We decided that we were going to take the trip out to Bird Island for the first time and do some drop fishing deep in the sea water. This would be my first time fishing out there so I was not sure what to expect. Well, it was a great time! I am not big into fishing, my opinion is that it is boring. Most of the time that I have gone fishing in the past, I have casted my line and sat there for hours with barely a nibble let alone a bite. This to me is boring so I was not all to excited about the fishing part of my excursion to Bird Island.
What happened was 100% opposite of my expectations. As soon as I casted my line, I started getting nibbles and bites immediately! It was almost like I was pulling in a new catch every other minute. It was exciting and a welcomed change to my previous fishing experiences. We were mainly catching Trigger fish and Sea Bass. We had the folks at the launch port filet them and when we got home, we cooked them up and they were delicious!!! Compliments to Chef Carlos for putting together the proper blend of butter and garlic for flavor, it was perfect.
The best thing about the trip to Bird Island is the Seals and Sea Lions that are every where you look. It was exciting to see them in their natural habitat. It’s nothing like what you see at an exhibit at Sea World. You are in their realm and they are every where. Some are swimming around your boat curiously watching what you do. Others are lying around on rocks and on the island. Like I said, they are every where. From the moment you arrive until the time you leave, you hear a constant bark “arrrr arrr arrr arrrr” is what you hear. Some people might think that this could become annoying, I found this to be the exact opposite. It was AWESOME, just to see them in their natural environment barking constantly was a sight to see and I was in awe.
Now, for the “crazy” thing I tried that I will never forget. My friend and I took our snorkel gear with thoughts of jumping in and swimming with the seals and sea lions. This sounded like a great idea from the shore. I was pumped up about it and there were no worries in my mind. However, when I got there, things were a bit different. I started to doubt if I wanted to dive in and play. There is just the wonder in the back of your mind that anything can happen. After debate, we decided to dive in and remain pretty close to the boat. The experience was that of a LIFE TIME. Just the rush you feel of seeing all these seals and sea lions swim around you is exhilarating. I would go under water and see them swimming around me, just curiously looking. There was one time I went under and a seal swam up to me face to face and just looked at me, it was only a few feet away from me. I had the feeling like he was looking at me as if he was asking me if I wanted to play or go for a swim. Every time I visualize that moment in my life, I get excited! When I left, I said WOW, I would do that again in a heart beat. Of course, once again, I am back on the shore so its easy to say now.
Please NOTE Swimming with the Sea lions and Seals at Bird Island is something that you decide to do at your OWN RISK. Puerto-Penasco.com is telling an actual story of an encounter, and is NOT responsible for your actions after reading this story. If you decide to swim you have to realize that you are doing so at your own risk. You are in their environment and you have no control over anything that can happen.
Adios,
Arturo
