Meet Your Host: Brian Oakland
This special week will be hosted by Brian Oakland, the owner here at Got Fishing and life-long outdoorsman. Brian is excited to experience the Sea of Cortez with a small group of anglers to chase big roosters!
Roosterfish Royale • Sea of Cortez, Mexico
EQUIPMENT
Bring Your Own Gear
LODGING
Single & Double Occupancy Guest Rooms; Guest Houses
SPECIES
Roosterfish, Dorado, Jacks, Tuna, Yellowtail
SEASON
April 23-30, 2027
RECOMMENDED FOR…
Adventure-Seekers
Join us April 23–30, 2027 for a hosted week dedicated to big roosterfish on the Sea of Cortez with Angling Baja. Timed for the early-season push of larger fish along Baja’s East Cape, this trip puts you on the water with expert local captains in purpose-built fly fishing pangas, targeting powerful roosters in the clear, productive waters around La Ventana and Isla Cerralvo. Expect visual fishing, short runs, beachfront lodging, excellent meals, and the focused energy of a small hosted group all chasing the same prize — those heavy, hard-fighting gallos that make this fishery legendary.
Angling Baja’s roosterfish program puts you in one of the most productive and visually spectacular saltwater fisheries on the planet. Based in the laid-back village of La Ventana on the Sea of Cortez, the operation focuses on guided boat and beach fishing for the iconic pez gallo, along with dorado, jack crevalle, tuna, yellowtail, pompano, snapper, grouper, and more in waters that hold an incredible variety of species.
Days typically run from early morning until early afternoon, leaving plenty of time to recover poolside or on the beach. The emphasis is on quality time on the water with knowledgeable local captains who know the tides, structure, and seasonal movements around La Ventana Bay, Isla Cerralvo, and the surrounding coastline.
This is a true destination fishery where sight-fishing, live-bait techniques, and fly presentations all come into play against a backdrop of desert mountains meeting turquoise water.
Guests stay in comfortable beachfront accommodations right in La Ventana, with easy access to the water and stunning views across the Sea of Cortez toward Cerralvo Island. Rooms are typically single occupancy for anglers and feature the modern comforts expected after a day under the Baja sun: air conditioning, private baths, and common areas that encourage relaxation.
Expect a welcoming setup that includes a swimming pool, outdoor lounging spaces, and often complimentary use of kayaks or paddleboards. Meals highlight fresh regional seafood, local produce, and Baja flavors, and soft drinks, with all meals included in the package.
Fishing centers on 22-foot pangas purpose-built for fly anglers, each equipped with dual casting platforms, non-slip decks, grab bars, rod holders, fish finders, and VHF radios for safety and coordination. Two anglers share a boat with an experienced local captain who knows the productive stretches of beach, points, and nearshore structure intimately.
Roosterfish are the star here; powerful, hard-fighting fish that cruise the beaches and nearshore waters in search of bait. Guides use a mix of sight-casting, live bait (sardines or similar), and fly presentations tailored to conditions.
The April 23 – 30 trip dates were carefully selected with experts that are knowledgeable about the fishery, and are specific to “big roosters” migrating into the area in conjunction with trending water temperatures.
Days usually start early and wrap by early afternoon so anglers can enjoy the lodge and recover. Beyond roosters, the same waters deliver dorado, jacks, tuna, yellowtail, and a variety of reef species. The program supports both fly and light-tackle approaches, with captains skilled at putting anglers in the right spots and coaching presentations. Expect energetic, visual fishing with the chance at memorable fish in a relatively uncrowded setting compared to more developed Baja destinations.
Fly into La Paz Airport (LAP), roughly a 1-hour drive to La Ventana. Ground transfers are typically included in packages and arranged by our team and the outfitter.
Upon arrival you’ll be met and shuttled to the beachfront lodging in La Ventana. The area is straightforward to reach with good road connections, and the small-town setting means minimal logistics once you’re on the ground.
Most international flights connect through major U.S. hubs (Phoenix, Dallas, etc.).
This list is a guideline of the necessary items that you should bring to make your trip as productive and enjoyable as possible. If you have any specific questions regarding gear, please contact our team for assistance.
Rods
- 10 wt. rods (2)
- 12 wt. rod (1 or 2)
- 13 or 14 wt. rod (only if targeting big tuna or blue marlin)
Lines
- 2 × 10 wt. intermediate or sinking-tip fly lines (Tropical Outbound taper)
- 12 wt. 400–550 grain sinking fly line and/or intermediate fly line
- 13 or 14 wt. 600–700 grain (or heavier) sinking fly line
Spare Lines
- 1 spare intermediate or sinking line for the 10 wt.
- 1 spare floating line for the 10 wt.
- 1 spare sinker (400–550 grains) for the 12 wt.
Reels (60 lb Backing / Spectra)
- 10 wt. reel with at least 250–350 yards of backing
- 12 wt. reel with 350–500 yards of backing
- 13 or 14 wt. reel with 350–500 yards of backing
Leaders
- 8–9 ft. fluorocarbon leaders
– Straight 25/20 lb for roosterfish and jacks
– Straight 40 lb for dorado - Spools of 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, and 60 lb (60 lb may be mono)
- For marlin, sailfish, and other large fish: 80, 100, and 120 lb leader spools
- For possible shark: 80 lb wire leader
Spare Backing
- 300 yards of 60 lb backing (better to have it and not need it)
Hooks & Flies
- Bring a strong selection of flies, including sardine, mullet, and popper patterns
- Roosterfish colors: white with olive / tan / green
– Sizes: 2/0 to 6/0 - Billfish colors: white with blue / pink, blue and yellow
– Sizes: 6/0 to 8/0
Other Essentials
- Waterproof backpack
- Buffs
- Pliers and nippers
- Polarized sunglasses (copper, green, or blue lenses)
- Sun gloves and finger tape
- UV-protective clothing
Special Notes
- Mexico allows you to transport four fly rods and reels without a fee. Bringing more than this limit may incur a fee.
- Fishing pliers, fluorocarbon leader spools, wire, saltwater hooks, flies, and fly-tying tools are not allowed in carry-on luggage; pack these in checked baggage.
- Fly rods may be carried on when flying from the U.S. to Mexico, but cannot be carried on when flying from Mexico back to the U.S.
TRIP INCLUDES
- 7 Nights Private accommodations
- 6 Days Guided fishing
- Pangas and local captains
- Bait and chum
- Fishing licenses
- Breakfasts, Lunches, snacks and beverages on the boats, Dinners
- Airport transfers
- Transportation between the accommodations and fishing locations
- Offshore fishing around Cerralvo Island and farther north (when weather and conditions allow)
- Full coordination of the operation throughout the week
DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Flights
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
2027 Package Rates
- Private Room, Shared Panga: $6,900 per angler (2 anglers per panga)
- Private Room, Private Boat: $10,550 per angler
ADVENTURE AWAITS
If you’re interested in talking to a consultant or booking this adventure, please complete this form.
