Archive for the ‘aquaculture’ Category

ROUND ROUND GET AROUND

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, Heat stroke, historical, history, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on October 14, 2023| Leave a Comment »

**UBER IS GROWING BUT NOT ALWAYS YOUR BEST ANSWER FOR TRANSPORTATION**

ROUND ROUND GET AROUND

Originally Published the Week of Oct. 5, 2023 in Western Outdoor Publications

To Uber or not to Uber? I seem to get more and more questions about that lately. It’s more a question of what’s the best way to move yourself around. And when!

Don’t get me wrong. I love Uber and it has it’s place, but as a tourist, there are just some things to know about.

No doubt. Uber is popular and it’s handy. But, like most things in Mexico, it’s not quite the same as Uber back in the States.

I usually ask folks what they want the transportation for? Just head in town? Go to the airport? Head to the beach? Let me know and I’ll point you in the right direction.

Also, how many of you are there?

The fact of the matter is that most Uber cars here are little tiny compact cars from what I’ve seen. Not everyone has a car here in Mexico. Pointedly, most folks do NOT own cars .

If you’re lucky enough to own a car, it’s probably a small compact economy car. And to even own a car, it means the owner probably has another job. Uber is a supplement.

Unlike in the U.S. folks don’t usually become drivers as a sole occupation. Uber business is growing, but it’s not busy enough in most areas to sustain a living.

Face it. The owners of big cars or luxury cars don’t need to be Uber drivers. So, you get the little tiny 4-banger economy cars.

Therefore, if it’s just two of you Uber might be OK. If it’s a group larger than 3 or 4, go with a taxi.

If you have a lot of luggage or gear, Uber might not be a great choice either.

Most taxis are also little economy cars, but at least you can usually count on there being more than one. Many taxis have racks.

You can look at a taxi and decide if it will work. You see it before you climb in.

When you call Uber you get one car and it is what it is.

And speaking of there being just one car, they don’t always arrive on time either. Your app might say “5 minutes.” However, the proverbial “Mexican minute” can be A LOT longer.

Regarding the “Mexican minute,” I’ve heard of incidents where the folks are waiting for Uber drivers that never show up. The driver simply cancels.

Talking to friends who have been Uber drivers, one told me, “Sometimes I just don’t want to drive to a certain area. Especially if there might not be that much business and it will take me too long to go back to where I came from. It makes no economic sense.”

Another friend told me, “If it’s too late at night or driving into certain areas, I won’t go. Also, there are certain areas where there are too many taxi companies and they will created problems for me.”

And that’s another big issue here.

The taxi companies and shuttle companies.

I once read an article that in the Cabo area alone there are something like 130 cab companies. That doesn’t include shuttle vans and cars that also work for hotels and other businesses.

If each company has multiple vehicles, that’s maybe 1000 vehicles and drivers?

And those are the “licensed” companies!

Along comes Uber and the Uber driver. There have understandably been numerous incidents and violent conflicts between drivers. The resistance from the established cab companies and their drivers against Uber drivers has been fierce throughout Mexico. Not just in Baja!

Therefore, if you need to get from Point A-to-Point B by a certain time, you are probably better served with a cab company.

A big point of contention is airport transportation.

Although regulations allow Uber to pick up and drop off passengers in airports, I wouldn’t count on it.

I hear reports that not only are taxi companies keeping Uber out, but also airport officials are also making it difficult on Uber drivers.

The last thing you need is to be stuck waiting at the airport for a pick up. Even worse would be on your way to catch your flight and getting dropped of OUTSIDE the airport gate with all your luggage and gear.

Uber is a great and growing option for transportation in Mexico. Just be sure to pick the best times and place for it.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

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 http://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!

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter.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:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“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.”

Read Full Post »

I REMEMBER WHEN…

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, green, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on September 27, 2023| Leave a Comment »

I REMEMBER WHEN…

Originally Published the Week of Sept. 20, 2023 in Western Outdoor Publications

We were waiting on the docks here in La Paz waterfront to get folks on board their boats to go fishing. Just another gorgeous morning in the Baja.

One of them mused, “What was it like here during Covid?”

Wow. That got me thinking. So, I started to tell them.

And I realized that just about this time in September, ONLY three years ago, we were just starting to open up things down here again.

Man…was it only 3 years ago? Did we really go through all of that?

Everyone’s experiences were different depending on where they were during those crazy days. But, as I started to tell the stories, I felt like the old man telling old war stories or the grandpa who relates how “back in the day” he walked to school through blizzards barefooted.

It was ONLY 3 years ago.

I remember…

That as the rest of the world was starting to hunker down, Mexican was in a pile of denial.

Mexican President Obrador was telling people things like “keep going out. Do not change your activities. Eat at restaurants. Get together with your family!”

He was out kissing babies and saying things like “Mexicans are immune from Covid because we have Aztec blood.” He was wearing a special amulet that warded off the virus…so he said.

He told folks that Covid was a rich people disease because mostly only rich people get sick because they travel. Mexicans aren’t very rich and don’t travel much so don’t worry.

I’m sure he meant well…but…

WHAM…it hit.

Everything shut down. And they said it would only be temporary. Like several weeks maybe.

Oh sure.

Of course there were masks.

Stores, restaurants, hotels, schools, airports, churches…everything. They even shut down the beaches.

They shut down the whole ocean!

No one allowed on the beach. No one allowed on the water for fishing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking…NADA.

Most of the time, the city looked like a scene from the zombie movies. No one out. Nothing moving. No lights. No cars. Nothing on the water.

There was a 8 p.m. curfew.

No more than 2 persons in a car. One had to sit in front and one in back. Both with masks.

Social distancing everywhere if you were even allowed to gather.

Limited access to markets and stores. Restricted hours. Only one person per family could enter.

Only so many people in an aisle. You had to walk through and get sprayed in a fumigation tent to go inside.

Oh…you had to also step in a trough of sanitizer before entering places. Sanitizing your feet and shoes was pretty important. Then stepped on a dirty towel to dry your feet!

Plus you had your temperature taken as well.

Since all “non-essential businesses” were closed, that meant the breweries. No beer.

A man in a beer store stands behind a sign reading “I don’t have beer” following the shortage of beer, after the breweries countrywide closed their production due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, in Monterrey, state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, on May 5, 2020. (Photo by Julio Cesar AGUILAR / AFP) (Photo by JULIO CESAR AGUILAR/AFP via Getty Images)

In your neck of the woods, there might have been the toilet paper panic. Here there was the rush for beer. People bought up cases and cases.

When that ran out, there was a black market that popped up.

Lines formed when a store got a shipment. You were only allowed to buy a certain amount. When they ran out, folks in line got into fights.

Beer prices skyrocketed to what amounted to half-a-week’s salary for the average blue-collar person! And they still lined up.

Fumigation teams in hazmat suits roamed the streets.

I heard that at one point helicopters or planes flew over the city spraying some kind of sanitizer on the whole city.

Most folks huddled together with family in their small residences already overcrowded many times.

No school. No internet. No laptops. No NETFLIX to pass the time. Couldn’t go outside to play or to the beach.

Since many folks live hand-to-mouth on a cash basis, there was no work. No unemployment checks or government assistance checks coming.

I still wonder how they survived.

But we did. And we all went and accepted all the things we look at as “goofy” nonsense now. But 3 short years ago, we just didn’t know.

Back in the day…We just didn’t know.

Talking about it now feels like I’m telling war stories. It kinda was. Not that long ago.

And years from now, we’ll tell people about having gone through the “great pandemic.” We just didn’t know.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter.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:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“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.”

Read Full Post »

MEMORIES GO BOTH WAYS

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, green, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Uncategorized, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on September 10, 2023| Leave a Comment »

MEMORIES GO BOTH WAYS

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED in WESTERN OUTDOOR PUBLICATIONS the WEEK of SEPT. 4, 2023

I’ve been in the fishing industry in one way, shape or form now for most of my life. In Baja alone, I’ve got almost 30 years notched on my belt running our fishing operation.

In that time, I get to hear a lot of chatter about everyone’s fishing experiences. Aside from talking about the actual experience on the water, anglers talk about their skippers.

Fortunately, for our business, the majority is thankfully positive. My skippers have been with me 20-30 years. As far as I’m concerned, they are part of the team and family.

The business doesn’t go anywhere without them!

Many of our clients have been with us for years. Some families have been with us for decades. Everyone has their favorites.

As far as many of them are concerned, their captain is “the best in the Sea of Cortez!” That’s how it should be and they will happily argue the point with our other clients who also have their favorite skipper with our fleet.

It’s almost like listening to the way guys argue their favorite quarterback or homerun hitter.

All in good humor.

But, by the same token, I do get to hear when a captain has an off-day. Or the clients didn’t understand what was going on. Especially new clients.

Understandable. Everyone has an off-day now and then. Fishing inherently has off-days.

There’s often a language barrier as well. Thankfully, it’s a rarity and that’s why folks keep coming back.

But, my point is that folks remember their experiences. Folks remember their captains.

Personally, after a lifetime of fishing, I pretty much remember every fishing trip, captain or guide I ever had. I may not remember names from way back, but I’ve got the image and I remember if it was a good or bad experience.

I’m sure for many of you readers, you can think back as well. You remember your captains and guides and experiences. You remember the good, the bad and the not-so-good.

Well, there’s another side to this.

They also remember YOU!

Personally, I remember so many of our guests or personal clients that I took out on the water, either as a guide, a deckhand or instructor over these many years.

The names might escape me, but not the face or experience.

I’ve found that all my captains are like that as well.

Often when I get a reservation, I will send the name to my captain so he knows who his client will be the following day. If I have a photo, I send that along as well.

So often, my captains will tell me they remember that person well. Even in some cases, when it has been years, they remember the name and things about the clients.

It’s pretty amazing.

They’ll remember that the client battled a big tuna. Or a kid caught his first roosterfish. Or a couple really enjoyed fishing for dorado. Or wore funny hats. Or fell in the water.

If they have fished multiple times, they will remember things about the client’s family, kids, jobs, mutual affection for a certain sports team or where the client lives.

All of this happens even with a language barrier.

The captains will remember if the clients had very little experience. Or lots of experience.

They will remember if the clients brought gifts like t-shirts, or fishing gear or shared food and drinks during the day.

I am always amazed at how much they remember.

They also remember the downside that goes with it.

They tell me about clients who were poor or non-existent tippers. Or clients who had tempers or attitudes.

They talk about fishing “buddies” who didn’t get along. Or got too competitive.

I hear about clients who think they know more than these captains who have fished these waters their entire lives.

I hear about clients who have zero patience if the bite is slow or simmer and seem to blame the captain for the fishing or weather.

I hear about clients who have so much fishing gear. No matter what, they want to try every single piece of gear or tackle they brought along.

I hear about clients who bring family or kids aboard and forget completely about them. They expect the captain to babysit; run the boat; untangle lines; feed and water everyone while the parent becomes so self-absorbed in his or her own fishing.

Fortunately, 99.9% are just super cool.

Most of the time, the stories make us laugh or smile.

But everyone makes impressions. They will remember you!

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

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:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“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.”

Read Full Post »

NO BUTTS ABOUT IT!

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, green, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on August 27, 2023| Leave a Comment »

NO BUTTS ABOUT IT AMIGOS!

Originally Published the Week of Aug 30, 2023 in Western Outdoor Publications

Long day down here in La Paz. Living the dream for sure. But, we work hard at our Tailhunter fishing fleet and Tailhunter restaurant keeping folks happy.

So, a few nights ago we were at our place.

It’s a beautiful summer evening on the La Paz waterfront.

Everyone was eating or enjoying our icy mango margaritas. Many of them were eating some of their fresh-caught fish.

20210930_200757_HDR

Others were just kicking-back. Our house band was kicking out some great music. The waterfront was humming with families on a stroll. Cars cruised up and down the beachfront. Many youngsters were enjoying their last precious week of summer vacation.

Just a great vibe.

My days start early. I could finally exhale a bit and enjoy the moment after being on full turbo since before sunrise.

Everyone and everything were where they should be. One of those rare savory moments when all is right in the world even for a few moments.

One of the group of fishermen had just finished their meal and were now just enjoying the evening laughing and story-telling.

One of the guys pulled out cigars and asked if I’d like one and if it was Ok to light up.

As they were seated and had eaten out on the sidewalk tables, they were away from other diners and well downwind. No one would be bothered. I gave ‘em a thumbs-up.

A cigar sounded pretty grand myself.

I get to fire up a cigar about once every two months…if I’m lucky. This was one of those nights. A good time to take a few well-deserved (in my head) puffs with friends.

Along with a cold beer in hand, it was pretty darned nice.

As I said, moments when all is right in the world are fleeting!

Talk about a buzz kill!

Someone came up and warned us about smoking those cigars. Not for health reasons at all. They weren’t offended by the smoke. But, there’s new law!

I’m not a smoker. I might smoke maybe 4 or 5 cigars all year. That’s it. Our restaurant has always been smoke free. So any new laws about smoking flew well below my personal radar.

I guess this is old news, but it’s “new” news to me! And after chatting with a lot of folks, I guess it’s news to them as well.

So, hold on…

Earlier this year, Mexico passed the most stringent anti-smoking laws in the world! Yes…wrap your brain around that one. IN THE WORLD!

Everyone pretty much knows you can’t smoke inside restaurants, offices, public buildings, etc. blah blah blah. Common knowledge in most countries.

But, the new law in Mexico pretty much completely bans smoking of any kind…cigarettes…cigars…vapes…pipes…from everywhere EXCEPT your own private home.

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And even THAT has some restrictions.

Basically, the new law prohibits smoking on the beach, on the sidewalk, hotel rooms…pretty much any public place.

This includes hotel rooms. Hotels are now on notice to create a special smoking area at their discretion. But they don’t have to. Easy to say for the Hyatt or Hilton. Not so much for any little mom-and-pop operation.

But essentially ALL rooms are now smoke free. This also includes your balcony or terrace.

The penalties can be as high as a $500 fine or even yes…jail time.

In your home, you can still light up, but you are prohibited if someone else, like your neighbor, can get a whiff of your smokey fragrance within 10 yards (30 feet) of you.

So you can be on your patio or terrace of your condo and if your smoke has the potential to drift to your next door neighbor, you can’t do it!

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Only in your own home!

It’s debatable among many just how they will enforce this. Plus it has been argued that this is just an opportunity to extract a bribe by a ne’er-do-well cop, but it’s still well to note.

Crush your butt!

I’m gonna have to figure out what to do with my little stash of cigars now. I sure enjoyed them now and then.

Fleeting moments. When all was right in the world. Now I can’t even have a nice cigar anymore.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

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:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“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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POURING ACROSS THE BORDER

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, green, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on August 6, 2023| Leave a Comment »

POURING ACROSS THE BORDER

Originally Published the Week of Aug. 1, 2023 in Western Outdoor Publications

I bet when you read that title, something else crossed your mind.

But no, this has nothing to do with immigration, politics or borders. It does have everything to do with brilliant marketing.

Way back in the day when we’d foray south from California, we drank Mexican beer like it was a badge of honor. Even as youngsters, you never got carded.

Headed down to fish or surf or see how much mischief you could handle in a weekend, you’d return with comments like, “Dude, we inhaled a couple of cases of Dos Equis. Caught a royal buzz then caught some waves! ”

Or, “You shoulda seen all the empty Carta Blanca cans around our campsite!”

Drinking Mexican beer was part of the whole organic experience of travelling to Mexico. It didn’t even necessarily have to be cold. Having and finding ice was sometimes a bonus and just as important has having the beer in the first place.

But, it’s not like there were many choices and no one came down to drink Bud, Coors or PBR anyway, right?

These days, I don’t know if you keep up with the stink that’s going on with Bud Light and it’s associated boycott in the U.S. , but this has nothing to do with which side of he gender/ political line you follow.

But, unless you’ve lived in a cave the last several decades, Mexican beer is simply crushing it in the U.S.

I think you can look at all those brilliant adds by Corona about “finding your beach.” And sticking a lime on a longneck .

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(By the way…using a lime is totally a gringo thing. No one does it down here except tourists who have been gimmicked and conditioned by said TV ads into thinking THAT’S how to drink beer!)

And who will ever forget Dos Equis and the “World’s Most Interesting Man?” He’s as iconic as the Budweiser Clydesdales or those historic Lite Beer commercials from years past.

You may remember such gems:

“I once won a staring contest…with my own reflection.”

“My tears can cure cancer…too bad I don’t cry.”

“I live vicariously…through myself.”

dos-equis-the-most-interesting-man-in-the-world-1-400x222

And now we see Modelo ads touting it’s “Fighting Spirit” and how they are an integral part of American sports. (By the way…Modelo and Corona are the same companies!)

But, if you hadn’t heard, Modelo is now the #1 beer in the U.S. de-throning Bud Light which continues to tumble after the Dylan Mulvaney fiasco.

Somehow and comically, owner Anheuser-Busch insulted not only it’s core conservative consumers, but also the LGBTQ community as well.

Agree or disagree with your position, it’s a fascinating marketing study.

But that’s a discussion for another article.

The point is Mexican beer is literally pouring across the border these days.

Mexico is now the world’s #1 beer exporter with more than $5.5 billion dollars of beer export.

It’s not Germany. It’s not Belgium. It’s not the Netherlands in 2^nd place with only about $2 billion in exports. It’s not even the U.S.

However, the biggest consumer of Mexican cerveza are Americans. The U.S. chugs more than $5 billion in sales. Send us your beer!

Although Modelo Especial is now king in the U.S. their Corona Brand is their #1 worldwide seller with exportation to over 150 countries. Their 7 breweries in Mexico kick out up to 3 MILLION bottles PER DAY!

Overall, Mexican beer will account for over $21 billion in revenue in 2023. That includes stats showing that per capita, Mexicans average 54 liters of beer drinking annually.

Mexicans do their part too!

That’s about 12 gallons of beer annually per person over a population of about 130 million people in Mexico. I’m good for only about 2 bottles a month these days so someone is drinking my share!

As someone once said, “We don’t buy beer. We rent it.”

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

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:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“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.”

Read Full Post »

GETTING YOUR MONEY’S WORTH

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, green, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on May 25, 2023| Leave a Comment »

GETTING YOUR MONEY’S WORTH

Originally Published the Week of May 22, 2023 in Western Outdoor Publications

A few days ago, I had a couple of guys come to our Tailhunter Restaurant and Sportfishing offices here in La Paz. They were pretty troubled to say the least.

Actually, they were pissed off.

And they needed to vent.

Insofar as we run a fishing operation and have been down here forever, I was a handy target.

I knew who they were. They had contacted me several weeks earlier inquiring about a fishing package with hotel, fishing and other things.

Cool. No big deal. Appreciate the inquiry. I gave them a regular quote for the package.

They wrote back that they I was “too pricey” (their words) and they’d just make their own reservations and “wing it.”

So, what they did is go through a general 3^rd party online booking agency for their hotel for “great hotel discounts…blah blah blah.”

I’m sure you’ve heard commercials like that.

Then, when they arrived here in La Paz, they walked around the marina and found a guy selling fishing trips and set up several days of charters.

Well…the hotel was not as described online.

It was “not steps to the beach.” The pool was not filled like the pretty photos. It was half-empty because the filters “weren’t working.” The rooms had faulty air-conditioning.

But the hotel staff told them they could “upgrade” if they wanted. They were told that the online booking agency sold them “economy rooms.”

On top of that, they had given the guy at the docks several hundred down payment in cash.

They were supposed to get picked up at their hotel in the morning. No one showed up.

They called the phone he had given them. No answer.

They took a taxi to the marina. No boat. No guy to be found.

And, they let loose on me as if it was MY fault. If I had given them a better price, they would have booked with me!

On top of it, after they finished their story, they asked…

“Can you help us get a refund from the hotel and help them find the guy who sold them the charters so they could get their money back?”

When I asked the guy’s name, all they could tell me was his name was “Gonzalo” and he was short and had black hair. He had a mustache and spoke decent English. He had a New York Yankees baseball hat.

Oh, and he was a “Mexican guy.”

That described about half the population of Mexico.

They promised if I helped them get their money back, they would use that money to book with me in one of the hotels we work with . They would also do their fishing with our operation!

Please oh please help us! Wa-wa-wa!

I had to tell them, they were probably outta luck. They would have to pursue any refunds from the 3^rd party online booking company. The hotel surely wasn’t going to give them refunds.

And good luck finding someone named “Gonzalo” out on the docks.

They unfortunately, walked away mumbling something about “everyone in Mexico is a rip-off artist” and some other choice words about me as well.

I hated to see this happen to anyone because there are indeed some good independents out there, but when you cut corners, you sometimes really DO get what you pay for.

And in Mexico, there often isn’t much recourse. You’re on a vacation. You don’t have time or inclination to chase someone around. You’re in country for a limited time so you’re not going to stick around searching for someone to solve your problems.

You’re probably going to just have to eat it and make the best of it. Call it a learning lesson.

The hotel part of their vacation didn’t sound like a scam, but they surely didn’t get what they expected. The guy on the docks? Well, that was possible scam. Or not.

You just don’t know and vacation is a terrible time to find out.

Maybe signals were just crossed. Who knows?

Whether these guys were victimized or not, the biggest problem is there’s no recourse or accountability. There’s no one to go after.

I’m surely not the one to bitch at, fellas .

And therein lies the issue when you “wing it.”

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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!

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

Website:

http://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:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“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.”

Read Full Post »

DO-IT-YOURSELF VACATION SCREW-UPS IN MEXICO

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, green, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on April 23, 2023| Leave a Comment »

THIS ONE’S ON YOU!

DO-IT-YOURSELF VACATION SCREW-UPS!

Originally Published the Week of April 23, 2023 in Western Outdoor Publications

Everyone looks forward to vacations. It gets us through all the other idiotic days of the year, right?

My wife and I have been in the fishing biz now for almost 30 years. I’ve been in the industry over 40. We’ve hosted thousands of visitors over years to come fishing with us in La Paz.

I was just thinking of some of the knuckle-headed things people do to themselves to jack their vacations.

Admittedly some stuff happens. S#*t happens to all of us no matter how careful we all are. Personally guilty of that one.

But, then there are the things we’ve seen smart people do to clown their own vacations that could have been avoided.

When someone approaches me with an issue in Mexico, of course, we try our best to help. Most people will try to help. It’s natural. We’re im the people business.

But, there are other times when I think to myself:

“Your negligence is NOT my emergency.”

Like not having your documents squared away. It doesn’t happen often, but a few times a year, I get a panic-call from someone at the airport or at home who has:

Forgotten their passport
Lost their passport (and only decided to look the night before their trip)
Arrives at the airport with an expired passport
Never had a passport and figured their driver’s license is fine
Lost or forgotten the passports of their kids or family member

Happens more often than you think.

Medications are another one. I send out a checklist to all our clients. I advise everyone to never send your meds with check-in luggage in case your luggage gets lost.

Many years ago, that happened to one guy. His luggage didn’t arrive for 3 days.

We thought he was looking kinda peaked each day. I mean, he was turning yellow! Turns out his colostomy bags were in his luggage!

C’mon man!

Another guy “forgot” his heart medications. He asked me to help him get a local prescription which we helped him get. It wasn’t easy.

Then, he found out the prescription was $600 dollars!!! And he wanted me to loan him the 600 bucks. I don’t’ have 600 dollars to loan. He had to go home early. Sorry it happened, but not my problem.

That reminds me of something else.

Everyone does their best to budget for their vacation. But did you really bring enough?

What about unforeseen things like:

Tips and resort fees
Taxis and shuttles
Unexpected cancelations of flights or other weather issues
Big bar and food bills
Extra activities
Too many “almost free” souvenirs

Many places in Mexico do NOT take credit cards. Many of us do NOT accept American Express either because of the fees.

No one will accept a personal check. Many places cannot accept cashier cheques either.

And here’s a real big one…many businesses do not and cannot accept big bills. That’s because the Mexican banks won’t accept them.

So, now you’re also stuck trying to break 100 dollar bills. Good luck.

Unless you have an account, the banks can’t help. Hotels aren’t banks either or have limited cash on hand. So, you’re out-of-luck and stressing.

So you buy a t-shirt you’ll never wear just to break that bill and now you have $80 in Mexican pesos.

And here’s the biggest one we see that can be a real vacation-buster. It’s completely avoidable.

That involves simply overdoing it.

Moderation in all things. That includes sunshine.

As much as it feels good to roast in that warm Mexican sun on the beach or pool, take some pre-cautions. On more than one occasion, we’ve seen folks so charbroiled it’s painful to us just to watch. Let alone the victim!

Painful and potentially dangerous.

The same can be said for hydration. That’s not drinking enough water as well as drinking too much alcohol.

These two are probably the most common. People hit the alcohol and forget the water…for their whole trip.

Especially that first day.

My gosh…folks pile off the plane and hit the beach or pool and it’s full-speed ahead! We hear the yahoo-ing and whooping.

At first, we smile. Glad they’re having a good time.

After awhile, we start getting worried.

For us, I gotta get these folks up early to go fishing or some other activity! I’ve had to escort people to their hotel rooms or we’ve sometimes carried folks!

So, often, they’re not able to answer the bell the next day.

Or in some cases, they are so intoxicated they get sick. And they stay sick for a good part of their vacations. They can’t answer the bell for several days!

Bad for them. Bad for us. Bad for everyone they are with.

Know your limits. Take it easy.

You might be ruining your vacation as well as the folks you’re travelling with. And with a little thought, it’s all very avoidable.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

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:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“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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HAND ON HEART – It Still Gets To Me

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on March 17, 2023| 1 Comment »

HAND ON HEART – It Still Gets To Me

Originally Published the Week of Mar. 10, 2023 in Western Outdoor Publications

OK, this is not really about Mexico like my usual columns. Or maybe it is.

My wife, Jilly, and I have been on the road now about 2 months travelling the U.S. doing the usual fishing/ hunting shows and conventions across the country. Lots of road hours.

With our booth, cat and clothes bundled up and stuffed in our Suburban, we’ve now done shows this year in Dallas, Reno, Salt Lake City, San Diego and Nashville. We just wrapped it up in Southern California at the Pacific Coast Sportfishing Show at the Orange Co. Fairgrounds.

A few minutes before the show started with hundreds of vendors ready go in their booths and a couple thousand attendees anxiously waiting at the gates to go in…

A giant American flag was unfurled and a beautiful woman’s voice sang a live version of the Star Spangled Banner over the fairground’s speaker system.

Everyone stopped. Oh Say Can You See?

Trucker hats and cowboy hats came off. Beanies and visors got placed over hearts with hands.

Guys with scruffy beards and overalls standing next to millennials, Generation Xer’s, surfer dudes, deckhand-types, salty old guys, guys and gals in camo or cutoffs, families, boomer folks in fashion… were all standing at silent attention staring at a massive American flag slowly fluttering in the chilly morning breeze.

Middle class…high class…no class. Didn’t matter. All standing together.

Next to me, a hipster with a man-bun and black skinny-legged stovepipe pants had his hand over his heart next to an older gent with a baseball that that said “Vietnam Veteran. He was standing at full salute.

There was a family that looked Middle Eastern (the wife had a burka) with an African American family standing nearby as well. I could see the wife mouthing the words…

“What so proudly we hail…”

Many folks of Asian and Latino descent also standing and saluting in their own ways.

Dangit…My wife and I both got teary-eyed. We always do.

And as that great song is playing, “Oh say does that star-spangled banner…”

I’m thinking, why can’t we all get along? Why are we so devisive? Why does it take some national tragedy or emergency to bring us all together?

Look at us all standing together at this very moment.

However, over 4 days of the show, folks coming to our booth to talk about fishing in La Paz. And they just can’t help themselves.

Over conversation about airflights into Mexico or Mexican restaurants or catching marlin…comments get interjected about our politics, their politicians, our presidents and their presidents, religions and economies.

Not little comments either, but combative, inflammatory and vociferous opinions. Fighting words. Not directed at me, but surely loud enough for the opinions to be heard by anyone within earshot.

As if they were just looking for an opportunity…any opportunity to wiggle in a belligerent opinion. Amazing.

What do street tacos have to do with election fraud? Or how is fishing in a panga related to conspiracy theories about covid or supply chain issues? The size of a dorado and corruption?

C’mon, man.

And of course, everyone of an opposite belief is an “idiot.”

Sigh…

I live and work in another country. That country has given me a nice little career and livelihood. But I’m still proudly American.

Inwardly, I laugh.

Check out what it’s like for most folks living across the border. Politics, the judicial system, the economy, education…if Americans could only see and experience what it’s like
“over there.”

There’s a reason why so many folks are trying to get across to the U.S. (A completely different discussion for sure.)

But, we are so blessed as Americans. Yea, the struggle is real. For all it’s monumental problems, what a darned fine country.

And for one shining moment, standing in the chilly morning breeze listening to the national anthem and facing a giant old glory, it felt especially good.

To look around and think that for all our outward differences…for all our crazy opinions…we could still draw together over an old worn song that still has meaning.

And that if it ever came to it, we’d all have each other’s backs.

That’s my story…

Jonathan

______________

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!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

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:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“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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WHEN MEXICAN FOOD ISN’T MEXICAN FOOD

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, green, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on February 15, 2023| Leave a Comment »

THINK AGAIN!

WHEN MEXICAN FOOD ISN’T MEXICAN FOOD

Originally Published the Week of Feb. 13, 2023 in Western Outdoor Publications

One of the most common questions we get living in Mexico from visitors is “Where can we find REAL Mexican food?”

That kinda makes me grin.

For one, we own our own restaurant in La Paz. Yes, we serve tacos, but I wouldn’t call the rest of our menu “typical Mexican” cuisine.

Anyway, when I ask folks what they consider REAL Mexican food, I get the usual responses you might expect. However, most of the responses are based on gringo-ized versions and concepts.

The main thing is that you’re probably NOT going to find anything resembling that chain-eatery in your city back home. And you DEFINITELY will not find any crazy creation you’ll find at Taco Bell like a “chalupa” or “nacho cheese dorito loco taco.”

I personally love ‘em, but they surely aren’t authentic Mexican by any stretch of the imagination.

So, here’s my list of things that come to mind you’ll probably not find in your average restaurant in Mexico. Sorry to be a buzz kill because I’m sure some of your favorites are on my list:

CHILI – The first thing that comes to mind. Years ago, I threw a party for friends and made chili dogs. A sure party hit.

Everyone looked disgustedly at this saucy morass of meat and beans and WIPED IT OFF THE HOT DOGS! Turns out no one knew what chili was and I found out later it’s a cowboy Tex-Mex thing not something you’d find normally in Mexico.

CHIPS – This one hurts! We’re so used to getting a bottomless basket of chips before the meal ever arrives. Not so in Mexico unless the restaurant is really a gringo-ized tourist restaurant. Or, maybe you’ll get a little bowl that has a dozen chips. That’s it. Ask for salsa. It’s extra.

HARD SHELL TACOS – In Mexico, it’s a heated soft-tortilla wrapped around whatever goodness is being served. The idea of a pre-formed crunchy hard-shell is purely American.

There is something called a “taco dorado.” This is not a fish taco. Rather, the filling is put together. Then the whole thing is deep fried in hot oil. I’ve sometimes heard this called a “Los Angeles Street Taco.” They’re good and you’ll find them here and there. Think Jack-in-the-Box super taco except even better.

FILLED TACOS – We’re used to having a taco stuffed with ground beef usually. You won’t find ground beef tacos in Mexico.

We are also used to having our tacos pre-loaded with cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. In Mexico, the soft tortilla has the protein. Then it’s up to you to go to the salsa bar and load it with whatever you want. This is where the magic begins! However, do not expect to find shredded cheese as part of the choices.

NACHOS – It’s popping up more frequently. Not only at tourist restaurants, but it’s becoming a local favorite as well, especially among kids. Who doesn’t like all the gooey cheese dripping off chips and topped with other yumminess? But, most local-local restaurants will not have it on the menu although they will probably be happy to throw it together.

Legend has it that nachos had their genesis along the border when some picky army wives went to a restaurant after it was already closed and the inventive owner threw something together for them that just exploded in popularity.

TACO BOWL SALADS – WHAAAAT??? We tried to introduce them at our own La Paz restaurant and our staff couldn’t even fathom what we were talking about. We dropped it off our menu. No one knows what it is or why anyone would do such a thing. A taco shaped like a bowl? Really?

FAJITAS – Another Tex-Mex concoction. Get some meat and throw it in a pan with whatever else you have hanging around in the frig. It’s the equivalent of Chinese Chop Suey…which is about as Chinese as Fajitas are Mexican.

BURRITOS – Yes, another culinary lie! Those big-as-your-forearm wraps of everything yummy are American. You’ll find “burros” (big donkeys) here-and-there that are somewhat similar but not as elaborate, but most Mexican places will have small hand-sized tortillas with fillings. In which case it’s really a taco now!

TAMALES– Found occasionally from street vendors, but rarely found in a restaurant. Too time-intensive. Someone sells them, but you’ll have to go looking.

ROLLED TACOS (Taquitos) – Go to San Diego to find them. Go to El Paso. We have found them in Utah. But, not Mexico.

My wife’s favorite. Can’t find ‘em anywhere. Whenever we’ve travelled in Mexico and have asked for them, we get a look from the waiter like “WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO ROLL A TACO INTO A TUBE AND DEEP FRY IT? “ We gave up . We make our own at home instead.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

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:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“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.”

Read Full Post »

COKE…The Real Thing?

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storms, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on December 11, 2022| Leave a Comment »

COKE…The Real Thing?

Originally Published the Week of Dec. 4, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

If you’re old enough to remember commercial about Coke being the “real thing,” you’re like me. You have some history!

Ask most folks what the most popular drink in Mexico is and some will say it’s tequila . Others will claim it’s beer.

It may surprise you to learn that Coke is the #1 beverage in Mexico. The statistics are astounding.

According to the stats, Mexicans drink more than 700 cups of Coca-Cola a year! Let that sink in for a moment. That is 43 gallons of Coke per year.

Chiapas is Mexico’s poorest and southernmost state. The average person in Chiapas knocks back over a ½ gallon of the Coke each day! It’s an area where Coke is cheaper and easier to get than water.

I’m not sure how much Coke YOU drink, but that’s a lot of Coke by anyone’s standards.

In fact, Mexico is the largest consumer of soft-drinks in the world. Coke being about 70% of that consumption.

That 700 cups in Mexico is still way ahead of the #2 country. It’s the United States with a still-crazy 400 cups of Coke every year per person.

Needless to say, Coke is a big part of the fabric of Mexican life, tradition and culture. Some would argue it’s an addiction.

It’s not only a refreshment but is even used in religious ceremonies and for medicinal purposes as well. With some validity, it’s used to soothe or cure everything from headaches, indigestion and nerve disorders.

I mean, how many times have we all just “grabbed a Coke” and we seem to feel better?

But, it wasn’t always that way in Mexico, although it had been around for decades.

It really gained it’s popularity during the 60’s and 70’s. Former Mexican Presidente Vincente Fox worked his way up the corporate ranks of Coke, but started as a delivery driver and salesman. He ended up as President of the company.

During his career, he shrewdly offered incentives to companies who sold Coke exclusively over Pepsi.

Then, during the 70’s, it really accelerated. Those were the years that Mexico sponsored the Olympics in Mexico City as well as the World Cup.

Not surprisingly this co-incided with national ad campaigns that exposed the drink to so many Mexicans and brought it to prominence.

Mexican President Luis Echeverria, during those years, even tried to get the Coke recipe in order to nationalize the drink as the official drink of Mexico. He was unsuccessful. However, it underscored how integrated the drink had become to the nation.

When Vincente Fox left the presidency of Coca Cola and became President of Mexico in the early 2000’s, he sure wasn’t going to let the brand fall.

It was his baby. Lots of photos of him with an ice cold Coke in hand!

So, what’s the deal with Mexican Coke?

Many folks swear by it over American Coke although many folks can’t tell the difference in flavor.

However, it’s growing popularity has many U.S. outlets and restaurants now offering Mexican Coke to their customers and patrons.

While quite cheap to purchase in Mexico, it’s understandably more expensive in the U.S. It has to be imported. But that has not slowed the demand.

But, many Americans clamor for it.

There is a difference.

While American Coke is made with high-fructose corn syrup, Mexican Coke is made from cane sugar. To many purists, they insist it has a cleaner and fresher flavor and zest.

Some testify it that Mexican Coke doesn’t have the chemical taste of fructose Coke. Supposedly it also has more snap and effervescence.

Others also insist that it makes a difference that Mexican coke comes in the traditional bottles. And to many, glass containers make a critical difference.

However, other than taste, one wonders if Coke made with sugar is better for you than high-fructose Coke. The medical field says it’s all the same.

Coke is Coke.

Arguably, the same taste. Same calories, sodium and other things probably not so good for us.

Alot of it could all be in your head and what advertising tells us.

Does an organic apple taste different than a regular apple? To me, Chicago Pizza tastes as good as a New York pizza. Expensive water bottled in the “mountains of Fiji” better than “smart water.”

C’mon, Man!

It’s like the Emperor’s New Clothes.

We all think Mexican Coke is better because everyone says it’s better. So when we lift that ice cold bottle to our lips…ahhhhh…dang, that’s good stuff!

But, there’s some hard sad facts about drinking Coke. Even one can.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my Coke. I don’t drink a ton of it, but it’s my non-alcohol drink of choice on many occasions. Living in Mexico, an icy can from the cooler on the beach rocks. Or while fishing.

And, I’m personally not picky about Mexican or American Coke. The red can is the red can.

Seems pretty harmless.

However, a single can of Coke has about 10 teaspoons or sugar in it (or it’s equivalent in fructose corn syrup) which does the same thing to your body. It still gets processed the same way.

The World Health Organization recommends no more than 6 teaspoons per day. So, even one can or bottle puts you way above dosage.

Not to mention the sodium and caffeine that’s also being consumed.

By the way, original Coke actually did have cocaine in it! But that’s for another story.

Sodium, sugar, caffeine…All of these are attributable to higher blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. Or at least the lifestyle that goes along with it…

Those factors contributed a lot to fatalities during the pandemic.

Mexican Coke or American Coke. It’s no wonder the two leading consumers of Coke in the world also have the highest obesity and diabetes issues.

Buzz kill. But, it is the “real thing.”

I don’t have any beer in my frig. But, I do have a 6-pack of Coke sitting in there.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

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:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“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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Jonathan has written for:

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Baja Life Magazine
The Log
Fish Taco Chronicles
Sportsman's Channel Magazine

His articles also appear in:

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