Travel Ideas

Australia’s Fraser Island ? Escape Forever

by: Glenn Murray

For all its conveniences, modern living leaves a lot to be desired. We spend our days enduring the ever-increasing pressures of work, the city?s oppressive unfriendliness, the daily commuter grind and the aggressive reality of impatient road-ragers.
Is something missing?
Unfortunately, work is a reality for most of us. So too is city and suburban living, dreary weather, pollution, traffic? But it doesn?t have to be all there is to life. Try something that puts you in touch with who you really are. Try something elemental. Try something that soothes your soul.
Try Fraser Island.
Fraser Island isn?t just an island paradise. It?s a unique and luxurious combination of Australia?s rich natural heritage, its earthy roots, its wholesome majesty, and its refreshingly simple essentials. It?s a chance to touch the fine sands, to drift in the temperate water, to bask in the sun that seems all yours? It?s your chance to partake of a life that most Australians have forgotten.
Spend a week on and in turquoise waters, a week without shoes with the sand between your toes, a week fishing and perhaps living off your catch. Your perspective can?t help but change.
It?s not a mere fleeting appreciation. It?s something you take with you.
Fraser can help remind you that you?re not your job. How important are the forms and the filing, the meetings and memorandums? You can learn a lot about yourself when you take away all the things that don?t matter.
And really? is there any better way to experience this epiphany than in paradise?
Fraser Island certainly is a paradise, no matter which way you look at it. At the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, and a short boat ride from Hervey Bay in South-East Queensland, Fraser is 124 km from tip to toe and 16 km across the middle. At 163,000 hectares, it?s the world?s biggest sand island.
Of course, that doesn?t mean it?s all just sand. Not by a long shot! The whole island is laced with crystal clear fresh water streams, and deep midnight blue fresh water lakes. In fact, with over 40 fresh water lakes ? it?s home to half of the world?s known ?perched? lakes. It also boasts a dazzling diversity of plants and animals (including Australia?s purest strain of dingo), and an amazing variety of spectacular landscapes, from 120 km of non-stop tropical beach to dense and towering rainforest, weathered headland to ochre gorge, inspiring cliffs to wandering dunes, eerie mangroves to wind-blown salt pans.
What?s more, you have your choice of accommodation, so you can choose your own level of ?communion with nature?. From 4? star luxury resorts to rental retreats to motels and units, right through to the good ?ole campsite. Whether you?re a sucker for a bit of pampering, or you?re perfectly at home with a tent and a campfire on the beach, Fraser is a great provider.
And great accommodation is just the start? The island boasts average temperatures of 29?c in summer and 22?c in winter, so it?s no surprise that outdoor activities feature prominently on the agenda. Adrenalin addicts and dedicated sunbathers alike will appreciate the vast range available. From sunrise to sunset (and beyond), there?s always something for everyone. The only problem is choosing! Fishing, 4-wheel-driving, eating, sailing, bird-watching, bush-walking, swimming, eating, whale & dolphin-watching, shipwreck exploration, eating, beauty therapy, massage, lazing in the sun, eating, beach volleyball, tennis, cricket, eating, canoeing, sailboarding, snorkelling, eating? And needless to say, a few quiet drinks might make their way onto the agenda as well?
With so much to offer, it?s no surprise that the Fraser Island was originally known as K?gari ? or ?Paradise? ? by local Aboriginal peoples.
Fraser Island certainly is ?paradise for everyone?!
Four Wheel Driving
Being a sand island, the only mode of land transport is 4WD. Of course, for many visitors, that?s the main attraction. 4WD enthusiasts from all around the world visit Fraser Island to pit themselves and their vehicles against the rugged terrain found all over the island. From the hard-packed seashore to the shifting dune to the forests of the interior, Fraser Island is the ideal 4WD location.
Don?t be scared though ? it?s not all about extreme driving for experts! Whether you?re an novice, or you just prefer a more leisured pace of life, you?ll find a much more sedate satisfaction in one of the many organised 4WD tours offered around the island. Or if you just want to get out on your own, you can hire a 4WD for a day, and indulge in a bit of quiet exploring.
No matter which option you choose, though, there are a few ?ground rules? you should observe. Remember the dangers of driving on the beach. The further you adventure from the shoreline, the softer the sand. The softer the sand, the more likely you are to get into trouble. Generally speaking, keep your speed down, and remember you?re in a World Heritage listed environment? so be careful.
Fishing
No island holiday would be complete without a lazy day or two spent fishing. Beach fishing is the big drawcard for Fraser Island. And with 150 km of ocean beach to choose from, why wouldn?t it be? Middle Rocks, Sandy Cape, Waddy Point, and Seventy Five Mile Beach are just a few of the choice locations available for you to finally get the better of ?the one that got away?.
The famed ?tailor run? occurs on the eastern (ocean) side of the island between July and October each year. In the angling world, this time ? known as ?tailor season? ? is a much anticipated event, with huge schools of big fish working the beaches. But if you can?t make it between late winter and early spring, rest assured, tailor season is just one date to mark in your calendar. The western side of Fraser has been known to reward the odd angler with a fine bag of bream, whiting and flathead.
Angler?s Advice
Pick the fish you?re after, and take advantage of the handy hints below to make the most of your fishing trip.
Fish: Tailor

Bait: Pilchard, 3 hook gang, lure

Timing: Late July to October

Location: Eastern Beaches

Fish: Dart

Bait: Pippies or worms

Timing: All year

Location: Eastern Beaches

Fish: Bream

Bait: Flesh strips, mullet gut, fowl gut, pippies

Timing: May to September

Location: Rocky outcrops on east coast or creeks on the west

Fish: Whiting

Bait: Worms, yabbies, pippies, prawns

Timing: All year

Location: Low tide on the east, creeks on the west

Fish: Flathead

Bait: Live baits, pilchards, lures

Timing: All year

Location: Rocky outcrops on east coast or creeks on the west

Fish: Jewfish

Bait: Whole mullet, tailor fillets, beach worms

Timing: May to September at night on the full moon, low or high tide

Location: Deep gutters and rocky outcrops

Of course, many more varieties are there for the taking, including mackerel, tuna, and reef fish. And if you?re not indisposed to a bit of sea fishing, you can book a berth on one of the larger boats launched to take advantage of the red emperor, coral trout, maori cod and parrot to be found off the Continental Shelf and local reefs.
Water Sports
As you?d expect, Fraser Island plays host to a vast array of water sports. Whether you?re after a lazy drifting afternoon ? cocktail in hand, or an invigorating workout, there?s a water sport for you. All fitness levels (and energy levels!) are catered for.
Ease yourself into the aqua-life with a refreshing dip at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Surrounded by pure white sandy beaches, the clear blue waters of Lake McKenzie are without doubt amongst the most idyllic to be found. Alternatively, exercise your imagination with a visit to the ghostly shipwreck of the ?Maheno?, then submerge yourself in the crystal clear waters of Eli Creek.
Fraser Island sits on a huge reservoir of fresh water, and is home to numerous spectacular fresh water lakes, including some perched high above sea level. You have your choice of over 40 lakes? Lake Wabby, Champagne Pools, Basin Lake? to name but a few. Clearly, Fraser Island is amply equipped to pamper even the fussiest fresh water connoisseur.
For something a little more strenuous, why not hire paddle ski or canoe and paddle yourself up Dundonga Creek. It?s generally a 1 hour round trip, so by the time you return, you?ll be ready to settle back into some more relaxed pastimes.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Every year from August to October, you can book a berth on a whale watch cruise. Enjoy a fantastic half day of sun, salt, and ocean breezes while keeping your eyes peeled for Fraser?s famous migrating humpbacks.
The annual humpback migration is truly an awesome spectacle. Family pods take a well earned rest in the waters west of Fraser Island after travelling 5000 km from the icy waters of the Antarctic. The sight of a 15 tonne (that?s the weight of 11 elephants!) adult female humpback rearing out of the ocean is absolutely awe-inspiring.
And don?t worry? if your holiday doesn?t coincide with the migration, you can still catch a cruise questing for dolphins, dugongs, turtles and the odd Indo Pacific Humpback.
Speak to your hotel or resort for information about organising a whale or dolphin watching cruise. Alternatively, contact Kingfisher Bay Resort and ask about their tours.
Tips & Reminders

Access to Fraser Island is via vehicular barge or catamaran
4WDs only on Fraser Island (there are no paved roads except in resorts)
Don?t feed or pet the dingoes (or any other animals)
No domestic animals allowed
Most activities on the island can be enjoyed individually or as part of a booked tour group
You?ll need permits to 4WD or camp
4WDs can be hired on the mainland or on the island
Don?t leave food unattended
All but the hardest sand can be unpredictable and perilous for a 4WD
High and low tide gutters around dawn or dusk are best for fishing
If four wheel driving, take a good map and a tyre pressure gauge

For further information about all aspects of Fraser Island, including accommodation, hire guides, and barge booking details and timetables, see http://www.boxatrix.com/.
How Much?

Accommodation - Prices vary from approximately $4 per night if you?re camping right up to $850 per night for the VIP room at the 4? star luxury of Kingfisher Bay Resort.
Permits - A 4WD vehicle permit will cost you $31.85. Camping permits are $4 per person per night or $16 per family per night. Children under 5 are free. To purchase a permit or obtain detailed information, call the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service at Rainbow Beach on (07) 5486 3160.
Vehicular Barge Access - Barges operate daily from Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach. Tickets start at $82.20 return per vehicle per driver. Extra vehicle passengers will cost $5.50 each. Several barges operate with different destinations on the island. Most require bookings.
4WD Hire - Rates start at around $90 per day for a Suzuki Sierra, up to $130 per day for a Landrover Defender (depending on the duration of hire).
Flights to Queensland - Qantas offers return flights to Hervey Bay via Brisbane from $407 departing Sydney, and from $527 departing Melbourne.

About The Author

Glenn Murray heads advertising copywriting studio Divine Write. He can be contacted on Sydney +612 4334 6222 or at glenn@divinewrite.com. Visit http://www.divinewrite.com for further details or more FREE articles.

by: Ryan Larson

Fishing in Jamaica is part of a dream vacation for many. There are many excellent fishing spots, as is evidenced by Jamaica?s international popularity as a fishing destination and tournament site. Deep-sea fishing trips are easily chartered, as are fishing tours of the region. As an island nation, fishing is important to the local economy, a part of the local culture. Thus, the savvy visitor may be able to arrange to do his fishing outside of the usual tourist spots, and instead enjoy a few of the places known and loved by local fishers.
Suzie-Q Deep Sea Fishing Charters operates out of Falmouth, which is close to Montego Bay, offers both 8-hour and 4-hour charters for up to 12 people. There are a wide variety of fish available in the fishing region, including blue marlin, white marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo, black-finned tuna, yellow-finned tuna, skipjack, kingfish, mackerel, and sailfish. Reservation must be made 48 hours in advance, and rates are $500 for 4 hours with up to 8 people, $900 for 8 hours. $30 per extra person, up to a total of 14, will be charged.
Jamaica Deep Sea Adventures, found at the Port Antonio marina, prides itself on the fine equipment it provides for its fishers. One of the special items is a chair designed specifically for supporting the fisher while he is struggling with large fish. Fishers can expect to be dropping their lines up to 6,000 feet into the beautiful salt waters that are home to numerous species of fish, including barracuda, tuna, and marlin.
Montego Bay is home to No Problem Fishing Charters. They offer half day charters for $360 and full day charters for $690. Also in Montego Bay are Pier One Marina, where chartered fishing excursions can be arranged, and North Coast Marine Charters, which operates out of Half Moon Hotel and Wynham Rose Hall Hotel.
Families will enjoy using Salty Angler Fishing Charters of Montego Bay, because children are welcomed and beginner?s lessons are readily available. It should be noted, however, that this is catch and release fishing only. They have a variety of fishing experiences available, including open water fishing, coastal fishing, night fishing, fly fishing and light tackle fishing.
At the Lost Beach Resort, located in Negril, a different sort of fishing trip can be arranged. For a fee, a trip with a local fisherman can be set up. Fishers will accompany the local fisherman in his wooden skiff and fish by line or by pot. It is a fascinating experience and a wonderful way to learn a bit about the local culture.
Near Treasure Beach and also around Port Antonio, small wooden boats can be chartered or rented for hand-line fishing. As with most fishing expeditions in Jamaica, the local hotels can help to locate and arrange the most suitable fishing experience.
Jamaica has a broad range of fishing opportunities, from adventurous and exciting to relaxing and peaceful. Tours and charters are not only for the sports fisherman, but also can be enjoyed safely by families. Jamaican waters draw fishers from all over the world, and for good reason. Each fishing day has the potential to be a one-of-a-kind experience.

About The Author

Ryan Larson
This article provided courtesy of http://www.fishing-vacation-guide.com
support@arundel.net

by: Johnny Mangiante

The uniqueness of Canada?s provinces makes each one worth visiting. Whether you like to ski or swim, fish or golf, visit national monuments or museums, Canada has it all in one beautiful, thirteen-province country.
One of the most popular travel destinations in Canada is Ontario, a metropolitan centre of industry and culture. With a population of more than 12 million, Ontario is home to about one in three Canadians, eighty per cent of which live in urban centres, largely in cities on the shores of the Great Lakes.
What is Ontario weather like?
Ontario weather varies greatly. In the summer, temperatures can soar above 30?C (86?F), while in the winter temperatures vary greatly depending on what part of the province you are in. For example, in the south of Ontario like in Toronto, temperatures often go down to -12?C (10?F) in the winter months (December, January, February) whereas the winters are colder still in a northern city like Timmins, Ontario. All areas of Ontario receive snow in winter yet have warm comfortable summers.
What can we do in Ontario?
Every year, Ontario tourism revolves around three major places, Toronto, Ottawa, and Niagara Falls.
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the fourth largest in North America. Some of the key attractions of the city are the CN Tower, the Harbour Front, the Skydome, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and the Toronto Zoo.
Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, offers a variety of fun activities and museums to fill your day. The Ontario tourist cannot leave Ottawa without visiting Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and the National Gallery.
Known as the honeymoon capital, Niagara Falls is one of Ontario?s main tourist attractions. Twelve million tourists flock here every year to witness the wonder of the three major falls?American Falls (1060 feet wide, 176 feet high), Bridal Veil Falls (1060 feet wide, 176 feet high), and Canadian Horseshoe Falls (2600 feet wide, 160 feet high). Niagara Falls is open and active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Other places of interest for tourists in Ontario are St. Lawrence Market, Ontario Science Centre, Paramount Canada?s Wonderland, the Toronto Islands, and the Stratford Festival.
Can we go fishing in Ontario?
Of course! Ontario has the largest fresh water lakes in the world and a huge diversity of fish, making it the best place in the country for a fishing trip. However, make sure to familiarize yourself with all the regulations regarding Ontario fishing before planning your trip. Contact the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources for full licensing details.
Are there any Ontario resorts?
Ontario resorts are in abundance. Many are beautiful waterfront properties nestled in forests, providing the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a fishing trip.

About The Author

Johnny Mangiante is an online journalist . He is also the editor and webmaster for many websites. For more information on Travel Medical Insurance for Visitors to Canada see his website http://www.visitorstocanada.com/.

Canada Quebec ? A Lifetime Experience To Treasure Forever

by: Terry Malone

After Ontario, Quebec is the second most populated and popular province in Canada with a total population of 7568640. Most of the inhabitants of Quebec have accepted French as their official language. It is however quite surprising that Quebec is the only Canadian province where English has never been able to exert their maximum influence. The capital of Quebec is Quebec City and the largest city of Quebec is Montreal.
If you are looking forward to Quebec fishing vacations then undoubtedly you are surely opting for a fascinating and entertaining pastime. With profuse ecological purity and complete northern isolation, fishing is indeed an exciting job here. Lake Trout in Quebec is the home of a variety of Pike, Arctic Char and Ouananiche. In the surrounding hilly region, you will find a number of streams and rivers, which have become the habitat of big brookies and behemoths weighing from 3 lbs to 9 lb trophies.
Middle of July is the ideal time for Quebec fishing vacations. Trout fishing generally takes place in the ?Clearwater? which lies in the far north. A cluster of wooden cabins popularly known as the camp is located on one of the lake?s island. This area is mainly situated at the mouth of the ?Clearwater? from where you are able to enjoy the fantastic view of the best Trout action.
If you have the desire to gift your family an implausible holiday package packed with lots of fun and recreational entertainment then vacation rentals in Stoneham Quebec are surely the right options for you to select. These vacation rentals are especially meant for you to enjoy the cultural adventures of the unprecedented beautiful Quebec. Vacation rentals in Stoneham Quebec are appropriate places to experience some wonderful moments of absolute calm and serenity. They also provide ample opportunities to experience the excitement of the astounding collections of wildlife and various coveted species of fauna and flora to admire and appreciate. Other family lodges, resorts and vacation cottage resorts offer play areas, children?s activity programs, beaches, water sports and games amidst the boondocks of nature.
In Quebec, many car rentals will provide rental facilities to enjoy the pleasure of this exciting province. In fact, car hire in Quebec is an inexpensive way to explore and experience the totality of this wonderful destination.
Some of the world-renowned parks are situated in Quebec. The Parc national de Miguasha on the Gaspe?s Chaleur Bay has successfully made its place on the UNESCO world heritage list. In the Charlevoix region of Quebec, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve has the responsibility of protecting two superbly panoramic parks. These include The Parc national des Grands-Jardins and The Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivi?re-Malbaie. Apart from these, Quebec is also a land of numerous gardens and museums. In short, the pristine natural scenario of Quebec is an experience to cherish forever.

About The Author

Terry Malone is the owner and developer of www.vrul.com. VRUL.com is an established vacation rentals by owner website with over 1000 listings worldwide. Rent directly from the owner and save money.

by: Terry Malone

Ontario, one of the most densely inhabited cities of Canada is situated on the east central part of Canada. It has a total population of over 12449502 and covers an area of 1076359 sq. km. Toronto is the capital city of Ontario and Ottawa the capital city of Canada is situated in Ontario too. As the name signifies the word Ontario means beautiful lake or beautiful aqua. Therefore, it is quite understandable that the natural scenario of the place would be equally stunning and unusually beautiful. Now let us discuss in short about the geographical boundaries of Ontario. On the North Ontario is enclosed by Hudson Bay and James Bay, on the East by Quebec, on the West by Manitoba and on the South by American states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York.
Ontario is an ideal fishing destination and a number of Ontario fishing lodges are easily accessible for trophy walleye, northern pike, muskie, trout, and bass fishing. For enjoying a great fishing holiday or an entertaining family vacation Ontario fishing lodges and Ontario Canada lodges are undoubtedly perfect recreational options. In addition to these the London Ontario Townhouse is a marvelous location surrounded by warm and lovely sandy beaches providing abundant prospects for several frivolous activities like water sports, outdoor games, nature walks and moments of complete isolation, all at a very inexpensive price level.
In addition to Ontario Canada lodges and London Ontario Townhouse various family house keeping cottages, family resorts and a number of guide lines for fishing and fine dinning are there for the benefit of the travelers throughout the country. Some of the notable restaurants of Ontario include Amber Garden Restaurant, Gabriel Pizza, Halpin Catering & Fine Dinning, Lorenzo?s Restaurant, Ottawa?s Restaurants, Prescott, Rasputin?s Folk Caf?, Restaurant Ferme Rouge and Aunt Lucy?s Dinner House. These restaurants and well-planned dining suits speak of quality food, time tested recipes and all in reasonable price levels.
For a smart and comfortable country voyage Ontario offers a wide range of transportation services comprising air, car rental, RV rental, train, bus and great many varieties. For a complete and full fledged travel information you can easily get hold of guide books about driving directions and well explained road maps, available at different travel information centers throughout the country.
It has already been mentioned that Ontario is a destination full of tourist attractions. A person visiting Ontario would surely find this place a paradise on Earth. The main attractions of Ontario include the Niagara Falls, Queen Victoria Park, Fergus Stone Heritage House, Theatre On The Grand, CN Tower, Canadian National Exhibition, Ontario Science Center, Toronto Zoo, Paramount Canada?s Wonderland and Harbourfront. Thus, a visit to Ontario is a pleasurable experience indeed.

About The Author

Terry Malone is the owner and developer of www.vrul.com. VRUL.com is an established vacation rentals by owner website with over 1000 listings worldwide. Rent directly from the owner and save money.

by: Richard Chudy

As Forrest Gump would say, you never know what you?re going to get.
Not too many things get me more excited than the prospect of hooking and landing big fish. The mere thought of setting the hook on a 300 pound marlin, hearing the scream of the drag as the fish pulls off line and watching the acrobatic leaps that follow really gets my heart pumping. Fortunately for me, a two and a half hour flight and a 30-minute drive is all it takes to find myself in the ?billfish capital of the world?. What more can a sport fisherman ask for?
Well, for starters, variety. Just like biting into a randomly selected piece of chocolate, when you set out the trolling lures here in Los Cabos in search of the next big one, you just don?t know what it will be. Different seasons bring different possibilities as does different sides of the Baja peninsula. The diversity of game fish here never ceases to amaze me and even a slow day on the water offers the opportunity to see some of the oceans greatest creatures. Whales, porpoise, sea turtles and bat rays that often school by the hundreds and perform what almost appears to be a choreographed routine of synchronized jumps. On a spring trip to Cabo in late march of this year, my partner Dolores Peralta and I had another opportunity to experience the diversity of life in these nutrient rich waters.
Jacqueline ?Jacquie? Lee, owner of Guerita II, set us up for two days of fishing with Captain Efren Beron Zamora and crewman Jesus Alfredo Espinoza. Efren has a lifetime of experience as an angler, guide and captain and has a love of the ocean that rubs off on crew and passenger alike. The Guerita II is a tournament rigged 34-foot Crystaliner equipped with everything the avid angler could need or ask for _ Shimano Tiagra 50 wide LRS & Penn International reels, Shimano Black Steel IGFA rods and an outstanding selection of lures, this wide-beamed fishing machine boasts top-of-the-line electronics to help get you on the bite fast.
We arrived at the docks at 6:30 in the morning, a little late for Captain Efren?s liking as he planned on running out about 30-40 miles in search of warm, blue water where he hoped to put us on striped marlin and tuna. While waiting on our arrival Efren had already loaded up on live bait from the pangeros that supply the fleets and with no delay, we were on our way. Winds this time of the year can be unpredictable and on this day, the winds helped build a fairly large swell. We motored our way out to sea on a bumpy but dry ride to the fishing grounds. Once he found the water conditions that best provided the chance for large billfish, he switched driving positions to the tall tuna tower while Alfredo began to set out our spread of lures. Purple and orange Zukers set out at the fifth wake behind the boat, trolling feathers in pink and white and Mexican flag patterns on the third wake and a dark colored Marauder set close to the boat.
A few hours passed as we crisscrossed areas where colder water met warmer, Efren?s eyes trained on the surface scanning for signs that fish were near ? circling and diving birds, the tail of a marlin cruising for its next meal, a pod of porpoise balling bait. None of the usual signs appeared until Efren?s eagle eyes spotted a feeder, a marlin actively working the ocean surface. A quick turn of the boat and a punch of the throttle controls placed us in the perfect position to present our spread of lures to the fish. The marlin took notice and struck one of the lures back at the fifth wake. The jigstrike started our adrenalin flowing and we scrambled to the deck to ready for a battle. The marlin let loose the lure just as Alfredo cast a live bait back to entice a bite. After a few tense moments, the marlin took the bait, the reel left in free spool in order to give it time to fully take the bait. Flipping the reel into locked position followed by three to four strong and sharp lifts of the rod tip set the hook on a good sized striped marlin.
Dolores took her position in one of the two fighting chairs mounted on the stern and within seconds the marlin was giving us a show. Several vertical leaps and violent shakes of its broad head and the fight began. The key to landing marlin is the hook set. Everything depends on whether or not the hook was in the right position when the hook set is made. Many times, the marlin takes the bait only partially and the hook never pierces the mouth fully when the set is made. Unfortunately, this was one of those times. Shortly after the first series of jumps was made, a second series began and on this series the hook was thrown and the fish was lost. Spooked by the encounter, the marlin sounded and was soon nowhere to be found.
We continued on in search of another marlin, my turn in the chair coming next. A short while later, a starboard reel started to scream. Nothing was visible on the surface so the likelihood of it being a marlin was slim. From the strong pull and speed of the fish, we thought it would be a tuna and sure enough it was. The fight lasted only 5-10 minutes and soon we had a twenty-pound yellowfin on deck.
The trolling continued and for several hours and we had nothing to do but occasionally switch out lures and scan the horizon for signs of life. Efren spotted a true prize in the form of a swordfish. While these great eating game fish can be found here most of the year, they prefer colder water so spring is generally the best time of year for this sought after species. Although the sword made a turn towards our spread and a live bait was cast directly in front of it, this fish was apparently well fed and no matter how appealing the presentation, it would not take the bait or strike a lure. As they say, that?s why they call it fishing and not catching. The balance of the day produced only suntans and relaxation.
On our second day on the Guerita II, we arrived at 5:30, determined to beat Efren and Alfredo to the boat. Once again, Efren had made it to the boat well before us and once again, he had already baited up. If I didn?t know better, I?d say he must have slept on the boat just to make sure we wouldn?t arrive before him! We headed out, stopping off to check in with the port authorities to present our manifest and fishing licenses. A recent change in fiscal policies keeps the revenues from fishing licenses within the state where the activity is taking place. This restructuring has apparently heightened the diligence of officials responsible for ensuring that everyone on a boat possesses a valid license, even those not fishing. Makes sense that if you get to keep the money, you?re more likely to make sure everyone is playing by the rules and buying their licenses. Those that did not have licenses in hand were sent back to the docks to get them or there would be no fishing that day.
This day we decided to switch to the Sea of Cortez side of the cape and concentrate our efforts on some of the in-shore species that Los Cabos waters offer up. One of the benefits of a pre-dawn start is the experience of viewing some of the most spectacular sunrises you?re likely to find anywhere in the world. The skies here light up with all the colors of an artists canvas with the endless reflection of the ocean surface. Everything is bathed in reds, oranges and yellows and the sky appears to be on fire. The sight alone makes the trip worthwhile.
The Guerita II cut through the calmer waters of the Sea of Cortez with ease by benefit of the natural windbreak that the East Cape coast provides. We set out a mix of CD 4 Rapalas in a sardine pattern and started to work the underwater ledges and rock piles in search of sierra or Spanish mackerel, dorado or tuna. We ran across pods of porpoise working bait schools to the surface. These working pods often hold schools of tuna just below that pick off bait from the edges of the bait ball but today, we found just the porpoise. Off in the distance, Captain Efren spotted surface activity and turned the Guerita towards it.
Within minutes we were surrounded by thousands of Humboldt squid. Denizens of the northern most portion of the Sea of Cortez, these alien looking creatures have slowly made their way down to the southern tip of the Baja in recent years. With tentacles reaching up out of the water like some kind of extra terrestrial meat eating flower, we watched in awe as they fed on floating red crab. Just about anything we tossed into the water was immediately engulfed by the toothy tentacles of the squid and with constant pressure and slow pumps and reeling, we brought them to the gaff.
Legends abound about the ferocity and strength of the Humboldt squid and while many of these tales are true ?fish stories?, there is ample credible evidence of the potential for injury and even death from these marine cephalopods. Recently, a Discovery program featured an in-depth study of the Humboldt squid in the Sea of Cortez. During times of agitation, such as when these animals are being fished by fleets of pangeros who make a significant share of their income from the sale of the tasty beasts, they can and do become very aggressive. One pangero spoke of his encounter with the squid with fear and respect. While working a large school, he lost his balance and fell into the water. Within seconds, several five to six footers locked onto him and began to pull him under, all the while biting into his flesh with their impressive and powerful beaks. He managed to free himself and make his way back to the surface and into his panga, scared and exhausted. The scars that he showed tell the tale all to well. He also told of others that did not fair so well, never making back to the surface.
While events like those have occurred, the squid are usually no more than curious about visitors to their domain. It is the frenzied activity caused by fishing these creatures that creates the aggressive and often cannibalistic behavior. Divers have been able to get up close and personal with the Humboldt squid when no fishing pressure was present, all without being attacked or harmed in any way. The aggressive behavior and flashing of colors associated with a feeding frenzy brought on by fishing pressure is simply not a normal occurrence, but more a reaction to the situation at hand. You need not fear the squid but make sure to stay away from the business end. Tentacles with hundreds of toothed suction cups lead to a bird-like beak with incredible power. Ink on the other hand can reach you from astonishing distances as my partner, Dolores, can testify.
While fighting a squid estimated at about fifty pounds, she experienced the jet blast of a Humboldt squid firsthand. As the squid was gaffed, Alfredo jumped off to the side leaving Dolores directly in the path of what seemed to be gallons of ink shooting from out of the squid. In a split second she was covered head to toe in the slimy, dark liquid. Being the trooper that she is, she laughed it off, wiped herself clean and tossed her line back out to catch another one. By that time we had been joined by over a dozen other charter boats and pangas and everywhere you looked, people were battling these impressive animals. Great fun, an awesome sight and great table fare was the end result. We left the spot having boated 3 squid and cleaning the ink from the deck of the boat.
Our next area of focus was just a few hundred feet from shore working the reef structures that line the coast. Catching eight to ten pound sierra on light tackle is an experience I recommend highly. We picked off a few sierra and even landed a small mako shark before we called it a day and headed back in, all the while amazed at the beauty of the azure blue and turquoise green waters of the Sea of Cortez.
So if you are one to enjoy the ocean and the surprises that such a aquatic paradise promises, fishing the waters of the Pacific ocean and the Sea of Cortez in Los Cabos is a dream come true. Finding the right boat and crew is of the utmost importance in ensuring a successful and memorable charter. When it comes to making that choice, we can?t recommend Jacqueline Lee?s Guerita II and the knowledge and hospitality of Captain Efren Beron Zamora and crewman Jesus Alfredo Espinoza enough.
To book your trip, visit their site at www.gueritasportfishing.com or call 011-52-624-143-4465 and tell them Cabo?s Best told you all about them.

About The Author

Richard Chudy is the author and co-owner with Dolores Peralta of CabosBest.com, a travel information portal for Los Cabos, Baja Sur, Mexico. An avid and frequent Cabo traveller, he brings his travel experiences to the web for others interested in exploring all that Cabo has to offer.
Copyright 2005 CabosBest.com
caborich@cabosbest.com

by: Chloe Lim

The Commonwealth of Australia is the largest island on earth and the smallest continent. It also boasts to being one of the most progressive nations in the world with one of the oldest civilizations. It is made up of a variety of landscapes, including tropical rain forests, the deserts of the outback, snow-capped mountains, rolling expanses of pastoral land and magnificent beaches.
That’s why every year millions of tourists from all over the world decide to spend their holidays in Australia. Many of them surf the web looking for information about places to visit, lodgings and accommodations, flights and tours.
www.ratestogo.com is a website that wants to answer all these questions. Web surfers can find a selection of luxury hotels throughout Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns and Adelaide.
http://www.ratestogo.com/Country/EN/Australia
Sydney
Many visitors would be surprised to find that Sydney, it?s largest city, is not the capital of Australia. Built on the shores of the stunning Port Jackson, Sydney is one of the world’s landmark cities, and is also Australia’s oldest city. Sydney, the nation’s premier metropolis, mixes a flare for groundbreaking architecture, a love of the arts and high-powered commerce. The must-do?s on every visitors list include the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Centrepoint Tower, The Rocks, Bondi Beach, Olympic Park Homebush better known as the site of the 2000 Olympic Games, and Darling Harbour.
http://www.ratestogo.com/City/EN/Sydney
Melbourne
Multicultural Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and the second largest city in Australia behind Sydney. Located on the Yarra River at the mouth of Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne is a city of style, of Victorian architecture, of trams, of fashion, food, theatres, art galleries, and leafy gardens. It is a sport-mad city, which hosts events such as the Australian Tennis Open, the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, and the premier horse race, the race that ?stops a nation,? the Melbourne Cup. The ?Great Ocean Road? is a popular drive for tourists and locals alike, acknowledged as one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, visitors can view the spectacular site of the Twelve Apostles.
http://www.ratestogo.com/City/EN/Melbourne
Cairns
Cairns is the Far North’s tourist capital and an ideal place from which to explore northern Queensland with trips to the superb Great Barrier Reef, Green and Fitzroy Islands, the Atherton Table land, the market town of Kuranda and miles of superb beaches that stretch all the way to Port Douglas.
http://www.ratestogo.com/City/EN/Cairns
Adelaide
Built on the banks of the Torrens River, Adelaide is the capital of South Australia. Adelaide is an elegant city noted for its festivals and concerts, filled with galleries, parks, historic churches and buildings, and home to one of the world’s most dazzling Festival of Arts. It is the ideal place to relax and enjoy some of the finer things of life, including gourmet restaurants and wines from the nearby Barossa and Clare Valleys and from the Coonawarra area.
http://www.ratestogo.com/City/EN/Adelaide
Central Australia, also known as the Outback, is the heart of Australia. There’s the famous Ayers Rock/Uluru, Kings Canyon, and the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. There are also other parks and reserves with plentiful bird and animal life. Not too far from these natural attractions is the pioneering town of Alice Springs, built on the banks of the frequently dry Todd River.

About The Author

Chloe Lim is a photographer and avid traveler. She travels extensively for work and family vacations. She is always on the lookout for bargain travel deals and discount luxury vacations.
This article is courtesy of http://www.ratestogo.com, you may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.
chloelim1@yahoo.com.au