IT’s OK…UNTIL SOMEONE SAYS NO
Originally Published the Week of Nov. 22, 2025 in Western Outdoor Publications
Lately, there’s been more than a bit of anger on social media about Mexican customs “suddenly” clamping down on visitors bringing gear into the country.
Specifically, sporting equipment and, in particular fishing equipment has come under scrutiny.
For years, fishermen have been accustomed to bringing rods, reels and other fishing gear down to Mexico. I’m as guilty as anyone.
I remember trips where I had a huge bundle of at least a half-dozen sticks (rods) and 20 or 30 pounds of reels. That doesn’t even begin to include all the lures, lines and terminal tackle that also came along on the trip!
“I need my toys! I’m bringing it all!”
Fortunately, those days are mostly in my rearview mirror, but more incoming fishermen are getting stopped at the airport recently. Moreso, they have faced some hefty fines!
The surprise and outrage are understandable.
What a way to start your vacation!
You’re been looking forward to the trip forever. You gather and pack all your gear for travel.
Your plane lands and you’re ready to get through the airport as quickly as possible and get that vacation started! There’s a cold margarita and big fish waiting with your name on them!
Then, BAM!
You’re stopped at customs in the airport. An inspection of your gear results in a big fine.
You’re delayed. There are forms to fill out. And your credit card takes a hit to pay the fine.
Talk about a buzz kill!
You’ve never had a problem before. You have always brought gear. All you wanted. If you’re with fishing buddies, they also got hit.
You just don’t understand. It’s a WTF moment and under your breath (or maybe not) you’re uttering every expletive you can think of.
And that’s the rub!
This is NOTHING new! The searches may be new, but the rules are NOT!
None of us ever read the fine print on the customs forms! We never had to.
We didn’t need to read it. We pretty much brought what we wanted.
But, it’s right there in black and white on the customs form we all blindly sign.
I have to admit. In 30 years, I’ve never read the whole set of rules about what you can and cannot bring on your vacation.
Take a look:
http://omawww.sat.gob.mx/aduanas/pasajeros/Paginas/Mercancia_ingresar_Mexico.aspx
It specifically allows us to bring no more than 4 rods.
It has always been there. It’s just that now the Mexican government is enforcing it (as they have every right to do).
Give the list a look. All kinds of things I didn’t know I couldn’t bring. There are rules about cameras, CD’s., tobacco products and more!
If you bring more or something not allowed you should bring paperwork like an invoice showing the value of the object. Otherwise, the inspectors will assign a value to the product and fine you accordingly.
Two years ago, I flew back to Mexico with a $2500 certified scale use to weigh big fish in tournaments and for world records.
It wasn’t new. I had brought it back to California to have it certified and repaired.
But, this one time, I forgot to bring the invoice for the repairs.
I got inspected and pulled into the customs office. I got hit with a $250 dollar fine and spent a good hour in the inspection office.
As much as I hated it, it was my fault for not bringing the paperwork like I usually do. The law is the law. I get it.
Although I am a resident of Mexico and own businesses in Mexico, I am still a guest and subject to Mexican laws.
My bad.
It’s like driving down the freeway where the speed limit is posted at 70 mph. You ALWAYS drive it at 79 mph and it seems like everyone else does as well.
Or this one…talking or texting on your cellphone while driving!
But…if a patrol car wants to stop and ticket you, it’s hard to argue.
So, what to do?
Obviously, narrow down your gear. That’s the easiest.
Also, bring some paperwork with you. If you got that new $600 reel at a discount $450 and don’t have the paperwork, inspectors will value your reel at $600.
The whole point is to prevent tourists from bringing gear down and selling it to locals and avoiding the import taxes. Like ALL governments everywhere, they want their pound of flesh.
I personally know guys who have brought gear to sell. Often.
These days, compared to decades ago, fewer anglers are bringing their own gear. It’s expensive to bring and unwieldy and cumberson to travel with it.
Most good outfits these days have fairly adequate to good gear.
But, if do decide to bring your own equipment, know the laws so you’re not surprised.
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 Sportfishing Fishing Fleet in La Paz, Baja, Mexico www.tailhunter.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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Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter Sportfishing
Website:
www.tailhunter-international.com
Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico
U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942
Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863
.
Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report: http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/
Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:
“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.”
That's My Story 
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