WHERE DID THAT WIND COME FROM?
Originally Published the Week of Nov. 13, 2010 in Western Outdoor News
“Man, it was like a washing machine out there!”
“I wish I had brought a jacket. I got soaked.”
“My wife and I walked around last night and all we had were t-shirts.”
“How come there were waves out there?”
“Where did the wind come from?”
“Where did all the dorado go? We ended up fishing for roosterfish along the beach.”
It’s that time of year when these are not unusual comments from some of the folks we’re getting down here visiting right now. Especially, as we get closer to the holidays and more vacationers and families come in and fewer anglers looking for more than just fishing. They’re looking for beach-time and recreation time. They see the brochures. They read the travel mags and envision long days of warm tans and chilly margaritas.
And come down finding out that the margaritas aren’t the only thing that’s chilly!
Many times, one of the comments above is quickly followed by, “But it was never like this in the other years we were here.”
I’m sure it wasn’t. I’m sure the tuna and dorado were jumping in the boat and the sun was so hot, you were basting. The kayaking was like a pond and the diving was like bathwater.
But this is transitional time here in the Baja. You just never know what it can be like. The range of conditions varies.
As for us “locals” I know you can’t believe it, but you’ll see us wearing long pants and sweatshirts. Captains will have jackets on in the mornings. We use extra blankets at night. Personally, I’m wearing (oh no!)…SOCKS! and my wife Jill occasionally puts on her UGG boats…those furry sheepskin things.
Yes, I know that sounds nutty but take a hint when you see us. It’s not JULY so plan accordingly and you’ll keep surprises to a minimum.
It can get chilly at times, especially in the mornings before the sun comes up. Most evenings are pleasant for tourists although you’ll see locals dressed up a bit warmer, but for the mornings, bring a light windbreaker or sweatshirt.
If you’re headed out for any watersports, winds and waves can change at any time. If you’re on the Pacific or the Sea of Cortez, don’t be surprised by more northern winds that can make any trip a bit bouncier than normal.
Of course, it can be flat calm as well, but bring the extra protections. There’s an old saying, ” It’s better than have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”
That goes for fishing. Sure, you’re very likely to continue getting warm water species like tuna, dorado, wahoo and billfish, but what if it’s blown out too choppy or the waters have gotten colder? Especially, if you’re fishing further north, for example between Loreto and San Felipe on the Sea of Cortez or between Guerrero Negro and Tijuana on the Pacific, conditions will cool even more rapidly than normal.
Therefore, pack your fishing gear accordingly or at least adjust your expectations accordingly. Be prepared to fish inshore or, don’t be surprised if your captain asks if you’d rather fish for cabrilla or snapper along the shorelines than get your teeth rattled offshore.
Or, in some cases, if it’s really windy, prepare to just stay on the shore and wait it out for another day. Go shopping or hang out around the pool. Why get beat up? If you can, leave some extra “empty” days in your vacation agenda so that you can postpone a windy day on the water and make up for it later when the winds die down.
If you’re driving or camping this time of year, take cold and wind into consideration as well. High profile vehicles like RV’s or even towing a big boat or trailer can be hazardous if the winds come up.
I remember many times camping in the desert where I wish I had a heavier sleeping bag or high winds suddenly came up that shook our tents so badly we all retreated to spend the nights shivering in our vehicles. There were some awfully chilly mornings as well.
A little extra forethought and preparation will go a long way towards eliminating surprises.
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Jonathan Roldan has been the Baja Columnist and Editor for Western Outdoor News since 2006. He lives in La Paz, Baja, Mexico where he and his wife own and run Tailhunter International Sportfishing www.tailhunter-international.com and also own and operate the Tailhunter Restaurant and FUBAR Cantina on the historic La Paz waterfront. He can be reached directly via e-mail at riplipboy@tailhunter-international.com
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