Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge - Campo Las Encantadas trip, Baja 10/17-24/2015---part one

Here is an account of my recent trip with invitation of Mr. Makobob to his place in Baja, California.
The post title says Campo (field) Las Encantadas, since it is the name of the area where Bob’s property is actually located.
I did not get a chance to fish the Gonzaga Bay per say. Better known as Bahia San Luis Gonzaga.

This is my first of this type of repots on this website. I like to present them so if you cannot make the trip, you may join me vicariously. This report or better called travelogue will have many details that may seem irrelevant, but I like to include them to a) to put the reader in my place, b) to answer some questions that the reader may have ahead of time, c) to be a reminder in the future when I re-read the report myself to re-live the experience once more.

I hope you like it too.

I know the readers want to see pictures of the fish caught. So, go ahead scroll to the bottom and then come back. Relax; grab a cup of your favorite beverage and read the text if you wish. I have included some pictures of others with their fish, but I will let them tell you about their trip if they wish.

Here is what Gonzaga Bay looks like from the sky. Use the satellite version rather than map version for a better view.
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.8136.../data=!3m1!1e3
If you move the map and go north, you will see a point with caption Bufeo. To the left of that is a large sandy area.
That is where we camped and stayed.

1-Here is a map of the Baja with our route highlighted with yellow marker.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...0/DSCN5431.jpg
The town that is divided by the border line has two names.
At the Mexican side, it is called Mexicali. In the US side it is called Calexico. Whose ever side you are on, they get the first billing!

Friday, October 16, 2015

After months of making a list and putting together my stuff, I finally loaded the 4Runner and headed south around 10:00 PM.
The first stop was the Pechanga Casino which was only 45 minutes from Bob’s house.
This way I would have plenty of time to travel and be close to his house early if there is any problem on the road.

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Next stop was Bob’s house. I arrived at 2:30 AM and saw Bob walking toward his truck. Paul was sleeping in his SUV. We loaded up Bob’s truck as
quietly as possible and headed south.

Met the gang at the Shell station per the previous agreement and after meet and greet and a bathroom break we got on our way.
This time heading east and then again heading south.

Bob in the lead truck, followed by Mike and Jack in their trucks and others respectively. After the border stop we lost the others and only three trucks
were in line. Bob took it easy and we made some pit stops on the way.

2-There were lots of windmills on the US side generating electricity. There was an actual solar farm before the boarder that was interesting for me.
A picture was not practical.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5223.jpg

We ran into some heavy fog for a while before sunrise that seemed to appear out of nowhere.

3-Sunrise on the way to Calexico.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5233.jpg

We had to make a short stop at the border for me to get my FMM and have Paul’s stamped.
A very nice officer helped me and smiled a lot and we got along fine. I paid $25.00 and we got on our way.
Paul, who spoke Spanish like a native was very helpful here and during the entire trip.

4-Sun started to come up. Road was nice most of the way, but you have to watch out for some high hills and low valleys to prevent your rear axle from falling off.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5235.jpg
Especially after San Felipe and about 64 Km past the town.

5-Our gracious and fearless leader is filling his chariot with diesel fuel. A very comfortable and most reasonably priced ride for me and Paul.
I lost three of those reflector stickers on the way down. Cheap glue, I guess.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5240.jpg
The Malibu, X Factor kayak will be going on sale soon. Hopefully to be replaced by a Hobie Mirage drive kayak.

6-Around 11:00 AM we stopped to have delicious tacos, soup and Coke at this place. Cheap and tasty, prepared right in front of you.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...r/DSCN5243.jpg

7-This was the first sighting for me of the Gulf of California or Sea of Cortez. Whichever name you prefer.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...r/DSCN5248.jpg
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5250.jpg
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...r/DSCN5252.jpg

8-Not sure about the locations, but there were lots of bay shape land/sea formations on the way.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5254.jpg

9-These look like salt flats.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5257.jpg

10-Each vista like this makes one wonder---what kind of a fish lives there?
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5260.jpg

11-Bob was telling us a story about three sisters here, but I can’t recall it now. Notice the nice paved road with safety rails along where they were needed.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5261.jpg

12-Seeing ocean and land combination always makes me happy.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5262.jpg
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5265.jpg

13-This is the most common cacti that I saw on the way.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...r/DSCN5268.jpg

14-There are long stretches of straight highway. It pays to make some rest stops and even wet your face to make sure you are awake and alert.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5270.jpg

15-This green, blue and gray color combination was an eye pleasing view. I must say.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5272.jpg

16-We got there around 2:00 PM, but I took this picture later.
As you can see, it was eighty eight degrees at 4:30 PM and dry.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5274.jpg

At Camp the other trucks were waiting for us. Everybody was happy and had arrived safe.
Bob was now more relaxed in one way, and got to work to organize the place and direct us where to set up.
He did little fishing during the entire trip and spent most of the time being a gracious host and answered all of my MANY questions.

First order of business was to unload my stuff, kayak and setup my tent.
I had to drink a lot of water and sit frequently to cool off. I did not want to get heat stroke and took it easy.

Some of the anglers in the group, like Travis was on the water fishing not long after we arrived.

17-Meet Mr. Bear . He was a sweat, one eyed companion of Sven. He was friendly with everybody.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5276.jpg
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...r/DSCN5277.jpg

18-This was our “headquarters” for the duration. This was a house belonging to a generous friend of Bob; who allows Bob and his guests to use it.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5284.jpg
Budda is cleaning his catch of the day on the left, while Defjack is watching the waves. Bob on the right side.
Some people slept on the roof in Camprite cots. I think Bob slept in fresh air on the center cot.

19-The catch that Jeff was cleaning was this Hogfish that he had caught on a small Castmaster.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...r/DSCN5279.jpg

20-This looks like a skeleton of a dolphin.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...r/DSCN5280.jpg

21-Looking south toward the Punta Bufeo, which apparently means--- The point of killer whale in Spanish.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5281.jpg

22-Later in the week, we took a Panga to fish this island which I think it is called Isla San Luis.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5282.jpg

23-More Islands are in view of the camp.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5283.jpg

We saw commercial fishermen put out and collect very long nets. They were after sierras. Mostly at night away from the probing eyes!!

24-This newly built structure which resembles a garage is used as a sleeping area as well as storage.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5295.jpg
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...c/DSCN5397.jpg

Notice the solar panels on the roof.
When the new portable generator is hooked up as well; the unit will be self-sufficient when it comes to electricity.
A septic tank was beneath the concrete slab.

25-I set up my tent over the concrete platform which was the site of the future bathroom.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5285.jpg

26-I had privacy and kept my gear in one place. My tent and cot took less space on Bob’s truck than the Camprite cots used by others.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...c/DSCN5380.jpg

27-This is the view of other structures nearby on the north side.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5286.jpg

28-I went surf fishing and Bear kept me company since Sven was on the kayak.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5287.jpg
Bob’s second house, to the north of our headquarters is on the far left side of the picture.

The dinner was Bratwurst, beans, roasted vegetables and bun prepared by Defjack.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

29-This was Sunday morning sunrise looking toward the south which is Punta Bufeo.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5290.jpg

30-The temperature drop was a welcome feeling, though it was yet early in day.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...r/DSCN5291.jpg

31-Mike contemplating what to do next before getting on the water…
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...o/DSCN5293.jpg

32-…..while others are at the beach getting ready to go out.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...o/DSCN5292.jpg

33-Some slept inside the structure.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...o/DSCN5294.jpg

34-Looks mighty comfy bed to sleep on. http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5296.jpg

35-The intriguing part of this art work was that it is made from a palm leaf!!
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5297.jpg

36-I barrowed a table from Sven and setup my rods.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5298.jpg

I setup my kayak and fishing gear and was on the water by 1:30 PM. Spent about four (4) hrs. fishing, but mostly battled the wind and the current with my stable, but heavy handed kayak.

37-This is a skeleton of a Kochito which means small triggerfish in Spanish.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5299.jpg

38-My first Kochi is caught on a kayak. That is a two for one for me.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5303.jpg
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5307.jpg
If you cannot catch a trigger fish in this location, you better give up fishing.
The most caught fish here is triggerfish, is what I sensed.

39-I also caught my first Sierra from the kayak. This was the second of the two for one deals for me.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5308.jpg
Notice the small silver Krocodile lure.

40-If you ever wondered why this fish is called Sierra (saw in Spanish), check out the teeth.
Notice the distinctive yellow dots on the body. Almost like a trout.
A wire leader is a must for targeting these fish. I also changed the treble hooks with special owner hooks.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5312.jpg

41-Weather report. No explanation is necessary!
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5314.jpg

42-Robert AKA Mr. Pukashel is preparing fixings to go with the dinner.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5316.jpg

43-Travis AKA Gunrunner is taking his turn at providing dinner for the group. Ground beef and beans with toasted bread.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5317.jpg

After dinner this night and most every night there was time for fish stories and tackle talk. Bob and Sven mostly listened quietly. Of course some adult beverage was consumed too. One person even enjoyed a rare treat for him. A stogy.

Monday, October 19, 2015

On Monday we decided to use a Panga for fishing. Shane and Paul took their kayak and we dropped them off at the island.

We spent a few hours trolling with no big fish caught. As I began to get seasick, decision was made to move to lee side of the island where the water was calmer.
The trigger fish chewed the swimbaits and I was using market shrimp to catch them.

44-Mike is posing on the Panga while we are getting ready to go Panga/kayak fishing.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5319.jpg

45-Paul AKA Gr8tfuldude is gingerly getting into his kayak.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5320.jpg

46-Happy kayaker is ready to go fishing.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5322.jpg

47-Steve was trolling a huge imitation fish-looking lure. It is hard to see, but the Panga driver is removing a fish smaller than the lure. How it thought it could eat the fish bigger than itself.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...o/DSCN5323.jpg
I guess the theory of the--- “it is not the size of the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog”; applies here.

48-It was little choppy on this side of the island.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...o/DSCN5325.jpg

49-The wind has eroded the island to an interesting shape.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...p/DSCN5326.jpg
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...o/DSCN5333.jpg

50-Yet again another first for me, be it from Panga. A puffer fish.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5329.jpg

51-Even a small Kochito (triggerfish) can pull hard.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5331.jpg
A Side note. The red rubber looking thingy around my neck was very effective in helping me cope with the heat. It was wetted with water and rung. Then it was kept around my neck which helped reduce my body temperature and make me feel cooler. Some were raffled out to others too.

52-There is a bird nesting somewhere in this crevice.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCN5332.jpg