A Baja Oasis

Like a shimmering desert mirage, a worldwide billfishing hotspot takes shape in Mexico

- GARY GRAHAM

While the numbers vary from season to season, there is no doubt that Los Cabos, Mexico, has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the world's top destinations for all types of billfish. The total number of blue, black and striped marlin caught there each season is unparalleled, and it continues to attract anglers from across the globe. But it wasn't always like that. This region, which includes bustling Cabo San Lucas as well as the more laid-back San Jose del Cabo now connected by a highway lined with luxurious resorts and immaculate golf courses-was once quite different. The 1970s was the coming-of-age decade that would see this area grow from a dusty fishing village to the world-class destination it is today.

STRIPED MARLIN: THE WORD SPREADS

As the Southern California sport-fishing scene began to grow, owners of larger boats were intrigued by the reports of the prolific year-round fishery that was centered on the relatively uncrowded waters off Cabo, some 770 nautical miles south of San Diego. Those with limited fuel capacity resorted to lashing drums of diesel on their decks or swim platforms in order to make the trip because there was only one very iffy fuel source at Turtle Bay, about 330 nautical miles south of the border. That was it.

Stateside yacht builders began to recognize the need for larger, more sophisticated boats with the fuel capacity and creature comforts to make the voyage to Baja's tip and beyond safely and in style. A host of builders stepped up their games: Pacifica, Elliot, Delta, Blackman, Innovator, Marlineer, Ocean Pacific, Bertram, Hatteras, Knight & Carver, Skipjack, and Livesay were just some that responded to that demand. These so-called yacht-fishers changed the game for decades to come.

REMOTE DESTINATIONS, MEMORABLE VOYAGES