business end of a sierra
roosterfish
Sea of Cortez, Baja California
The contrast couldn't be greater. From the freezing winter of east coast USA and the wind-swept grasslands of Mongolia to the tropical heat and warm blue water of the sea of Cortez. It has been a busy year, full of contrasts. I am a great fan of salt water fly fishing; particularly when you can sight fish. Baja California offers just that for a variety of species.
Baja has salt water fly fishing opportunities on both coasts. The Pacific side has surf perch and halibut. But I spent my time on the east coast, wetting a line on the Sea of Cortez. In winter there are yellowtail and sierra mackerel to catch. The mackerel are the most ferocious fish, hunting in packs, just like wolves, and leaping out the water as they run down their prey. In spring and summer, warmer water enters the Sea and there are dorado, tuna and best of all, in my opinion, roosterfish. They are amazing to watch when they hunt and stunning to look at.
Even though much of the fishing is sight fishing – in the sense that you search for signs of feeding fish --- typically you still need sinking or intermediate lines. But this is no dredging the depths. In the clear blue water you can often see the fish approach and swallow your fly. The thrill is palpable.
business end of a sierra
roosterfish