How-to, if you are going to Baja with Mr. MakoBob - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Mahigeer · 10-28-2015, 05:17 PM

This report is for people who would like to join Mr. MakoBob in Baja, kayak fishing for the first time.
It is recommendations based on my own observations during the recent trip. The reader may need to adjust to their own needs and way of doing things.

Unless you are a young and in good physical condition with commend of a paddle only kayak; Hobie Mirage drive kayaks could be the most important item that you need on this trip.

The paddle only kayakers will benefit of using spinning reel outfits rather than the conventional reels.
While you are undoing the inevitable and unavoidable backlash, the kayak most likely will change position due to wind and current.

For fishing gear; small castmaster and Krocodile lures in silver color are the go to lures. Steel leader is a must to keep from losing lures. Fish here are not line shy. Double check the ready-made steel leaders.

If at all possible, use a buddy system to go south. In addition to the obvious---safety in numbers and saving on fuel cost, it is very helpful to have someone with you all the time to help with loading, unloading of the gear and the kayaks. It is more likely others will help you if they are there and asked, but they may not be around.

Be mindful of others to see if they need help. Travis who is in the Navy and is trained to be a team member was an example of this attitude. He saw me coming off the water, and came to help me put the kayak on the dolly. Later he asked if I needed help loading my heavy Yeti cooler. Thanks Travis.

Having your own transportation, makes it possible to fish at other locations than the camp.

We had a working bathroom and shower. No hot water, but it was really not necessary. The water in the tank on the roof was warming up in the sun and felt good in the hot environment. Bob is building his own bathroom, and may have a solar heater.

Starting a week before departure, I took Bioprobics pills and used only bottle water to wash my teeth.
Be sure to keep your food in cooler and cold.

Stay in shade whenever possible and drink plenty of fluids. A hat and sunglass are a must.

No need to exchange Dollars for pesos. Everybody accepts Dollars.
Though I did not get to see it personally, there is a store which has ice and some other necessities.
20 lbs. bag of ice was 50.00 Pesos. I had 50 lbs. of block ice in my Yeti cooler which lasted (7) days. Then I had to get a bag of ice. The block ice lasts long, but it leaves little room for other stuff. Depending on the size of the cooler.

The camp is safe to leave your stuff. Valuables like passport, money, camera, etc. should be locked in your vehicle. My motto is from an old insurance commercial—“Prevention is the best protection”.

A sun shade for your windshield will help keep your vehicle cooler. Maybe a small solar charger hooked up to your battery will keep your battery up in its charge. That is if you don’t drive at all for a week.

Most people left their kayaks on the beach (see picture in my report), above the high tide line. No problem. Some even left their rods there.

Even if you don’t catch any fish, which will be hard to do, you will get a great exercise. I lost (7) lbs. paddling, pulling kayak on soft sand, walking on soft sand, loading and unloading gear and sweating.

A comfortable chair and a small table will be very useful during the meals and other times relaxing on the porch. A binocular will provide a good view of the activity on the water in the distance.

I am updating my personal list. Adding some items and removing some items. If you like, send a PM to me and I will send you my list. It could be a reference to start your own list.

I had a problem with my VHF radio antenna. My battery also was nearly empty even though it was off!
A spare antenna as well as a spare battery which is charged would be an additional safety items to have.

Lastly---If you are offered a meal by Buddha, be sure to ask if you can pitch-in with cleaning the pots and pans.

Be prepared, pay attention to safety, and most importantly take along a good attitude to share with friends.

As your host would say---“tight lines and fishy dreams”.

Goose1993 · 10-29-2015, 09:00 AM

What fish do you target on this trip?

Mahigeer · 10-29-2015, 10:38 AM

All good points Robert.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goose1993

What fish do you target on this trip?

I think roosterfish on fly was the ultimate goal.
Followed by yellowtail on any tackle and whatever else that wanted to play.

Easiest was triggerfish due to its abundance there.

Casting in the middle of Sierra boil was a lot of fun too. This is where Hobie Mirage shines.
On my kayak, by the time I got to the boil and started to cast, I would drift away.

taggermike · 10-30-2015, 07:08 AM

Great list of items. Plastics work but like Mrpukashell said, they don't last long. Every thing has teeth n nothing is safe from the triggers. Crocs or about any thing shiny n metal will get bit. Bring some wire leaders, or better, learn the haywire twist n do your own. Durable plugs are good for trolling. I've been on trips where I did the exact opposite with the ice strategy. I brought no ice and nothing that needs to be kept cold. But it sure makes things simply. Dry, canned, or by fresh stuff when you're in mexico. I'll ice up if I want to bring fish home. Crazy? Maybe. Mike

rossman · 10-30-2015, 08:56 AM

The world needs more people like Mahi Geer who are so well organized that it is almost a neurosis. His list of things to bring is all inclusive but having said that, it is much higher more than I brought down knowing get I was going to be down here for a year at a minimum. You will miss out on some of the Baja adventure and interaction with the great folks living here if you are over prepared.

And lest I lose my rep as the number one pedal boat critic, I have to say that I disagree with most of the Hobie comments. But that's just me. But it for you must, don't forget your box of spare parts.

Mahigeer · 10-30-2015, 09:31 AM

You are too kind.

I guess if I had a lighter, better maneuverable kayak like others, I would not feel so strongly about the Hobie.

I too am leery of the many parts that could go wrong on the Mirage drive.

Just worrying about remembering to prepare for landing, took some away from the fun of ridding one.

Of course I was using Bob's kayak, and I felt more responsible than if it was my own.

I am modifying my list. Removing what was not needed and adding what would be good to have.

buddha · 10-30-2015, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rossman

The world needs more people like Mahi Geer who are so well organized that it is almost a neurosis. His list of things to bring is all inclusive but having said that, it is much higher more than I brought down knowing get I was going to be down here for a year at a minimum. You will miss out on some of the Baja adventure and interaction with the great folks living here if you are over prepared.

And lest I lose my rep as the number one pedal boat critic, I have to say that I disagree with most of the Hobie comments. But that's just me. But it for you must, don't forget your box of spare parts.

Ross I have been a critic of the pedal kayaks as well as my FB Group gave me a lot of crap since I was able to borrow a Hobie on this trip for a week.

Interesting article. http://wavewalk.com/blog/2010/10/11/...ishing-kayaks/

What are your criticisms of the pedal kayaks other than possible breakdown of parts?

MrPukaShell · 10-29-2015, 09:02 AM

There are a few things that every person going should have.

A hand held VHF Radio in working condition. Check and recheck to make sure it is with you along with the charger.
A "Lounge" chair. This was passed on to me by Captnblood and it was a life saver. Get at Costco when in season for $60.00
The cell phone number's of the vehicles going down. You want to communicate in case you get separated while in travel. We got cut off and it would have been beneficial.
Water, bring plenty. I brought a 5 gallon cooler with 20 lbs of ice and water and it lasted several days with a few guys drinking off of it. Costco has the best deal on water, 6 1 gallon bottles were under $4.00 out the door.

A tip on Ice management. Freeze anything you can prior to loading the ice chest. I have a 110 quart cooler (Not a Yeti). I put in a 50 lb block of ice on one side standing up and it fit perfectly. On one side of the block I put a 1.75 L of Tequila and on the other I put 15 of the frozen Gatorade's standing up and a thermos of Cold Brew coffee. Then I covered that with "Crushed" ice. Added the remaining Gatorade's and covered with more crushed ice. I did this on Friday morning when I left home and have enough ice to last 9 days. We did add some lunch meat during the week along with some other items. Since the Gatorades were frozen it froze everything together as a solid block. You had to chip out the drinks as you needed them and they still had ice in them which was nice. If I was a beer drinker I would bring an extra cooler just for beer.

As for fishing gear I believe that depends on the time of year you are going. The fish are tough on plastics and destroy them in one or two cast. Metal lures are the way to go. If they are eating the small baits make sure you have extra split rings and hooks. The small hooks get straighten out and you will need to replace them.

Tight lines and hope this helps a little.

_Obed · 11-01-2015, 07:41 AM

Thanks to everyone for the pointers, but living in Mexico most of my life I've picked up a few things. You don't NEED a certain kayak especially one so expensive, you just need one to go fish with friends. It sounds like like someone is working for hobie with that comment.

And as for the money comment, true everyone takes dollars but at their own rate. best recommendation that my family and I use, would be exchange up here in the USA.
San Ysidro has exchange places that will offer a lot more for your buck. Unless you have boatloads of cash and don't care... not my case.

Peace and have a nice trip out there.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Mahigeer · 11-01-2015, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _Obed

Thanks to everyone for the pointers, but living in Mexico most of my life I've picked up a few things. You don't NEED a certain kayak especially one so expensive, you just need one to go fish with friends. It sounds like like someone is working for hobie with that comment.

And as for the money comment, true everyone takes dollars but at their own rate. best recommendation that my family and I use, would be exchange up here in the USA.
San Ysidro has exchange places that will offer a lot more for your buck. Unless you have boatloads of cash and don't care... not my case.

Peace and have a nice trip out there.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I don't know if this remark is meant for me. In case it is, I have no affiliation to Hobie or its dealers. My recommendation was based on my own observation.

There was a Hobie employee there in the group, but he has not commented yet.

I did get Pesos at home, but ended up bringing most of it back. I had little expenses there.

_Obed · 11-01-2015, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mahigeer

I don't know if this remark is meant for me. In case it is, I have no affiliation to Hobie or its dealers. My recommendation was based on my own observation.

There was a Hobie employee there in the group, but he has not commented yet.

I did get Pesos at home, but ended up bringing most of it back. I had little expenses there.

Not meant to anyone, scanning through it and caught my eye. Wouldn't want any one to feel discouraged because of someone else's style of fishing.

Sent from my SM-G925P using Tapatalk

taggermike · 11-01-2015, 12:56 PM

Great posts n ideas. Just a few general baja thoughts. The Costco here in Chula vista(Broadway and Naples) has a money exchange office. I recall getting a very good rate there.

IMO the first concern and safety issue is your vehicle. On a gonzaga trip your on paved highway and near towns, not a Baja 1000 experience, but still an extra spare, extra jack, serious tow strap, a strong come along, and a real full sized shovel can Save the day. 4x4s still get stuck.

Don't think any ones mentioned first aid. A good kit, but more importantly first aid knowledge can be critical. Lots of things can happen on Baja trips and you're not calling 911. Slips/falls while fishing from rocks, f'n sting rays n urchins, heat related trauma, embedded fish hooks. None of us is gettin any younger so that opens the door to plenty of issues. Years ago a buddy had a 2 week dream surf trip end after 4 days cause a guy had the "revenge"so bad the dehydration was close to putting him in shock.

Hobie's are great fishing kayaks but they are heavy and a bit complicated. I recall fulrac's baja report of breaking a miarge drive. That doesn't happed often but in a PA you're not saving a trip with a paddle. At Bob's place it looks like you have sand and an easy launch. Other places aren't so easy. I use an old OK Prowler. Paddles n fishes great n light enough to trailer or carry about any where. It would bum me out but if the yak was lost, destroyed, or stollen it wouldn't be a financial set back. Mike

Mahigeer · 11-01-2015, 01:47 PM

All good points. Thanks.

I did not include my list in this thread, because I did not want to make it a very long post.

I had in my list; First Aide kit, Hook removal kit and heavy duty cutter for cutting heavy gauge hooks.

Since I did not drive, I did not have any vehicle related items, except some basic hand tools and of course duct tape!

Bob did have a heavy duty tow cable. It was used to get Jack out of the sand.

Good to know about Costco. I have to check to see if the ones near me do exchange. I doubt it.
Their price for bottled water was great. I took two bundles and they lasted me with some left over.

10-28-2015, 05:17 PM	#1
Mahigeer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,897	How-to, if you are going to Baja with Mr. MakoBob This report is for people who would like to join Mr. MakoBob in Baja, kayak fishing for the first time. It is recommendations based on my own observations during the recent trip. The reader may need to adjust to their own needs and way of doing things. Unless you are a young and in good physical condition with commend of a paddle only kayak; Hobie Mirage drive kayaks could be the most important item that you need on this trip. The paddle only kayakers will benefit of using spinning reel outfits rather than the conventional reels. While you are undoing the inevitable and unavoidable backlash, the kayak most likely will change position due to wind and current. For fishing gear; small castmaster and Krocodile lures in silver color are the go to lures. Steel leader is a must to keep from losing lures. Fish here are not line shy. Double check the ready-made steel leaders. If at all possible, use a buddy system to go south. In addition to the obvious---safety in numbers and saving on fuel cost, it is very helpful to have someone with you all the time to help with loading, unloading of the gear and the kayaks. It is more likely others will help you if they are there and asked, but they may not be around. Be mindful of others to see if they need help. Travis who is in the Navy and is trained to be a team member was an example of this attitude. He saw me coming off the water, and came to help me put the kayak on the dolly. Later he asked if I needed help loading my heavy Yeti cooler. Thanks Travis. Having your own transportation, makes it possible to fish at other locations than the camp. We had a working bathroom and shower. No hot water, but it was really not necessary. The water in the tank on the roof was warming up in the sun and felt good in the hot environment. Bob is building his own bathroom, and may have a solar heater. Starting a week before departure, I took Bioprobics pills and used only bottle water to wash my teeth. Be sure to keep your food in cooler and cold. Stay in shade whenever possible and drink plenty of fluids. A hat and sunglass are a must. No need to exchange Dollars for pesos. Everybody accepts Dollars. Though I did not get to see it personally, there is a store which has ice and some other necessities. 20 lbs. bag of ice was 50.00 Pesos. I had 50 lbs. of block ice in my Yeti cooler which lasted (7) days. Then I had to get a bag of ice. The block ice lasts long, but it leaves little room for other stuff. Depending on the size of the cooler. The camp is safe to leave your stuff. Valuables like passport, money, camera, etc. should be locked in your vehicle. My motto is from an old insurance commercial—“Prevention is the best protection”. A sun shade for your windshield will help keep your vehicle cooler. Maybe a small solar charger hooked up to your battery will keep your battery up in its charge. That is if you don’t drive at all for a week. Most people left their kayaks on the beach (see picture in my report), above the high tide line. No problem. Some even left their rods there. Even if you don’t catch any fish, which will be hard to do, you will get a great exercise. I lost (7) lbs. paddling, pulling kayak on soft sand, walking on soft sand, loading and unloading gear and sweating. A comfortable chair and a small table will be very useful during the meals and other times relaxing on the porch. A binocular will provide a good view of the activity on the water in the distance. I am updating my personal list. Adding some items and removing some items. If you like, send a PM to me and I will send you my list. It could be a reference to start your own list. I had a problem with my VHF radio antenna. My battery also was nearly empty even though it was off! A spare antenna as well as a spare battery which is charged would be an additional safety items to have. Lastly---If you are offered a meal by Buddha, be sure to ask if you can pitch-in with cleaning the pots and pans. Be prepared, pay attention to safety, and most importantly take along a good attitude to share with friends. As your host would say---“tight lines and fishy dreams”. Last edited by Mahigeer; 10-30-2015 at 04:44 PM.

10-30-2015, 08:56 AM	#5
rossman Marginally Irrelevant Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bahia Asuncion Posts: 936	The world needs more people like Mahi Geer who are so well organized that it is almost a neurosis. His list of things to bring is all inclusive but having said that, it is much higher more than I brought down knowing get I was going to be down here for a year at a minimum. You will miss out on some of the Baja adventure and interaction with the great folks living here if you are over prepared. And lest I lose my rep as the number one pedal boat critic, I have to say that I disagree with most of the Hobie comments. But that's just me. But it for you must, don't forget your box of spare parts. __________________ "When beholding the tranquil beauty and brilliancy of the ocean’s skin, one forgets the tiger heart that pants beneath it; and would not willingly remember that this velvet paw but conceals a remorseless fang. " — Herman Melville Y'all come see me now, hear!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-29-2015, 09:00 AM	#2
Goose1993 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 115	What fish do you target on this trip?

10-30-2015, 07:08 AM	#4
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	Great list of items. Plastics work but like Mrpukashell said, they don't last long. Every thing has teeth n nothing is safe from the triggers. Crocs or about any thing shiny n metal will get bit. Bring some wire leaders, or better, learn the haywire twist n do your own. Durable plugs are good for trolling. I've been on trips where I did the exact opposite with the ice strategy. I brought no ice and nothing that needs to be kept cold. But it sure makes things simply. Dry, canned, or by fresh stuff when you're in mexico. I'll ice up if I want to bring fish home. Crazy? Maybe. Mike

10-30-2015, 09:31 AM	#6
Mahigeer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,897	You are too kind. I guess if I had a lighter, better maneuverable kayak like others, I would not feel so strongly about the Hobie. I too am leery of the many parts that could go wrong on the Mirage drive. Just worrying about remembering to prepare for landing, took some away from the fun of ridding one. Of course I was using Bob's kayak, and I felt more responsible than if it was my own. I am modifying my list. Removing what was not needed and adding what would be good to have.

10-29-2015, 09:02 AM	#8
MrPukaShell Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Ventura COunty Posts: 521	There are a few things that every person going should have. A hand held VHF Radio in working condition. Check and recheck to make sure it is with you along with the charger. A "Lounge" chair. This was passed on to me by Captnblood and it was a life saver. Get at Costco when in season for $60.00 The cell phone number's of the vehicles going down. You want to communicate in case you get separated while in travel. We got cut off and it would have been beneficial. Water, bring plenty. I brought a 5 gallon cooler with 20 lbs of ice and water and it lasted several days with a few guys drinking off of it. Costco has the best deal on water, 6 1 gallon bottles were under $4.00 out the door. A tip on Ice management. Freeze anything you can prior to loading the ice chest. I have a 110 quart cooler (Not a Yeti). I put in a 50 lb block of ice on one side standing up and it fit perfectly. On one side of the block I put a 1.75 L of Tequila and on the other I put 15 of the frozen Gatorade's standing up and a thermos of Cold Brew coffee. Then I covered that with "Crushed" ice. Added the remaining Gatorade's and covered with more crushed ice. I did this on Friday morning when I left home and have enough ice to last 9 days. We did add some lunch meat during the week along with some other items. Since the Gatorades were frozen it froze everything together as a solid block. You had to chip out the drinks as you needed them and they still had ice in them which was nice. If I was a beer drinker I would bring an extra cooler just for beer. As for fishing gear I believe that depends on the time of year you are going. The fish are tough on plastics and destroy them in one or two cast. Metal lures are the way to go. If they are eating the small baits make sure you have extra split rings and hooks. The small hooks get straighten out and you will need to replace them. Tight lines and hope this helps a little.

11-01-2015, 07:41 AM	#9
_Obed Bird nest master Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 110	Thanks to everyone for the pointers, but living in Mexico most of my life I've picked up a few things. You don't NEED a certain kayak especially one so expensive, you just need one to go fish with friends. It sounds like like someone is working for hobie with that comment. And as for the money comment, true everyone takes dollars but at their own rate. best recommendation that my family and I use, would be exchange up here in the USA. San Ysidro has exchange places that will offer a lot more for your buck. Unless you have boatloads of cash and don't care... not my case. Peace and have a nice trip out there. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

11-01-2015, 12:56 PM	#12
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	Great posts n ideas. Just a few general baja thoughts. The Costco here in Chula vista(Broadway and Naples) has a money exchange office. I recall getting a very good rate there. IMO the first concern and safety issue is your vehicle. On a gonzaga trip your on paved highway and near towns, not a Baja 1000 experience, but still an extra spare, extra jack, serious tow strap, a strong come along, and a real full sized shovel can Save the day. 4x4s still get stuck. Don't think any ones mentioned first aid. A good kit, but more importantly first aid knowledge can be critical. Lots of things can happen on Baja trips and you're not calling 911. Slips/falls while fishing from rocks, f'n sting rays n urchins, heat related trauma, embedded fish hooks. None of us is gettin any younger so that opens the door to plenty of issues. Years ago a buddy had a 2 week dream surf trip end after 4 days cause a guy had the "revenge"so bad the dehydration was close to putting him in shock. Hobie's are great fishing kayaks but they are heavy and a bit complicated. I recall fulrac's baja report of breaking a miarge drive. That doesn't happed often but in a PA you're not saving a trip with a paddle. At Bob's place it looks like you have sand and an easy launch. Other places aren't so easy. I use an old OK Prowler. Paddles n fishes great n light enough to trailer or carry about any where. It would bum me out but if the yak was lost, destroyed, or stollen it wouldn't be a financial set back. Mike

11-01-2015, 01:47 PM	#13
Mahigeer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,897	All good points. Thanks. I did not include my list in this thread, because I did not want to make it a very long post. I had in my list; First Aide kit, Hook removal kit and heavy duty cutter for cutting heavy gauge hooks. Since I did not drive, I did not have any vehicle related items, except some basic hand tools and of course duct tape! Bob did have a heavy duty tow cable. It was used to get Jack out of the sand. Good to know about Costco. I have to check to see if the ones near me do exchange. I doubt it. Their price for bottled water was great. I took two bundles and they lasted me with some left over.