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 Many of the photos on this page are clickable to enlarge for more detail.
Our Flight arrived in La Paz around 6 PM where we were greeted by our driver. He made sure that all our luggage was
transported out to the van and loaded it all in the storage bays on top of the van.
On the way to the hotel he offered to take us to many different locations to stock up on beer, sodas and anything else we may need
on our adventure. Once that was out of the way he asked if we were hungry and we were, so he took us to his favorite taco restaurant. We ate until we were stuffed and it was
delicious. That was one of the best meals I’ve ever had for under 5 bucks!
By the time we got to the hotel it was already dark and we were all ready for bed so we checked in and the bellman delivered us and
our luggage to our rooms for a great nights sleep.
At this point we were feeling very well taken care of. This was definitely royal treatment! The room was the cleanest and nicest I have seen in Baja.
 We weren’t fishing the next morning so we
slept in and awoke to a spectacular balcony view of the harbor and all the boats.
As we walked to the elevator we saw an equally spectacular view of the hotel grounds and pool area with the ocean off in the
distance. Wow, we woke up in paradise!
 The pool was something to behold with a 15
foot mosaic tile Dorado fitted into the bottom of it and a bridge crossing over the middle of it.
We had a fantastic Brunch Buffet in the hotel restaurant between the pool and harbor with views of both.
Next we were off to further explore the lush tropical grounds of the hotel. There
was large cages with iguanas and exotic birds. The pool area, well just look for yourself. A picture say’s a thousand words. I strongly recommend that you stay at this hotel when visiting La Paz.
Later that afternoon we took a short cab ride to the boardwalk where all the restaurants are and did some sightseeing. The views were outstanding, the
sunset was breathtaking and once again the food was to die for!
Back at the hotel we meet with our fishing tour guide who gave us the run down on the next days fishing. He took our lunch orders, told us what to expect to
catch and where and when to meet in the morning. Fishing had been a little slow he explained due to strong winds that were unusual over the past few days but assured us that we would have a great time.
Our driver was right on time to pick us up in front of the hotel and took us down
to the docks for our first day of fishing. Our boats were ready and our lunches were on board so off we went. We fished the Baja Pirate fleet so we had the
shortest boat ride to the fishing grounds. The live bait was great, we had perfect lively sardines.
 Once on the fishing grounds, which was only
about a 20 minute boat ride, it didn’t take long and the first Dorado was on the line.
Yep, that’s me holding up the first fish of the trip. It wasn’t a monster like I had hoped for but it was a great start. I was feeling fishy!
We began slow trolling the lively sardines and we got bite one right after another, sometimes having 3 on at the same time. The
Dorado were jumping and putting on a real show. Several people in our party were new to this type of fishing and they were just in awe of this spectacle. You can say that they
were more hooked than the fish we were catching!
After landing 20 Dorado in a matter of just a
 couple of hours I recommended that we go
off and look for something a little different.
We started heading back towards the harbor and up popped a marlin. We baited him with one of the bigger sardines on straight 30lb
test with no leader. Talk about sporting! I didn’t think this would last more than a few minutes but I was wrong. It was about a
200lb striper that put on one hell of an Aerial show for us and very close to the boat too. I wound up fighting that fish for nearly 45 minutes before he finally
sawed through the line. I had him within reasonable leader length twice so technically it was a catch and release but he finally broke me off.
 We were done for the day and headed in. I
have fished many different places in Baja and usually when you get into the dock they clean your fish and you stand around in the heat waiting for that process to be completed. Well
not with the Baja Pirate fleet. They pull into a beautiful little cove and beach the boats. You get out and either go for a swim or lay on the beach while they clean the fish. This is where
the Visa commercial say’s “Priceless”.
 Naturally we were the first to arrive because
we had done so well early on in the day so we unloaded our fish for some picture taking on the beach. Notice the Dorado flag that is flying on the boat is my old Dorado shirt. I
donated it to the boat because they didn’t have a Dorado flag.
This is my neighbor and first time Baja fisherman. First he prays to the fish gods
for a bountiful catch and then poses as the newly born Dorado Fishing Warrior!
 My wife caught her fist Dorado on this trip
and her second, third and fourth too! Needless to say, she was a very happy camper or fisher.
The boats were really nice and the tackle was top notch. We didn’t bring gear, we just used the gear on the boat. It was as nice as the
stuff I would have brought and without the hassle of transporting it.
 Next, the rest of the boats arrive and
everyone shows off their catch, seeing who has the biggest fish of the day.
There was allot of fish caught that day but no other boat had 20 of them. I think the biggest was around 30lbs.
 Next came my favorite part, going for a swim
while the captain and deck hand cleaned and packaged the fish.
The water was refreshing and beautiful. We didn’t hesitate for a moment, we walked right in and started floating around having a ball.
The water in the cove was crystal clear and clean. There were many fish swimming around us and we even saw a rooster fish swim by.
The pelicans dropped in and made sure that there was no fishy mess left over from the filet remnants.
 The guys did an excellent job of filleting and
bagging the fish. They went right to the bone on both sides and then bagged the fish up in zip lock bags that we brought.
We were there for a while as they cleaned 20 fish and I was very happy to be in the water compared to standing on a dock in the heat
while the filleting took place. This was a real treat!
 Back at the hotel we were in for some more
swimming in the pool and some pool side burgers that made us feel right at home.
Just look how happy my wife was when the pool boy showed up with that burger, fries and all the trimmings. The pool side drinks
were also very nice and refreshing, especially the ones with the little umbrellas in them. Don’t you just love those?
 Then back down to the strand for some more
tourist stuff. We walked the boardwalk from one end to the other. There are blocks of different shops, restaurants and night clubs.
We went to yet another great restaurant that night and then back to turn in early. We had another big fishing day ahead of us
I wish I could remember the names of all the places we ate but we took in so may sights and activities it all just became a blur of
ecstasy and honestly everywhere we ate was excellent.
 Next day on the water was a repeat of the
first only better. We got 28 Dorado and my brother-in law got his first marlin.
It wasn’t a big one but it sure brought a smile to his face and we wanted to bring one home for smoking so it was perfect size. They say,
never kill the big ones and only take what you will eat.
 Again the Pirate fleet pulled into the same
beautiful beach for swimming and fish cleaning and we again took pictures and shared bragging rights for the biggest catch of the day.
The fish weren’t huge but we had a blast catching them and they were awesome fighters. They smoked line off the reels,
fought hard and walked on water like the god like creatures they are.
By the way, I got to fish with one of the new 2 speed automatic transmission reels from Tiburon and “Oh My God” what a machine. It
was smooth as glass and didn’t leave anything to be desired. This thing was a performer. By far the best piece of equipment that I have ever fished, Bar None!
Later on that afternoon we did a little beach combing and snorkeling around some fascinating rock formations. We rented snorkeling gear at one of the dive
shops next to our hotel and off we went to explore. When we were done exploring the oceans we went back to relax in the pool side spa and had some more of those little drinks with the umbrellas!
 Well, by now you know it is time to go home
so we collected all our fish from the hotel freezer and packed up all our stuff for our journey home.
We met out front for a few last minute pictures.
And here we are back in LAX going through customs and explaining that we have 8 ice chests full of fish. Now that’s a fishing trip!
I have been traveling to Baja to fish for over 30 years and there is nothing like
having a great vacation. Make sure you have an expert travel agent working for you to make sure your vacation is worry free and pleasant. That is what it is all about
We were very well taken care of every step of the way.
Costamar has been flawless in every trip I have taken with them.
Their attention to detail really make the difference.
I am convinced, Costamar is the only way to Fish Baja!
John Limbocker & Friends
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