Los Locos

Lodging Details
Los Locos partners with Villas Mar y Arena for all accommodations. The Villas is a beachfront boutique hotel situated in the tranquil fishing village of San Carlos, Baja California Sur. This location offers guests direct access to Magdalena Bay, renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and exceptional fishing opportunities.

The accommodations at Villas Mar y Arena are designed to provide comfort and relaxation after long days on the water. While not fancy, guests can expect clean, well-appointed rooms equipped with modern amenities to ensure a pleasant stay. The hotel’s proximity to the bay allows for breathtaking views and the peaceful sounds of the ocean, enhancing the overall experience. In addition to the comfortable rooms, the hotel features communal areas where guests can unwind, share stories of the day’s adventures, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow anglers. The friendly and attentive staff are dedicated to providing exceptional service, ensuring that every aspect of your stay is enjoyable.

Los Locos offers a unique blend of adventure and comfort, with a focus on providing personalized fishing experiences. The program is designed to adapt to seasonal conditions and angler preferences, ensuring each trip is tailored for optimal success.

Food and Beverages
Meals are one of the highlights of the Los Locos experience. Breakfast and coffee are served daily at the hotel, while lunches are provided on the boat during all full-day fishing excursions. Dinners are a mix of hotel-prepared meals and outings to local eateries, including the renowned Lore’s, known for its family-style seafood feasts and authentic Baja ambiance.  

Typical Length of Stay
Trip packages typically run six (6) nights, with five (5) full days of guided fishing. Custom trip lengths may be arranged upon request and will be based on availability. Please contact Yellow Dog for more details and specific rates.

Non-Angling Activities and Options
While the primary focus is on fishing, non-angling guests can enjoy activities such as whale watching (seasonal), kayaking through mangrove channels, bird watching, and exploring the local culture and cuisine of Puerto San Carlos. That said, most Yellow Dog clients make the trip to focus on the area’s phenomenal fishing.

Internet / Communications
Wi-Fi is available at the hotel, allowing guests to stay connected during their stay. Please note that connectivity may be limited due to the remote location.

How To Get There
Guests can fly into one of the following airports:

• Loreto International Airport (LTO) – Approximately a 2-hour scenic drive to Puerto San Carlos. 
• La Paz International Airport (LAP) – Approximately a 3-hour drive.
• Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) – Approximately a 5-hour drive.

Los Locos and Yellow Dog will arrange private shuttle services from these airports to the lodge.

General Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at your chosen airport and transfer to Puerto San Carlos. Settle into your accommodations and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Days 2–6: Enjoy six full days of guided fishing based out of Puerto San Carlos. Each day includes breakfast, a packed lunch on the boat, and dinner.

Day 7: Depart Puerto San Carlos and transfer to your departure airport.

Arrival and Departure Details / Times
Yellow Dog will assist in coordinating your international flight itinerary and transfers to ensure a seamless travel experience.

Documents Required
All foreign travelers to Mexico must possess a passport valid for at least six months beyond the duration of their stay. Additionally, the passport must have at least two blank pages and be in good condition. Citizens of most countries, including the U.S., do not require a visa for stays in Mexico. Please ensure all documentation is in order prior to travel.

Travel Arrangements
Yellow Dog offers airline reservations and ticketing assistance through etcTravel Group, a full-service travel agency. They can assist with booking flights, hotels, rental cars, and more. Service fees may apply and will be discussed prior to booking. For assistance, please contact Yellow Dog at 406-585-8667.

Travel Tools
- Travel Insurance
- Moon Phases
- Airline Ticketing
- Rent This Rod
- Global Rescue Membership

General Information
Los Locos specializes in fly fishing adventures targeting a variety of species in both inshore and offshore settings. The operation is renowned for its expertise in chasing striped marlin on the fly, as well as roosterfish, dorado, snapper, and more. With a fleet of custom pangas and experienced guides, anglers are provided with unparalleled access to Magdalena Bay’s rich fisheries.  The program is designed to cater to both seasoned anglers and newcomers, providing opportunities to target a wide array of species in various environments. 

One great thing about the Los Locos program is that each boat has a local Mexican captain as well as an American fishing guide on board, so each pair of anglers has a team of two guides helping them hook, fight, and land big fish. Things get intense very quickly (especially when fishing for the marlin and roosters) and having two guides on each boat is critical to success.

Key Elements of the Fishing Program

• Diverse Fishing Environments: From expansive offshore waters teeming with pelagic species to the intricate mangrove-lined inshore areas, anglers can experience a variety of fishing scenarios.
• Expert Guidance: The Los Locos team comprises experienced guides and local captains who possess intimate knowledge of the bay’s ecosystems, ensuring productive and educational outings. 
• Custom-Built Boats: Anglers fish from specially designed boats equipped to handle the unique conditions of Magdalena Bay, providing both comfort and access to prime fishing spots.
• Conservation Focus: Los Locos emphasizes sustainable fishing practices and actively participates in conservation efforts to preserve the bay’s natural resources.

Target Species
Anglers visiting Magdalena Bay can expect to encounter a variety of species, including:

Offshore Species:

• Striped Marlin: Abundant during the fall months, offering thrilling surface action.
• Blue and Black Marlin: Less common but present, providing opportunities for the adventurous angler.
• Dorado (Mahi-Mahi): Known for their vibrant colors and acrobatic fights.
• Yellowfin Tuna: Powerful fighters, often found in schools feeding on baitfish.
• Wahoo: Fast and elusive, a prized catch for many. 

Inshore Species:

• Roosterfish: Iconic to the region, known for their distinctive dorsal fins and aggressive strikes.
• Snook: Found in the mangroves, offering challenging yet rewarding fishing.
• Snapper and Grouper: Common around structure and reefs.
• Jack Crevalle: Hard-fighting and often found in schools.
• Corvina: A local favorite, especially during certain seasons. 

Seasonal Highlights
While Magdalena Bay offers year-round fishing opportunities, certain seasons are particularly productive:

• Fall (October to January): Peak season for striped marlin, dorado, and yellowfin tuna.
• Spring/Summer (May - August): Roosterfish focused and other inshore opportunities.

It’s advisable to consult with Yellow Dog Flyfishing when planning your trip to align with your target species and preferred fishing style.

Equipment
Anglers are encouraged to bring their own rods, reels, flies, and terminal tackle. Los Locos provides a detailed packing and equipment list upon booking confirmation. Rental gear is available at $50 per day. 

Remember that Yellow Dog’s services are complimentary; booking through us ensures you pay the same as booking directly with the lodge. Packages typically include 7 days in-country with 6 nights and 5 full days of guided fishing, and all listed rates are per person.

Package Rates 

• October: $8,500.00 (2 per boat) / $6,700.00 (3 per boat)
• November: $8,800.00 (2 per boat) / $6,900.00 (3 per boat)
• December: $9,200.00 (2 per boat) / $7,200.00 (3 per boat)
• January: $8,800.00 (2 per boat) / $6,900.00 (3 per boat)

Summer Rates: $8300.00 (2 per boat)/ $6400.00 (3 per boat)

*Shorter packages are subject to availability. Contact Yellow Dog for details.

What’s Included:

• Meet and greet at the selected airport
• 6 nights in Puerto San Carlos (double occupancy) 
• Meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
• All non-alcoholic beverages
• Daily guided fishing (2 anglers per guide)
• In-country transfers and daily transportation as listed in the itinerary

What’s Not Included:

• Accommodation, meals, or transfers not listed in the trip itinerary
• International flights to Mexico
• Alcoholic beverages
• Fishing license
• Tackle ($50 per day per rod/reel/line OR $200 for 5 days per setup)
• Flies (Available for purchase on site. $10 - $20 per fly)
• Gratuities for drivers, fishing guides, and lodge staff
• Trip insurance and costs associated with unforeseen circumstances
  

TERMS AND CONDITIONS – CANCELLATIONS
A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is due at the time of booking, with the final payment due 90 days prior to arrival. Please note that for all Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures itineraries booked with Los Locos, both deposits and final payments are non-refundable. If a canceled package is resold for the same itinerary, a full refund will be issued minus a $100 per person cancellation fee. Deposits and final payments may be transferred to another guest for the same dates if arranged by the client. Rates and dates for reservations booked over a year in advance are subject to change.

Payment Terms for All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings  
Unless otherwise noted on your invoice, for all trips less than 90 days out, full payment is required after receipt of the confirmation email to secure guides and reservations. For trips outside of 90 days, a 50% deposit is required upon receipt of confirmation email to confirm your reservations.   

Yellow Dog accepts on-line payments via a secure payment portal – a quick and easy way to complete your trip reservation. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com to gain access. 

Yellow Dog Flyfishing Standard Forms of Payment 

• Debit card (fee-free) and credit card (3% convenience fee) - to pay via card please utilize the customer payment portal. If you need assistance, reach out to 406-585-8667 ext. #3 
• Wires - please include name and/or invoice number for reference on your wire. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com for wiring instructions. (client is responsible for wiring fees) 
• Physical check - please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to 213 S. Willson Ave. Bozeman, MT, 59715

If you have any questions about alternate payment methods, please contact Yellow Dog at (406) 585-8667 ext. #3. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT.

What species can I target with Los Locos, and when is the best time to fish?
Los Locos offers exceptional flyfishing opportunities for a variety of species. The prime season runs from October through December, coinciding with the migration of striped marlin, which are often found feeding on sardine and mackerel bait balls. Other species include dorado (mahi-mahi), yellowfin tuna, wahoo, roosterfish, jack crevalle, snook, and snapper. Inshore species like roosterfish are more prevalent during the spring and summer months.  

What fishing techniques are used during the trips?
The program primarily focuses on fly fishing, utilizing techniques such as sight casting to marlin feeding on bait balls. Anglers also engage in beach casting for species like roosterfish and inshore fishing in mangrove-lined estuaries for snook and snapper. The guides are experienced in both fly and conventional tackle methods, catering to anglers of varying skill levels.

What kind of boats are used for fishing?
Los Locos operates a fleet of custom-built pangas, designed specifically for the unique conditions of Magdalena Bay. Each boat is equipped with necessary safety gear and is manned by a professional guide and a local captain, ensuring both safety and access to prime fishing locations.  

What gear should I bring for the trip?
For offshore species like marlin and tuna, a 12-weight fly rod with a heavy sinking line is recommended. For inshore species, 8 to 10-weight rods with intermediate or floating lines are suitable. A comprehensive packing list will be provided by Yellow Dog Flyfishing upon booking.

How do I get to the lodge?
Guests typically fly into Loreto (LTO) or La Paz (LAP) airports in Baja California Sur. Los Locos arranges shuttle services from these airports to the lodge in Puerto San Carlos, with the drive taking approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the airport of arrival.  

What is the typical daily schedule like?
A typical day starts with early morning breakfast, followed by full-day fishing excursions, either offshore or inshore, depending on conditions and target species. Lunch is usually provided on the boat. After returning in the late afternoon, guests can relax, enjoy dinner, and share stories of the day’s adventures.