Mexico
Los Locos Mag Bay
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Trip Summary
Located in the small fishing community of San Carlos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Los Locos Mag Bay is one of the most unique fly fishing operations on the globe. With direct access to Magdalena Bay, anglers have the opportunity to sight-fish to blitzing Striped Marlin on the fly. Roosterfish, Snook, Snapper, and a host of other species can also be targeted in this vast fishery, spanning 200 square miles of blue water, channels, beaches, and mangrove lagoons. Daily fishing adventures are complemented by delicious seafood meals and comfortable lodging just steps from the bay. For adventurous anglers looking for a distinctive experience with expert guides and a friendly local team, Los Locos Mag Bay stands out as an excellent choice.
Who's It For?
Magdalena Bay bait ball fishery
Magdalena Bay is one of the most famous offshore fisheries in the world for Striped Marlin on bait balls. Each fall, massive schools of sardines and mackerel attract marlin along with Dorado and Yellowfin Tuna. Anglers cast large baitfish flies into surface feeding frenzies, creating one of the most exciting visual fisheries in saltwater fly fishing.
Diverse inshore fishing opportunities
During the summer months, Magdalena Bay offers an impressive variety of inshore fly fishing. Roosterfish cruise beaches and rocky points, while Cubera Snapper and Grouper hold tight to structure. Snook and other coastal species can also be targeted around mangroves and estuaries, giving anglers the chance to pursue several species in a single day.
Designed for fly anglers
Los Locos Mag Bay is built with fly anglers in mind. Guides are experienced in positioning the boat and working teasers to create quality fly shots, whether raising Striped Marlin offshore or targeting Roosterfish along the beach. The program focuses on active, visual fishing rather than trolling or bait fishing.
Remote Baja fishing environment
Magdalena Bay sits along the wild Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, offering a remote and lightly pressured fishery. Vast beaches, mangrove estuaries, and offshore waters provide access to a wide range of habitats within a short run from the lodge. The result is a unique destination where anglers can experience both world-class offshore action and productive inshore fishing.
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
WHY BOOK WITH TRIDENT
- No Credit Card Fees
- Same Price as Booking Direct
- Earn Trident Rewards
All rates below are per person for six nights and five days of fishing. Rates and inclusions are subject to change at any time. Contact us for the most current pricing.
Marlin Fishing Packages
Marlin Season - First Week & Final Week:
Oct 2-8, Jan 8-14, 2026/27
Double Occupancy / 3 Anglers Per Boat (Per Person) = $8,050
Double Occupancy / 2 Anglers Per Boat (Per Person) = $10,235
Double Occupancy / Private Boat (Per Person) = $20,125
Marlin Season - Peak Season:
Double Occupancy / 3 Anglers Per Boat (Per Person) = $8,912.50
Double Occupancy / 2 Anglers Per Boat (Per Person) = $11,212.50
Double Occupancy / Private Boat (Per Person) = $21,045
Optional Add-Ons
Private Room Supplement = $175 per night
Rod Rental = $50/day per rod; $250 replacement fee for broken or damaged equipment
What's Included:
- Lodging at Mar Y Arena Eco Hotel
- Meals in Puerto San Carlos
- Guided fishing
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Airport transfers (SJD, LAP, or LTO)
What's Not Included:
- Gratuities for guides and hotel staff
- Mexican fishing license
- International airfare
- Lodging and meals in Cabo, if necessary
- All fishing equipment and rentals
- Alcoholic beverages
Gallery
Seasonal Fishing
Calendar
The summer season focuses on the diverse inshore fishery inside Magdalena Bay. Roosterfish cruise beaches and bait-rich shorelines, providing exciting sight fishing opportunities, while Cubera Snapper and Grouper hold tight to rocky points and structure. Snook can be targeted in mangrove-lined estuaries and backwaters, creating a varied inshore program where anglers may fish beaches, reefs, and sheltered bay waters all in the same day.
Fall and early winter mark the famous Magdalena Bay bait ball season. Massive schools of sardines and mackerel attract Striped Marlin, along with Dorado and Yellowfin Tuna, creating spectacular surface feeding events offshore. Casting baitfish flies into these feeding frenzies is one of the most exciting forms of offshore fly fishing anywhere. When conditions allow, anglers can also mix in productive inshore fishing for Roosterfish and other coastal species.
Lodging & Accommodations
Accommodations
Los Locos has partnered with a local eco-hotel, Villas Mar y Arena, to offer anglers comfortable palapa-style villas situated near the water with stunning panoramic views of Magdalena Bay. Each villa is equipped with one queen and one twin-sized bed, a television, hot water, and WiFi. After each day of fishing, guests can relax and enjoy a full-service bar and restaurant on the property, featuring a laid-back outdoor patio by the water - perfect for enjoying a drink with new amigos as the sun sets.
Food
Meals are a highlight of the Los Locos experience, featuring fresh seafood and authentic Mexican favorites to fit a variety of palates. Breakfasts are made to order, featuring classic options such as eggs and bagels or Mexican dishes. Cooler lunches are served on the water and can include hearty burritos or sandwiches with additional boat snacks, water, sodas, and fruit. Dinners typically begin with appetizers such as fresh sushi or Mexican tapas as you return from fishing. The main course can include seafood, vegetables, and flavorful meats. Los Locos has a rotation of fantastic local dinner restaurants that you'll experience throughout the week.
Connectivity
Complimentary WiFi is available in the Mar Y Arena Eco Hotel. Although it is generally a reliable service, it can be affected by adverse weather conditions. Cell service may be available at the lodge depending on your service plan.
Target Species
Striped Marlin
Roosterfish
Snook
Golden Trevally
Cubera Snapper
Yellowfin Tuna
7-Day Itinerary
Each day is carefully planned to maximize your fishing success while experiencing the best of what this destination has to offer. Itineraries are flexible based on conditions and guest preferences.
A week-long trip at Los Locos runs from Saturday to Friday. Getting to the lodge begins with a Saturday flight to Cabo (SJD), La Paz (LAP), or Loreto (LTO), depending on flight availability from your home location. Upon arrival in Mexico, you can choose to take a pre-arranged shuttle, or rent a car to drive to Puerto San Carlos. Depending on which airport you arrived at, drive time varies from 6 hours, 3 hours, or 2 hours, respectively. Once you've arrived, the Los Locos team will give a briefing over a fantastic meal.
Fishing days start with a full breakfast before heading out with your guide and boatman for the day. If you're targeting offshore species, morning boat runs can be up to two hours with bumpy chop. After a morning fishing session, a cooler lunch is served on the panga, allowing you to relax, eat, and rehydrate while taking in the views of the Pacific Ocean. Following the afternoon session, you'll return to the lodge before dark to unwind and enjoy a flavorful dinner consisting of fresh seafood and Mexican specialties. After dinner, feel free to enjoy a cold beverage with fellow guests, or retire early.
After your week of fishing, you'll enjoy breakfast on Friday morning before beginning your vehicle transfer back to the airport of your choosing, where you'll board your flight to your home destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
GET IN TOUCHLos Locos operates its striped marlin program from early October through mid-January. During this period, large concentrations of sardines and mackerel attract striped marlin, dorado, yellowfin tuna, and other pelagic species to Magdalena Bay. November and December are traditionally the heart of the season, but productive fishing can occur throughout the full window.
Los Locos is based in Puerto San Carlos on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur. Guests typically fly into Loreto (LTO), La Paz (LAP), or Los Cabos (SJD), followed by a prearranged ground transfer. Approximate driving times are two hours from Loreto, three hours from La Paz, and five to six hours from Los Cabos. Trident can help determine the best flight and transfer plan for your itinerary.
Many anglers travel safely to Baja California Sur each year, but no international destination is entirely without risk. Puerto San Carlos is a small, remote commercial fishing community rather than a major resort destination. We recommend using arranged airport transfers, avoiding unnecessary nighttime driving, safeguarding valuables, and reviewing the current U.S. State Department travel advisory for Mexico before departure.
Los Locos is best suited to experienced and physically capable saltwater anglers. Marlin fishing requires casting large flies with heavy 12-weight tackle, managing powerful fish, and spending long days aboard an open panga. Offshore runs can approach two hours and may be rough, wet, or physically tiring. Anglers should be comfortable with these conditions and prepared to follow their guide’s instructions during fast-moving fishing situations.
Guides and captains search for birds, bait balls, feeding dolphins, and marlin activity on the surface. Once fish are located, the boat is positioned to create a casting opportunity as marlin attack tightly concentrated bait. This is active, visual fishing that can require quick, accurate presentations with large flies and sinking lines. Conditions and wild fish behavior vary, so marlin encounters and catches can never be guaranteed.
The recommended marlin setup is a four-piece 12-weight rod, a large-arbor saltwater reel, at least 200 yards of 65-pound or heavier backing, and a 500- to 600-grain sinking line with a strong core. Leaders generally range from 60- to 100-pound fluorocarbon. A 10-weight outfit with an intermediate line is useful for roosterfish and other inshore species. Los Locos will provide detailed tackle and fly recommendations before the trip.
Yes. Los Locos offers ready-to-fish rod, reel, and line setups for anglers who prefer not to travel with specialized marlin tackle. Rentals are currently $50 per setup, per day, with a $250 replacement charge for broken or damaged equipment. Rental availability and current pricing should be confirmed before travel.
Packages are available for two or three anglers sharing a boat, as well as single anglers fishing from a private boat. Each panga is operated by an experienced fishing guide and local captain. Los Locos can accommodate as many as 21 anglers, although Magdalena Bay’s immense size allows boats to spread out while searching for bait and feeding fish.
Guests stay in comfortable palapa-style villas at Villas Mar y Arena near the waterfront in Puerto San Carlos. Rooms have private bathrooms, hot water, electricity, and Wi-Fi, although internet service may occasionally be affected by weather or the remote location. Meals feature fresh local seafood and Mexican cuisine. Tap water should not be consumed, but purified drinking water is provided at the hotel and aboard the boats.
Conditions from October through January are generally dry and comfortable, with warm afternoons and cooler mornings and evenings. Offshore boat rides can feel significantly colder because of wind and spray, particularly later in the season. Anglers should bring sun-protective clothing, warm layers, a hat, polarized sunglasses, and quality waterproof outerwear. Waterproof bibs are also recommended for colder or rougher days.
Los Locos is primarily a fishing-focused adventure for committed adult anglers. Puerto San Carlos is remote, the accommodations are comfortable but relatively simple, and organized non-angling activities are limited. It may work for a flexible companion who enjoys the setting and does not require a full activity program, but it is generally not our first recommendation for families, young children, or couples seeking a traditional luxury resort experience.
Medical emergencies and evacuations can happen in remote destinations, which is why we strongly recommend enrolling with Global Rescue before your trip. Global Rescue provides industry-leading medical and security evacuation services, and they also offer comprehensive travel insurance plans serviced through IMG. This all-in-one solution allows anglers to secure both emergency evacuation coverage and travel insurance through a single provider, helping ensure you’re protected if something unexpected occurs before or during your trip.
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