The Fish Ranch: La Ventana

Fishing the Sea of Cortez

Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez "the aquarium of the world," and La Ventana sits on one of its most productive stretches. Dramatic underwater topography funnels pelagic fish through the area, while rocky points, sandy beaches and offshore pinnacles hold resident species. Every day adapts to the conditions, and no two feel the same.

The Fishery

• Beaches, rocky points, pinnacles and open blue water, all within a short run
• Fishing grounds from the north tip of Isla Cerralvo, around La Ventana Bay and the lighthouse point, and south to Boca del Alamo
• Traditional 20-25 foot pangas with casting platforms and lean bars
• Live bait used to raise and locate fish
• Late afternoons free for beach fishing in front of the villa

Roosterfish The signature fish of La Ventana and the focus of the week.

• Season: Prime from mid-April through summer, often into September
• Habitat: Sandy beaches, rocky structure and nearshore edges
• Characteristics: Iconic comb dorsal fin, explosive takes and long, powerful runs
• Techniques: Sight-casting large baitfish patterns with fast, two-handed strips

Jack Crevalle

• Hard-pulling, aggressive and often found in schools
• A great way to put a bend in the rod between roosterfish shots

Other Species:

• Dorado
• Yellowfin tuna
• Yellowtail
• Pompano
• Snapper and grouper
• Triggerfish
• Sierra
• Ladyfish
• Milkfish
• Billfish

A note on timing: The Fish Ranch considers May through November its prime season, when milder weather and warmer water bring in the big "grande" roosterfish.

The Fish Ranch Villa

The villa sits at the start of La Ventana on the edge of Bahía Turquesa, steps from a walkable beach with great fishing of its own. It's quiet and scenic, yet close enough to stroll to the beach bars in town.

Rooms

• Single-occupancy rooms for every angler (couples share)
• Newly renovated and completely private
• Kitchen and communal space on every floor

Amenities

• Pool
• Fire pit
• Paddleboards and recreational gear
• Shaded palapas
• Starlink WiFi
• Light laundry service
• Pop-up Fish Ranch fly shop on site

Dining

• Grab-and-go breakfast and coffee before heading out
• Build-your-own boat lunches from fresh options
• Hosted dinners from The Fish Ranch chef, mixed with nights out at local favorites
• Fridge stocked with water, beer and beverages on arrival
• Sunset happy hour every evening

La Ventana is a food town. Think sashimi from the day's catch, local street food and a mezcal tasting or two.

Travel to The Fish Ranch

International Travel Fly to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) in San José del Cabo. Most guests use SJD because of its wide range of nonstop flights from the U.S., including from Denver.

Arrival Day (Sunday, May 21):

• Clear customs at SJD
• Meet your Fish Ranch driver
• Shared shuttle with the group for the scenic 2.5-hour drive up the Sea of Cortez to La Ventana
• Shuttle is included for guests arriving within the recommended arrival window

Alternative Airport: La Paz International Airport (LAP) is about an hour from La Ventana, but international service is limited. [CONFIRM: whether transfers from LAP are included for hosted guests.]

Departure Day (Saturday, May 27):

• Breakfast at the villa
• Shuttle back to SJD for afternoon flights home

Customs Gear Limits Mexico limits travelers to 4 fly rods, 4 reels (spare spools count as reels) and 2 cameras. Bringing more can trigger a 19% import tax. When flying home, all fishing gear, including rods, reels, flies and pliers, must be checked. Nothing can be carried on.

Travel Documents A U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond your entry date. Complete your Mexican tourist card (FMM) during the flight or on arrival.

Sample Hosted Week: May 21-27, 2028

Day 1 (Sunday, May 21):

• Arrive Los Cabos (SJD)
• Group shuttle to La Ventana
• Check into your room at the villa
• Rig rods, grab your welcome fly box and meet the team
• Sunset happy hour and welcome dinner

Days 2-6 (Monday-Friday): Five Full Fishing Days

• Early coffee and breakfast at the villa
• Pack your boat lunch
• Meet your captain at sunrise, launching in front of the villa or from Los Muertos (about 20 minutes away)
• About seven hours on the water, two anglers per panga
• Roosterfish along beaches and rocky points, plus jacks, dorado and whatever else is pushing bait
• Back to the villa by early afternoon
• Pool, paddleboard, nap, or hit the beach for more fishing
• Happy hour as the light fades over Isla Cerralvo
• Hosted dinner, stories and an early night

Day 7 (Saturday, May 27):

• Breakfast
• Shuttle to SJD
• Afternoon flights home

Package Rate

2028 Hosted Trip: May 21-27, 2028

• 6 nights / 5 days fishing
• $5,400 per angler (single-occupancy room)
• Non-angling partner: [CONFIRM 2028 rate; 2027 rate was $2,500]

Contact Front Range Anglers for current availability.

What's Included:

• Six nights beachfront villa accommodations (single occupancy)
• Five days of guided fishing (2 anglers per panga)
• Live bait
• Conventional fishing gear
• Ground transfers to and from Los Cabos airport (SJD)
• All meals: breakfast, boat lunch and hosted dinners
• Stocked fridge and nightly happy hour
• Welcome fly box
• On-site hosting and trip coordination

Not Included:

• Airfare to Los Cabos (SJD) or La Paz (LAP)
• Mexican fishing license (download to your phone before arrival)
• Fly rod rentals, additional flies and fly shop purchases
• Alcohol beyond standard house provisions
• Gratuities
• Optional activities such as massages, marine tours or Polaris rentals
• Travel and medical evacuation insurance (highly recommended)

Gratuity Guidelines

• Captains: $60 per person, per fishing day, paid in cash
• Chef: about $75 per guest for the week
• Housekeeping: about $75 per guest for the week

Bring cash in U.S. dollars or pesos. ATMs in the area can be unreliable.

Reservation Policy

• At booking: [CONFIRM deposit amount]
• Final payment: [CONFIRM due date]

Cancellation Policy

• [CONFIRM with The Fish Ranch]

Travel Insurance Front Range Anglers strongly recommends Medical Evacuation Insurance (Global Rescue) and highly recommends Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance. To get "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage through Global Rescue, the policy must be purchased within 20 days of your initial trip deposit, and all non-refundable trip costs must be insured. Not offered to New York State residents.

For insurance questions contact: Kim D'Amico | 617.459.4200 | kdamico@globalrescue.com

Connect with Our Saltwater Experts

Ready to chase roosterfish in Baja? Our Adventure Travel team can answer every question about The Fish Ranch, travel to Los Cabos, hosted trip dates and what to expect fishing from a panga.

John Brown: Adventure Travel Manager John is a Front Range Anglers guide and Sage Elite Pro with extensive saltwater experience. He can help with roosterfish tactics, line and leader setups, fly selection and preparing for a week on the Sea of Cortez.

What We Can Help With:

• Hosted trip dates and availability
• Roosterfish tactics and strategies
• Fly selection for the Sea of Cortez
• Rod, reel and line recommendations
• Flights to Los Cabos and arrival timing
• Mexican fishing license
• Customs gear limits
• Non-angling partner options
• Pre-trip preparation consultation

Contact Us: Email: Johnb@frontrangeanglers.com Phone: 877-935-2975 Visit: 5350 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303

Stop by the shop to see our saltwater gear and talk through your Fish Ranch trip with our team.

What to Bring to La Ventana

Fishing Gear

Rods & Reels:

• 10-weight rod (primary for roosterfish, jacks and dorado). A 9- or 11-weight works too.
• Backup rod: 8- to 11-weight
• Optional: 8- to 10-weight with a sinking line for rockfish
• Optional: 12-weight rigged for billfish
• Saltwater reel with 300+ yards of backing

Remember: Mexico's customs limit is 4 rods and 4 reels, and spare spools count as reels.

Lines:

• Tropical intermediate clear-tip line (your go-to)
• Full sinking line for tuna, yellowtail and deeper fish
• Floating line for topwater milkfish

Leaders & Tippet:

• 9-foot 40/30/20 lb or 40/30 lb fluorocarbon leaders
• 60-80 lb mono or fluorocarbon for billfish and tuna

Flies:

• About two dozen flies for the week
• Baitfish patterns: Kinky Muddlers, Deceivers, Wiggy Airheads and EP Minnows in blue/white, black/white, tan/white and olive/white, 2/0-6/0, 3-8 inches long
• Topwater: Crease flies and poppers
• Rockfish: Clouser Minnows in chartreuse/white, tan/white and rust, #2-2/0
• Milkfish: Green algae flies, #2
• Billfish: Tube flies in pink/white or blue/white, 6/0-8/0

Note: The Fish Ranch fly shop stocks local patterns, conventional gear is provided, and fly rods are available to rent if you want to travel light.

Clothing

• Long-sleeve sun shirts (lightweight, quick-dry, UPF)
• Lightweight fishing pants or shorts
• Wide-brim hat or flats cap
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Sun gloves
• Polarized sunglasses (essential for sight fishing)
• Light rain jacket or windbreaker
• Sandals or deck shoes
• Swimsuit

Personal Items

• U.S. passport (valid 6+ months beyond travel)
• Mexican fishing license downloaded to your phone
• Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm
• Reusable water bottle
• Small dry bag
• Personal medications
• Cash for gratuities and incidentals