Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Inshore Temp:
75
Offshore Temp:
72
The Reel Baja's Tip of the Week
With the weather getting hot some of the best fishing will be early in the morning and late afternoon. Concrete on those times especially if fishing from the beach. The fish can certainly be active other times of day but those “magic hours” can be some of the best.
Directions open in app
Tide data
Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby
The Reel Baja5-Day Outlook as of 12/18/24
We expect good weather and good fishing this upcoming week. We will see a little wind in the afternoons from the Southeast it that is typical for this time of year. The fishing should remain steady as the water temperatures are looking good.
Techniques & Tips as of 12/18/24
Inshore - This time of year we see a lot of action early in the mornings as well as the low light hours in the evenings. People tend to over look these time periods. If you want some great action get up and on the water early or fish a little later in the day as those "magic" hours can be great. Offshore - have a few different rods ready from 8wt. to 12/14wt as you never know what you might encounter as far as species and size of fish. It never fails you will be running to a destination and you run into feeding fish on your way. You need to be ready for anything before you leave the dock.
Current Conditions as of 12/18/24
Hi everyone, Magdalena Bay continues to deliver exceptional opportunities for fly anglers targeting striped marlin. The past week has brought some great action, despite a few interruptions from the wind. On calmer days, the bay has been alive with activity, offering prime chances for both bait-and-switch techniques on teasers and free casting to striped marlin feeding aggressively on bait balls. The striped marlin fishing has been phenomenal when conditions allow. Large schools of bait have attracted marlin in impressive numbers, making this an ideal time for fly anglers. The bait-and-switch technique has proven highly effective; marlin are teased close to the boat and then eagerly pounce on well-presented flies. For those preferring a more direct approach, free casting to marlin around bait balls has been equally productive. Watching marlin light up and attack a fly is an adrenaline-pumping experience that never gets old. The weather has been decent overall, but we’ve missed a few days due to stronger winds. When the wind picks up, offshore fishing becomes challenging, but Magdalena Bay’s diverse ecosystem provides plenty of alternative angling opportunities. On windier days, we’ve shifted focus to the mangroves, which have been highly rewarding. These sheltered waters have yielded excellent catches of grouper, snapper, and snook. Fishing tight to the mangrove edges with weighted flies has been the key to success. The variety and quality of fish here provide a fantastic backup plan when offshore conditions aren’t cooperative. Magdalena Bay is delivering incredible fly fishing experiences this season, both offshore and inshore. Whether you’re chasing marlin or working the mangroves, the fishing here is as diverse as it is exciting. With favorable weather in the forecast, the action should only continue. We will be here for the next couple weeks as we wrap up our season here in Magdalena Bay. We will be sure to let you know how it ends. If you’re looking for a trip to Magdalena Bay or the East Cape feel free to give us a call cause we are currently taking reservations for the 2025 season both destinations are something you don’t wanna miss in your fly fishing adventures.Local Species Available Year Round
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Roosterfish
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tunas
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marlin
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jacks
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sailfish
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dorado
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wahoo
The Reel Baja's Recommended Fly Patterns
"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:
Name: | Colors: | Size(s): |
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Premium Bonefish Selection | N/A | |
Orvis Endorsed Guide Baitfish Fly Selection - 8 Flies | Mullet brown | 3/0 |
Orvis Endorsed Guide Baitfish Fly Selection - 8 Flies | Sardina | 3/0 |
TRB Sardina | Olive and white | 2/0 - 4/0 |
TRB Special Rooster Fly | Blue and White | 2/0 - 4/0 |
The Reel Baja's Recommended Gear
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Best Leader:
Mirage Big Game Leaders
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Best Tippet:
Mirage Pure Fluorocarbon Tippet
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Best Fly Fishing Rod:
10-Weight 9' Fly Rod
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Best Floating Fly Line:
Saltwater All-Rounder WF Fly Line
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Best Sinking Fly Line:
Class V Sink Tip Fly Line