And Now A Word From Your Hosts

Originally published the Week of Feb. 14, 2018 in Western Outdoor Publications. 

One of the most enjoyable parts of spending three months on the road doing all these hunting and fishing expos in the Western U.S.  is actually having the time for lengthy chats at our Tailhunter Sportfishing Booth.

 

We just finished shows in Denver, Sacramento and most recently in the Seattle area.  As you’re reading this, I’ll probably have just finished the big Pacific Northwest Sportsmans Show in Portland, Oregon.

 

At the show last week in Seattle, I was chatting with two gents about general fishing in Baja.  Both guys had fished with us last year and had a great time.  They were both experienced fishermen, but it was their first time fishing in Mexico.

 

What started the conversation was one of the guys saying, “I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know until I started catching fish.”

 

You see, he had fished his whole life in Alaska, Oregon and now Washington where he was currently living.  But, as he explained, in the few days he fished with us he realized it was a whole different “enchilada” (his words) and how much he learned.  And now, “I can’t wait to learn more!”

 

Ahhh…the Baja bug!  He was hooked. So was his buddy and seeing those smiles and grins just made my day.

 

So, the questions started, as they often do.

 

Now, let me explain. During the season, I’m running around like my hair is on fire…if I had hair!  It’s pretty hectic every day with so many clients and fishermen all over the place.  So, I often don’t have much time regrettably to devote to long conversations.

 

But, at the shows, it’s a little more relaxed.  But, as we got into the conversation and the questions kept coming, I realized a little group had started to gather.  It was fun.  A lot of the questions were prefaced by the usual qualifying phrases…

 

“I have always wanted to ask someone…”

“This is probably a stupid question but…”

“What did it mean when the captain said…”

“I have always wondered…”

 

I love stuff like this.  It was lively and entertaining and hopefully I was imparting good stuff, but I think the guys were also learning off each other as well from the questions and answers.

 

But, one guy’s question caught everyone’s attention.

 

He said, “You see a lot of gringo fishermen, Jonathan.  Are there things you see or hear about us gringo fishermen that we SHOULDN’T do?  Are there things that make us seem like knuckleheads to the captains or locals?”

 

Good question.  I had never been asked that one before!

 

I had to think about that one, but “Yea, I guess there are,” I told him.  I had all of the group listening now.

 

Here’s some things my captains have told me over the years:

 

They wish gringos wouldn’t speak English so fast.  Many of the captains and crews understand at least rudimentary English.  Please slow down.

 

Many have told me they actually speak English, but use it very sparingly because then the fishermen will assume the captain or crewman speaks English fluently and things get confused.

 

Also, captains may not speak much English in your presence, but that doesn’t mean they don’t understand English. Some understand very well. Beware!

 

I have heard this from my other Mexican friends and employees as well. They say Americans will sometimes be very insulting or speak to each other in English about the captain, Mexico or Mexicans assuming no one else in earshot understands.  Major party foul.

 

Additionally…keep an eye on your kids.  The captains love families, but often the parents forget they also brought the kids.  The captain has a job to do.  Suddenly, he is also the babysitter because the parent makes the trip all about him catching a fish, not the kids having a good time.

 

Also, It’s a major plus when clients share food and drinks with captain and crew.  It’s much appreciated.  Just like anywhere else.

 

Don’t play in the live bait tank!  (See the part about kids above!) Knucklehead move when precious bait dies.

 

Please don’t expect the captain or crew members to have change handy when you want to buy bait; give them a tip; or for other expenses, once the boat leaves the dock.  Take care of it before the trip.  And don’t get angry if change is not in American dollars.  This is Mexico.

 

Please don’t spray sunscreen indiscriminately where it blows on fishing gear or use your hands to apply it then touch lures, reels, rods and bait.  Not only does it gunk up and greasy the gear, but it leaves a scent on things.

 

Fish are sensitive to scent.   Go upwind. Wash your hands. You’re only making fishing harder and giving the captain extra work.

 

If you’re fishing with the same captain and crew for several days, please tip daily, not at the end of your fishing.  Every day, fuel has to be purchased.  Maintenance must be done.  Families are waiting at home for food. The kids need milk!

 

If you or someone has to answer nature’s call, don’t make yourself uncomfortable.  Take care of it.  No one wants to watch and, I’ve never met a captain or crew that won’t go out’ve their way to discreetly assist.

 

It’s a natural thing.  Everyone has to do it.  The most embarrassed person is the captain and I have seen numerous ones hold it themselves all day because they were shy.  Don’t be like that.

 

If you lose or break gear, it’s nice if you offer to help replace it.  Maybe not necessarily a rod or reel in the course of regular fishing.  But, if you do something idiotic like step on a rod and bust it do the right thing.

 

If it’s a lure or something, however, you score major “amigo points” by offering to pay for a replacement.  At least tip extra.

 

A marlin or tuna feather is expensive.  A simple Rapala can cost $30- $40 bucks in Mexico.  That might be all the captain is earning that day after expenses.  Even hooks are pricey in Mexico.

 

Don’t just walk off the boat at the end of the day because you’re probably leaving a scowl behind your back.

 

Often knowing what not to do is as important is what to do!

That’s my story!

Jonathan

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Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western Outdoor News since 2004.  Along with his wife and fishing buddy, Jilly, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La Paz, Baja, Mexico  www.tailhunter-international.com.  They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront.  If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is: jonathan@tailhunter.com

Or drop by the restaurant to say hi.  It’s right on the La Paz waterfront!

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