Mikey Rijavec, the creator of the popular YouTube fishing channel SD Fish and Sips, was found dead on Sunday, five days after issuing a mayday call while fishing off the coast of Baja California, Mexico, his family announced. His body was recovered near San Cristobal, according to an update posted by his brother on a GoFundMe page created to support the search effort.
According to an update posted Sunday, Nov. 16, by his brother Gregory on a GoFundMe page created to support the search, Rijavec’s body was recovered near San Cristobal.
“It is time for the countless people involved in the search for Mikey to finally rest and begin to find peace,” the update read. “Mikey’s body was found in the water near San Cristobal earlier today. As difficult as it is to accept this, we are grateful that it provides us some closure.”
Rijavec, who went missing on Nov. 11, had radioed for help after experiencing engine trouble roughly eight miles offshore. The distress call was abruptly cut off. Hours later, rescuers discovered his 14-foot skiff drifting about five miles from the coast—its six-horsepower outboard motor missing.
For five days, a large-scale search mobilized local volunteers, private boaters, aircraft, the Mexican Navy, and the U.S. Coast Guard. As time passed with no signs of Rijavec, the mission transitioned from rescue to recovery, led jointly by Mexican authorities and the Rijavec family. Friends, fellow anglers, and fans of the channel coordinated shoreline searches, provided equipment, and raised tens of thousands of dollars through a fundraiser to support ongoing operations.
In a GoFundMe update, Rijavec’s brother, Gregory, thanked those who aided in the search, saying the recovery “provides us some closure.” He added, “It is time for the countless people involved in the search for Mikey to finally rest and begin to find peace.”
Tributes poured in across social platforms and fishing forums. Longtime friend and angler Phil Friedman wrote that “Mikey brought so much joy, laughter, and passion to the fishing community, and his absence leaves a huge void.”
Rijavec built a loyal following on SD Fish and Sips by documenting solo skiff-fishing adventures across Southern California and Baja. Fans praised his do-it-yourself approach to offshore angling and his warm, approachable storytelling style.
The circumstances of his death remain under investigation. Authorities have not released additional details about what happened after the distress call or how his vessel came to be found adrift without its motor.
Neighbors, fellow content creators, and followers have organized vigils and virtual memorials as the fishing community mourns the loss. The family has requested privacy as they continue coordinating with Mexican officials on next steps.
Officials are asking anyone who may have been in the area on Nov. 11 or who has information related to Rijavec’s final voyage to contact Mexican authorities or the communication channels shared by the family.
