That's My Story

I GUESS IT’S COLD EVERYWHERE, BUT INSHORE SNAPPER AND SIERRA STILL WILLING TO BITE. EVEN SQUID SHOW UP!

LA PAZ/ LAS ARENAS FISHING REPORT FOR JAN. 28, 2007

Photo 1: No fishing photos this week so I took this somewhere outside of Rawlins, Wyoming this week. Most of you are used to seeing me in shorts and my fishing t-shirts. No way this time! It was as cold as minus 6 degrees below zero! Brrrrrrr…..

Photo 2 : For those of you from places like California, I thought you might get a kick outta seeing gas below 2 bucks! This was a truck stop along highway I-80. Actually, we found some spots in Wyoming as low as $1.86. And you can also get Mrs. Freshly’s Honey Bon!

LA PAZ / LAS ARENAS FISHING REPORT

Not much to tell you this weeke, amigos! Still kinda stinky. Intermittent winds still plaguing us with no pattern and relatively cold (for us) with temps in the 50’s during the day. Mostly inshore fishing right now. Snapper and sierra are all biting along the rocky areas and drop offs and we had a surprise bite of big squid off Las Arenas. That’s a bit of a surprise. Normally, the big squid will show up in the fall. We’ll keep an eye on that. Everyone keeps telling me it’s an “el Nino year.” I hear that EVERY YEAR! But, seeing the big squid this early might just be a tell-tale sign. One thing interesting is that often when the squid show up, often there’s some tuna that come up from the deep with the squid. We’ll have to keep an eye on that.

Either way…I guess I would have to say it’s officially “winter now.” All the waters around us are in the low to mid 60’s. There’s a big spot of warmer water to the south off Cardonal that’s in the upper 60’s and I hear the marlin, tuna and dorado are already biting off Cabo and a bit NW up towards the Golden Gate Bank. If so, then the pelagics are moving north earlier than normal and it would be great to get some of these bluewater species earlier this year.

EVENTS

Well, at the time you’re reading this, we’re just pulling up and wrapping up our 4th show. We hit the road a month ago and have been in Las Vegas, San Mateo CA (San Francisco), Sacramento CA and we just finished a whopping 4 days in Denver CO.

Take a look at the photo above and you can get an idea of the snow. We traveled from Sacramento to Denver (about 1200 miles) in two days and about 90 percent of the drive was completely white. Most of the time it made for incredible scenery especially as we came through Utah, Wyoming and Denver. It’s hard to believe such wide-open spaces still exist.

Anyway, the Denver show was incredible. These folks in Colorado have been snow-bound for about 6 weeks and as I write this, everyone is talking about another storm headed to the city later this week. However, I think folks are just tired of it and I feel for them. To us, coming from Baja, it’s a novelty to have snow falling and getting a chance to play, but living in this stuff is another issue! At the show, everyone was simply tired of the cold and were ready for some sunshine and they came out to the show in DROVES! It was packed shoulder to shoulder much of the time and we had a great time meeting all the new amigos.

We’re headed to the Portland Outdoor Show now! It’s at the Expo Center from Feb. 7-11. Come out to say hi.

WHALES AT BAHIA MAGDALENA

Well, the California grey whales have finally showed up at Mag Bay. Over the next few months until about March or early April (only the whales have the schedule), they’ll be in the bay and it’s officially whale watching time. We’re currently arranging trips to see the whales where the whales will come right up to the boat in these calm shallow waters. If you’re interested, let me know!

That’s my story!
Jonathan

Jonathan Roldan’s Tailhunter International
Website: www.tailhunter-international.com
Phone: (626) 333-3355
FAX: (626) 333-0115
E-Mail: Riplipboy@aol.com
U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Dr., Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745
Mexico Office: Carr. a Pichilingue KM 5, Numero 205, La Paz, Baja Cal Sur, Mexico

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

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CABIN FEVER OBSERVATIONS

Originally published the week of January 28, 2007 in Western Outdoor News

OK, judging from the e-mails lately, I can tell cabin fever has set in. I’m currently writing this from my motel room in Denver CO. We’re in a Motel 8 (I guess that’s supposed to be two notches up from Motel 6 or something).

It took two days driving over from California through Nevada, Utah and Wyoming and it was pretty much snow the whole way. At one point it was minus 4 degrees and the snow gusts were blowing so hard we figured it was time to pull off the road and wait it out in a motel room. Dangit, I thought Baja was COLD right now. But nothing like this!

We’re setting up for the International Sportsmen’s Expo at the Denver Convention Center but along the way, we passed so many little snowed-in little bergs and villes. I know when I’m in Baja and and I’m housebound for more than a day, I get pretty nuts. What do folks do out here when they’re snowed in for weeks at a time? Yikes!

Anyway, from the e-mails, I think everyone is getting kinda crabby because they need to get outside. Lack of sunshine is unhealthy for the psyche. It’s not that the Baja e-mails are from folks directly mad at me. It’s just that a lot of folks have their shorts bunched up and they’re finding the smallest thing to grumble about.

I’ve had pissy e-mails from folks asking how come there’s no caffeine free diet Coke more readily available in Mexico or why “they” make it too windy during winter to go fishing in Baja. (Who is “they?”) I even got one from someone ticked off because they no one in Mexico seems to make good French fries (too soggy and greasy) . There was even one from a guy in San Diego who was grumbling because his Mexican gardner only speaks Spanish. (What does that have to do with Baja?) As if I had something to do with any of this or could do anything about it! Sheesh. Sir, step away from the television and computer before someone gets hurt.

Anyway, quite a few folks fretting about how cold it is in Baja right now. (It was a frigid 55 degrees in S. Baja last week!) I hear it all the times at these fishing trade shows we’ve been attending the last few weeks. Folks, weather cyclical like everywhere else! Believe it or not, there’s something called “seasons.”

Them: “How come every time we go to Baja it’s never like in the brochures with blue water and warm sunshine? We go to Cabo San Lucas and catch fish, but it’s always chilly and the winds are blowing like hell!”

Me: “When do you usually go to Cabo?”

Them: “December or January.”

Me: “Well, that’s winter. It’s ALWAYS winter in December and January. Why don’t you go in August or September.”

Them: Can’t. That’s hunting season.

Me: “Oh…”

From speaking to so many amigos, I think they forget that like everywhere else, the Baja is not on a separate planet in a vacuum. It’s subject to colder weather, winds and rain just like everywhere else, albeit Gracias a Dios, it’s not as cold as Wyoming! Therefore, if you’re looking for better conditions, come in the spring, summer or fall months. It is what it is in January.

One last comment at these fishing and outdoor shows. Especially at places like Colorado, Northern California, Oregon and Utah where we do shows, it seems everyone dresses in camouflage! Now, God bless all our outdoor brothers and sisters. They are great, but shirts, jackets, hats, belts, shoes, and backpacks are all made of camouflage patterns. They even dress the babies in camo.

If it can be made , it can be be made in camo. Boats, cars, tents, rifle stocks, even babies …you name it! Looking out on the show floor it’s a sea of moving mottled leaves and grass. I guess I can understand that. These are hunting regions and you don’t want your quarry to spot you, right? I get it.

The funny thing is that these fun folks then come to Baja and still wear the camo when they go fishing. Like the fish won’t see you?

That’s my story. If you ever want to reach me, my e-mail is riplipboy@aol.com.

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WINTER WEATHER DOESN’T HELP THE FISHING

LA PAZ/ LAS ARENAS FISHING REPORT for WEEK OF JAN. 22, 2007

FISHING REPORT

I guess it can’t be good ALL the time!

Just one of “those” weeks that makes you appreciate all the great weeks we have the rest of the year. In a word, the past week was STINK! Basically, it was great weather if you were in say…Alaska!

I think the whole west coast of the continent must have been in cold weather this past week, although most folks wouldn’t complain if it was in the high 50’s and low 60’s in their own neck of the woods. For La Paz, that’s pretty much arctic weather with everyone wearing jackets and long pants! (Don’t laugh you readers in Denver!).

A good part of the week, it was either (pick one)…(a) windy (b) overcast (c) raining (d) all of the above. Not the best for fishing, but the good part is that we didn’t have any anglers except for one day which is characteristic this time of the year anyway. That one day we did get folks out, they did get some sierra and snapper inshore in the structure. That was it.

Sorry this isn’t more cheery like our other fishing reports, but what can I say? It’s WINTER, even in Baja! The coming week doesn’t show any rain in the forecast but more wind and overcast for sure. Water temps are holding steady at about 65 degrees in most places

UPCOMING STUFF

We just finished our third show of the year Sacramento CA at the International Sportsman’s Expo. What a great time and it was super to see so many of the old amigos and meet new ones. By the time you’re reading this, we’ll be on our way driving from California to Denver CO for our next show. From Thursday to Sunday, we’ll be at the International Sportsman’s Expo at the Denver Convention Center. If you’re in the area and we make it through the snows, hope you come by to say hi.

HEADS UP

Since the end of the holidays, our phones and e-mails have been ringing off the hook with reservations. We are seriously filling fast! Some dates are already booked solid, but we still have lots of prime spots left. Don’t wait. Not kidding! If you’re even THINKING about fishing la Paz this season, please give us a shout. We had such an outstanding season last year that many folks made reservations immediately for 2007 or jumped on the horn early. We want to take care of as many of our amigos as possible!

MORE HEADS UP

1. We still have a few more spots left for our 6th Annual Cabin Fever Classic this April 12-16 hosted at La Concha Beach Resort We have a blast and it’s a great opportunity to get outta your hut and enjoy some sunshine, good friends, fishing, tacos and beer after a long winter and help us kick off the beginning of our season. Cost is $630 per person double occupancy.

2. We’re taking whale watching reservations for the Pacific Grey Whales that are now showing up in Magdalena Bay. Get up close and personal with these great creatures! It’s a day-long-adventure that’s super for the whole family. Drop us an e-mail at riplipboy@aol.com for info.

AIRLINES

Lastly, if you’re in the San Francisco Bay area, Delta is now flying to La Paz from Oakland as well as Sacramento. Alaska Airlines is flying out of San Francisco. Out of Los Angeles, this season, so far we have Delta, Alaska and Aero Mexico flying to La Paz. Our good old “pals” at Aero Mexico are still flying out of Tijuana to La Paz but “promise they will be flying out of Los Angeles by February.” Hahahahah…oh right!

That’s my story!
Jonathan

Jonathan Roldan’s Tailhunter International
Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

Phone: (626) 333-3355
FAX: (626) 333-0115
E-Mail: Riplipboy@aol.com
U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Dr., Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745
Mexico Office: Carr. a Pichilingue KM 5, Numero 205, La Paz, Baja Cal Sur, Mexico

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

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BAJA COUNTRY CARNIVAL!

Originally published in Western Outdoor News the week of January 23, 2007

You know me. If there’s an opportunity to do something a little different or head down that proverbial “road less traveled,” chances are, I’ve already got my weedeater out and am hacking my way down that path. Sometimes it’s been my un-doing and other times, it leads to incredible discoveries.

For those of you who travel the Baja or any of the numerous places in Mexico, chances are you’ve encountered some little pueblo no doubt named after some saint, e.g. San Pablo, Santo Tomas, Santa Maria, etc.

I once asked one of my amigos how they came up with the names. Were the towns finished or dedicated on the feast day of some saint? “No,” he replied. “Usually, the first guy who builds a house gets to name the town. If his name is “Jose” the town becomes “San Jose!” Simple. (Hmmmm….How would “Santo Jonathan” sound? Doesn’t quite have that ring.)

Anway…If you ever want to see a town at it’s best and perhaps see a bit of Mexico that is passing the way of the fifty-cent beer and cheap green Pemex gasoline, get yourself invited to a local town carnival. The further in the middle-of-nowhere, the better! It’s as old-fashioned and culturally rich as a good old American country fair with a Baja twist.

They are always at night. When the desert is quiet. The pangas are beached. The farms are shut down and the stars are all that light the highway. In towns where the birth of a new cow is big news and someone getting cable TV is cause for a fiesta, find the lights. You’ll see the carnival lights from miles away like a baby Las Vegas and hear the music and the sound of the carnival generators long before you’re there.

When you see the signs announcing Gran Fiesta! (big party) and Gran Baile! (big dance) featuring some Banda Famosa (famous band) with a name like the “Toucans of Sinaloa” or the “Los Tigres del Rancho” no doubt written on huge florescent banners draped across main street and you’ve arrived.

It will be packed. They come down from the hills and off the farms. These carnivals last 3-5 nights. It’s the event of the season and the locals are ready to party the night away.

People are dressed up. Ranchers and fishermen might wear the grubbiest clothes to work, but tonite caballeros (cowboys) in their Sunday-finests cowboy hats and boots stroll with their damas (ladies) around the booths filled with trinkets and games, carnie hawkers and vendors. Coy young girls giggle and walk in the dirt with their high heels and best dresses anxiously trying to attract the eye of some young guapo (handsome young man) undoubtedly hanging with friend and trying (like young boys everywhere) “disinterestedly interested.” The younger kids underfoot run and tag, tease and squeal like any kids!

Rides that would never pass safety inspections in the states wheel, tumble and rattle as kids laugh and scream! “Cinco pesos! Cinco pesos!” cajoles the carnie operating the Ferris wheel that noticeably seems to be missing a few bolts. One whirling ride seems to have trouble with the speed. It spins so fast that at times that it’s centrifugal force often send the rider’s shoes or slippers whirling off into the crowd! Look out! But, of course, everyone yells “Faster! Faster!”

There’s a shooting gallery with real pellets and for 4 pesos you get 20 shots at beer bottles and empty spam cans. No safety. Only a sign warning you not to walk behind the booth or you might get shot! I do see someone’s dead chicken in the dirt behind the booth. No doubt killed by friendly fire!

The big dance is on the town’s concrete basketball court. The dance floor is jammed with bodies. Cars nose-to-nose use their headlights to light the dancers. Like many Mexican bands, the whole group is dressed alike in dark cowboy outfits and hats. Amid the thump of the bass and the blaring rancho polka sounds of the accordion, you can hear the generators powering the amplifiers and dancers whirl and step while tables lining the dance area have pyramids of beer cans rising ever taller. Every hour or so a fight break out only to end in hugs and more beer! Amigo! I didn’t know she was your sister! Mas cerveza por mi amigo! Andale!

If it’s the weekend, you’ll be lucky to catch the horse races through the desert where the riders are often so drunk they’d remind you of Lee Marvin’s character in that old movie “Cat Ballou.” The riders aren’t really jockeys as much as they’re just “along for the ride” and the winner must be seated on his own horse when it crosses the finish line. Many don’t finish…riders or horses… and have to be found later! The women handle the betting money to keep it away from the borracho drunken riders!

And food! Dios Mio! It permeates everything and wafts over and through the crowd. Fresh barbecued beef costillos (ribs); sizzling carne asada tacos; fresh tortillas by the kilo! Here’s a vendor making burros (giant burritos) as long as your forearm stuffed with roasted pork carnitas; grilled onions and green chili verde. There’s a booth with steaming tamales and the old women have pork, chicken and another filled with roasted chiles and cheese! The smell of sweet grilled onions seems becken from somewhere.

That booth over there is selling fresh steamed sweet corn in cup. Ten pesos! Filled with grated sharp dried cheese; crema, chili powder and tart sqeezed lime, it’s a deal! Coconut macaroons and almond brittle…honey cookies…hand-made vanilla bean ice cream…Hey! It sounds like another fight just broke out on the dance floor!

And on and on it goes into the night until bodies drop in exhaustion or drift back home. Many can be found sleeping it off peacefully in the streets wherever they ran out of energy (or the alcohol caught up to them.) And then they start it all again the next night! Viva Mexico! Viva la fiesta! I swear, I didn’t know I was dancing with your sister! Oh, she was your cousin! That’s different. Let’s have another beer, amigo!

I sure hope you’re not fishing tomorrow because your captain is gonna be a little late and a little red-eyed!

That’s my story. If you ever want to reach me, my e-mail is riplipboy@aol.com.

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INSHORE FISHING TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT

La Paz / Las Arenas Fishing Report for January 14, 2006

PHOTO: This is a great time for inshore species like pargo, jacks, snapper, sierra and these nice cabrilla (seabass) held by Forrest Kontomitras and Jeff Arnold of Los Angeles caught around Espiritu Santo Island

FISHING REPORT

The sierra bite has been excellent for anglers fishing both Las Arenas and La Paz. You don’t have to go out very far either which is nice on those days when the north winds blow. In La Paz Bay, some slow trolling in front of the Pemex station only minutes from the marina can produce quite a productive day. Actually, many of the headlands in the bay where there’s some type of drop off channel can hold the schools. We did get one boat out to the island this week and it got two dorado between 15 and 25 pounds as well as a few pargo. At Las Arenas, it’s the same thing. Sierra are close inshore but on the days the wind didn’t blow, it was possible to hit Cerralvo Island for pargo, cabrilla, jacks and snapper. There’s also some large bonito starting to show as well. Water temps are in the high 60’s and so it the air. The say winds won’t be a problem this week, but some a few light showers might his us later in the week.

FISHING TRADE SHOW CIRCUIT

Yup…we’re on our trade show circuit now. As I’m writing this, we’re just wrapping up a great show at San Mateo in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was great to see so many of the amigos stopping by the booth and we had a great time. Next on tap…Sacramento!

From this Thursday to Sunday (Sept. 18 to 21) we’ll be at the California State Fairgrounds at the International Sportsmen’s Expo. C’mon down and visit us in our booth.

CABIN FEVER CLASSIC

We’re filling up. Our 6th Annual Cabin Fever Classic set for April 12-16 has just a few spots left. It’s being hosted at La Concha Beach Resort and always promises to be a fun time for everyone. Three days of fishing is $630 per person double occupancy and it’s always a hoot. This is not a tournament! It’s a chance to get together with some other fun folks who just need to get out of their cabins after a long long winter and put their toes into some warm sand; their lips on a cold margarita and their hands on a bent rod! If you want more info, e-mail us at riplipboy@aol.com

PASSPORTS

Don’t forget, if you plan to fly anywhere in North America this year, you WILL need a passport. (Yes…if you forget your geography, Mexico is part of North America!) Don’t wait until the last minute.

That’s my story!
Jonathan

Jonathan Roldan’s Tailhunter International
Website: www.tailhunter-international.com
Phone: (626) 333-3355
FAX: (626) 333-0115
E-Mail: Riplipboy@aol.com
U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Dr., Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745
Mexico Office: Carr. a Pichilingue KM 5, Numero 205, La Paz, Baja Cal Sur, Mexico

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

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BAJA AIRSPACE

Originally published in Western Outdoor News week of January 15, 2006

Photo: Aero Mexico, Alaska Air, Delta Airlines and other airlines have filled in the vacuum left by the grounding of Aero California last year with the competition providing more flights and more affordable travel for the 2007 season.

Well, we’re on our annual fishing/outdoor trade show tour now. It will take us pretty much all over the Western U.S. and at the time you’re probably reading this, we will have finished shows in Las Vegas, NV and San Mateo CA.

This week we’re here at the Califorina State Fairgrounds for the International Sportsmen’s Expo in Sacramento CA. If you’re in the area between January 18-21, stop over at the WON booth to renew your subscription and then c’mon over to our booth to say howdy. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be in Denver, Portland, Long Beach, Salt Lake City and Anchorage.

As I’ve done in the past, I’ll pass on tidbits of information I hear from some of the other Baja vendors about what’s new and exciting in their neck of Baja or stuff I see from tackle manufacturers that will be of interest to you Baja anglers. If you’re planning a trip to the Baja this year, it’s certainly not too early to make your plans or reservations. The most popular boats, hotels and dates fill up quickly now that the holidays are done and folks can think clearly without visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads and can envision margaritas and dancing dorado instead.

There are certainly more choices in airfare this year. Baja travel was thrown into a tizzy last year when Aero California was grounded for alleged safety violations, but the void appears to have been filled with new flights by Delta, Alaska and Aero Mexico/Aero Litoral. There are also rumors that Frontier and Jet Blue might also have flights.

Believe it or not, Aero California still insists that they will be flying internationally again and are now saying they will have “word by February.” (yea, right!) Anyway, they do offer flights from Tijuana now as well as two airlines that I am hearing raves about. Interjet and Avolar are two brand new Mexican airlines that came online last season and are expanding their services into the U.S.

One thing we are noticing is that competition is forcing prices to square up a bit. Last year, when Aero California was grounded, the remaining airlines seemed to show no mercy on Baja travelers and ticket prices skyrocketed. This year, we’re seeing many prices begin to fall in line with some exceptional discount rates depending on your flights and dates.

On the downside, there are some logistic differences. The airlines are more restrictive on weight limits for check-in luggage. I think the days when we could pack a suitcase, an ice chest and they allowed your rod tubes free are gone.

My suggestion is not to pack your own tube. Instead, if there are several of you fishing, put as much into one tube as you can. If packed correctly end-to-end with care, you’ll be amazed how many rods you can fit into a commercial tube or home-made PVC tube. If that’s not possible, I’ve duct taped several tubes together and it counted as one piece of luggage as long as it was under the weight and size restrictions allowance.

Finally, a lot of folks discovered that it was actually pretty easy to cross the border and fly out of Tijuana. I think many folks were quite surprised. For one, there’s little or no security inspection because flying from Tijuana to other Mexican destinations is a domestic not an international flight.

However, keep in mind, that you can’t bring as much luggage on a domestic flight as an international flight. So, if you plan to check in your suitcase, ice chest and rods, it’s gonna cost you a surcharge. If you also plan to bring back 50 pounds of tuna filets on the flight home, you’d better have your credit card ready as well. That’s the trade off.

Lastly, don’t forget that this year, you MUST have a passport to fly so don’t wait until the last minute to apply. Here’s a link if you need it: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

That’s my story. If you ever want to reach me, my e-mail is riplipboy@aol.com.

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STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT

Published the week of January 9, 2007 in Western Outdoor News

Photo: Not sure who took this one, but someone is having a really bad day. The roads in Baja are much safer than ever and no one should be afraid to drive them, but common sense is a good thing to pack along. While roads can be well paved, you can often count on them to also be very very narrow too!

STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT

I often get questions about driving the Baja peninsula. Folks want tips about where to stop; where to eat; what to bring, etc. I could write a book to each of them, but since I’m not into re-inventing the wheel, and there’s so many good books out there already, I defer to books like Gene Kira’s “Baja Catch” and others that have more info in them than I will ever know in my lifetime!

However, I do post up a few general tidbits to folks who ask with the number one rule being: “Do NOT drive the Baja Peninsula at night!”

“Well, why the heck not?” is what I get back.

Besides the obvious things like death (see all those little crosses lining the side of the road?) , drunken drivers, animals on the pavement, no shoulders on the road (and steep cliffs down the sides), rockslides and debris, etc. It’s a wonderful highway and beautiful drive…if you do it in the daytime!

We Americans have a habit of getting from point A to point B as fast as we can. We drive until we’re tired. And we assume that no matter where we stop, we’ll find a 7-11, Motel 6, and an AM/PM mini market gas station. Not so fast in Baja, Pancho. Slow it down.

I’ll admit that I’ve been knuckleheaded myself too many times. I’ve driven like a bat-outta-hell down Mexican Highway 1 and only by the grace of God and fast reactions fueled by coffee and/or Red Bull did I not get killed (Some other time I will tell you what happens when you drink 4 Red Bulls at once…if one works…four MUST be better, right?)

I have not had any major accidents, but I have been run off the road by trucks going the other way and veering into my lane. I have almost rear-ended other vehicles at night that had no taillights and literally going no faster than a slow jog.

I didn’t know goats could fly. I once came around a blind corner north of Santa Rosalia at 60 mph and couldn’t stop before slamming into a herd of goats at full speed and watching two of them launch over my windshield. I also felt a couple of speed-bumps as I musta thumped a few more under my wheels. Since we were on windy roads there was no place to stop, but you simply can’t. It’s like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and I’ve seen it time and again. If the owner of the herd finds you, suddenly he will tell you that you killed his “PRIZE” animal (cow, burro, goat, etc.) worth hundreds of dollars!

I once set up camp in the dark in the bushes near a beach around Bahia Concepcion. In the morning when we were breaking camp I realized I had set up the tent on a nest of really pissed off family of scorpions. I think our thick sleeping bags kept us from getting jabbed.

Another time, my amigo and I were just dead tired. We had no tent and my two-seater wasn’t very comfortable for sleeping. We saw a rusty dilapidated old truck next to a deserted farm house (or so we thought) and since it was cold, we crawled under the truck to sleep. Well, early in the morning dark, that rancher fired up his truck with us under it and drove right over us just missing Jeff’s feet with the big dually tires as we were alternately screaming and trying to crawl out.

My only encounter with banditos took place in the boulders north of Catavina. My amigo, Pepe, and I had pulled over and actually had a tent and small fire going. Out of the dark, three grubby and menacing locals materialized. Oh-oh. We were miles from anywhere and a hundred yards off the dark highway.

“Dame su dinero y comida, amigos.” (Give me your money and food.)

I hadn’t been in Baja that long, but my friend Pepe was from Sonora and one of the funniest travel buddys I have ever had. I didn’t understand all the stranger said to me, but I understood enough of it. The main guy approached the fire and his two amigos sort of circled from behind. All those horror stories you hear suddenly blare through my mind. For some stupid reason, the theme song from “Deliverance” and images of Ned Beatty flashed as I saw one of the guys grinning at me with a mouth full of bad teeth.

I was hoping Pepe could talk to these guys and reason with them.

Pepe laughed. What he did surprised me. He want back into the tent and grabbed his guitar. He said we didn’t have money, but we had some food and tequila we’d be willing to share and a song. What? A song? Was he nuts? Before anyone could answer or respond, Pepe just started playing as loud as he could and singing at the top of his lungs. Now, Pepe is a really lousy singer, but he sang his heart out and it was impossible not to start laughing at this surreal thing around a Mexican campfire.

Then, so did the three banditos. Exhale and laugh. They started singing too! Hell, I was so scared I started singing as well making up words to the Spanish rancho song. La-La-La-La-La for all I was worth! As I found out later, one of them told Pepe we were so pathetic, they couldn’t rob us!

Well, the tequila bottle got passed around and there were more songs. I didn’t understand all the conversation, but I told Pepe to just keep singing. Our “amigos” sucked down that tequila, but I told Pepe to only “pretend” to drink. When the three of them were passed out in the dirt, we packed up and snuck out, wheels squealing down the highway! Life in the Baja…

That’s my story. If you ever want to reach me, my e-mail is riplipboy@aol.com.

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ON THE CHILLY SIDE BUT FISH STILL WILLING TO BEND!

La Paz/ Las Arenas Fishing Report for January 7, 2007

Photo: There were blizzards of snow back home in Wyoming, but 11-year-old Tyler Caldwell of Wyoming got into some nice sunshine and a big smile with his first ocean fish and his first dorado to bring in the new year. In between wind guts, dorado have been a welcome surprise this winter.

FISHING REPORT

Well…we’re in the lull after the holidays. Not many fishermen in town. Mostly snowbirds actually just trying to see what warm sunshine feels like. In fact, our clients lately have been from Colorado, Wyoming, upper New York, and Washington state. Most aren’t really even interested in fishing although they’ve done a day or two, unlike during the warmer months when our visitors can’t get in enough fishing!

Mostly, you can just hear them sigh as they walk around in shorts and t-shirts in 70 degree weather while the local La Paz folks are bundled up in long pants and jackets! Visitors think the locals are crazy for being bundled up!

Fishing hasn’t been too bad, but again, it’s really dependent on the winds. When the north winds are blowing, it’s almost impossible to get out unless you want to jar your teeth loose or wear a wet suit to stay warm. However, a few days a week it is possible to get out and no one has been too disappointed.

Dorado have been the nicest surprise (see attached photo…they got 18 fish one day among all the family) with most of the bite being north of La Paz around the point and out towards Espiritu Santo Island. The problem is getting across the short channel which can be like a wind tunnel when the gusts come up and churning like a washing machine. Once you’re at the island, you can fish in the lee side or along the coves.

Even on the days when the wind is blowing, fishing inshore for cabrilla, sierra, big bonito and pargo has been fairly productive. We even put out some boats this week from Muertos that got into some fish in the bay and out towards the islands. Bring a jacket but the fish are there!

Water temps are more seasonal now. All the water around La Paz is in the lower 70’s or colder. I haven’t had any divers lately to see where the thermocline is or how cold it is, but I imagine it’s another 5 degrees cooler at depth or more. There is a spot of warmer water to the south of Muertos where the satellites show water temps in the upper 70’s still, but with the wind it’s not somewhere you wanna go in a panga. We’ll keep you posted. They’re already getting marlin around Cabo so perhaps if this body of warm water sticks around we might seeing some early billfish, but I won’t hold my breath.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

We just finished our first show of the season and are on our way out’ve the AWR Tackle Show in Las Vegas and are headed up California now to the San Mateo ISE show which takes place from January 11-14th. It’s being held at the San Mateo Expo Center from Thursday to Sunday. We’ll have our booth there as usual so come by and see us if you’re in the area. There’s always great stuff to see and great food to eat and it’s a nice day for the family!

The week after, we travel up to the California State Fairgrounds at Sacramento for the big International Sportsmen’s Show taking place January 18-21. This is the biggest show in Northern Cal and runs Thursday to Sunday and they’ve expanded the facilities this year.

AIRFARE

Seeing alot of nice airfare this year from San Francisco and Los Angeles direct to La Paz or Cabo. Alaska Air flies from both areas and I just saw an advertisement this week for $89 dollar (each way) tickets if you go to www.Alaskaair.com Delta is also being competitive and now has daily flights from Los Angeles

It’s not too early to think about dates to come fishing with us. Now that the holidays are over and the fishing/outdoor shows are starting, we’re getting alot of inquiries and bookings and some of the more popular dates are already filled or filling but still plenty of room for you! Just fire us an e-mail and we’ll fine tune something for you!

UPCOMING

January to March – Come down and let us set up a day of whale watching at Magdalena Bay. These are the prime months when the whales are in Baja en masse and it’s a great experience to see these incredible creatures.

April 12-16 – Sixth Annual Cabin Fever Classic in La Paz. Five days and four nights of hotel with 3 days of fishing and our usual cast of characters and crazy fishing. Ask for details. Cost is $630 per person double occupancy (two per room and two per boat). We’re filling up and some folks are staying extra days/nights to fish longer or extend their vacations.

That’s my story

Jonathan

Jonathan Roldan’s Tailhunter International

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

Phone: (626) 333-3355

FAX: (626) 333-0115

E-Mail: Riplipboy@aol.com

U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Dr., Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745

Mexico Office: Carr. a Pichilingue KM 5, Numero 205, La Paz, Baja Cal Sur, Mexico

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

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