I am often approached about my years of experience fishing the vast waters off Rocky Point. I am also approached by people who make fun of my hat, but that is not the topic here. The following is a conversation I had with Bud Wheelock of Amarillo, Texas.

BUD: Some yahoo told me if I ever got to Rocky Point, I could catch a million fish. Is that true?

CAP’N GREG: Yes, but it could take you about 150 years.

BUD: Okay, smart guy. How about if I only want to catch 50?

CAP’N GREG: That’s better. If you’re not too picky about the size or the species, and if it is relatively calm, you can easily catch 50 fish in two days. Maybe a day and a half.

BUD: Is that with a net or dynamite?

CAP’N GREG: With a rod and reel.

BUD: You are insane.

CAP’N GREG: Please rephrase that in the form of a question.

BUD: Are you insane?

CAP’N GREG: Possibly. But within five miles of shore there are reefs and flats holding rock bass and triggerfish in the thousands. Once you or a guide locate them, you will catch all you can stand.

BUD: Are you pulling my leg?

CAP’N GREG: That’ll be the day.

BUD: You said, “if it is relatively calm.” What does that mean?

CAP’N GREG: The Sea of Cortez, with its extreme tides and vacillating winds, changes as often as a teenage girl changes her mind.

BUD: That bad?

CAP’N GREG: You have no idea. If you are in Rocky Point for a week, you may have one or several days or even the whole week when the water is calm enough to comfortably fish from a small boat. You want to go for bigger fish species, hire a bigger boat that can take you farther out and can handle bigger wind and waves.

BUD: Sounds great. But are the fish good to eat?

CAP’N GREG: Absolutely. Some people favor triggers, but of the close-in fish, rock bass, in my humble opinion, taste the best. They can be deep fried, grilled, baked, broiled or marinated ceviche-style in lime juice. They make super tacos. And rock bass are easier to clean than triggerfish, too.

BUD: Thanks, Cap’n Greg. May I pay you something for the good advice?

CAP’N GREG: Absolutely, Bud. I accept either tortillas or Tecate Light.