Sting Rays and Semana Santa

With Easter this next Sunday Semana Santa should be in full swing on the beaches of Baja California. If you are uptight or like even the slightest amount of privacy this is not the time for you to go beach camping. However, if you want to imerse yourself in Mexican vacation culture this is the time. The beaches around Bahia Conception and La Paz are typically PACKED with families. There won't be room for a back cast and if you park to close to the water you may not be able to get out until the party ends sometime next week. Many Mexicans love to go camping at the beach and this is the big annual beach week. Plan accordingly!!!

Spring also brings large numbers of Sting Rays to shallow waters around the peninsula. While found year round in Baja waters they move to the shallows in March and April to mate. Shuffle your feet to avoid stepping on them. I wear Patagonia Marlwalkers and avoid wading in areas with high concentrations of Rays.

Although I've never been hit myself, I've witnessed the aftermath of more than one sting and it looks painful to say the least. Infection can be a serious problem so I recommend seeking competent medical advice. Fortunately, all the local doctors have treated many of these injuries and it won't cost too much.

For a classic Sting Ray tale check out Skipjack Joe's story on the Baja Nomad Forums.

For more information on Sting Rays check out:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sting_ray

http://www.clubcruceros.org/StingrayInjuries.html

http://www.elasmodiver.com/Chasing_Rays_in_Baja_Article.htm

An old book

The other day I was poking around in the library for something to read while I wait for warmer weather. I stumbled across an old 1974 copy of Lefty Kreh's Fly Fishing in Saltwater. Out of curiosity I checked it out to see what things were like back when I was still focused on bluegill fishing with a push button Zebco road and reel. Interestingly enough little has changed over the 34 years and just about everything in this book is still relevant to the modern saltwater fly angler.

I really liked a couple of parts of this book. But before I get carried away with this ramble I want to remind my readers that I still fish in fresh water and even chase trout from time-to-time. However there is something about the salt, especially the tropics, that appeals to me - I guess its the difference between a soft piece of classical music and ear splitting heavy metal or flying a kite compared to riding in an F-16 at full throttle or maybe you could say its like a tea party contrasted with Carnaval in Rio. Lefty puts it a little more plainly opening the book with a chapter on the appeal of Saltwater Flyfishing and sums it up well:

"...these things have to be experienced. Once they are, the freshwater angler is never the same."

and concludes the chapter with:

"You need not justify the lure of saltwater fly rodding to those who have tried it.

His second chapter contrasts the salt to fresh water and discusses things like big guys getting drug the length of a boat and 50 lb line snapping. I think he could say it a little more clearly - in warm salt water, big strong fish can really do some damage to the angler and their gear.

For example check out this video by Loreto Pam - just fast forward to about 2:50 and check out that line burn.

The sea is full of dangers not found in other waters. Last winter I was out and caught a smaller fish with little fight right on the bottom in about 35' of water. I hauled it up and asked Francisco what it was - he called it a "Lupon" - he seemed a little surprised when I pulled out my pliers to release it myself. He said something about not touching it. Fortunately, before I got too carried away I realized that I had caught my first scorpion fish and asked for some help with the release. These fish have poisonous spines an should not be handled - seek medical care if you make the mistake that I almost did.

Sandy and muddy bottoms in Baja often have sting rays hidden on them. Wear good shoes an shuffle - watch out in bays especially in the spring time. Beware of the razor sharp blade on the gill cover of the snook and obviously practice caution around the bill of a marlin and the teeth of a shark.

My favorite part of Lefty's book, one that you would never find in a fresh water angling book is a table titled "Guide to the dangers of handling fish" that includes a list of species, specific dangers, and how to hold and release them. Its worth a look for everyone headed south. There is also a table that breaks down fighting a large fish and what to do in specific situations.

I think I need to track down the 2003 version of this book!!!