My friend and I are going fishing out of ensenada this week and we were wondering if anyone knows of a good place to go to charter a small boat. Do they have the little single out-board motor charters for a little cheaper? Also about how much would it cost and what type of things other than fishing gear should we bring on the boat. Thanks for the help.

There are several outfits on Ensenada Hrbr sorta close by the fish market. Cabin cruisers will run you about $650 - $700 (American) during the tuna season and around $500 the rest of the year. Price can include bait as long as you get that clear before you step aboard. Pangas and small boats are available, too (for less). Some have good gear to loan and others are marginal, at best. Party boats run out of there, too. Bring lunch and refreshments. You can just show up as early as 2 a.m. and a "hawker" will set you up. I hear the hawker gets $50 commission. Good idea to get a license beforehand(though I've never been checked). I take my own gear. The best craft I've fished there is the AZTECA. The LUCKY II was a good one though they didn't take care of our albies very well.

Head south out of Ensenada (15 miles to the turnoff and 18 miles to the town)to Punta Banda (leave Hwy 1 at Manadero following the sign to La Bufadora). As you approach the village of Punta Banda and the first speed bump be looking to your left. You'll see an orange and yellow sign that says "Vonny's Fleet". You drive up a dirt driveway and follow a brief road parralleing the paved road. It takes you to Ivan Villarino's boat yard and tackle shed. He used to charge $110 for a 6hr fishing excursion. Typically, you meet him and your pangadero on the beach the next morning in front of Villarino's camp ground. You pile your gear into the 18' skiff, climb in and are pushed into the surf then rowed to deeper water by the pangadero. The outboard gets cranked and you head out to the Three Sisters, the head lands for yellow tail then fish the little bays back towards the beach. Usually, around 11 am you start drift fishing for halibut until 1pm or so. You come back in and the gear is passed back to you, the skiff is pulled back up onto its trailer and whisked back to the boat yard. You go back with them or to your camp at Villarino's. Freshened up, you drop by Vonny's house an hour later and pick up your catch, cleaned, bagged refrierated and ready for home. If you try this out ask for "Beto". He's been written up several times over the years in WON. I have always gotten him and have always come home with a dandy catch. I think I still have Ivan's phone number so if you'er interested e-mail me at: rplaisted@earthlink.net
Bill Fish