Todos Santos, Mexico

Many say that fishing in Todos Santos is one big adventure. Todos Santos isn’t quite as established a fishing place as Los Cabos or La Paz; the latter two have better and more modern facilities. Still, many anglers have come to like Todos Santos as a starting point in their quest for fish because this shortage of sophistication in Todos Santos fishing services adds to the experience.

Fishing in Todos Santos could also be very fulfilling. Unlike other Baja places more known for their fishing (such as Los Cabos, La Paz and Loreto), Todos Santos is not yet teeming with sport fishers and therefore has a major abundance of fish. Fish one can catch in Todos Santos include yellowtails, marlins, roosterfish, swordfish, wahoos, dorados, tunas, mackerels, skipjacks, red snappers, basses, amberjacks, tirggers and squids. Todos Santos fishing packages often cost two hundred to three hundred dollars, and include transport to beach starting point (often, the starting point is through the rolling waves of Punta Lobos - “wolves’ end” in English), gear, bait, captain and crew. The captain and crew are often part of local Todos Santos fishing families, and have been fishing their entire lives.

As is often the case with fishing excursions, the boats leave very early in the morning – around half-past six – and can last for half a day. One needs proper fishing documents, however, in order to be able to pursue several kinds of fishing in Baja (including in-boat fishing/angling or skindive-fishing), so one must never forget to file his or hers. The Mexico Advisory Services is able to process and provide fishing licenses that last for one year for non-locals. Fishing licenses cost sixty dollars apiece, and are non-transferable. Fishers of any age or aptitude must have their fishing license upon their person in Todos Santos; they are otherwise not allowed to go fishing in Todos Santos or any other place in Mexico.

Apart from this provision, fishing in Todos Santos is largely unrestricted, and visitors are trusted to act responsibly. It must be kept in mind that Todos Santos is part of the surrounding landscape of a biosphere reserve and is thus ecologically protected by the international community.

Todos Santos fishing is highly rewarding, and if one remembers to respect its waters, the waters will reward one for years to come.