Fly Fishing & Sportfishing · Roosterfish · Year-Round · Sea of Cortez Reserve →
Ensenada de Muertos · Isla Cerralvo · Sea of Cortez

Fly Fishing & Sportfishing
World Record Waters

Roosterfish From $15,000 MXN (≈$890 USD) Dorado Marlin Half & Full Day Isla Cerralvo
Book Fishing → What We Target
Tight Lines in the Salt

World Record
Waters.

This is pinnacle fishing. La Paz is often called the roosterfish capital of the world, and the Sea of Cortez holds roosterfish, dorado, marlin, tuna and wahoo, the fish anglers dream about. Our captains are from Agua Amarga and have fished here their entire lives. You fish the same waters as our Sea Safari Sur, so wildlife sightings like dolphins, sea lions and mobula rays are a common bonus to the day.

Bait cooperative throwing a cast net for live sardines near Ensenada de Muertos, La Paz
01

Lines In at First Light

Our local cooperative in Agua Amarga nets fresh bait before dawn and meets you on the water at Ensenada de Muertos, so no time goes to hunting for bait. The same fishermen know where the fish are that day and share it with your captain. That bait and that local knowledge are the real key to our fishing.

Roosterfish release, Isla Cerralvo, La Paz
02

114 lbs. World Record Roosterfish.

Abe Sackheim's roosterfish, 114 pounds and 64 inches long, came out of these waters on June 1, 1960, and it is still the all-tackle world record. The fly-rod length record is much newer: Richard Rygg's 52-inch rooster, caught off Isla Cerralvo in August 2021. Plenty of big roosters never made the books. In 2002 an angler released one off La Paz estimated at 124 pounds, heavier than the record, and it swam away unweighed.

Dorado Mahi-Mahi caught on the fly, Sea of Cortez
03

Dorado on the Fly.

Dorado are green, yellow and blue, one of the most striking fish in the sea, and acrobatic once they are hooked. Some days we find them in schools. Peak season runs April through November.

Double Roosterfish catch, Isla Cerralvo, La Paz

Roosterfish

Arguably the best place to catch a rooster on the fly. Some fly anglers have released over 25 in a day, the day we all dream about.

Dorado Mahi-Mahi catch, Sea of Cortez

Dorado / Mahi-Mahi

Hard runs and jumps on light tackle and fly. They hold under floating weed, so we check every patch. In season April through November.

Striped marlin catch and release, Los Barriles Baja California Sur

Marlin

Black, blue and striped marlin in the deep water off Isla Cerralvo, the big game of the Sea of Cortez.

Yellowfin tuna catch, Sea of Cortez

Wahoo, Tuna & More

Yellowfin tuna, wahoo, amberjack, yellowtail, grouper, pompano, golden trevally and jack crevalle, from over 800 species here.

TripAdvisor Reviews

What Guests Say

★★★★★
Fly Fishing & Sportfishing · Isla Cerralvo
Epic Adventure
"Our experience was amazing!! We went fishing for rooster fish and snorkeling. I've been on other guided tours with different companies, but our experience with The Hook blew them out of the water. We experienced everything the Sea of Cortez had to offer — amazing reefs, whales, rays, dolphins. We caught lots of fish and have stories we'll remember for years!"
TripAdvisor Guest June 2026
Read All Reviews on TripAdvisor
Fly Fishing

Chasing Roosters
on the Fly.

"Rooster! Rooster! ROOSTER!!"

— what your captain yells when a comb pops up beside the boat

Roosterfish on the fly is closer to big game hunting than fishing. You run the beach or work the surf line from the panga, watching for a rooster cruising the wash or a comb breaking the surface. When a pez gallo lights up and charges, you get one shot: lead it with the fly, strip fast, and strip-set when it eats. The window is short, roosters are wary, and plenty of fly anglers chase one for years. This is the dream species, and a rooster on the fly is the fish of a lifetime.

Our Captains Are Fly Pros — From Agua Amarga

It takes a skilled guide to raise a rooster on the fly. Our captains toss live sardines off the panga to pull the roosters up and keep them fired up and in range. When a comb breaks the surface, they set you up for the cast and you go tight. Roosters are bruising fighters: the big ones make long runs that take you into the backing, and the smaller ones jump.

Sight-Casting

Spot the comb, get ahead of the fish and make the cast, from the panga or running the beach

Live Sardines

The captain tosses live sardines to raise the roosters and hold them in range for your cast. 10–12 weight rods, fast strips

More Than Roosters

Toros (jack crevalle), dorado, and pelagics will all eat a fly when the bait is thick

Conventional Rod and Reel

Beginner to
Salty Angler.

Whether it's your first time holding a rod or you've fished these waters for decades, conventional tackle puts you on whatever's in season — swimming live sardines drifted in the current, trolling the edges, jigging structure, or casting to bait balls working the surface. Our panga is set up for fishing, with nothing extra in the way.

Live Bait Drifting

Live sardines from the co-op drifted in the current, the go-to way to get bit by whatever is feeding that day, from roosters to dorado and tuna

Trolling & Jigging

Trolling between the island and Punta Arena, through strong currents over a deep underwater canyon. Big shoals of fish and birds circling over bait: tuna, marlin, dorado and wahoo

Casting to the Beach

Combs up, roosters crashing bait in the shallows, sometimes bellies in the sand, with sardines littering the beach. Most anglers have never seen anything like it

Your Day

How the Tour Runs

1

5:15 AM — Pickup in Centro La Paz

We pick you up in Centro La Paz (Centro locations only; we contact you 2 days before to arrange the spot) and drive about an hour south to Ensenada de Muertos. Driving yourself? Choose that option when you book ($3,000 MXN less) and meet your captain at the boat ramp at 6:30 AM.

2

6:30 AM — On the Water

Your captain launches from Ensenada de Muertos. The local bait co-op boat meets you on the water to load fresh live sardines into the live well.

3

Fish Isla Cerralvo

Multiple locations around Isla Cerralvo, working the currents around the island.

4

12:30–1:00 PM — Back to the Ramp, Then La Paz

Back at Ensenada de Muertos by early afternoon, then the drive back to Centro La Paz. Lunch and drinks included throughout the day.

Prefer to fish with Evan directly? An owner-hosted option is available — email thehookexperiences@gmail.com.

One Date Only · Nov 25, 2026 · Limited Spots

Swim With Marlin — Magdalena Bay

A once-a-season expedition to the Pacific side for the sardine run — swim alongside striped marlin and dorado. Max 6 guests.

See the Expedition →
Tour Details

What's Included

Included

Conventional Rods & TackleConventional spinning and baitcasting rods, reels, and all terminal tackle provided.Fly rods not included — see below
Boat & Experienced CaptainCaptains from Agua Amarga and a panga set up for fishing
Live BaitOur local cooperative nets fresh live bait and meets you on the water — $1,000 MXN (≈$60 USD) value included. No wasted hours hunting for bait.
Ice & CoolersFor your catch — we'll help you plan the fish fry
Lunch & DrinksBurritos and non-alcoholic drinks on board. Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options available, just let us know.
Round-Trip Transport from La PazTo and from the Ensenada de Muertos boat ramp, about 1 hour each way.
Passenger InsuranceAll guests covered throughout

Good To Know

Hosted Day with the OwnerA fully hosted day with transportation included — available at booking, ask us for details
Early Morning DepartureBest fishing is at first light
Weather DependentIf conditions turn unsafe, we'll reach out to reschedule or refund before your trip. Keep the phone number or email you booked with active during your stay.
What To BringHat, sunscreen, sunglasses, light jacket, food and drinks for the day
Catch & Release — RoosterfishAll roosterfish are catch and release, so they are there for the next angler
Fly Fishing? Bring Your Own Rods or Rent On-SiteFly rods are not included in the base trip. Experienced fly anglers are very welcome — rent fly gear on arrival ($1,250 MXN, ≈$75 USD) or bring your own. Our captains are experienced fly fishing guides and know how to position the panga for your shot.

Not Included

Gratuities

Mexican Fishing Permit — Required

All anglers must have a valid Mexican fishing permit. Purchase online at mexpermits.com before your trip. We will remind you when you book. Fishing without a permit is illegal and heavily fined.

Fishing FAQ

Your Questions Answered

Ensenada de Muertos is approximately 1 hour south of La Paz by road on Highway 1.
Yes. Choose the drive-yourself option when you book and the trip is $3,000 MXN less ($12,000 MXN per boat). Meet the captain at the Ensenada de Muertos boat ramp at 6:30 AM. The road to the ramp is good and any car works. Need one? Seahorse Car Rental, our local partner, delivers to you with a full tank — having it delivered the day before is best. See our car rental page.
A panga designed for fishing. It is well designed for casting, with lean bars and a clean deck — literally built for fishing, with nothing extra in the way. Fresh live bait goes into the live well, and ice and coolers are provided for your catch.
Bring 10–12 weight rods. Use fluorocarbon leaders in 20, 25, 30 and 40 lb. For flies, we suggest sardine and ballyhoo patterns and EP baitfish styles.
Yes, we also offer beach fishing packages. Email thehookexperiences@gmail.com for more information and pricing options.
Reserve Your Spot

Tight Lines in
the Sea of Cortez.

Full day from Ensenada de Muertos for roosterfish, dorado, marlin and wahoo.

4.9★ on TripAdvisor
Book Sport Fishing →
Full refund if you cancel more than 10 days before your tour, or if we cancel for weather.
Questions first? WhatsApp us →
Questions? thehookexperiences@gmail.com · +52 612 243 6462