How to Fish for Bonefish in Loreto, Mexico

Fish in Loreto, Mexico, for bonefish.

Loreto is located in Baja California Sur, Mexico, on the Sea of Cortez, about 715 miles south of the U.S. border. It is known for its great fishing throughout the year. Because the weather is hot, most visiting anglers adapt to the local custom of fishing in the early morning, taking an afternoon siesta (nap), then fishing again in the evening hours. However, if you want to fly fish offshore or in shallow waters, then the best time may be to go is during the hottest time of the day, in the early afternoon when the tide changes. Fly fishing for bonefish, el dorado (dolphin fish) and roosterfish is best in July and August when the waters are warmest.

Things You'll Need

• Wading pants and shorts
• Clothing made of synthetic or cotton blends
• Fly fishing rods, 7 to 12 weight
• Type III or IV sinking line
• Fishing flies
• 1 flats bucktail jig
• Hat
• Polarized sunglasses
• Sunscreen

Instructions

1. Prepare for your fly fishing trip. Pack wading pants and shorts, and use cotton blend shirts; 100% cotton garments are harder to dry in hot, humid climates.

2. Pack several fishing rods that range from 7 to 12 weight. However, if you only plan to fish off the beach, you can use a 7- to 8-weight rod. If you plan to fish offshore, you will need a 10- to 12-weight rod. You can also rent these rods from fishing shops in Loreto. Bring a Type III or IV sinking line, which will work in any type of fly fishing situation. You'll also need sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Polarized sunglasses improve your ability to spot fish in the water.

3. Fish when the tide comes in and around rocks on the down-current side. Look for bonefish in the shallows off the Loreto beaches. Bonefish typically remain in water depths between 3 and 5 feet. You can hire a local panga boat (small Mexican-made boat for shallow waters) to take you to shallow-water fish havens near Loreto.

4. Cast the fly about 1 to 3 feet up-current from the fish. Let the fly reach the bottom, then jiggle the rod up once and strip the line in in foot-long increments. Continue jigging the fly along the bottom as you strip, then reel in the excess line. When the bonefish takes the fly, perform the strip set to hook the fish before reeling him in. Bonefish are quick, so expect it to run off 50 feet or more of your line very fast. Bring the fish in slowly and patiently.

5. Choose flies that look like anchovies, sardines, Surf Candies, Clousers, and Mush mouths. You can use larger flies that look like sardines, anchovies, or mullet for offshore fishing. Use a ¼-ounce flats bucktail jig and a fresh shrimp tail if you want to spin fish.

Tips & Warnings

• Use proper sun protection and stay hydrated.

References

• Mex Fish: Fly Fishing for Bonefish in Mexico
• Global Anglers: Best Bonefishing Areas