Rancho Leonero Resort / October 2014

Explore The Possibilities:

The Sea of Cortez is one of the most spectacular marine settings on the planet offering the kayak fisherman limitless fishing opportunities. For this reason, Pesca Baja chose to focus our adventures in this amazing region. The East Cape is also easily accessible, super affordable and we think it's one of the best exotic destinations anywhere.

One of the spectacular aspects of kayak-fishing the East Cape zone is access to both inshore and blue water fisheries. World record catches are a real possibility just a short paddle from the beach. We typically target Roosterfish, Jack Crevalle, Pompano and Sierra species inshore and chase Yellowfin Tuna, Bonita, Dorado and Billfish offshore.

Pesca Baja has teamed up with Hotel Rancho Leoneroto create the ultimate kayak fishing adventure. The Ranch pretty much put kayak fishing on the Baja map and they are totally set up to accommodate kayak anglers. Its worlds apart from the over commercialized resort areas found in other Baja locations and John Ireland and his staff run a 100% professional operation. As a bonus, the food is great, the pangeros speak English and it's super comfortable with an authentic old-world Baja feel.

The Plan:

We think small groups are the way to go on any trip, and our Rancho Leonero itineraries will be no different. Group size will be limited to four anglers per trip with a guide to guest ratio of 1:4. This season, we'll be fishing for four days. Two of those days we'll paddle from the beach (my personal best Roosters and Jacks have all been within sight of "The Ranch") and two days we will use the support of a mothership with local pangero to get us out into blue water and shots at different fish than the inshore species.

We'll start each day with a Sunrise breakfast in the courtyard then assemble at the beach to check

tackle, grab bait from the receiver and launch. A typical day of fishing begins at 7:00 am and we usually return to the resort about 2:30pm. This time may change based on weather and sea conditions and we will take a short break on a beach sometime around noon for lunch and a stretch. After fishing we can meet at the pool for a cold cerveza and then you'll have a break for a siesta, a swim or snorkel or time to relax. Dinner concludes our day where we'll talk about the day (tell lies) and chat about the game plan for the next day on the water. This is also a great time to get some dry land instruction on knots or technique or really anything that you would like to know more about.

Gearing Up:

Kayak anglers headed to the East Cape don't need to get too fancy and you don't need heavy duty equipment, but you will need good quality equipment. The East Cape is a great place for light tackle and the same gear that produces on the California coast will do the job.

My primary rig is a 30 lb. outfit. For kayaking, I like 7 foot fishing rods and small lever-drag reels. A 5:1 ratio reel on a 25 to 40-lb rod is perfect for slow-trolling live bait and in addition to being a great bait stick, it also doubles as a jig rod too for yo-yo irons and Megabait-style lures used when targeting deeper water fish. A second lighter rig for jacks and sierra, capable in casting/trolling spoons and other hard baits like Krocodiles and smaller Rapala style plugs and the like is a good second outfit. The rest of the terminal tackle is basic: a wide variety of circle hooks, fluorocarbon leader material, and extra line to re-spool in the event a large fish dumps all your string.

If you're particular about your PFD, consider bringing your own. Everyone is required to wear one. Round out your kit with a gaff or Boga, pliers, a fish stringer, and a release knife. If you have a VHF radio it's a handy tool. Besides that, pack a good hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

***We'll send you a comprehensive list of items to bring to keep you comfortable and equipped to catch most anything that swims***

Your Guide:

Captain Chris Mautino will be your host and fishing guide. He got into the kayak fishing game pretty early and has been chasing all kinds of crazy and some not so crazy fish from little plastics boats since 1990. Since that time Chris has accrued at least some useful information so he is often featured in print and promotional media; he is a Pro-Staffer and brand ambassador for several manufacturers and a regular presenter at symposiums and instructional clinics. Chris is also the founder of Liquid Adventures; a kayak outfitter in Alaska specializing in kayak fishing and SUP trips.

Booking:

Our trip prices are based on groups of four anglers. Contact us for odd-sized group pricing. A $400 deposit is required to reserve a spot on any trip with the balance due 2 weeks prior to departure. Reserve your spot early. Our tours fill quickly and early registration ensures the best organization.

Please feel free to contact us for further information regarding rates, availability, trip dates or any questions about these awesome trips. (907) 491-3474 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it