After Christoph and I experienced an outstanding and unforgettable fishing trip in Mexico in 2024, and due to the great interest that followed, we decided to make this experience possible for others as well.
As a result, we organized two groups during prime season, with the goal of sharing exactly what we ourselves had the privilege to experience.
Just like the year before, we combined the trip with Palapas Ventana, meaning that we fished at two different locations.
Palapas Ventana is located on the Baja California Peninsula, right on the Sea of Cortés, and is well known as a true surfer’s paradise. This is also where Tim is based. Fishing here takes place close to the coast and usually offers excellent opportunities for dorado and roosterfish—making it the perfect warm-up before heading over to the Pacific side.
Compared to 2024, there were fewer dorado this time. However, the roosterfish were far more cooperative, and we managed to land roosters of up to 90 cm in length. Everyone had the chance to settle in, adapt to the conditions, and fully arrive—both physically and mentally—before the next stage of the journey.
This time, the Glück family joined us as well: father Erich, son Bernhard, and his girlfriend Isabelle. There was a promise that finally had to be kept.
Erich had cleverly negotiated this promise at the very end of a sales deal – I was to take him along so he could fulfill a lifelong dream: catching a truly big fish at least once in his life.
In Palapas Ventana, the adventure started rather quietly. The big fish were nowhere to be seen, and little by little, faith in the big moment began to fade. I told Erich, “When we get to Magbay, that’s where you’ll catch your big fish.” That’s when I proposed a bet – the kind that can only be made at sea: if he didn’t catch a marlin, I would have to eat a live sardine. If he did catch one, then he would. Of course, Erich lost the bet.
What happened next left us genuinely impressed. Erich took the live sardine, chewed it calmly, swallowed it without blinking, and looked around as if this were the most natural thing in the world. No hesitation. No drama. Truly impressive. The tequila afterward was less of a dare and more of a logical consequence – for disinfection, to process the experience, and probably for inner peace as well. Just to be safe.
After this acclimatization phase, we moved on to Magbay on the Pacific coast, where six full days of fishing awaited us.The journey by minibus was straightforward and took approximately five hours in total. Upon arrival in Magbay, the atmosphere became noticeably more rustic. The small fishing village of Alcatraz has a unique and authentic charm: very simple accommodations, incredibly friendly people, excellent food—and truly exceptional marlin fishing.
Just like in 2024, everything came together perfectly.
The weather conditions were ideal, and marlins were everywhere. Every participant reached their personal goal and successfully caught a marlin sight-fishing from a skiff, often very close to the coastline.
After visiting Magbay for the second time, I can confidently say that this is a destination with tremendous long-term potential. I truly believe there are very few places in the world where you can see so many marlins and target them so spectacularly on sight from a small boat.
These two weeks were a complete success—both in terms of fishing and human connection.
I am truly grateful to have shared this experience with all of you. The fun we had, the harmony within the group, and the positive spirit made this journey something very special.
This photo book is meant to remind you of the many moments that made us laugh, the excitement on the water and the impressions that will surely stay with us for a long time.
Thank you all for an unforgettable time together.
