travel then we highly recommend looking at a moon phase calendar. We would recommend the time leading up to a ‘new moon’ as the predators will feed more during the day than the night.

How to get there?

We normally fly people via the US, places such ass Los Angeles or Dallas, then the same day a flight to San Jose Del Cabo (SJD). Once you arrive we will then transfer you to the resort. Transfer normally takes around 40 minutes.

What is the accommodation like?

Palma De Cortez was built with the angler in mind with it being located right on the beach. There are a couple of different options for rooms. There are poolside rooms or ocean view rooms. All the rooms are decorated in a Mexican style and have two twin beds, a shower room (some have baths), and normally an outside balcony where you can take a nice cold beer. There is a small gym on site along with tennis courts and a lovely spa area.

What is the food like?

The food at Palma De Cortez is very good, fresh and produced from local products. If there is something you fancy that isn’t on the menu then simply ask as the chefs and staff will try their hardest to make it happen. The breakfast is served early so it doesn’t get in the way of the fishing days and is an American style breakfast.

Does the hotel provide fishing tackle?

The tackle that is provided when out on the boats is of a good standard. If you fancy a little popper or jig fishing then we would recommend you taking your own equipment as they tend to concentrate more on trolling equipment. It is also possible to hire a small spinning rod to have a go from the beach in the evenings

Is internet and phone signal available?

Phone signal is available and the Wifi at the resort is free.

Are there other activities available?

Yes, they can organise shopping days out at Cabo, quad bike rentals and mountain bike rentals. Onsite there is a spa treatment are, gym and several tennis courts. There is also a swimming pool with swim-up bar plus a hot tub area.

How much does it cost?

Sportquest Holidays offers you the complete package including all flights and transfers. To view all prices and availability visit our Palma De Cortez Mexico Destination page.

Alternatively, if you wish to arrange all your own travel arrangements Sportquest Holidays can book just the lodge and fishing for you.