Frequently Asked Questions

How does East Cape Guides™ work?

Basically, the short answer is:

• We will plan your trip with you
• Coordinate your flights/transfers/accommodations/boats
• Your guide will meet you at your hotel, give you a tour and provide basic a seminar on fishing East Cape style
• Your guide will accompany you on your chartered boat with all the gear/tackle ready to fish
• Your guide will help you in landing your fish of a lifetime
• Your guide can also provide photography/videography services to document your catch
• Roundtrip airfare/transfers/accommodations/boats are all included in the price of your trip
• Bait, tips and drinks are not included

For more infomation go to Why East Cape Guides?

How do I make reservations with East Cape Guides™?

Simply contact us a reservations@eastcapeguides.com and provide a preferred date range for your trip. We'll contact you and plan your flight, accomodations and boat charter.

Should I bring a passport?

YES, YOU MUST HAVE A PASSPORT. Here are the requirements:

• December 31, 2006 - Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda
• December 31, 2007 - Requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel

For more infomation go to New Requirements for Travelers.

What should I bring?

Check out our complete Check List for everything you'll need to bring on your trip.

Can I bring illegal drugs and alcohol?

DO NOT BRING ILLEGAL DRUGS INTO MEXICO. In Mexico you are guilty until proven innocent and possession of illegal drugs is a minimum of eight years in a mexican prison. Just don't do it. Alcohol is legal to bring down to Mexico but we recommend limiting it to a couple of bottles of spirits and wine.

Will I catch a marlin?

As the saying goes, "if it were guaranteed, they wouldn't call it fishing, they'd call it catching." Although, Baja's East Cape is one of the highest angler to billfish catch rates in the world, nothing is guaranteed. But, we do everything in our power to help you get that fish of a lifetime.

Do I need to bring my own tackle?

No, we provide all top of the line trolling/bait fishing tackle. You must provide your surf fishing tackle.

Do I need to know how to fish?

No, your guide will give you the scoop on everything you'll need to know before you get on boat and provide assistance in landing your fish while on the boat.

Can I bring fish home?

Yes, we recommend you bring a cooler to transport you catch back to the U.S. We do not keep billfish unless death occurs during the fight. We will keep all table fare fish such as dorado, yellowfin tuna and wahoo. Go to our Check List for more details.

Do you practice catch and release?

Yes, we release all billfish to fight another day. If you would like to have a mount of your fish, we recommend taking a photo of the fish, get approximate measurements and having a fiberglass mount made. We keep all table fare fish such as dorado, yellowfin tuna and wahoo. We will also release any fish on request.

What type of boats are available for charter?

Two types of boat are avaible for charter:

Pangas/Super Pangas - a panga is a 16-22', center-console skiff for inshore fishing. A super panga is a larger version of a panga. Many super pangas are now equipped with heads (toilets). Super pangas usually will accomodate two anglers, a guide and captain.

Cruiser/Super Cruiser - a cruiser is 28-32' sportfisher. A super cruiser is a larger version of a cruiser, with a cabin and head (toilet). Super cruiser usually range for 32 to 42 feet.

Can I surf fish?

Absolutely, surf fishing in East Cape can be a great time. Ask your guide about surf fishing for inshore game such as jacks and roosterfish. Surf fishing tackle provided on request for a nominal fee or you can bring your own.

Do you fly fish?

Yes and No, we use strictly conventional tackle for offshore fishing. Your guide can arrange a boat if you would like to fly fish for inshore species, but you must bring your own fly fishing gear. We do not provide fly fishing tackle.

Do you kayak fish?

No, we do not provide guiding services for kayak fishing. Your guide can arrange a kayak from the hotel to rent if you would like to fish for inshore species. If you are interested in kayak fishing we highly recommend planning a trip with Jim Sammons of La Jolla Kayak Fishing. We do not provide kayak fishing tackle.

What else can I do other than fishing?

Although the East Cape is predominately a fishing destination, other activities such as kayaking, ATVing, diving, snorkeling, horseback riding and visiting local towns are available. Ask your guide for more details on activities.

Do I have to speak spanish?

No, most hotel staff speak basic english. Your guide will communicate all your wants/needs to the captain of your chartered boat. If you want to learn some spanish, it's a great time to practice on your trip.

Who do I tip and how much?

East Cape Guides™ do not take gratuities while on a chartered boat. All tips should go to the captain and deckhand of your chartered boat. We recommend a gratuity of 10-15% of the charter price if you feel the the service was acceptable and 15-20% if you feel that the service was exceptional.

Do I pay in dollars?

Sure, dollars are widely used in Baja. Keep in mind, if you buy something in dollars, you may get your change back in pesos. We recommend having $20-40 in one dollar bills for small tips during your trip.

Is there anything not included?

The only costs not included in the price of the trip is bait (usual $20-30 per day), alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and tips for captain/deckhand.

Can I drink the water?

Yes and no, although the hotel's we work with have their own wells. It's better to be safe than sorry. We recommend you drink bottled water and use the drinking water provided in your hotel room for brushing your teeth. You do not need to keep you mouth closed when taking showers, just don't drink it.

Have more questions?

Contact East Cape Guides™ via email at info@eastcapeguides.com.