Our accommodation here in the boonies of Baja is simple.  Our rooms are basically a kid’s fort made of plywood.  We have comfortable beds but only one light blanket.  Evenings have been cool in the 50°s so we’ve been sleeping in our fleeces.  Last night dipped into the high 40°s and I was so cold by 5 AM I got up.  Got completely dressed.  Then went for a fast walk before my coffee just to get the blood flowing.

Riccardo came at 7 to pick Grant, Sammy and I up for fishing.  I wore a fleece and my rain jacket for warmth when we made our crossing to the yellowtail bay.  Once the boat stopped moving and the sun began to rise it was nice.  The only bad thing is that the word is out about the run of the yellowtail.  Day one there were only three pangas.  Today there were about ten.

There were a few yellowtail busting upon arrival like the days before.  Sam and I got our flies right in the middle of them several times.  But these fish have wised up.  It doesn’t matter where or how remote you are, fish notice strange fake foods in their feeding grounds and of course, the disappearance of their friends.  The bottom line is, today was a lot more casting and a lot less catching.

But that certainly doesn’t mean we didn’t catch them.  Sammy showed “Currier” like persistence with relentless casting every second we were in the yellowtail water.  He landed four of the feisty fish.  That included this big ole boy.

I on the other hand only released two small ones.  I was a bit more casual, enjoying my surroundings and taking photos.  I probably should’ve fished harder for I may never have such good yellowtail fishing again, but sometimes its nice to kick back.

By afternoon fishing slowed down so much we went at least an hour without hooking a yellowtail or seeing a single one busting on the surface.  Riccardo suggested trying one of his cabrilla spots with our sinking lines.  It was a good move – Sammy landed this beautiful leopard grouper.

For the first time this week the wind is up.  We headed in at an early 1:30 PM in order not to chance an unsafe crossing to the village.  Right now, we have 20 MPH wind and a temperature of 66°s.  It feels cold.  So cold it wasn’t comfortable sitting outside sipping Pacifico’s overlooking the water.  Instead, we sheltered behind our restaurant overlooking our huts and the desert.  It’s a nice view too.

Like every night this week we ate one of our fish.  Each day we’ve taken our smallest yellowtail home and enjoyed a round of sashimi, ceviche then grilled fillet.  Times are good down here in Baja.

We have one more day of fishing.  That means another early night to bed.  I am kicking myself for not bringing my sleeping bag.  I always do and forgot it.  I guess 2020’s lack of travel got me out of my routine.  Another cold night here in bed writing today’s blog!

Jeff Currier Global Fly Fishing