Baja Fishing 'Epic,' Says Angler

Fishing has been great in Northern Baja California—at least according to Orange County police helicopter pilot Tim Starn. His first private boater journey on The Phoenix to Cedros Island—a 600-mile ride from Newport Beach—was memorable in so many ways.

“The fishing was epic,” Starn said. “We caught and released giant calico bass and had incredible yellowtail action. We got to meet and become friends with some of the local Baja panga anglers too.”

Starn and his friends fished near the San Diego long-range sportfishing boat Qualifier 105 and could see they were catching lots of fish, too.

“I have been coming to Baja for many years and enjoy the people, the food and the great fishing,” Starn said, calling this first trip by boat a great success. He took advantage of Baja’s lower fuel prices by purchasing diesel at the Hotel Coral in Ensenada on the way home, saving nearly $1 per gallon.

“We took on over 1,100 gallons, so that move saved us a bunch,” he said.

Starn, a seasoned Baja traveler, not only loves traveling and fishing in Baja, but he likes the idea of contributing to the people of Baja. “Things are tough all over, so coming here and spending some money in Baja just feels good,” he said. “These are great people so it’s great to be able to contribute to the local economy.”

Quick bites

• Rockfishing remained steady for most Southern California landings, even as new rules went into effect. Though the lingcod season has been extended through Dec. 31, the size limit for lingcod was decreased from 24 inches to 22 inches. The Native Sun out of Long Beach Sportfishing caught three nice lingcod and some other bottom grabbers Tuesday on the local banks.

• Bottom fishing has also been strong off Marina del Rey, Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes. Santa Monica Bay anglers have been catching some lingcod, vermillion rockfish and lots of fine-eating salmon grouper. Some sand and calico bass have also been caught.

• Anglers are seeing excellent surface fishing. Carlos de los Santos caught a beautiful 42-pound halibut this week out of Dana Wharf Sportfishing. Scott Buchert from Corona del Mar nailed a 6-pound sand bass on the Clemente out of Dana Wharf on Tuesday. Captain Jeff Jones from Newport Beach has also had some excellent halibut fishing inside Long Beach Harbor this week.