Discussion Board

Rpt Weds. 1-13-10 Las Salinas Critters!

Fishing Wednesday 1-13-10, with Bill Fisher, on his 18’ Trophy. “Toad Hall”. I left my office in San Bernardino around 3pm Tuesday afternoon, and called Bill just before I crossed the border, a little after 5pm, then the fun began, or I should say total frustration. The traffic was real heavy on Zona Rio, and the roads were under construction, when I came to an area with a dozen police, heavy machinery, and a total cluster f@#k! It was unclear what lane to get in, to get to the Ensenada Quota highway. Unfortunately when I saw which lane to get to, the police were waving everyone on in our lane and I couldn’t risk changing lanes.

So I ended up somewhere in the Tijuana Playas. The roads down there were a nightmare, leading to alleys, dead ends, giant mounds of dirt, piled up contract, etc. The directions of each road never seemed to go one direction; they circled, and turned and twisted. My frustration level was beyond limits, and exaggerated by the darkness, and not having a clue where I needed to go. I could see the beach and I could see the toll road, those were my only signs of direction. I must of drove ten miles to go absolutely no where?

I back tracked some and finally stopped at an Oxxo store, underneath the toll road, and asked if anyone inside spoke English? Fortunately, one young man said he spoke a little English. I explained my desire to go to Rosarito, and I was lost. He was kind enough to get in his car and show me the way. I never would have found it myself, thanks so much fella!

I arrived at Bill’s quaint Trailer residence on a cliff overlooking the water, some 10 miles south of Rosarito at 6:45pm, nearly an hour later than expected, but safe and sound none the less. The thought of breaking down, or getting a flat tire during this ordeal, remained very frightening. However, I have found that there have been other times in Mexico where complete strangers have been extremely helpful, and find that very encouraging. I’d still hate to get lost in East LA at night; of course that scenario is highly unlikely, as I have no desire to be there anytime? Would I get help from a stranger, if lost in East LA, hard to say?

I had a shot of Black Velvet to calm my nerves, as we watched a little bit of the Laker’s game, until it became obvious without Kobe, a loss was secured. We then left to go to dinner at Bahia Cantilles. When we drove up to the restaurant, the Federales stopped us. Several months ago this restaurant and several other restaurants nearby had been robbed. Good to see we were protected tonight? I know Mexico isn’t for everyone, especially the sane?

Beef, Chicken and Fish Tacos were on sale for a buck a piece. All three varieties were delicious. Had one of each, washed down with a delicious glass of Merlot wine. Yum Yum!

Watched a little news before sacking out, alarm was set for 5:30 am. Heck I get up earlier than that to go to work? Woke up to only a slight breeze, with the sound of the waves crashing off the cliffs, being surprisingly close to normal. Forecasts for huge surf had not yet materialized? The skies consisted of broken clouds, none threatening to rain. Just past grey light we arrived in Las Salinas, where Bill slips his boat. We exited the harbor around 6:30am, into choppy seas, an 8 to 10 knot wind, with occasional larger swells. After traveling several miles, the plans to go to Salsapuedes was nixed! We settled for fishing Descanzo Bay, fairly close to shore.

The bay has an unlimited number of areas with structure, hard bottom, and lots of kelp, providing numerous options for fishing. Depths vary in ranges from 70’ to 175’, with most productive areas under 135’. Both Bill and I enjoy shallow water critter fishing on the plastics and light lures. We did make a few drops on the ledge in 300’, where the Bocaccio hang out, with a few Lings and Reds mixed in. On numerous drops and moves we managed only a decent sized Starry, one medium sized Bocaccio, and a 22” Ling released. Enough of the deep water stuff, way too slow.

By this time the winds backed off, the seas settled down, and except for some larger swells, at least very far apart, presenting no problems. We moved north into an area where Bill had recently caught some Sand Bass, and a few Reds. No Reds, however, the Sand Bass and a Few Calico Bass were on the chew. After a number of drifts, the bite died, where we ended up with three Calico Bass to three pounds, two released, and six Sand Bass to 3.5 pounds, three released, and a few assorted other critters.

Here I am with a nice sized Calico Bass.

It turned out to a beautiful and balmy morning, as the clouds parted, sunny skies prevailed, and the seas greased up. We continued to move around into various depths, metering some fish, but not in the quantities normally found? The variety of fish caught were Three Reds, Bocaccio, Starry rockfish, Johnny Bass, Tree fish, Bank Perch, and a few small bonito. The Reds were similar in size to the bass, and nothing else was over two pounds. Consequently no more pictures were taken.

At 1pm, off in the distance, dark moisture laden clouds were building. It began to sprinkle, and winds increased enough to build a very rapid drift. It was time to yell Uncle, and head for the barn. We never saw the forecasted 12’ plus swells, there were plenty of six to eight footers, and most likely they became larger as they hit the beach, which was certainly putting on a show for all watching on shore.

By the time we reached the harbor, which was only about three miles away, it was again sunny, and calm? Oh well, we had fun, and appreciated the pleasant morning, and modest catch of critters. Stopped for lunch at a restaurant called “Splash” overlooking a rocky point, while we enjoyed the breaking surf, with a Margarita and tasty fish tacos.

Relaxed for a short while at Bill’s, when he called the border and found out it was a very short wait. I jumped at the opportunity to avoid the crowd, hoping it remained that way until I arrived. Crossed the border in San Yasidro in 4 minutes, only 20 cars or so and they were closing one gate after another as the lines dwindled to nothing? Bizarre!

Beat the wife home from work in Diamond Bar at 6:15 pm. Amazing as the line into Mexico was backed up for miles? Tuesday evening it took me 10-15 minutes to cross into Mexico, as opposed to last Friday night when it took over 40 minutes to cross into Mexico. Never thought I would see it take longer to get in than get out of Mexico? It’s a goofy situation down there, and always a harrowing adventure.

Mexico has its issues; some very risky, however, I still have too much fun down there to avoid going. With more and more closures in process for California, I’m glad I have another option to pursue my passion for fishing elsewhere, although admittedly, I assume the fishing pressure will soon deplete those resources too?

Bill, I had a blast once again, despite the road hassles experienced on my trip down. Thanks so much for the invite, and fabulous hospitality. What a fun day on the big pond! Going home to cook up my own fish tacos. Good thing I enjoy eating fish, as much as catching them?

Hook up!
Cory

Thanks for the report. Hook Up! Cory

01/14/2010 10:03 AM

Joined: 11/25/2009
Posts: 70
Location: San Diego

BADDOG

re: Rpt Weds. 1-13-10 Las Salinas Critters!

Cory....thank you for your thorough report of your adventure in Las Salinas aboard Toad Hall. I hung onto every word of it as if I was there. You have a great style of writing and I enjoy it. I also enjoy your report on the food and restaurants....I take notes.

Steve

01/14/2010 12:52 PM

re: Rpt Weds. 1-13-10 Las Salinas Critters!

BADDOG wrote:
Cory....thank you for your thorough report of your adventure in Las Salinas aboard Toad Hall. I hung onto every word of it as if I was there. You have a great style of writing and I enjoy it. I also enjoy your report on the food and restaurants....I take notes.

Feedback like this Steve, keeps the effort for my next report in high gear.

Thanks,
Cory

Thanks for the report. Hook Up! Cory

01/14/2010 03:22 PM

maxdh

Joined: 01/19/2009
Posts: 31

re: Rpt Weds. 1-13-10 Las Salinas Critters!

Man I live for your reports, getting lost down there especially at night does not sound like fun.

01/14/2010 03:34 PM

rdsknsfan

Joined: 05/26/2008
Posts: 60

re: Rpt Weds. 1-13-10 Las Salinas Critters!

Cory I enjoy your reports also, glad everything worked out for you. Thanks so much for the report and pics, cant wait for the next one.

01/14/2010 05:21 PM

Moderator

Joined: 02/22/2007
Posts: 5590

tsurikichi

re: Rpt Weds. 1-13-10 Las Salinas Critters!

Hi Tunaslam,

Thanks for the usual length, detailed report and fish-porno !! Your reports will become even more valued as the fishing slows yet another notch in the next 6 or 7 weeks.

tsurikichi

Livin' the Dream !!

01/15/2010 11:10 AM

re: Rpt Weds. 1-13-10 Las Salinas Critters!

tsurikichi wrote:
Hi Tunaslam,

Thanks for the usual length, detailed report and fish-porno !! Your reports will become even more valued as the fishing slows yet another notch in the next 6 or 7 weeks.

tsurikichi

Ron,

You got that right. Finding material to write up for my weekly report on this board is like pulling teeth right now? Can't wait until March 1st!

Appreciate the Feedback!
Cory

Thanks for the report. Hook Up! Cory

This post edited by Tunaslam 01/15/2010

01/16/2010 11:46 AM

OldSalt

Joined: 10/09/2009
Posts: 24

re: Rpt Weds. 1-13-10 Las Salinas Critters!

Cory -
Fantastic report and pix's - your really an adventurer! The only way I would want to go to Mexico is with a pltoon of Seals! or the 101st Armored. Much tooooo much for this old dog. Look forward to your next adventurer.
Old Salt

01/16/2010 03:03 PM

Joined: 04/26/2004
Posts: 46

diamond sharp

re: Rpt Weds. 1-13-10 Las Salinas Critters!

Cory,
Once again a great report!Sounds like wonderful times once you get down there.
Thanks, Thad
www.therubco.com

Thanks,
Thad
www.therubco.com

01/23/2010 05:33 PM

Joined: 04/19/2007
Posts: 3492

freddie

re: Rpt Weds. 1-13-10 Las Salinas Critters!

Cory,

Very interesting, complete report as usual. I've been lost in the same area on a couple of occasions and had to prevail on the locals for help and have always gotten it. Sure helps that I speak Spanish.

It's been some years since I've gone to Ensenada by car, but I usually drove more, especially on the way home, to avoid the backup at TJ and even Otay Mesa. Have you ever tried taking the 8 east to 125 south, and then East on 94 to Tecate, and then dropped south to Ensenada? It used be a fairly traffic free run, nice countrside, and Tecate was always a breeze coming and going. But maybe things have changed? It has to be at least 7 years since I've done it. One of these days I'd love to go down and fish with Bill if he'll still have me, and that's the way I would drive it.

Fish the Tides - Freddie

01/24/2010 09:28 AM