Punta Abreojos and Campo Rene

View Larger Map

The region west of Laguna San Ignacio has been one of my favorite parts of Baja for some time now. A lot of our travels have been in my non-air conditioned truck. The cool breezes of the Pacific Coast have provided relief from the heat and humidity of the Sea of Cortez on many trips.

The small community of Abreojos provides basic supplies. The town is prosperous due to its careful management of its Lobster and Abalone fisheries. Its not easy to get here - you can drive in but there is no bus service. Private planes can land at the airstrip next to the town (watch out for baseball games) or at Campo Rene. If you are adventurous you could take the bus to San Igancio and ask around for a ride.

The best fishing is in the late summer or early fall. The fly angler must be self sufficient. As far as I know I may be the only person to fly fish here. I would love to hear from anyone else who has tried.

Campo Rene located a few miles from town at the mouth of the mangrove-lined Estero Coyote has basic rooms and slightly salty somewhat hot showers for about $15 US/night. They also have a restaurant and bar, kayaks, peddle boats, and a boat ramp.

The mangrove-lined estero is loaded with fish but the fishing may be impacted by gill netting in the spring. Birds, clams, and sea turtles are abundant in the area and there are plenty of coyotes around as the bay's name suggests. The bay holds sand bass, snook, and sometimes halibut. At the entrance of the bay I've caught roncador (yellow finned croaker), corvina, surf perch, and plenty of highly toxic bullseye puffer fish. Pangas are inexpensive and target yellow tail, yellowfin tuna, dorado, and giant black bass that range up to 300+ pounds. Larger halibut can be found beyond the break at the main surfing point.

The mangrove channels of Estero Coyote and Estero La Bocana are great areas for kayak fishing.

Lobster, abalone, and oysters are available but be careful the cooperativa that manages these fisheries fiercely protects them from poachers. They can be purchased in season from the cooperative in Abreojos.

It can be windy and cool here so come prepared. If the Pacific fog rolls in things can be damp in the mornings.

I wrote about Campo Rene a little in my earlier post:

Baja Lunch