What more could you ask for than the freshest fish tacos, a beer, and a sunset ocean view? Nothing really… Well, maybe knowing the fact that you caught the fish in those delicious tacos while spearfishing in Baja Mexico.
Anyone can recreationally spearfish in the ocean throughout the Baja Peninsula as long as they have a fishing license if spearfishing from a boat. If spearfishing from shore, no license is required. Some of the most popular places to spearfish in Baja are the remote beach of El Canejo, the calm waters of La Ventana on the Sea of Cortez, and the greater Cabo Area. All of the spearfishing in Baja is safe, offers a variety of fish species to spear, and makes for a good personal challenge. Spearfishing is not just a sport; it is a way to connect with nature and hone your underwater skills.
Read on to discover the best areas to go spearfishing, get a long list of potential fish to spear, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about spearfishing in Baja, Mexico. You’ll also learn about the best times to go, the essential gear to bring, and whether a guided or self-guided approach is right for you.
Heading home after a long day of spearfishing near Cerritos Beach in Baja. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Best Times to Spearfish in Baja
The best time to spearfish in Baja depends on the type of fish you want to catch and the region you plan to visit. In general, spring through early autumn offers the best conditions, with warmer waters and abundant fish populations. Snapper and yellowtail are more common in cooler months, while species like yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and dorado thrive in warmer waters from late spring through fall. Weather conditions and water visibility also tend to be optimal during this time, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Keep in mind that local festivals, fishing tournaments, and holiday seasons may impact the availability of quiet spearfishing spots. Plan your trip to avoid crowds and take advantage of the natural rhythms of Baja’s marine life.
Gear You Need to Bring Spearfishing in Baja
To spearfish in Baja, you need reliable and high-quality equipment to ensure safety and effectiveness:
Speargun: Choose a size suited for the type of fish you’re targeting. For larger fish, a longer speargun is often better.
Wetsuit: A thin wetsuit (3mm) is typically sufficient for Baja’s warm waters. It will also protect you from jellyfish and sharp reefs.
Fins and Mask: Durable fins and a clear, comfortable mask are essential for effective diving.
Weight Belt: Helps you achieve neutral buoyancy while freediving and makes it easier to maneuver underwater.
Dive Knife: Useful for safety and handling your catch, as well as cutting through fishing lines or kelp if needed.
Float Line and Buoy: Keeps your catch secure and helps boats spot you, ensuring both safety and convenience.
Gloves: Protect your hands from sharp reefs, fish spines, and accidental cuts.
Fishing License: A license is required to spearfish from a boat, but if you are fishing from shore, you don't need a license.
Optional but highly recommended items include a dive watch, a GoPro for documenting your adventure, and a cooler to keep your catch fresh.
Checking a hole for some easy spearfishing in Baja. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Guided vs Self-Guided Spearfishing in Baja
Guided Spearfishing
Guided spearfishing trips are ideal for beginners or those new to Baja. Local guides provide essential knowledge about the best spots, local fish species, and safety considerations. Many guided trips also include equipment rentals, making it easier for travelers to participate without bringing their own gear. These trips often include transportation to prime locations and expert advice on techniques.
Guided spearfishing also allows you to learn about marine conservation and local fishing laws directly from experienced professionals. It’s an excellent way to ensure your trip is both fun and sustainable.
Self-Guided Spearfishing
Experienced spearfishers may prefer a self-guided approach, exploring Baja’s diverse underwater landscapes independently. This option offers flexibility and the opportunity to discover hidden spots. However, it requires thorough preparation, including research on local regulations, fish species, and safety measures. Be prepared with maps, tide charts, and weather forecasts to avoid potential hazards.
Self-guided trips are more cost-effective but demand a higher level of expertise and self-reliance. For seasoned adventurers, the rewards of finding untouched fishing grounds and crafting a personalized experience are unmatched.
Best Places to Spearfish in Baja Mexico
El Canejo
El Canejo has crystal clear, blue water with a flourishing fish community, perfect for spearfishing. The fish diversity ranges drastically, but you will be able to find a fish of your choice if you look long enough. The ocean around El Canejo is exposed to the Pacific Ocean so there can be a strong swell on occasion, making it difficult to reach the deeper water where the fish congregate. There are some local octopus and lobster fisherman, so please do not take from their income.
La Ventana
While La Ventana is known for its wind sports, the depths of the ocean are rarely explored for spearfishing. If you head north or south of the town of La Ventana, you will find wonderful reefs to spearfish at. These reefs are spread out, so be prepared to swim if you do not spot them with a drone beforehand. The calm waters and vibrant coral ecosystems make La Ventana a hidden gem for both beginner and intermediate spearfishers.
Cabo Area
The Cabo area is growing in the spearfishing community, but still a novelty. Most tourists who come to Cabo to fish are hoping to go deep sea fishing on boats. Because of this difference, the waters around Cabo close to shore are often great for spearfishing. If you explore around the cape, towards the Sea of Cortez, you will find several locations with great spearfishing. Seasonal migrations of fish add an exciting element of surprise to each trip.
La Paz Area
La Paz is the capital of Baja Sur and is heavily populated, however just outside of the La Paz city limits are incredible beaches perfect for spearfishing. The water is clear and calm on the Sea of Cortez, so grab your speargun, put on a thin wetsuit, and go for a swim! You will surely catch a fish. The city’s accessibility also makes it a great base for day trips to nearby reefs.
San Juanico
Hidden in the middle of the Baja Peninsula is a small fishing and surf town called San Juanico. While the town is most famous for its surfing, the spearfishing is excellent. Just offshore, there are several reefs that house a variety of fish species ranging in size. The water is clear and the humans are friendly. Please note, San Juanico is a fishing town that specializes in octopus and lobster, so please do not take from their income.
Hunkering down, playing the waiting game as Andrew stalks a fish. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Fish You Can Catch in Baja
Snapper (Pargo)
Being opportunistic feeders, this type of fish takes bait and escapes into the rocks. Catching them is tricky; therefore, you need to always be on your feet when luring resistant big pargo. Colorado Snapper, Dog Snapper, and Barred Pargo inhabit the Sea of Cortez. These will hit if you fish right above the rocks. Snappers have the ability to grow up to fifty pounds, but the majority in Baja are twenty pounds on average.
Best months for Snapper in Baja: April-July
Yellowfin Tuna (Atún Aleta Amarilla)
They are the most commonly found and one of the most popular species of fish in Baja. To catch these, you must sum up a great deal of strength because they’re tough ones to reel in. Make sure you are in possession of your top-notch equipment, live bait, and a good fight. Ideally, yellowfin tuna is to be found through diving schools of birds. Therefore, find a school of porpoises, fling the live bait, and wait for the excitement of your catch.
Best months for Yellowfin Tuna in Baja: July-October
Yellowtail (Jurel de Castilla)
In the springtime, when the water is a bit cooler, plenty of yellowtail fish make an appearance. Mackerel and live sardines are the most common bait of choice for this type of fish. When all fails and they refuse to surrender to live bait, blue, green, or yellow bait are sure to do it. Yellowtail weigh about ninety pounds, so muster your energy and prepare for a fast and steady reeling motion.
Best months for Yellowtail in Baja: February-April
Wahoo
Wahoo are characterized by being rapid swimmers, hard to catch, and delicious fish. They prefer the warm water and can swim up to 70mph. Reeling them in is a thrill, and what a challenge that is. Because of their extremely sharp teeth, you’ll need a wire leader that wouldn’t just break in their mouths.
Best months for Wahoo in Baja: after June, starting July.
Sailfish (Pez Vela)
Another fast, warm water fish that can travel up to 60mph, but is pleasing to the eye. Their dorsal sail gives them a mesmeric appearance, since they do tend to spend most of their time on the surface. Sailfish are not to be taken for granted as they are incredible fighters and will most likely run off your reel. The ideal technique for catching them is the ‘tease and switch’ approach.
Best months for Sailfish in Baja: after June, starting July.
Dolphin Fish (Dorado)
Unlike their bright appearance, a Dorado, or a Mahi Mahi can be quite aggressive. In their first year, a Dorado can grow up to 20 pounds in size. They can be caught using trolled lures, live bait, and flies. Since they are in fact warm fish, smaller dorado may start visiting Baja as early as May. If you’re up for a challenge, wait on the water to get warmer for larger ones.
Best months for Dolphin Fish in Baja: June-November
Landing a fish while spearfishing in Baja. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Need-to-Know Info Before You Spearfish in Baja
Can You Spearfish in Baja?
Yes, you can spearfish in Baja using a single speargun while freediving. Spearfishing in this area is an exciting activity that combines the thrill of the hunt with the beauty of Baja’s underwater world. Freediving allows for a more natural interaction with the marine environment, and many consider it an essential part of the sport. Oxygen tanks are not allowed, as they take away from the skill and challenge of the experience.
Are There Limits on Spearfishing in Baja?
Yes, there are specific limits on what you can and cannot do while spearfishing in Baja. Spearfishers are allowed to catch a maximum of 5 fish of the same species per day. It is important to note that spearfishing for crustaceans, aquatic mammals, reptiles, amphibians, or mollusks is strictly prohibited. These regulations are designed to protect the biodiversity of Baja’s waters and ensure the sustainability of marine life for future generations. Always familiarize yourself with local rules and guidelines before heading out to avoid any infractions.
Do You Need a Fishing License to Spearfish in Baja?
A fishing license is required if you plan to spearfish from a boat in Baja. However, if you are spearfishing from the shore, a license is not necessary. This distinction allows shore-based spearfishers to enjoy the activity with fewer administrative steps. Be sure to carry proof of your license if fishing from a boat, as authorities may conduct checks to ensure compliance with local regulations. Purchasing a fishing license can often be done online or at local shops in Baja.
Can I Use Scuba Gear to Spearfish in Baja?
No, the use of scuba gear for spearfishing is prohibited in Mexico, including Baja. The practice of freediving is not only a legal requirement but also a key element of the sport. Scuba gear can scare off larger predatory fish with its bubbles, making it harder to catch your target. Freediving allows spearfishers to engage with their surroundings more naturally and develop skills like breath-holding and underwater stealth. For many, the challenge of freediving is part of what makes spearfishing so rewarding.
What Are the Best Locations for Beginners?
Beginners are encouraged to start in calmer and clearer waters, such as those found near La Ventana or the La Paz area. These locations offer excellent visibility and manageable depths, making it easier for those new to spearfishing to hone their skills. With the guidance of a local expert or a friend, beginners can quickly build confidence and enjoy a safe and successful spearfishing experience.
Is Spearfishing Dangerous?
While spearfishing is generally safe, it does come with inherent risks. These include encounters with strong currents, limited breath-holding capacity, and interactions with marine life. To minimize risks, always dive with a buddy, use proper safety equipment, and be aware of your limits. Taking a freediving course beforehand can also help you learn essential safety techniques and build your underwater stamina.
Can I Keep Every Fish I Catch?
No, you cannot keep every fish you catch. In addition to daily limits on specific species, some fish are protected and cannot be targeted. These include certain species vital to the ecosystem or those under conservation programs. Before heading out, research the local fish populations and make sure to target only legal and sustainable species. Releasing unwanted or prohibited catches immediately is also an important practice.
What Should I Do if I Encounter Dangerous Marine Animals?
If you encounter potentially dangerous marine animals, such as sharks or stingrays, remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Most marine animals are not aggressive unless provoked. Give them plenty of space and slowly back away if needed. Carrying a dive knife can provide an added sense of security, though it should only be used as a last resort in extreme situations.
Cutting up the catch, to make ceviche, after a successful spearfishing outing. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Spearfishing in Baja Mexico offers an unforgettable adventure with its diverse marine life, stunning underwater landscapes, and accessible locations. Whether you choose a guided trip or venture out on your own, the experience promises excitement and a rewarding challenge. Make sure to follow local regulations, respect the marine ecosystem, and prepare adequately for a safe and enjoyable spearfishing adventure in Baja. With its combination of natural beauty and thrilling opportunities, Baja stands as a top destination for spearfishing enthusiasts of all skill levels.
