Cap’n Greg has fished the waters north, south and west of Rocky Point for 35 years. Fishing to the east is a bit difficult because that is the Sonoran Desert, and most boats don’t do well in sand.
In the 1940s and 1950s, fishermen would hop a train in Mexicali, and stop in Rocky Point. They slept and often ate in the Pullman rail cars as there were no restaurants and poor lodging. However, there were a few charter boats available, mostly run by Americans. In addition to massive groupers, sea bass and other denizens dragged from the pristine depths, dorado, marlin and sailfish on the startlingly blue surface were caught by the hundreds, if not thousands.
FYI, the Sea of Cortés (or Sea of Cortez, Gulf of California or Vermilion Sea if you prefer) is a massive body of water that covers 68,000 square miles. It is 700 miles long and 30 to 150 miles wide and in places reaches a depth of 9,800 feet. It has the richest aquatic animal diversity of any body of water on the planet. Wowza!
Anyway, in 2024, sportfishing is booming in Peñasco. There are many half and full-day charter options, as well as launching and marina services for private boats.
So … can you score fish here like way back when? Maybe, maybe not. As with so many popular fishing destinations, the easy catch for bigger fish species has gradually moved further from shore. Just 25 years ago, a boat ride to reefs 12 or 18 miles out would produce stunning catches. Today the ride is longer, but sonar technology makes the fish easier to locate.
If you want a guaranteed catch, choose a charter that visits reefs close to shore where you can use light tackle to pull in rock bass and triggerfish until your arms ache. If you want to go for bigger game, be prepared for a longer ride, heavier tackle, and very possibly a much bigger payoff. The choice is yours. As always, Cap’n Greg wishes you tight lines and better times.
