Blog  |  Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Baja’s East Cape Offers Exciting Opportunities for Sportfishing

Before luxury resorts, private jets, and celebrities, Baja was known for its fishing. In fact, fishing is what started the tourism boom along the southern tip of Mexico’s famed peninsula.

A small hotel opened a fly-in fishing resort back in the 1950s. The resort was rustic and solely focused on sportfishing. It did, however, have its own runway for tourists to fly into. But, the runway was nothing more than a semi-dry creek bed that sat behind the hotel. Needless to say, landing a plane was always weather dependent.

Despite its modest means, this fishing resort exposed tourists to a land of natural beauty and a sapphire sea teeming with exotic fish. From that point on, tourism grew. Fast forward 70 years and Baja welcomes an estimated 14.6 million tourists a year, with an anticipated growth of 5-7% this year. And many of the tourists are still coming to fish.

Sportfishing in Cabo vs East Cape

Baja has become world-renowned for its sportfishing, but your trip experience drastically depends on the location you choose. The two options are: Cabo and East Cape.

Both Cabo and East Cape sit on the southern end of Baja, offer heart-pounding fishing action, and have charters run by fishing legends, but that’s about all the two locations have in common. Cabo offers commercialized, entertaining trips that complement the lively spirit of the city while East Cape fishing adventures are more laid back and pay tribute to Old Baja.

In Cabo, you’ll find lots of resorts, popular beaches, shops, boutiques, and a boisterous nightlife with parities and festival cocktails. In East Cape, you’ll find luxury hotels surrounded by an untouched desert landscape with quiet beaches, a handful of local restaurants, and zero nightclubs.

As an angler, you have to decide what kind of experience you’d like when you have a reel in your hands and when you don’t.

Fishing along Baja’s East Cape

In East Cape, anglers can hop on a fishing charter that’s operated by a resort, or if you’re staying at Costa Palmas, you can bring your own boat. This resort community offers the only marina in the area, which can accommodate everything from small boats to super yachts.=

Fishing along the East Cape starts before sunrise. The best fishing spots are typically located 15-20 miles out to sea, but anglers also have luck fishing along the coastline where the deep sea ledges and canyons play host to the best fish.

What fish will you hunt for? The Sea of Cortez is a UNESCO Heritage site with an estimated 892 species of fish, but along East Cape you’ll likely to find:

• Marlin
• Sailfish
• Wahoo
• Yellowfin Tuna
• Rooster Fish
• Snapper
• Grouper

Sportfishing icon reviews Costa Palma’s fishing action

Costa Palmas, a freshly minted, elite resort community in East Cape is attracting sportfishing enthusiasts like John Brownlee, the former executive producer of Anglers Journal TV.

Brownlee visited the 1,000-acre development, complete with a Four Seasons Resort, a championship 18-hole golf course, an exclusive beach club, and of course, elite fishing charters leaving straight from the resort’s newly-built marina.

Brownlee, who wrote about his trip in Power and Motoryacht Magazine, started the morning out about 30-miles off the coast, where Yellowfin Tuna were schooling. After chumming the waters, Brownlee and the crew wasted no time pulling in fish after fish, each around 30-pounds or so.

Later, the team headed further offshore looking for a bigger catch, and the sea didn’t disappoint. Brownlee hooked a 200-pound sailfish, battled the fish towards the boat, brought in onboard for some pictures and released it.

Not long after, a marlin was on the line. For Brownlee, it would be “the big one that got away.” They estimated the marlin was about 350-pounds, but the lure fell out of its mouth just feet from the boat.

After the thrilling day on the seas, Brownlee said, “Costa Palmas will elevate the famed fishing off Baja’s East Cape in the Sea of Cortez to an entirely new level.”

More about the Costa Palmas Resort Community

Costa Palmas is an elite resort community that was built with the elemental beauty of the landscape in mind. A resort that complements the area’s natural wonders coupled with unparalleled amenities like chartered sportfishing tours, East Cape has become a draw for elite anglers.

If you’re interested in a trip to Costa Palmas for some sportfishing, here are a few things you should know:

Getting to East Cape

East Cape is about a 45-mintue drive from Cabo International Airport. The airport does accommodate private jets with expedited processes that will have you on your way to the resort quickly.

Know the fishing seasons of Baja

What do you want to catch? The type of fish you’re looking to snag dictates when you should travel to Baja. If you’re looking to hook Wahoo, for example, fall is the best time to come. Striped Marlin are plentiful in the spring and early summer while Blue or Black Marling are biting in late summer. Check this list of fish by season to help with booking.

East Cape is particularly good for Roosterfish

Roosterfish are a coveted catch among anglers, and East Cape is a good spot to snag one. These tropical fish can grow to 100+ pounds. They’re extremely fun to catch, present during the summertime, and are typically caught inshore.

Research popular fishing spots

Before you go, research some of the area’s most popular (and productive) sportfishing spots. Outer Gordo Banks, 1150 Bank, Santa Maria Canyon, and Vinorama Canyon are all hotspots to explore.

Don’t plan to hit the water immediately

Excitement aside, it’s best to arrive at the resort and get settled in before getting out on the boat. Plan your fishing adventure a day or two into your stay. It not only gives you time to acclimate to the surroundings and weather, but you’ll get a chance to talk with experts about the current fishing climate.

Sportfishing in Baja is unlike any other fishing trip you’ll take. The East Cape offers great access to charters and a private marina, which accommodates every kind of angler. To stay on the Costa Palmas Resort, the on-site Four Seasons is a stunning choice. After a day on the water, enjoy amazing cuisine, plan a massage at the spa, or go for a dip in one of the multiple pools. Book your Four Seasons getaway today.