By Pete Gray
I have been working with John Ireland from Rancho Leonero for over 31 years, and I feel honored to call him my friend. His accomplishments at Rancho 
Leonero are amazing. In an era when things are changing so much in southern Baja, he somehow has managed to keep Rancho Leonero the same wonderful old world Baja destination. John and Rancho Leonero have been a part of Let’s Talk Hookup since the early 90’s. It all started when John called and asked me to lunch at the Green Flash in Pacific Beach. We talked about his fishing resort and how he wanted to be involved in the show with weekly live fishing reports. We made the deal, and it has been a wonderful experience. Before cell phones in Baja, every Sunday morning John used to ride his motorcycle to the police station in Buena Vista and bribe the attendant to use the only phone in the area to give the report. Of course, since then it has become easier on John, but the consistency of his weekly reports from the ranch is a segment listeners look forward to. Rancho Leonero has been around for over 40 years, but it all comes to an end on December 1 of this year. The ranch has been sold to a high-end developer of homes from Monterey, Mexico. No one really knows the future plans of Rancho Leonero, but we do know without John Ireland, it will never be the same.
Our 27th and last Rancho Leonero tournament on June 3rd was a gathering of many friends that have come for years, and a few new ones that know this was it. It was certainly an amazing 5 days, and the fact that we had great weather and fishing made things that much better. As the full moon rose over the Sea of Cortes on our final night, there were cheers and tears on the patio. One thing we know for sure, the memories of this time will last in all our minds. The yellowfin tuna was the star of the fishing for most of the 17 teams. There was also good fishing for stripe marlin and a few big dorado. The giant roosterfish were biting, and several were caught and released. One team had a triple hookup trolling marlin lures on 50-pound roosters! There was even a 7-pound wahoo caught. The weather was fantastic, low to mid 80’s during the day and super flat on the water except on day 3 when a south breeze made it a bit choppy in the afternoon.
When the du
st settled, the largest dorado went to Team Tuna Tamers – Chris and Kim for a 32.8 pound dorado. They won $200 cash from Statewide Stripes. The largest tuna was Team Grandpa and the Kid-Jim, Mike and Emma for a 33.8 pound tuna also worth $200 from Statewide Stripes. Most billfish released was 5 for Team Squidine with Tara, Mike, Jason and Susan for a Costa gift certificate and a custom trophy. First place went to Team Nosotros Chupamos with Chris, Mark, Mark and Kit with a combination of released marlin and lots of tuna worth a trip back to Rancho Leonero, a custom trophy and $200 from Statewide Stripes. Second place were the defending champions Hot Rods with Greg, Chris, Mark and Carl- they received 2- $75 gift card to Fishermans Landing Tackle, $200 from Statewide Stripes and a custom trophy. Third place went to Team Whet Oh’s with John, John and Andy and a combination of big released roosters, released marlin and tuna. They won 2- $50 gift certificates to Fishermans Landing Tackle, $200 from Statewide Stripes and a custom trophy. Everyone received a custom t-shirt courtesy of Rancho Leonero and lots of memories for a great time. Thanks to Dave from Statewide Stripes, who also participated in the tournament for the cash donation. A huge thank you to our tournament director Pam Bensimon for all her hard work in organizing the tournament. It was a ton of work and she did a great job.
You still have time to get to Rancho Leonero before they close on December 1. Prime time fishing is now through that time, so if you want to make your own memories of this wonderful destination, check www.rancholeonero.com and call and book your favorite room and boat. Thank you John Ireland for creating an amazing destination fishing resort….we will never forget!
