Archive for the ‘Baja Rockfish’ Category

KIND OF A HUSH

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, catch and release, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, ceviche, 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, orca, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, posada, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, sailfish, 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 cup mexico, world records, yellowtail on July 18, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Originally Published the Week of July 18, 2026 in Western Outdoor Publications

It was quite a buzz kill. A big wet thump.

In addition to our fishing fleets, we also own a restaurant and sports bar on the waterfront in La Paz.

The Mexican soccer team made an incredible and unexpected run through four World Cup soccer teams.

South Africa, South Korea, Czechia and Ecuador had all fallen in which not a single opponent had even scored a goal against the scrappy Mexican team…

…they had battled their way into the round of the Final 16 teams. The best in the world.

It all came crashing down against England in a tough competitive match. In front of a roaring home crowd of more than 80,000 at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and more than 1 million cheering fans outside the stadium…

Mexico lost 3-2. THUMP. The other shoe fell.

Did that really happen?

Over the previous weeks, we had watched, screamed and yelled along with our Mexican friends and customers in our bar.

Stomping…cheering…toasting beers…tequila shots after goals…it was incredible fun in a full-house. Every table and chair was filled with high-fiving-fist pumping fans.

Even for those of us who don’t quite understand the nuances of the sport or for some of our gringo customers who don’t understand the game, the energy was contagious.

You watched the ball. It went this way. It went that way.

You bounced along with the staccato mile-a-minute commentary of the announcers as their voices conveyed exciting or disappointed happenings.

You laughed at the “flopping” injuries as players gripped heads or shins as if hit by sledge hammers only to watch them get up and run down the field…

And it didn’t take much understanding to know when that ball flew into the net! Everyone screams. Everyone jumps up. The announcers…GOOOOAAAAL!!!!

“ESO!” (Heck ya!)

“VAMOS!” (Let’s go!)

“MEJICO! MEJICO! MEJICO! Everyone chants. Cars start honking horns in the street. Car alarms are deliberately set off! Every bar and restaurant around is full of euphoric fans.

And then, it was suddenly over.

Kind of a big hush. WHOOOOSH…

Deflation. Muted silence. No cussing at the TV or referees or the team. Just a huge decompression of national energy. Like someone let the air out’ve the place.

A good match that just didn’t go Mexico’s way.

It was funny, but I walked from the restaurant downstairs to my office a couple of floors below . There were several e-mails.

People asking if the Mexicans were rioting? Were they breaking things in our restaurant? Were we safe?

WHAAAT? Hard to believe. On the contrary…

For sure…Within minutes of the match, the bars and restaurants had emptied into the street along the waterfront.

Gathering en masse. Beers and banners in hands. Green jerseys and horns…placards and signs..

No rioting. No bashing. No windows broken.

It was amazing.

If you remember the “Grinch Stole Christmas” movie during the holidays.

The Grinch has taken all the presents and destroyed Christmas. He looks down on Whoville. He expects sadness and despair. Instead, he sees everyone gathered and singing. He is incredulous.

He might have taken all the toys, but he had not destroyed the spirit.

And here it was again.

Mexico might have lost, but it had not lost the sprit.

The streets were filled with joyous happy people. Holding hands. Singing…Dancing…chanting…still hoisting beers. Bouncin up and down in unison.

Shoulder-to-shoulder. Proud of their team which had done so well. Exuberant and unified…and having a heckuva time!

Well into the night. A giant street party with several thousand of your best friends and fans. Viva Mexico!

After several weeks of having the unique vantage point of owning a sports bar in Mexico, I can’t help but feel that same euphoria.

No one expected this chippy Mexican team to go very far. No one expected them to hold some of the best teams in the world to zero goals.

Mexico in the round of the final 16? It had outlasted and outplayed all those other teams? No me mames! En serio? Are you kidding me?

It built over the weeks. You could feel it. There was a palpable camaraderie in the town.

People were wearing green Mexico soccer jerseys. People would pass each other in the street or knuckle bump and instead of saying “Buenos Dias” would say “Viva Mexico.”

And everyone knew what it meant.

We are Mexico and we got this. We have a chance. We’re showing the world on the biggest stage.

It was exciting. Everyone talked about the last match and the next match. Everyone followed the tiktok videos and replays; the scouting reports for the next match ; and where they were going to watch the next match.

…and if they won…

. …WHEN they won…

Who would they play next?

Government offices even closed during the matches. The streets were empty. People scrambled to find bars or restaurants that weren’t already filled. Banners and flags were everywhere.

People had a little swagger in their walk. There was some quiet chest-pumping going on.

Andale! Bring it on! Let’s do this!

It was like having Super Bowl week for several weeks.

This Mexico team might just be the real deal, Cabron!

One kick…one goal…that’s all it might take to go to the next round. We…

US MEXICANS have a chance!

How could you not root for the home team?

And when it came crashing down…

There were understandably a lot of disappointed faces. Like any sports contest…coulda…woulda…shoulda. The ball doesn’t always bounce your way.

But for a few weeks and even after the match, Mexico was in the big dance showing it’s stuff. It was so much fun.

VIVA MEXICO, CABRONES! Thanks for the great time.

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 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!

_____________

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:

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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TRAVEL HACKS

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, catch and release, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, ceviche, 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, missions, orca, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, posada, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, sailfish, 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, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, 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 1, 2026| 1 Comment »

Originally Published the Week of May 1, 2026 in Western Outdoor Publications

I’ve been away from home here in La Paz for a few months. We were up in the states taking care of business related to our fishing operation down here where we’ve lived now going on 31 years.

In all those years, I’ve come in and out’ve the country dozens of times. As it’s getting to be “vacation season” soon with the summer months impending, I was thinking of some things that might make your travel in and out’ve here a little easier.

One question I’m asked about often is pesos vs. dollars. Which is better.

Look…every country in the world LOVES U.S. dollars. Even if they don’t necessarily like US (as a country).

Here in Mexico, it’s no different. Everyone loves dollars. However, many places don’t or or hesitant to accept denominations over $20 .

That’s because there’s too much fraud/ counterfeit and many banks won’t accept big denominations either. Also, many smaller vendors simply can’t make change.

Bring small bills. You’ll find them handy also for tips. Oh…and forget coins. No one can use U.S. coins here.

The BEST place to get pesos is your own bank. Not at the exchange booth at the airport or in your Mexican town or city.

Order them from your own bank. You’ll get a much better exchange rate.

Planning to bring fish home?

Rather than bringing down a big hard ice chest and paying for all the air in there, consider a duffle bag with your clothes and other things stuffed inside. Now you’re only paying for 1 bag.

When you come home, hopefully, your cooler will be full of fish and your clothes bag becomes carry-on luggage or check it in.

Alternatively, bring one of the newer high-tech soft coolers that rolls up into your suitcase. Filled with fish on the way home, it’ll help with the expense of two pieces of luggage.

Also, you’re not allowed to put ice in your ice chests, but a good way to add extra insulation around your fish is to use your stinky or dirty clothes. Stick it in all the empty spaces of your ice chest. It doesn’t add much weight.

By the way, I have seen it time and again. On the plane down, they pass out immigration and customs forms to fill out.

No one ever has a pen! Stick one in your shirt pocket. (A cheap pen that you’re not afraid to lose if someone passes the pen to someone else then someone else…). And you don’t want to wait until everyone else is finished with it.

Also, while packing, make a 2^nd copy of your passport, drivers license and fishing license. Pack them somewhere different than where you are keeping the originals. If you lose an original, at least you have copies to get you back home.

Most places in tourist destinations, these days accept credit cards. It’s handy to use rather than carrying around wads of cash.

Use a credit card that has low or zero foreign transactional fees. That way you won’t get tapped the extra fees when you go to pay your bills.

If you’re bringing fishing rods down, it’s really cumbersome these days (and costly) to bring down the big tube of sticks like we used to do back in the day. Plus you whack everyone in the head.

Consider several companies that now sell reliable travel rods. They are way better now than they used to be and will save you a lot of time, space and money.

Also, don’t forget, more often now, customs at the airport is checking how much fishing gear you have. If you have more than 4 rods, they are now enforcing the customs rules. More than 4, you might find yourself paying duty on the extra gear.

It seems silly to remind folks. However, stay hydrated. The sun down here is brutal without you realizing it. Keep sipping water (beer does not count).

If you find yourself thirsty, you’re already de-hydrated. The heat, humidity, activity and beer will pull liquid out’ve your body fast. If you don’t hydrate, you’re gonna get sick…headaches…body aches, etc.

Or worse. I’ve seen it.

Little electrolyte hydration powders are ulta-handy and you can put 1 or 2 or two in your pocket. Trust me. They’ll save you and also make your water taste better too!

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter Sportfishing

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

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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NOW WHAT?

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, 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, catch and release, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, ceviche, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, 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, 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, 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 economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, orca, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, posada, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, sailfish, 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, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, 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 21, 2026| Leave a Comment »

NOW WHAT?

Originally Published the Week of Mar. 20, 2026 in Western Outdoor Publications

For the last 3 months, Jilly and I have been on the road doing our annual trade show/ fishing expo tour back and forth across the United States for our Tailhunter Sportfishing operation in La Paz.

We’ve been doing these from January to March every year for over 30 years. Bozeman to Boise. Seatle to San Diego. Phoenix to Portland and so many great cities in between for these 3-5 days expos.

Normally, we’ve done up to 14 shows in a year. This year, only 6. We’re getting a bit older.

Besides.travel these days to drive or fly isn’t what it used to be!

I’m really tired of taking off my shoes in airports or putting gas in the car with a snow storm outside! And all hotel rooms look the same and the free breakfasts never changes.

So, this year, let me see…Sacramento…Reno…Salt Lake City…Nashville…Orange Co and then San Diego.

I must talk to hundreds of folks at these shows . Old friend and new friends. They are ultimately huge fun social events!

Having been running our fishing operation now for over 30 years, we’ve hosted thousands of anglers. Gratefully, a large portion of them are repeat visitors.

The last couple of shows we did this year, I happened to hear similar comments from a few of our “old timers.”

They told me that they sure had fun fishing with us over the years and fishing in Baja, but…

“Oh, y’know, I’ve caught so many tuna.” Or…

“I’m tired of catching dorado or (fill in the name of a common Baja fish.”)

So, they don’t wanna come down to fish anymore.

“I’m kinda done with Baja.”

I sure understand the sentiment . We would all like to catch “bigger and better.”

And the world is such a grand space with so many places to explore.

I get it. I still have so many places waiting for me too.

But then, there’s the others side of the coin.

The guy who walks up to me in our booth and says, “I’ve had such great times with you over the years. It’s time to bring the kids or grandkids. Or the wife. Or the best buddy who have never experienced it.

It’s just refreshing to hear.

This is the guy with nothing to prove.

He’s caught his marlin or wahoo or dorado or tuna. He’s fished the mountains and rivers and the coast. He’s done long range from San Diego and the trout opener in the Sierras. He’s fished Alaska and rock fish at the Channel Islands.

Or not.

But, he remembers the good times. He’s holding onto some good memories.

He’s got nothing to prove to anyone or to himself.

He doesn’t need to catch the biggest fish. He doesn’t need to show everyone that he catches more fish or brag about all the places he’s fished.

But, he wants to share it.

So, he come down and he’s got newbies, rookies, family…

I don’t see him bragging or intensely trying to outdo everyone to prove he’s top dog. He’s content to watch and listen and teach.

If he catches fish (which he always does), that’s fine.

But he gets a bigger kick out’ve watching everyone else catch fish or helping one of the kids or a wife or buddy fine tune their game!

And no one is prouder than seeing the big smiles. No one gives bigger high-5’s or takes more photos.

He is perfectly fine watching someone else catch more and bigger and getting lit up by a big fish and letting someone else be “top dog.”

And he’s the guy back on the beach or docks showing photos and saying, “That’s my boy!” Or “Check out what my wife or daughter caught today!”

The excitement and enthusiasm are genuine.

Yea, he probably could’ve out-fished them with his eyes closed and one arm tied behind his back.

But, that’s not the point.

Nothing to prove. Everything to share!

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter Sportfishing

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

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 »

THE UNIVERSAL EQUALIZER

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, catch and release, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, ceviche, 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, orca, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, posada, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, sailfish, 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 February 5, 2026| Leave a Comment »

THE UNIVERSAL EQUALIZER

Originally Published the Week of Jan. 20, 2026 in Western Outdoor Publications

You may have heard the saying that “music is the universal language.” There’s a lot of logic to that.

But, I have a different take and twist on that.

In all my decades in the fishing industry and thousands of guest and fishing clients, I think there’s a corollary.

“Fishing is the universal equalizer.”

There might be others, but off the top of my head, I can’t think of another sport where an animal can level the playing field across the board.

An animal with a brain the size of a pea has the ability to cause such a wide-ranging effect on anyone who has ever wetted a line.

Like the nursery rhyme, it can cast it’s blowback over “rich men…poor men…begger man and thief…doctors…lawyers…Indian chiefs” as a matter of course.

There is no immunity.

I have seen anglers who flew in their private jets or live on private islands…CEO’s…and royalty reduced to tears by fish.

Just as easily I have seen strong men of lesser means that have figuratively had their hearts and spirits broken as easily as a fishing line or rods.

Big fish…small fish…

Likewise, I have seen the elation and joy that crosses all boundaries.

First-timers, old-timers and hardcore anglers laughing and high-fiving deliriously or collapsing in exhaustion with big smiles on their faces and shaking arms.

Kids wide-eyed and proud and parents with puffed-out chests just as proud taking or posing for photo after photo.

Wives, girlfriends and significant others strutting over catching bigger fish than anyone else. Or more fish!

Even moreso, these wily elusive fish-creatures equalize us all in a different way.

In this day-and-age, there are so many divisive things in our lives. There’s politics, religion, economics and a plethora of other things.

Fishing kinda brings us all together.

There is the heartbreak of loss and frustration that we have all shared at one time or another. But there is also the shared euphoria and intoxication of the sport and the catch.

There are stories to tell. Adventures to share. Experiences that pervade, delight, sympathize and laugh about.

There are bragging rights and good-natured competition and one-up- manship. Not just in the immediate moment, but long into the future with each re-telling of the story, experience or joke.

It’s in our genetic make-up. Like the hunter-gatherer who returned to his primordial cave or hut to give an accounting to eager ears. There are no class or economic lines when you’re telling stories about the one that got away.

Or telling and re-telling the story about the great beast that did NOT get away. Age is relative. Everyone likes a good story whether it’s an 18” trout or a 100-pound tuna.

It’s how you tell the story!

And then there’s the fun part.

Smack talking and humor. If you can’t talk smack when you fish, maybe you should try playing chess.

Give and take. Give a friendly jab and take one! Horseplay. Being kids again.

All of us.

Folks who might never associate with each other away from the sport are laughing and talking shop.

The potato farmer with the New York stock broker. The social director at the country club with the soccer mom. The electrician and the rabbi. The guy from Japan and the guy from Poland. Trading stories. Telling tales. Having a beer together.

All because of this animal with the little brain.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter Sportfishing

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

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 »

BEST DAY EVER!

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, catch and release, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, ceviche, 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, orca, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, posada, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, sailfish, 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 January 25, 2026| Leave a Comment »

BEST DAY EVER!

Originally Published the Week of Jan. 9, 2026 in Western Outdoor Publications

For almost 40 years now I’ve been putting folks on boats to go fishing. Dare, I say there have been thousands? Gosh, where did the time go?

I’ve been in Mexico THAT long?

We look up and another fishing season has gone by. I look back and think of all the faces and names, smiles and laughs that have blessed me along the wonderful journey.

There’s that old saying, “If you like what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Sure, there are down days and up days and some are better than others. But, if the saying above is true, then I’ve been on an extended vacation for more than a few decades.

I would not have changed a thing.

But, looking back, I think I’ve changed how I looked at things.

Back in the days, it was about numbers!

Folks would come back from a day on the water or I’d be waiting on the beach or docks.

My first words would be something like “So how many did you catch?”

Numbers…numbers…numbers.

A good day on the water was defined by how many fish in the box.

Did we get more than yesterday?

Did Joe catch more than Bob?

How many did Tim lose or did Mary catch more than husband Dave?

Or did the kids catch more than their dad?

Did one of my captains catch more than another of my captains?

Did my fleet catch more than the other fleet?

That was the major criterion. Fish counts.

Quantity.

Of course within limits, but if the numbers were good then the smiles were big and broad. The stories and tall tales were better at happy hour around the pool. The ice chests were heavier flying home.

Somehow along the way, quantity took a bit more of a back seat.

Of course, I want folks to catch fish. That’s business. That’s why they come down to see us in Mexico over-and-over.

But these past few years, I caught myself doing something different.

I don’t ask how many fish got caught or who caught the most.

More likely, I tend to ask…

“Did you have fun?”

“Did you have a great day?”

Did you enjoy yourselves?”

Sure, they’ll tell me about their fish and numbers do pop up into the conversation.

But insofar as I used to crave hearing, “We caught limits,” now I listen for something else. Maybe something even more important.

Hearing, “We had the BEST DAY EVER!” lights me up.

Hearing, “I could not have imagined it would be THAT fun!” Or

“What a great time with my kids (or family)!”

“We had an unforgettable day that we will always remember!”

“Watching my kid catch his/ her first fish was the best. They can’t wait to fish again!”

Yup…those kinda comments.

The fishing gets them here. The memories keep them coming back.

Just the other day, one guest said, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip that I have always dreamed about. I saved a long time to come down and I doubt I’ll make it back. But, I had an incredible adventure and I will never forget it.”

Those are the kinds of comments that I’m treasuring the most these days.

I used to keep track of which of my captains caught the most or biggest fish. I stopped that.

Now, I tend to keep score on which of my captains have the biggest “fun factor.”

“My captain sang funny songs all day while we fished!”

“Our captain was so great and patient with my kids!”

“My captain told us all about his family and his wife made some ceviche to share with us while we were fishing.”

“He brought us to a beach at the island so my wife and I could jump in the water.”

Life’s too short not to have fun. Every day should be the BEST DAY EVER!”

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter Sportfishing

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

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 »

AN IMMERSIVE CHRISTMAS

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, catch and release, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, ceviche, 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, orca, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, posada, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, sailfish, 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, posada, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, Tailhunter Sea Level, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on December 11, 2025| Leave a Comment »

AN IMMERSIVE CHRISTMAS

Originally Published the Week of Dec. 11, 2025 in Western Outdoor Publications

It’s pretty hard to escape Christmas if you live down here in Mexico. It sorta lands right on you when you definitely aren’t ready for it. This is especially true if you are used to other holiday traditions.

In the U.S. there’s no escaping “Black Friday” shopping. It used to be the big day AFTER Thanksgiving. Now, it starts well before that! Almost every day if Black Friday!

But, in Mexico…BAM! Right on your head.

Reminders of Christmas smack you about August! Just when it’s still over 100 degrees and humid outside. Right when you’re still running around in shorts and your flip-flops.

In Mexico, there is no Thanksgiving per se. And although the concept if Halloween is growing, it’s just a little bump on the calendar for a few hours one night.

In Mexico, the stores already have decorations in their displays. There are ribbons taped on merchandise and all kinds of “sales and discounts.”

In the parking lots of the big stores, giant circus tents have been erected. That’s where all the toys are stockpiled and folks are already shopping and putting things on layaway.

There’s a brisk sale on artificial Christmas trees, ornaments and lights. By mid-November, there are even some lots in the cities selling “Fresh Oregon Christmas trees!”

Honestly, if you wait until December, there’s a good chance you’ll be outta luck. Toys will have been picked over. Lights and ornaments long sold out. And they’re not gonna re-order.

You’ll find empty shelves.

Fortunately, there’s Amazon, but back in the day, you’d be stuck. Even with Amazon, you pay a premium price on things.

Additionally, delivery can still take longer than promised. Delays are not unusual depending on where you live.

That being said, if you’re coming down to visit during the holidays, you’ll probably run into many of the same things you would have seen back home.

…except snow! The only “snow” will be in your ice chest or margarita glass.

But that’s where you need to embrace the differences. Mexico adds a completely different magic and charm to the Christmastime ambience.

In the larger cities, wander downtown. Usually around the town square or plaza or the older historical parts of town there’s always something going on.

In December, local vendors will set up their booths about the beginning of December and every night during the holidays, they’ll be out there selling clothes, toys, hats, leather goods, shoes, belts pinatas, knick-knacks and more. Basically, a Christmas craft and street fair.

Plus there’s usually music from live bands or wandering musicians and ALWAYS lots of food vendors! The aroma of carne asada tacos, street corn and churros pulls you in like a tractor beam.

It’s really the place to be for families. Old friends visit and chat. Couples stroll and the young boys and girls try to impress each other…like anywhere else!

Don’t be surprised if Santa also makes an appearance!

Most of the larger cities also have colorful festive Christmas parades along the waterfront with some impressive floats and marching groups. Expect most of the city to show up to party.

If there’s a marina, you can bet there will also be a boat parade with vessels draped in creative lights and the whole waterfront will be lined with partygoers. If there are multi-storied restaurants along the waterfront, go early and get a good sea to watch!

Also, many of the churches host “posadas” which means “inn.” They commemorate Joseph and Mary looking for shelter during that first Christmas.

The events are elegant candlelight affairs and will usually feature a slow walking procession of celebrants, usually led by the priests, padres or monks followed by whomever wants to join in or carry a candle.

These usually take place in the older historic parts of the cities.

They often take on the air or solemnity but are actually often a joyous affair along the crowd-lined streets. Usually there is wonderful singing and musicians like guitar players who accompany the procession.

The posada usually starts or ends at the church, but it usually culminates with food! Food seems to be an underlying theme to all Christmas celebrations.

Another great excuse for Chrismas tamales, tacos, churros and warm champurrado which is the Mexican version of hot chocolate (real chocolate and cinnamon and thickened with flour). If not in a local restaurant, then at someone’s house or several houses.

Sometimes, it’s a rotating affair from restaurant to restaurant or house-to-hous.

Join the procession and you’ll be welcomed to the party!

Feliz Navidad!

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter Sportfishing

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

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 »

IT’s OK…UNTIL SOMEONE SAY NO!

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, catch and release, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, ceviche, 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, orca, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, sailfish, 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, 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, Tailhunter Sea Level, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on November 20, 2025| Leave a Comment »

AHHHHH…THE DAYS WHEN WE COULD BRING ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING WE WANTED!

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

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter Sportfishing

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

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 »

DOESN’T HURT TO ASK

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, catch and release, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, ceviche, 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, 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, orca, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, sailfish, 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, 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 November 5, 2025| Leave a Comment »

DOESN’T HURT TO ASK

Originally Published the Week of Oct. 2, 2025 in Western Outdoor Publications

We’ve come to that time of the year. It’s the winter months in Mexico.

Honestly, it’s a great time to visit and many folks mark it down on their calendars.

Even for those of us who live down here, it’s a “chilly” 72 degrees and we’re wearing long pants and sweatshirts. It still beats winter in cities like New York City, Seattle and states like North Dakota, Minnesota and Alaska.

Along with travel and lodging, folks also book activities.

There’s fishing, diving, kayak trips, booze cruises, etc. and many more opportunities to enhance the vacation.

That’s all well and good.

However, many visitors also forget that our Mexican weather can be erratic. Although the sun is out most of the time, it’s also the time when there can be big winds and waves.

As I often explain to folks, yes, we have a border between the two countries. However, it doesn’t mean that the weather stops at the border.

If there are huge storms or weather fronts that hit the U.S., chances are there is also a huge effect in Mexico to the south. We’re all part of the same continent.

Weather-wise, no country exists in a vacuum.

Over the many years, I’ve run into so many visitors who are surprised when the winds howl. They can’t believe how rough the ocean can get. Surely, it didn’t look like that in the travel brochure or the online webpage.

Here’s the rub.

What happens if that activity you reserved AND PAID FOR gets cancelled?

That’s the big one. You already paid for it or gave a big deposit for it. Now what?

Cancelations can come from different sources.

It could come from the weather.

It’s could be too rough or unsafe to get out on the water. Where we live in La Paz, the port captain will sometimes completely shut down the port to all boat traffic.

That means, diving, snorkeling, fishing, island tours, kayaking, etc. are grounded. Even private boats and yachts are locked in. Commercial boats are also stuck in the marinas.

Even if it may look calm inshore or in the bay, it could look like a washing machine outside the area. Safety is the big issues.

This can happen anywhere there is a Mexican port.

The other issue could simply be that it’s not economical for the tour operator to go out. For example a scuba diving trip might needs 8 divers to make it worthwhile. However, only 2 show up.

Or the sunset catamaran booze cruise needs 100 folks but only got 25 reservations. What happens to your money?

There’s a chance you won’t see it again. Straight-up.

If you were already on board and went out, but had to come back, that’s just the weather. No one’s fault.

You come back in. You’ll probably lose your funds. That was the chance you took.

If you never leave the docks or marina, there might be some recourse. But, not likely.

There are many reputable outfitters in Mexico. Some might offer a refund. Most won’t or can’t.

If the funds were already processed through a bank like a credit card, it’s difficult and problematically impractical to issue a refund.

Likewise, the tour operator might have already spent the money on gas, provisions, staff and other expenses. They were ready and willing to go except for unfortunate circumstances.

However, the operator honestly and regretfully simply doesn’t have funds to return to you. Very often, it can be a small-time mom-and-pop operation. They were depending on the trip as much as you were anticipating going!

What some operators might do is offer you a credit to come back. That’s great if you have the flexibility in your vacation schedule to give it a try on another day.

If you don’t have that alternative, you might just have to walk away and hope optimistically that you can use the credits.

However, here’s what some nefarious operators do.

They take the bookings. They accept the payments. They know full well that there’s a big chance the activity will never happen. Or is very unlikely to happen.

They will be happy to give you a future credit.

But, honestly, what are the chances you’re coming back anytime soon? This is the vacation you planned and saved for. Or it was the one-time visit all the way from northern Canada or it was part of a wedding party?

They know the large majority of visitors will not be able to come back. The money gets pocketed. Adios and safe travels home!

There are ways to help mitigate these things from happening.

One is to purchase trip insurance. It’s economical and covers things like bad weather, cancelled flights, getting sick (not hangovers!), etc . It can cover a myriad of unforeseen things that could happen on any vacation.

The other is to simply ask the outfitter what their refund policies are ahead of time. Better to be forewarned .

If it’s within say 7-10 days from your trip, ask them about the weather. Most good operators want to get you out as much as you want to go out. They might welcome your flexibility.

Maybe it would be better to change dates!

Also, get online and look at an extended forecast. Especially, check the wind forecast.

Also, whenever possible deal directly with the operators. There are many 3^rd party booking agencies that take reservations online for outfitters.

They are largely anonymous corporate entities. Their job is to sell tickets because they get commissions from the tour operator.

You may never evern speak with a live person. It’s all about sales.

They don’t know anything about the weather or much else. Refund policies? Not likely or it simply is not worth the time and energy.

A little research and forethought could go a long way.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter Sportfishing

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

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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IT’S STILL THE FRONTERA, GUEY!

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, catch and release, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, ceviche, 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, orca, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, sailfish, 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, Tailhunter Sea Level, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on October 6, 2025| Leave a Comment »

IT’S STILL THE FRONTERA, GUEY! (Dude)

Originally Published the Week of Oct. 1, 2025 in Western Outdoor Publications

Maybe it was just me.

Maybe I was just in a “mood.” Y’know…everyone gets in a “mood” every now and then.

Maybe it was just one of those days. Just another day.

It was late morning, but already sunny, hot, gritty and muggy.

I was with a number of hotel guests waiting to catch their shuttle tour bus to somewhere to do something. They looked like the type that would go zip-lining or ride camels or swim with the dolphins. The shuttle must have been late.

Didn’t really care. Not my wheelhouse. I just smiled. It’s what I do alot.

So, they were kinda milling out front of their hotel.

I just happened to be in the same spot within earshot. Plus, if people are gonna speak out loud in a public place, I can’t help but eavesdrop.

They weren’t my fishing clients. They were just regular normal hotel guests and tourists. On their way somewhere to do something. Chatting.

I couldn’t help but hear the conversations.

I heard one lady tell the group, “I can’t believe I saw a lizard on the wall in my room!”

Another said, “Well, I saw a roach run across a hallway the other night. It made me jump it was so big!”

Her husband chimed in, “I saw a cat at one of the restaurants and it had a mouse in it’s mouth!”

Ho-hum. I kinda chuckled to myself saying “So what?”

Like I said, I was kinda in a mood.

Well, complaints are kind of like a big yawn. One person yawns and it’s contagious and then more people yawn.

I don’t know why.

When someone complains, others seem to feel the need to bond and join in with their own complaints and experiences.

Another lady pipes up, “Y’know…I never imagined Baja would be SO hot and dusty!” She seemed a bit exasperated.

“Dust is to be expected because of all the potholes and dirt roads. You would think they’d fix all that and get things paved and make roads that held up to traffic,” chimes in one of the guys.

“I agree about the bad roads and dust, but I wish they would do SOMETHING about the bathroom fixtures.”

That got everyone to look at the lady for an explanation.

“The letter “C” on the bathroom faucets doesn’t mean “cold.” It means “Hot” in Spanish or something like that. Oh, I think the word is’ CALIENTE’.”

“How was I supposed to know that? I stood there waiting for cold water to brush my teeth and it never got cold.”

“As I figured out later, “F” means “frio” for cold water. But, it’s never really cold. It’s tepid. Not like home.”

“I even went down to the hotel reception to complain and they explained to me about the faucets. I told them they should fix that instead of confusing the hotel guests.”

Another added in, “We were at a hotel down the coast last year and we booked because it was described as a beachfront ‘rustic Mexico.’”

We had no idea that meant that after 9 p.m. they turned off the generator so there were no lights at the whole hotel. There weren’t even ice machines or TV’s.”

“I wanted a blended margarita at the little bar and they said they didn’t have a blender!

“Another guys spoke up, “Even if there were TV’s, all the channels are in Spanish. That’s crazy. There should be English channels. Why is everything in Spanish?”

“Menus are in Spanish. Signs are in Spanish! I mean, what do they expect?”

Lots of nods from the group and murmurs of assent.

Well, that one comment kinda got to me.

I was in a “ho-hum” mood to that point listening with amusement.

I thought to myself, “What do THEY expect?” Really? What do THEY expect?”

I really had to grit my teeth from joining the conversation.

Actually, the pertinent question is “What do YOU expect?”

Folks come down and seem to forget two really important things.

The first of which, this just happens to be MEXICO! It’s another country.

Like anywhere else, the country and it’s people have their own culture, customs, traditions, way of doing things and yes…(SURPRISE!)…even their own language!

Second, this is Baja. It’s called the “Frontera.” (The Frontier). It’s even on the license plates the same way some U.S. states have license plates that say “The Peach State” or “The Vacation Land State.”

The Baja is a 1000-mile-long finger of desert poking into the ocean. It’s bordered by the Pacific one side and the Sea of Cortez o the other.

It is vast. It’s rugged. It’s even primitive. It’s the outland and the badlands and it’s a beautiful land.

There are huge areas of unpopulated space despite some tourist cities that sprawl. Get outside the city limits and you’re pretty close to being on the surface of the moon.

For sure, there are many places that a human foot has never trod. You could actually die out there and no one would ever know. It can still be very very unforgiving to the unaware.

It’s the FRONTERA, Guey! (dude)

So, yea, the roads can be bumpy and uneven.

And sure, there’s a bit of dust in the air and yes, you’ll probably run into a bug or critter or two.

You’ll eventually figure out how to get a hot shower and you WILL survive your vacation WITHOUT television in English or a handy ice machine.

The phones might not work so quickly and folks might not even move that fast themselves, but it is what it is.

Sorry if everything is in Spanish too.

I DID hear one of them say, “If this is Mexico, how come they don’t speak Mexican instead of Spanish?”

That one made me grin.

Viva la Frontera! It’s changing daily and too rapidly for my taste, but I hope it stays the frontera for a bit longer. At least until I’m gone.

…or out’ve earshot!

Thankfully, they loaded on to their tour bus. On their way to somewhere to do something.

I didn’t much care. I was in one of those moods.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter Sportfishing

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

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 »

THE DEMOLISHER

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, catch and release, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, ceviche, 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, orca, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, sailfish, 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, lucha libre, 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, Tailhunter Sea Level, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, Wrestlng, yellowtail on September 10, 2025| Leave a Comment »

THE DEMOLISHER

Originally Published the Week of Sept. 4, 2025 in Western Outdoor Publications

Pay no attention to the men behind the mask!

It’s a hot muggy summer night under the bright lights of the outdoor arena. The heat from the lights and the tightly packed presence of the crowd just adds to the stickiness and grit.

With thunderous stomps on the canvas, the big-bellied-spandex-clad “EL DRAGON MYSTERIO” (Mystery Dragon), repeatedly pounded the writhing torso of his good-guy nemesis “DORADO” (The Golden One).

With each stomp, the crowd boo’d lustily standing and screaming and pumping fists in the air!

With each vicious stomp, the DRAGON looked up at the crowd and arrogantly pounded his chest defying the crowd with his dastardly prowess. Each merciless stomp eliciting even louder boos and screams!

The DORADO is defensively crumpled on the mat absorbing the pounding. He is defenseless prey to the relentless DRAGON who sneers with each thunderous heel-plant onto his opponent.

This is too much! The referee does nothing! The DORADO is helpless.

But, then a massive roaring cheer goes up!

It’s the masked DOMELEDOR (The Demolisher) suddenly leaping from the ropes and landing with a massive shoulder against the DRAGON!

The DRAGON folds from the hit and now the blue and yellow-clad DOMELEDOR delivers a muscled elbow to the DRAGON’s kidneys!

The crowd goes wild. They stomp their feet and scream and chant. They hate the DRAGON!

Now, the previously defeated DORADO leaps up and the DRAGON is now getting his!

The DORADO delivers a clubbed fist to the head of the DRAGON who spins back and now wobbles like a drunken sailor. But he gets another flying shoulder from the DOMELEDOR who uses the elastic ropes to launch himself like a human missile into the torso of the DRAGON.

The DRAGON reels and dramatically bounces off the ropes only to be double-kicked by both the DOMELEDOR and DORADO. It’s the famous DOUBLE- D move!

The crowd jumps, stomps and screams. The DRAGON crumples and the DORADO pins him to the mat with the DOMELEDOR standing triumphantly with his hand on one hip and a his ham-size fist in the air!

The referee calls a pin! The match is over and the crowd erupts with high-fives, fist bumps and massive cheers!

The seemingly exhausted victors parade around the ring while their defeated enemy staggers off the mat and back to the locker room to the jeers of everyone.

This isn’t WWE. This isn’t in a massive stadium or arena.

This is just local regional professional wrestling. It’s a converted tennis court filled with bleachers! It’s the famous “Lucha Libre (free fighting)” And no matter, the level, it’s as much a part of Mexican culture and tradition as mariachi music and tamales at Christmas.

From the legendary El Santo to modern-day stars, lucha libre has a long history of producing flamboyant larger-than-life figures, and this trio of wrestlers…the DOMELEDOR, DRAGON and DORADO. are carrying on that tradition with style, skill, athleticism and showmanship even at this city level.

…even with over-sized dad bodies. No steroids or rippling 6-pack stomach muscles or bulging biceps. Some wrestlers are simply “bulging” barely contained in the stretchy spandex.

But the enthusiasm is just as frantic.

Several other matches take place, but now, the three wrestlers mingle with the crowd.

Shaking hands. Taking selfies and mugging with fans. It’s all part of it. Especially the merchandising and the sales of t-shirts and masks is brisk.

The wrestlers aren’t paid much, but they often get a cut of the sale of swag so they skillfully work the crowd outside the ring with as much enthusiasm as they battled in the ring.

They are larger-than-life heroes and villains and cultivate the image, but never too large to take a selfie or hug a kid.

Later outside the small stadium, we walk to our parked car with our friends. What a fun evening!

Leaning up against our car is a big smiling figure of a man. It’s Alberto.

Shhhh….aka the DOMELEDOR!

Dressed in jeans, tennis shoes and a Nike t-shirt stretched over his big frame, he carries a small gym bag with his glittered spandex and mask and wrestling boots.

Other families walking to their cars pay no attention to the big man. Just another guy. They are still talking about the fun wrestling they just witnessed.

Alberto’s wife hugs him. She asks if he is OK. He towers over her with his barrel-sized body.

He says he’ll have a few bruises and might have a crick in his shoulder, but otherwise he’s OK and had fun. He picks up and hugs his young kids and tells them that they shouldn’t yell so loud at these matches.

While he was wrestling, he could hear them screaming, “Don’t hurt my daddy!” from their seats. He reminds them that that the identity of the DOMELEDOR is a secret.

He laughs and puts a meaty index finger to his lips in the universal sign to shush! They smile and promise.

We stop for some Cokes and ice cream.

Tomorrow, the DOMELEDOR goes back to his regular job as a carpenter.

Despite the fierceness of the ring, the man is the epitome of a gentle teddy bear. Affectionate, affable, this quiet guy wouldn’t hurt a fly. He’s a dad who has a unique side hustle in a stretchy outfit.

He tells me later they all get some basic training and do a little practice in the evenings but there really isn’t that much time for rehearsing.

They just try to make the stomps, punches and slaps as dramatic and noisy as possible…to “sell the move” to the crowd.

The louder the cheers and boos, the better.

The referee is actually part of the act and is like a director whispering to the wrestlers if they need to crank it up a notch or do a certain move.

They try not to hurt each other too much. All the performers are family guys with regular jobs. But, there are still bumps, bruises and sprains.

Sometimes, “rehearsal” is just the guys getting together and hashing things out over beers!

Sometimes he’s a bad guy, but mostly he gets to be a good guy.

But dings to the body are part of wrestling and you have to love it or find some other way to have a side-income.

With t-shirt and mask sales, he might pull in $200 dollars for an evening. A lot of money in Mexico.

Alberto has been the DOMELEDOR for 8 years now . But he knows his time is waning. It takes longer for the bruises to heal and things are starting to hurt just a little more.

And when he steps away for the final time, someone new will don the mask and be the DOMELEDOR. The image and character continue.

In fact, the company that hires him and produces these matches has other “DOMELEDOR” characters in other cities with the same mask and outfit.

And the crowds will continue to cheer.

Alberto laughs and says he need a hot shower. Turn out the lights. The DOMELEDOR dad, wants to call it a night.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter Sportfishing

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

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 »

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Jonathan has written for:

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Western Outdoor News Magazine
Pacific Coast Sportfishing
Discover Baja Magazine
Baja Life Magazine
The Log
Fish Taco Chronicles
Sportsman's Channel Magazine

His articles also appear in:

San Diego Union Newspaper
Los Angeles Times Newspaper
Sacramento Bee
San Francisco Chronicle
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KIND OF A HUSH

TRAVEL HACKS

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THE UNIVERSAL EQUALIZER

THE UNIVERSAL EQUALIZER

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IT’S STILL THE FRONTERA, GUEY! (Dude)

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