Archive for the ‘chubasco’ Category

Shut My Mouth!

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo island, charters, chubasco, deep sea, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, 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, holidays in mexico, hurricane, hurricanes, inshore fishing, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids fishing, La Paz, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packing fish, panga, pargo, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, speaking spanish, sportfishing, storms, suitcases, Tailhunter International, tiburon island, tourism, tours, Travel, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, 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, 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 25, 2019| Leave a Comment »

Day-6-Wheeling-and-dealing-with-the-Mexican-jewelry-salesman.

That’s the idea! Have some fun with it!

Shut My Mouth

Originally Published the Week of Aug. 27, 2019 in Western Outdoor Publications

It was an awkward situation that had the potential to turn ugly. Actually, it already was.

On the sidewalk outside our restaurant in La Paz, a gringo (I’ll call him Pete) was getting pretty loud.

In front of him looking embarrassed and afraid was Jose who makes his living walking up and down the beach and waterfront selling jewelry. Everthing is “genuine” and of “highest quality.” (wink wink).

But he says it with a smile so you know it’s a game.

No, that $30 Rolex watch is not waterproof nor would you expect it to be! Not for $30 and you’re a doofus if you think it’s real!

But I know Jose. He’s a good guy. He works hard. He doesn’t pester or hound. Folks like him and look for him. He laughs a lot and he runs a good bargain.

That turquoise bracelet that is 100% silver he tells you it’s $60. And he laughs. He’s dangles the bait in the water.

He EXPECTS you to say “no” and give him a counter offer!

He knows that the bracelet is not worth $60 and he figures you’re smart enough to know that too! If you plop down $60 and you’re happy…well so be it!

But, you say $15. He laughs and says $50.
You say $17 and he says “no way” and laughs again. He says he can’t sell it for less than $45.

Back and forth. Back and forth. You really want it. He really wants to sell it to you.

When you both finally settle on $21 dollars, everyone is happy! He made a sale and made a few bucks. You got a pretty piece of “genuine” silver and turquoise.

Win-win. It’s the game. It’s fun. It’s expected.

That’s not how it was going today. And by the way both Pete and Jose were looking at me, I was being drawn in as a referee.

Pete was getting pretty livid.

“This guy is like all the rest. He’s just trying to rip me off!”

Whoa…I already don’t like the usage of “all the rest” and “rip me off” in the same sentence.

Calm down Pete. Let me get Jose’s side.

Jose looked like he could use some assistance because Pete’s whole family was there and Pete was still causing a commotion drawing a crowd to listen in.

Jose explained to me that he and Pete had done a deal over several items of jewelry.

Well, Pete wanted his change in dollars!

Jose is a street vendor. He doesn’t or didn’t have dollars. So, he tried to give Pete the change in pesos.

Pete didn’t want pesos, but he definitely wanted the jewelry and didn’t understand the exchange rate.

Ultimately, there was a $5 dollar difference in what Pete thought and what Jose was giving him in change. Five freakin’ dollars!

And Pete was letting everyone know about it who would listen. About getting “ripped off” by “these people.”

By the way, Pete came into town on 75’ yacht and loved telling people over and over about it and all his antique sportscars. Five dollars. Are you kidding me?

I explained to Pete about the exchange rate and that no one had been trying “rip him off. Jose didn’t have American money to give him any change.

Pete glared.

“What you gonna do, Pete? Do you want the jewelry and pesos?”

He took his family and stormed off. Mumbling something about, “What am I supposed to do with pesos in my pocket?” Emphasis on the “I” as if it was beneath him to have pesos and how demeaning it was.

Uh, you’re in Mexico, Dude. I’m sure you’ll find something to spend that on.

His pretty blonde wife and two perfect kids also walked away indignantly with their noses in the air.

Jose gave me an appreciative high-five “gracias.” He shrugged. Just another day working the street. I’m sure it’s not the first time.

I won’t write what some of the other onlookers said about Pete and his family.

It got me thinking about five dollars here in Mexico…

Five dollars a day is what some people bring home after a day of work. A six-day work weeks gets you a whopping $30 to live on.

If you have a car (rarely), it buys one gallon of gas. Not to cruise or go to the beach. Hopefully that gallon is enough to putter to and from work. hopefully enough to bring the kids to and from school.

Five dollars is a bus ride to work and back. Even though you are only making 11 dollars for working a 12-hour day.

Five dollars barely buys a crappy dinner for a family of 3. That’s 3 Cokes and 3 Cup-O-Noodles in the styrofoam cup. Salt and sugar for dinner. Highly nutritious but at least you don’t go to bed hungry.
Five bucks buys you enough propane for a week to cook and light your home.

For cleaning 15 messed-up hotel rooms by herself, five bucks is the total amount of tips your cleaning lady made at the resort you’re staying at.

Just enough to pay for her bus ride home tonite.

Enjoy that genuine silver jewelry, Pete.

That’s my story…

signature June '18 two 1

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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On Second Thought…

Posted in bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, chubasco, deep sea, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing packages, fishing reports, fishing trips, flyfishing, freediving, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, 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 culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexico, Mexico life, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, pargo, passport, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, Sun stroke, Tailhunter International, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, tuna, Tuna jackpot, Uncategorized, vehicle, wahoo, weather, Western Outdoor News, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, 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, 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 11, 2019| Leave a Comment »

ON SECOND THOUGHT…

Originally Published the Week of March 12, 2019 in Western Outdoor News

Back in the day before I lived in Baja, I scheduled a spring-time trip. Man, after a long winter, I so looked forward to getting into the sunshine and away from the crowds and hectic grind.

So, there I was. At the airport with my luggage, ice chest, rod tube…and holy cow…!!!

Where did all these people come from?

I had forgotten, it was not only Easter week but also spring break when I scheduled my vacation.

Oh the agony! It’s what I was trying to escape.

I ran smack into long lines at the airport. Students and families all trying to get someplace. Everyone looking to get away, but now swallowed up in the mass of humanity and everyone getting agro about it.

And this was in the pre-911 days before you had to take off your shoes and basically undress and unwrap everything at the TSA counters.

Plane was full and it was one of those flights where they asked folks to “volunteer” to give up their seats in exchange for a free voucher blah blah blah.

Not a chance. I didn’t exactly see anyone raise their hands abruptly.

And in the plane, it was also the flight where they tell you it’s full and there’s not enough room for all the carry-on luggage so please stash it under your seat; over your head; or give it up to the baggage handlers.

Oh, and the flight was full of excited kids and babies. Not that there’s anything wrong…family time is important, but some poor baby was screaming in the back and one little devil thought it was fun to kick my seat from behind. And yell “BOO” through the crack in the seat!

Got to the Cabo Airport and again, it was jam-packed. But, at least most folks were a bit more congenial now that they were on the ground in Baja.

Until they hit the immigration and customs inspection lines. They wound round-and round-and round almost back to Los Angeles! That took almost an hour. Like waiting in line to ride Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland.

The hotel shuttle from the airport was delayed as well because well…they wanted to fill in all the seats so we had to wait…and wait…until everyone from every flight got through the morass. Didn’t want to leave anyone who had reservations.

I was pretty bedraggled by the time I got to the hotel; waded through a full lobby and reception and got to my room.

It was already late. Lots of people partying in the street and a crowd of tequila-fueled partiers was the last thing I wanted. So, some forgettable room service tacos and I passed out dreaming of big fish in the sunshine and ocean the next day.

It wasn’t quite as I envisioned.

The marina was packed with boats headed out fishing. It was a regular morning traffic-jam on the water; trying to buy bait; fueling up; just trying to get to the fishing grounds which was jammed with fishing boats, but add to that the site-seeing boats; the booze cruises; and other pleasure craft.

As might be expected the fishing was negligible at best. Just too much traffic on the water and pressure on the fish.

It was like that all week. But what’s that saying about a bad day fishing is better than a good day of work? It was nice being in the sunshine, but it would have been nice to hook a few more fish and if it wasn’t so much like work.

Oh well.

Took a day off to head to the beach. A little secluded cove that’s a nice getaway. Not too many folks. Got my beach chair; small ice chest of beer and my beach towel. Ready to go!

Oh no.

To say the beach was crowded is an uber-understatement. It was more like Woodstock.

There was hardly a square foot of sand that didn’t have a tent on it plus tables, chairs, beach toys, blaring boom-boxes playing banda/rancho music and cars parked willy-nilly everywhere also blaring music. The whole city was out.

In Mexico, there’s no designated camp sites. The beach belongs to the people so wherever you want to camp is legal. There were tents within inches of each other. There was no space. No privacy. It was almost impossible to walk to the water.

I jumped in my rental and drove to two other beaches to the same result!

I finally found a spot right next to a local family of 8. They took pity on the bedraggled tourist and invited me to barbecued carne asada for lunch. Very kind and nice folks. I shared my beer.

Nothing to do but make the best of it. It was an OK vacation, as vacations go, but not what I had planned or expected.

What I had failed to do and forgotten was Easter and Spring Break.

As I found out later, the weeks up to…including…and shortly after Easter are the busiest times of the year for travel and vacation in Mexico. Not only are tourists, students, etc. travelling into Mexico for Easter and Spring Break, but it is also the busiest time for locals to travel as well both internationally and domestically.

Many Mexicans travel into Mexico as well as travel outside Mexico to visit friends and family. Domestic inter-city travel also fills planes, trains and automobiles…and busses!

It’s even busier than Christmas or Thanksgiving. (In Mexico they don’t celebrate Thanksgiving.)

Consequently, you’re not only dealing with crowds, but airlines rates and hotels prices are at a premium. If you can find a ticket or seat available. Frankly, everything is more expensive.

It’s a nice time to visit, but be prepared and give it some extra thought if you’re looking for a bargain vacation or to get away from the crowds.

That’s my story…

signature June '18 two 1

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 »

BUDDY DO YOU HAVE SOME CHANGE?

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo island, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, holidays in mexico, 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, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, outfitters, 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, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, Tailhunter International, tourism, tours, Travel, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, vacations, wahoo, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Bahia de los Suenos fishing, bahia magdalena, baja, baja fishing, Baja fishing reports, Baja sportfishing packages, baja sur, Baja Vacations, beach, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, carnavale, carnival, catch and release, Central Washington Sportsmans show, Cerralvo Island, Cerralvo Island Fishing, Chad Schearer, charters, circle hooks, costa baja resort, day trips, dog tooth snapper, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito, espirito santo island, Extreme Expeditions Alaska, family, family fishing, fish, fish report, Fishing, fishing and hunting shows, fishing charters, fishing guides, fishing reports, fishing tackle, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing video, fishing videos, flyfishing, Fred Hall Fishing Show, fred hall fishing shows, freediving, girls fishing, golden grouper, gray whales, Great Western Hunt and Conservation Expo, grouper, holidays, hotel perla, idaho sportsman show, igfa, International Fish and Game, international sportsmans expo, International Sportsmens Expo, ise, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, la concha beach resort, La Paz, la paz baja sur, La Paz Fishing, La Paz Vacations, la ventana, La Ventana Fishing, las arenas, Las Arenas fishing, light tackle, mag bay, mahi mahi, marlin, mexican, Mexican sportfishing outfitters, Mexican sportfishing packages, mexico, mexico fishing, Mexico vacations, Muertos Bay Fishing, outfitters, pacific northwest sportsmans show, packages, panga, pargo, pompano, portland expo center, rainbow runner, robalo, roosterfish, sailfish, scuba, sea of cortez, sierra, sierra mackeral, snapper, snook, snorkel, spearfishing, sportfishing packages, squid, swimming, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, Tournament fishing, travel, tuna, tuna tournament, vacations, wahoo, Washington Sportsmans Show, Washington Sportsmens show, Western Outdoor New Tuna Jackpots, western outdoor news, whales, whalesharks, whalewatching, Women fishing, world records, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail on October 9, 2017| Leave a Comment »

money exchange

Buddy Do You Have Some Change?

Originally Published the Week of Oct. 10, 2017 in Western Outdoor Publications

In all the years and all the columns that I’ve written, I don’t know how I could have passed up the subject of money changing. But, lately, I’ve gotten a number of folks asking so I guess that’s the genesis of this week’s subject.

If you’re coming to Mexico, is it a good idea to change dollars to pesos?

The answer is yes.

Using the “coin of the realm” is always a good idea, but especially now. With the dollar-to-peso exchange rate at 16 to 18 pesos to the dollar, you stretch your purchasing power by having a pocketful of pesos.

There’s more “bang for the buck” as you wander around buying t-shirts for the kids; a sombrero that will end up in a garage sale; and another round of tequila against your better judgment.

Don’t get me wrong. U.S. dollars are really welcome down here and we love having you spend them, but pesos are just handy to have.

With pesos in hand, if you see the shrimp dinner costing 150 pesos, you don’t have to do the mental gymnastics to figure how to convert to dollars. It’s sure easier to figure out the 10% tip too. It’s also easy math to calculate if you received the correct amount of change.

Additionally, many local business, charge a little more for taking dollars. We accept them as a “convenience” for visitors like you, but it actually costs us to accept those dollars. So, there might be a small “visitor tax.”

Let me explain.

In order to deposit our earnings into the Mexican bank we have to convert them to pesos. There’s a bank transaction fee attached so Mexican businesses lose some money by doing that.

Additionally some Mexican banks only allow a certain amount of dollars to be deposited by the week or month. If you have more than that, you have to hold onto it and sit on it.

For a business, money sitting there doing nothing is not doing anyone any good. Can’t pay bills. Can’t make payroll. Can’t purchase inventory with money that has to sit and, at some point, be accounted for.

So that begs the larger question for visitors. Where should I exchange my money?

Out-of-hand, I used to tell folks to change your money at the airport. You’re already there. It’s handy. They have plenty of money. And the rates seemed about right for the market.

WRONG!

I didn’t realize that those exchange offices at the airport tack on huge “transaction fees” that pretty much erase any real pragmatic reason for using them. If you have to use them, use them. But, there’s better places.

For one, there’s your bank at home. Start with them. You know them. They know you. You have an account or two with them. They won’t ding you so hard.

If you didn’t get it done before you left home and now you’re in-country, the next place I’d hit is the various money exchange houses around town. In tourist places like Cabo San Lucas or larger cities like Ensenada or Tijuana, you’ll find them all over.

Some are just little kiosks. Others have small offices.

But, they’re easy to find. And they’re competitive. Not just with the market rates, but against each other. The want your business. They want your dollars and are eager to hand you pesos.

Also in the larger tourist areas, they’re open all the time. You suddenly realize you’re out’ve pesos for a late night taco run. Or, you know that no one will be able to accept or break your $100 bills, you can usually find someone to change your money.

If you’re in a smaller community like La Paz, where we live, or even smaller places, the money exchange houses will be harder to find and their hours will be more limited. But, they’re there.

So, try to think ahead. If you need change after 5 p.m. you might be out’ve luck. They‘ll be closed.

However, secondary and tertiary options can be found.

If you’re at a larger hotel, they can often exchange smaller amounts at the front desk. For example you need to change $40 bucks that’s fine. If you’re trying to change $500 dollars, not so fine.

But it’s subject to them having dinero in the til. Don’t always count on the reception desk being able to make change or conversions. But, it’s an option.

There are also larger grocery store chains that have “customer service desks” just like back home. They usually have more money on hand and offer pretty good exchange rates.

Just be aware that many places do not accept bills over $20 because of fear of counterfeit. So, bring five $20 bills. Don’t bring one $100 bill.

There are also ATM machines all over. Personally, I avoid them. There’s too many opportunities for fraud, especially in ATM’s on street corners or willy-nilly in markets or bars. If your card gets eaten by the machine, it’s not like you can ask the bartender to get it out for you.

If you have to use an ATM, use one at a bank. That way if there’s an issue, there’s bank personnel who can assist. The ATM’s will dispense 200 peso notes (about $11). And you’ll see a transaction fee on your next statement. But, in a pinch, it’s better than nothing!

That’s my story!

Jonathan signature

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 www.tailhunter-international.com. They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront. If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is: jonathan@tailhunter.com

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR Top 5 – Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

U.S. Office: 8030 La Mesa, Suite #178, La Mesa CA 91942

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

Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-53311

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:
http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Videos: 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 »

Hear Me Now Believe Me Later

Posted in 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, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, crankbait, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, first aid, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, green, Heat stroke, highway, 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, marlin, Mexican, mexican food, Mexico, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, Sea of Cortez, sportfishing, storm, Tailhunter International, tourism, tours, Travel, tuna, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Bahia de los Suenos fishing, bahia magdalena, baja, baja fishing, Baja fishing reports, Baja sportfishing packages, baja sur, Baja Vacations, beach, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, carnavale, carnival, catch and release, Central Washington Sportsmans show, Cerralvo Island, Cerralvo Island Fishing, Chad Schearer, charters, circle hooks, costa baja resort, day trips, dog tooth snapper, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito, espirito santo island, Extreme Expeditions Alaska, family, family fishing, fish, fish report, Fishing, fishing and hunting shows, fishing charters, fishing guides, fishing reports, fishing tackle, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing video, fishing videos, flyfishing, Fred Hall Fishing Show, fred hall fishing shows, freediving, girls fishing, golden grouper, gray whales, Great Western Hunt and Conservation Expo, grouper, holidays, hotel perla, idaho sportsman show, igfa, International Fish and Game, international sportsmans expo, International Sportsmens Expo, ise, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, la concha beach resort, La Paz, la paz baja sur, La Paz Fishing, La Paz Vacations, la ventana, La Ventana Fishing, las arenas, Las Arenas fishing, light tackle, mag bay, mahi mahi, marlin, mexican, Mexican sportfishing outfitters, Mexican sportfishing packages, mexico, mexico fishing, Mexico vacations, Muertos Bay Fishing, outfitters, pacific northwest sportsmans show, packages, panga, pargo, pompano, portland expo center, rainbow runner, robalo, roosterfish, sailfish, scuba, sea of cortez, sierra, sierra mackeral, snapper, snook, snorkel, spearfishing, sportfishing packages, squid, swimming, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, Tournament fishing, travel, tuna, tuna tournament, vacations, wahoo, Washington Sportsmans Show, Washington Sportsmens show, Western Outdoor New Tuna Jackpots, western outdoor news, whales, whalesharks, whalewatching, Women fishing, world records, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail on September 25, 2017| Leave a Comment »

stormwarning

HERE ME NOW BELIEVE ME LATER

Originally Published the Week of Sept. 27, 2017 in Western Outdoor Publications

In my last column, I was tapping away on my laptop just about a week after Tropical Storm Lidia smacked Southern Baja right in the nose. Three weeks later, a lot of us are still digging out to a greater or lesser degree, especially, Cabo San Lucas.

It never quite became a hurricane, but it didn’t have to. It was just as deadly. Just as damaging.

I have been writing this column over a decade. I have often documented what it’s like going through one of these uber-storms. By my last count, I think I’ve gone through 8 hurricanes now and numerous tropical storms and depressions.

Lately, Mother Nature sure seems to be tee-ing off on our part of the hemisphere with hurricanes, fires and earthquakes. It’s awfully humbling.

So, here I sit again.

However, instead of writing post-storm, I’m writing waiting for the newest, latest weather aberration, “Norma” to come rumbling our way up the Baja peninsula.

It started as a blip of “intermittent showers” on the weather forecast. Within 30 hours, it grew to a tropical storm. Then, it grew to a hurricane. And now, back to a tropical depression. But, it’s still coming.

So say the forecasts. In the crosshairs.

Given how Lidia treated us last month, Norma has every reason to cause bunched-up-underwear levels. For those of us who live down here and deal with nature on a daily basis; and who work and run businesses here; it’s faced with no small measure of trepidation.

Maybe, the anxiety is enhanced by the fact that we are in the hospitality business. Other people’s well-being amplifies the ominousness. That’s just the way it is when you live in a resort area. Bottom line, we have other people to look after.

Ask those poor folks in the Caribbean who are digging out from Hurricane Irma whose livlihoods are based on tourism…hotels…fishing…restaurants…etc. We have extra people we must answer to and be responsible for.

So, sitting here, I’ve often written about the destructive results of these meteorlogical calamities. The torrential rain…the wind that sounds like a freight train…the utter darkness…falling trees…buildings blown to bits…flooding…mud and rockslides. No water or electricity for days or weeks. It’s impossible to understate the immensity.

But, sitting here, the STOOPID sun is out! Yea, it looks like a postcard.

There’s barely a ripple on the water. A gentle breeze strokes the edges of the overhanging palapa roof. It’s 92 degrees outside and kids are playing with a rubber tube on the beach. Dad’s got a beer in hand. Mom’s reading a book.

What’s wrong with this picture?

According to the weather reports, all heck should be breaking loose real soon. The heavens are gonna tear open a new one. Armageddon 2.0 is on the way. Noah get the ark ready!

The port captain has closed the marinas down for two days now. All boat traffic including fishing, diving, whalewatching and touring vessels are prohibited from leaving the harbor.

But…but…but…there’s not a cloud in the sky right now! C’mon, man! Are you serious?

We have clients boxed up in their rooms chomping at the bits to fish. That’s why they’re here. Or they’re tying on a serious buzz at the pool bar.

I’ve seen this before. Too many days of this and it could get fugly.

It’s one thing to explain to folks that they can’t go out and play when it’s the deluge. The sky is falling. The drain is open. Even the fish are hiding as are all creatures great and small.

It’s an entirely different issue trying to ask folks to keep their patience when the sun is out and it looks like a perfectly good day to be out on the water. But, some picky-ninny bureaucrat has closed the port and ruined all the fun.

It’s like Disneyland. It’s the “happiest place on earth” until you’ve waited in line and the ride breaks down!

It’s not supposed to happen on YOUR turn. On YOUR vacation.

None of us want it to happen either. Believe me, if we could control the weather, we would! I’d grow back my hair and be taller too. But, it’s not gonna happen.

I don’t like it when we get told we can’t play. It’s like getting a time-out as a kid. Yea, I’m gonna pout too! It looks perfectly fine to go romp in the sand box and play in the water.

But, I get it too.

And I have to remind myself and try to communicate that to my clients that safety is the pre-eminent aspect in play.

The fisherman sitting in his room or hanging out at the pool often cannot see the forest for the trees. It might look calm in the bay. The sun could be out, but outside it could be howling wind and giant waves.

Unseen rollers and breakers could be out there already.

I’ve seen the deadly result when folks ignore the warnings not to take the boat out or not to go into the surf. Mother Nature is an unforgiving witch when she’s angry and you disregard the signs.

Here’s the biggest rub.

Remember, you’re in Mexico. If you get in trouble “out there” especially when there’s warnings posted, chances are you’re on your own. There’s no other boats that were foolish enough to go out. The Coastguard isn’t going to look for you. There’s no vessel assist program.

Often attempts at rescue, the rescuer is also lost. A double tragedy.

So for now, we’re just gonna heed the warnings and sit here in the sunshine. And wait for the storm to hit. We watch and wait for the impending storm clouds. We will endeavor to keep calm and chive on.

It’s times like this that I really pray for even a little rain to start. Bring on some clouds and thunder to justify keeping everyone on the beach. PLEASE! It’s better than sunshine.

In the meantime… Keep everyone close and pass the suntan lotion. Keep the blender going too. Hopefully, they’ll forget there’s not a cloud in the sky.

That’s my story!

Jonathan signature

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR Top 5 – Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

U.S. Office: 8030 La Mesa, Suite #178, La Mesa CA 91942

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

Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-53311

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:
http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Videos: 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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WHERE THE WILD THING ARE…er…WERE

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Where the Wild Things Are…er…Were

Originally published the Week of July 4, 2017 in Western Outdoor Publications

As a little kid, there was a beach I would sneak off to back home in Hawaii.

I’m dating myself. I could ride my sting-ray bike there.

Down from the main road to where it sloped to gravel. Down through the thick over-hanging jungle canopy. The air was thick and moist and the gravel gave way to a path of rich soft wet damp earth that never seemed to dry out and carpeted with soggy decaying leaves.

It would suddenly break into a clearing that I simply called “my beach.” A sunny little white sand cove protected by a small shallow coral reef. Dark lava rocks at the two small headlands and waves broke gently over into a blue pool about as wide as I could throw a rock.

A small stream that started somewhere in the rain forest up in the mountains dropped from a small waterfall. It emerged from the thick vegetation and tumbled over smooth dark boulders through a gritty arroyo where it’s darker reddish waters joined the blue ocean.

It was a good little place to fish. Or swim. Or hang out with neighborhood pals under the coco palms. For a bunch of black-haired, barefooted, hell-bent tribal children with unlimited energy and imagination , it was the best playground.

Where the wild things are.

Build forts out’ve driftwood. Chase each other with rounds of “Marco Polo,” our version of “tag.”

Play “chicken” in the waters while perched on each other’s shoulders and exhausted ourselves with laughter attacking the “king of the hill” on the small sand dunes. Then later a retreat under the palms to eat sandwiches or maybe sticky-finger spam and rice rolls made by our moms.

Looking back we referred to it as “little kid time.”

It was “my beach.” And I was convinced no one knew about it. We never saw anyone else there.

On the island we just figured there were lots of little hidden beaches and coves. This was “ours.” Other people must have “their own beach.” Right? Little boys have their own brand of logic.

But, as with all “little kid time,” little kids grow up. Life and other things came along. The islands were left behind, but always carried with me.

Years later, I came back. To where the road ended. To where the gravel started. To where the dirt path emerged from the dampness to the light. And I stopped.

Or to be more precise. I was halted.

By a barbed wire gate. It had a sign.

“No Trespassing. Private Beach. Exclusively for Owners. No locals.”

Some “non-local” kids were gunning wave runners through the shallows where we used to play chicken. Some new “kings of the hill” had built expensive houses on our sand. An expensive European SUV was parked in front of one of them.

I stared at the barbed wire. . . and the sign.

Fast forward.

Two days ago. Mid-day Baja heat.

I drove out to one of the beaches north of La Paz where we live. Just needed to get out’ve the office and not to be found for an hour or so.

No more beeping text messages or phone calls. Maybe just close my eyes for a few minutes to the sound of…nothing.

Just to take a breath. Get some air. Look at some blue water. Get lucky and watch some dolphin make me envious.

I drove to one of the remote beaches. This one famous on postcards for sugar sand and water the color of sapphire turquoise. It often shows up on travel shows and brochures as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

And there, plain as day, the beach had been lined with umbrellas and plastic tables and chairs. And you needed to pay for a permit.

It was like being told you can’t look at Yosemite or the Grand Canyon without renting special glasses.

Oh, and no photos allowed either. Or what? Are you kidding me?

On the license plates here in Baja it says, “La Frontera.” The frontier. Yea, I get it. Wide open spaces. Deserted beaches. Solitary beaches. OK. It’s not Mexico City. It’s definitely not the mainland.

But, it had this reputation of being someplace you could still find the wild places to go.

And maybe re-aquaint yourself with some of your own internal wildness or hidden “little kid time” that seems to get buried in traffic jams, office politics, corporate jumble and suburbia strip-mall-life-back home.

I guess, it’s still here. You just have to look a little hard and go a little further. And further still. Everywhere. Somewhere.

That’s my story!

Jonathan signature

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR Top 5 – Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

U.S. Office: 8030 La Mesa, Suite #178, La Mesa CA 91942

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

Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-53311

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:
http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Videos: 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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THEY BETTER SPEAK ENGLISH!

Posted in 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, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, chubasco, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, historical, history, holidays in mexico, 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, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, sportfishing, Tailhunter International, techniques, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, Uncategorized, vacations, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Bahia de los Suenos fishing, bahia magdalena, baja, baja fishing, Baja fishing reports, Baja sportfishing packages, baja sur, Baja Vacations, beach, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, carnavale, carnival, catch and release, Central Washington Sportsmans show, Cerralvo Island, Cerralvo Island Fishing, Chad Schearer, charters, circle hooks, costa baja resort, day trips, dog tooth snapper, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito, espirito santo island, Extreme Expeditions Alaska, family, family fishing, fish, fish report, Fishing, fishing and hunting shows, fishing charters, fishing guides, fishing reports, fishing tackle, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing video, fishing videos, flyfishing, Fred Hall Fishing Show, fred hall fishing shows, freediving, girls fishing, golden grouper, gray whales, Great Western Hunt and Conservation Expo, grouper, holidays, hotel perla, idaho sportsman show, igfa, International Fish and Game, international sportsmans expo, International Sportsmens Expo, ise, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, la concha beach resort, La Paz, la paz baja sur, La Paz Fishing, La Paz Vacations, la ventana, La Ventana Fishing, las arenas, Las Arenas fishing, light tackle, mag bay, mahi mahi, marlin, mexican, Mexican sportfishing outfitters, Mexican sportfishing packages, mexico, mexico fishing, Mexico vacations, Muertos Bay Fishing, outfitters, pacific northwest sportsmans show, packages, panga, pargo, pompano, portland expo center, rainbow runner, robalo, roosterfish, sailfish, scuba, sea of cortez, sierra, sierra mackeral, snapper, snook, snorkel, spearfishing, sportfishing packages, squid, swimming, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, Tournament fishing, travel, tuna, tuna tournament, vacations, wahoo, Washington Sportsmans Show, Washington Sportsmens show, Western Outdoor New Tuna Jackpots, western outdoor news, whales, whalesharks, whalewatching, Women fishing, world records, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail on June 17, 2017| 2 Comments »

It’s vacation! Perfectly fine and fun to blow off some steam and act like an idiot. Completely different to BE and idiot when you visit a neighbor.

THEY BETTER SPEAK ENGLISH!

Originally Published the Week of June 19, 2017 in Western Outdoor Publications

They better speak English!

Or what?

Are you going to pack your bags and go home?

I’m usually pretty calm. Don’t get too excited and try to keep an even keel about things. But, I’m human. I have buttons that can be pushed like anyone else.

One that gets me is arrogant Americans. I’m sorry.

This isn’t political. It’s just about well…as my English buddies day, it’s about “bad form” and “behaving poorly.”

I’ve lived here 21 years in Baja. My wife and I try to be good ambassadors on behalf of Americans. We realize people look at us. We have several rather high-profile businesses. But, we always remember we are guests.

It’s how I would act if I were to come visit you in your home. It’s how you’d expect me to act if you opened your doors to me.

But this happened yesterday. I had the occasion to run into two couples who came into our restaurant. I like to visit the tables. Say hi. Check on the food and chit-chat.

“Where ya from?”

“How’s that taco?”

“Is that mango margarita OK?”

Seemed like nice folks. First time visiting Mexico.

They asked me about the possibility of going fishing. So, I went into my info about our fishing fleets. Blah blah blah…

Several sentences into my spiel, one of the guys says very straight-faced, “Your captains better speak English.” Totally squared up. Almost challenging.

Like the way the hall monitor talked to you…or down to you… in grade school. Or Father O’Malley talked to me when he nailed me for shooting a spit wad in church.

What? They BETTER speak English…or what? Was what bolted through my brain matter.

“UH…Well, sir, they do speak pretty good ‘Span-glish’ that has seemed to work pretty well for 2 decades. Everyone gets along.” I tried to deflect with a smile.

He replied.

“Y’know, that’s the problem with this country (oh-oh…anytime someone wants to tell you about YOUR problems red flags pop up…)”

“The problem is ‘THESE PEOPLE’ (another red flag) want our money, but they won’t learn English. How are we supposed to communicate and how do you run a business with employees that don’t speak English?”

Inhale. Take breath. How do I count to ten really fast? For a nano-second I really wanted to bark back.

I looked around the room at all my waiters and busboys hustling around the dining room terrace.

I said, “Sir, it seems to work out OK. This is Mexico. People speak Spanish. You’ll never find friendlier more welcoming people and hard workers. Folks really do their best. All of us do. And whether it’s fishing, dining or whatever, I think you’ll find that the language barrier is what you make of it. Everyone understands words like ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’ and smiles are universal!”

I was trying to be cheery. This guy couldn’t be this much of a boob.

I was doing my best efforts using international relations / chamber of commerce party lines. But, my words were sincere.

One of the wives chimed in.

“Y’know, here’s another problem with THIS country. (emphasis on “THIS”) We went to a store to buy a t-shirt and they wouldn’t give us change in U.S. dollars. They wanted to give us that Mexican pesos! It’s like ‘play money.’”

“Yea,” chortled one of the other husbands. “I bet these people have American dollars stashed behind the counter and just love to screw with American tourists ‘cuz they think we’re idiots.”

Si, Senor. I’m thinking the same about you at this very moment. I didn’t know where to start. What are the rules of engagement here?

Do I address the insult or make some feeble attempt to educate? Or do I punch someone in the nose?

It was three of them against one of me. Three half-wits that didn’t have a complete thought between them.

Until the other wife joined the bashing party. She was gonna sum up the conversation.

“THESE PEOPLE (that phrase again) just have such a messed-up country.” There’s so much violence. Their politicians are all corrupt.”

“No one trusts their government. Everyone is on the take. Mexican voting is all rigged. Everyone knows that. Their president is a joke. Mexicans don’t care because that’s how it is. That’s their culture. They’re used to it.”

“All they know how to do is take advantage of each other and get free things. It’s all backwards in Mexico not like US back home in the U.S. Right?”

She said it so cavalierly. So dismissively bordering on haughtiness. So much smugness. She looked around at the other three to confirm. Nods and smirks from the other panel of “judges.”

Yup. Everyone knows. You are so very very right. Dumb-bass. Pointless.

Why are you even here?

Favor quedate en casa proxima vez.

Well, you folks finish your meal. Hope that margarita gives you the worst brain freeze ever.

I’m gonna go back into my office and do two things.

I’m going let off some steam and vent by putting some ideas down for my column. Insulted. Angered. Ashamed. Yea…that about sums it up.

Secondly, I’m going to be thankful that the majority of the folks who visit us are a lot more enlightened. Amen.

That’s my story!

Jonathan signature

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR Top 5 – Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

U.S. Office: 8030 La Mesa, Suite #178, La Mesa CA 91942

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

Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-53311

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:
http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Videos: 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 »

WEATHER or NOT?

Posted in 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, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, crankbait, 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, green, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, 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 culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, 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, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, Tailhunter International, techniques, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, bahia magdalena, baja, bay, beach, billfish, boise, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, costa baja resort, deep sea, deep water, discount, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, Fishing lures, fishing reports, fishing shows, fishing tips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, girls, grey whales, guide, holiday, Hotel Blue, hotel perla, hotels, hunting shows, hurricanes, igfa, inshore, international, International Game Fish Association, international sportsmans expo, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, la concha beach resort, La Paz, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, lodging, los barrels, mahi mahi, marlin, offshore, outfitter, packages, panga, pargo, photos, pompano, rooster fish, roosters, sailfish, saltwater, san jose del cabo, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, shallow water, snapper, snorkel, spearfishing, sport fishing, swim, swimming, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, tailhunter restaurant, todos santos, tour, tournaments, travel, trolling, tuna, vacation, wahoo, weather, whale sharks, whales, whalewatching, wife, women, world records, yellowfin, yellowtail on June 4, 2017| Leave a Comment »

windy-trees

WEATHER or NOT?

Originally Published the Week of June 6, 2017 in Western Outdoor News

For the last few months or so…well…actually since winter…I’ve been whining about the crazy windy conditions in all my fishing reports. As many of you in the U.S. may have noticed, winter is being a tenacious boob about going away.

Memorial Weekend has come and gone. I’m still hearing from amigos north of the border about abrupt snowstorms; unexpected hail; crazy winds; and rain. Folks are uncovering their swimming pools; getting ready to mow lawns; pulling out the barbecue…and winter sweeps in with an 11^th-hour punch.

Even, in Mexico City, they had historic hailstorms causing damage!

Well, it’s been the same down here in Baja.

We SHOULD be into balmy hot sunny weather about now. I should be hearing from fishing clients laughing asking for “a little breeze” to knock back some of the heat.

Instead, we get sporadic windstorms that kick up the ocean. They muss up my water. They scatter the bait. They get people seasick. They gum up the fishing!

So, I bitch. And I whine. And I rail about “the wind.”

In fact, as I write this column at about 4 a.m. in the morning, the winds outside are howling and I can hear it rattling my windows. I can hear waves crashing outside and the palm trees are somewhere out there in the dark being rudely rustled by a strong northwind.

And I’m dreading putting out my fishermen in about an hour. The forecast says the winds will calm down, but I know they’re gonna get wet. And bounced. And uncomfortable. And that’s not what I want. It sure doesn’t look like the fancy brochures right now!

But, last time I checked, I didn’t have a “weather control” button. Dangit!

Anyway, a good friend asked me a great question that I don’t think I’ve ever been asked before.

“When is it too windy to fish?”

Relatively speaking, that’s an easy answer.

Like asking “When are the waves too big? Or “When is it raining too hard?” Or not. You walk outside. You figure it out pretty fast. Yes or no. You then decide to go. Or not.

But, if you’re like me, you want to play the odds a little better than just looking out the window or showing up at the docks. This is especially true this year whether you’re going to Baja or anywhere else for that matter.

Since our livelihood down here with our fishing fleet depends on putting our customers on fish, I look at several variables. Internet weather and wind sites are invaluable. I use several to get the best picture of the coming forcast.

I look at:

Windspeed
Time
Direction

Obviously, with regard to windspeed, I want it to be as calm as possible. If the windsurfing and kiteboarding crowd starts to gather on the beach, something is up! I want to know if the winds will be single or double digit speeds.

If you’re going to be panga fishing, then double-digit winds could be problematic. If you’re going to fish inshore, maybe it will be OK. If offshore, you might want to re-think things. If you’re headed out in a 50-foot sportfisher, probably not so much.

The second variable I check is time. When will the wind be blowing? If it’s going to be blowing in the early morning and calm down later in the day, that’s not too bad.

If the forecast calls for double-digit winds, but during the fishing hours, it settles down then, I really don’t care. Let the wind blow all it wants when I’m back at the hotel hitting happy hour after a good day of fishing!

The third thing I take into consideration is the direction of the wind. If it’s going to be blowing harder than I would like; if it’s also going to blow during the hours I want to fish; then I want to know where the wind is blowing.

If the winds are coming full-speed out of the north and I’m going to be heading north to the fishing grounds early in the morning, then I know it might be a long bumpy wet ride.

If we’re heading south and the winds are coming from the north, then it would mean the wind is at our backs. It’s going to push us along very nicely to where we want to go. (Although coming back might be an issue if the wind is still blowing.)

By the same reasoning, if those north winds are going to kick up and we’re going west or east, then it might create some swells and rollers as the boat goes side-to-side. You might want to be sure everyone has their seasick pills that morning and stays away from the greasy breakfast burritos!

That’s my story!

Jonathan signature

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR Top 5 – Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

U.S. Office: 8030 La Mesa, Suite #178, La Mesa CA 91942

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

Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-53311

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:
http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Videos: 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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IS THE WHOLE ISLAND SURROUNDED BY WATER?

Posted in 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, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, crankbait, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, fish farming, 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, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, 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 culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, missions, outfitters, 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, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, suitcases, Tailhunter International, tours, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged accommodations, activities, adventures, amberjack, bahia, baja, baja editor, baja sur, bars, bay, beach, Bill Boyce, billfish, blogs, blue water, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, catch and release, Central Washington Sportsmans show, cerralvo, certified scale, charter, children, chubasco, costa baja, day tour, deep sea, del mar fairgrounds, discount, dog tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tour, el sargento, espirito santo, extreme fishing, family, fish, fishing and boating shows, fishing and hunting shows, fishing sportfishing, flyfishing, fred hall, free dive, get-away, girls, grey whales, grouper, guide, guide service, holiday, hotel, hotel marina, hotel perla, hotel seven crown, hunting, idaho sportsman’s show, igfa, images, inshore, International Game Fish Association, international sportsmans expo, ise, isla, island, jack crevalle, jillene roldan, jilly roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, lodging, los barriles, mahi mahi, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos, northwest sportsmans show, offshore, outfitter, pack for a purpose, package, panga, panga slam, pargo, photos, pompano, portland expo center, Puyallup Fairgrounds, reef fish, reports, restaurants, rockfish, rooster fish, rooster fish foundation, sailfish, saltwater, san jose del cabo, scuba, sea bass, sea of cortez, sealions, shuttle, sierra, snapper, snorkel, spearfish, suenos, swim, tackle, Tailhunter International, tailhunter restaurant bar, Tailhunter sportfishing, techniques, tips, tour, tourism, travel, trolling, tuna, tuna jackpot tournament, updates, vacation, video, wahoo, Washington Sportsmans Show, weather, western outdoor news, WFN, whale watching, whales, whaleshark, wife, women, World Fishing Network, yellowtail on May 7, 2017| Leave a Comment »

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Is The WHOLE Island Surrounded By Water?

Originally Published the Week of May 8, 2017 in Western Outdoor News

Yes, you know who you are. I don’t think any worse of you for asking me that question. Thanks for making me smile.

Any of us who are down here working in whatever capacity could come up with lists of similar questions. Whether we work in fishing, diving, restaurants, day trips…whatever…We are the humble conduits of information for all our Baja visitors. Good, bad, or otherwise.

Many are the same questions over and over. That’s par for the course.

Where’s the best place to exchange money?

Is the water OK to drink?

Who has the best margaritas?

What’s the temperature going to be like this week?

And then there’s the other ones…

What kind of meat do you use in your teriyaki chicken dish? (BEEF)

Does the sun always rise in the East over the Sea of Cortez? (IT CHANGES DAILY)

Why can’t I take my top off and walk down the street like in France? (IT’S NOT FRANCE?)

Can you do something about the wind blowing in the morning when we’re fishing? (LET ME JUST WAVE MY MAGIC WAND A FEW TIMES)

Can you catch one of the dolphin so my son can ride it? (YES, I AM A FULL SERVICE OUTFITTER)

Hey, it’s what we do and the folks are good folks with good honest questions. I’m thankful for them for putting a little grin in my day!

But, if you’re coming down to Baja it helps to do a little research first. At least a little.

No matter where you go for your travels, especially with so much social media and information out there, a little knowledge will help any trip go smoother. This is even moreso with Mexico and Baja.

The phone systems are very very different. Internet, while growing, does not always work. Or when it works, it can be very sporadic even in the most urban areas. Forget it if you’re out in the bush or out on the water.

I mean, c’mon. Admit it. It’s one reason you come down here so you can’t be reached, right? It’s still the Baja frontier.

But what if YOU need to reach out? Especially if something goes hinky with your vacation.

It’s far better to have the details and plans worked out ahead of time so that there’s as few glitches as possible.

There’s nothing like having your wife, girlfriend, family members or buddies giving you “stink eye” because something is amiss and it’s YOUR fault! Or maybe not.

Especially in Mexico.

Even moreso in Baja. Double-dog affirmative in Baja where not only might technology be a little sticky, but don’t forget…they speak Spanish here!

It’s kind of a national thing.

Yes. Surprise. Spanish is the language here, and I am often perplexed at how many visitors are equally surprised that Spanish is spoken and(“surprise again”)…not everyone speaks English!

So, if something goes wrong…if something on your tour itinerary goes screwy…

…if the 5-star hotel you booked only has a single light bulb hanging from the ceiling and has a lovely view of a parking lot…

…if they send a four-seater Nissan Sentra Taxi for your group of 10…

…if your fishing tackle goes to Cleveland and your wife’s make up case got left in Seattle…(you better know which bag has priority in your life!)

Things might not resolve as quickly as making a simple phone call or dealing with the person “in charge.”

Some folks just “book it on whim.” They find something on the internet and run with it. Many don’t even do that. “Let’s just be wild and free!”

A little pre-planning takes the guess-work and stress out of your vacation which should be YOUR time to enjoy. Not sweating the details.

Just because a website has pretty pictures is not enough. Exactly what does “close to the beach mean?” How far is “walking distance to restaurants?”

And, if it’s on the beach, can I swim there? Or use the beach? I know several hotels in Baja where they warn you NOT go to in the water. Too rough. Too rocky or dangerous? I know one that looks awesome but it’s built next to the outflow of the sewage treatment.

Just because one city is “two inches” away from another city on the map could mean 20 minutes apart or two hundred miles away!

Will the owner of your charter operation be there on site to answer questions? Can you just walk to the docks and book a boat any time? What does “all inclusive” really mean at the hotel? It didn’t include lobster or steak or mixed drinks?

I’m a vegetarian…vegan…Kosher…diabetic…have food allergies. Good idea to check.

I do need to still keep in touch with my family/ work/ office. Will my phone, computer, texts work? If they need to reach me, can they?

There’s great resources. Talk to others. Get other opinions. A great starting point are Trip Advisor, Yelp, Google and others. Compare. Ask questions. Also, even 10-star places have a bad review or a bad day or simply had a bad customer that loves blasting places. Don’t rely on just that one single bad review or two. A place that has 200 reviews but only 2 bad reviews is better than a place that has only 20 reviews and has 2 bad reviews.

Take that into account and make informed decisions! Take the guess work out so you can enjoy your time!

And yes, find out if that island really is completely surrounded by water. Anc check on those dolphin rides while you’re at it. A good thing to know!

That’s my story!

Jonathan signature

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR Top 5 – Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

U.S. Office: 8030 La Mesa, Suite #178, La Mesa CA 91942

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

Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-53311

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:
http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Videos: 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.”

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

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WHAT DATE WILL THE DORADO SHOW UP?

Posted in 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, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, crankbait, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, 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, 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 culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, 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, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, sustainable, Tailhunter International, techniques, tourism, tours, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged accommodations, activities, adventures, amberjack, bahia, baja, baja editor, baja sur, bars, bay, beach, Bill Boyce, billfish, blogs, blue water, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, catch and release, Central Washington Sportsmans show, cerralvo, certified scale, charter, children, chubasco, costa baja, day tour, deep sea, del mar fairgrounds, discount, dog tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tour, el sargento, espirito santo, extreme fishing, family, fish, fishing and boating shows, fishing and hunting shows, fishing sportfishing, flyfishing, fred hall, free dive, get-away, girls, grey whales, grouper, guide, guide service, holiday, hotel, hotel marina, hotel perla, hotel seven crown, hunting, idaho sportsman’s show, igfa, images, inshore, International Game Fish Association, international sportsmans expo, ise, isla, island, jack crevalle, jillene roldan, jilly roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, lodging, los barriles, mahi mahi, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos, northwest sportsmans show, offshore, outfitter, pack for a purpose, package, panga, panga slam, pargo, photos, pompano, portland expo center, Puyallup Fairgrounds, reef fish, reports, restaurants, rockfish, rooster fish, rooster fish foundation, sailfish, saltwater, san jose del cabo, scuba, sea bass, sea of cortez, sealions, shuttle, sierra, snapper, snorkel, spearfish, suenos, swim, tackle, Tailhunter International, tailhunter restaurant bar, Tailhunter sportfishing, techniques, tips, tour, tourism, travel, trolling, tuna, tuna jackpot tournament, updates, vacation, video, wahoo, Washington Sportsmans Show, weather, western outdoor news, WFN, whale watching, whales, whaleshark, wife, women, World Fishing Network, yellowtail on April 23, 2017| Leave a Comment »

What Date Will the Dorado Show Up?

Originally Published the Week of April 25, 2017 in Western Outdoor News

So, can you tell me what date the dorado will show up?

I don’t know.

Fishing is not an exact science.

Dorado don’t participate on social media. No Facebook. No Instagram. No cute dorado tweets.

They don’t answer my text messages either. Party foul. Just rude.

Come to think of it, the tuna, marlin, wahoo and yellowtail don’t respond to me either. Yes, there are days when I take that personally, especially when I have fishing clients here ready to burst.

Or they’re trying to make travel reservations and want to know specifically when to book their airlines.

“C’mon, Man! You’re supposed to know stuff like that, Jonathan! “

Right. Right. Right. I’m the “expert.”

Honestly, however, most times, it’s said with a smile. I’m never afraid to say that I don’t know something.

And the questions are good honest intelligent questions from fishermen who are just enthusiastic and want to get as much of an edge as possible. I get it. I’m the same way. Especially with fish.

But, there are some things that are just not controllable. If I was as good as some guys think I am, then I’d be able to wave my rod over the water and the fish would just jump in the boat.

I don’t have those Biblical abilities yet. That one is right up there with the miracle of loaves and fishes or parting the Red Sea. Nope. That’s up a few levels…actually a lot of levels…above me!

So, let’s work with what we have. If you’re simply going to use the calendar, let’s just say it’s a start.

There’s so much more that will allow you to fine tune things.

A calendar is just a bunch of numbers on a page. The fish don’t get calendars. They don’t know that your yearly vacation starts June 1^st.

They don’t care about Christmas, Memorial Weekend or that you always fish on your birthday in November. They could care less that you always caught yellowtail in March or that on your last three Baja trips the tuna were great in August.

So, don’t curse the fish or the fish gods if things don’t always go as planned. If you fish by the calendar, you take your chances for better or worse. Go fish. Have a good time. It’s still better than working!

What the calendar can tell you is about the seasons. Don’t look at it as specific dates. Look at the calendar to tell you if it’s winter, spring, summer or fall because “generally speaking” certain fish usually show up during certain seasons.

For example, sierra, yellowtail and pargo in the later winter winter and spring. Dorado and billfish show up when waters are warmer. And so on. Like I said, it’s a start.

What fish do care about is food. Big fish. Small fish. All fish. They gotta eat. And they will go where the food is located and show up when and where the food can be found.

If you want to track food, track the water temperatures because even “food fish” have to eat as well. So, don’t watch the calendar. Track the water temperatures instead.

Even a few degrees can make all the difference. Warmer water is bluer. Colder water is darker, greener and cloudier. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It depends on what species you’re hunting and several different water temperatures can be found in the same areas. And that’s not unusual.

So, if you’re hunting yellowtail or amberjack, you’re looking for cooler waters. Billfish or dorado? The warmer waters are where you want to be fishing. Tuna? Well, that depends. What kind of tuna? Yellowfin tuna like warmer waters. Bluefin and albacore like the cooler end of the blue water.

And that’s just the surface temperature!

Below the surface, there are thermoclines where water temperatures also vary. The surface temperature can say 80 degrees, but 30 feet below that it’s only 70 degrees!

Confused? Too much to wrap your brain around?

Might as well put technology to work.

That’s where I take my personal fishing to the next level beyond just looking at the calendar. Veteran fishermen will back me up.

Websites and services such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) has excellent satellite images of surface temperatures put out the by the U.S. government.

Here’s a sample: www.ospo.noaa.gov/data/sst/contour/gulfcalf.cf.gif gulfcalf-cf Terrafin has been online for years and is a awesome resource (www.terrafin.com) and specifically directed at fishermen up and down the Pacific Coast.

Another fine service is Fish Dope put out by Bloody Decks (www.fishdope.com) that not only has water temperatures specific to certain fishing areas, but also various other fish finding services. It’s well worth it to check out before you go fishing or setting up a trip.

It’s all in the details and a degree or two in water temperatures can make all the difference in the world.

Still waiting for the fish to answer my text messages. Until then, I guess I’m stuck with the technology at hand!

That’s my story!

Jonathan signature

______________

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

_____________

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR Top 5 – Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

U.S. Office: 8030 La Mesa, Suite #178, La Mesa CA 91942

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

Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-53311

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:
http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Videos: 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.”

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

Read Full Post »

Your Negligence. My Emergency?

Posted in 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, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, crankbait, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, first aid, fish, 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 culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, 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, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, Tailhunter International, techniques, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged accommodations, activities, adventures, amberjack, bahia, baja, baja editor, baja sur, bars, bay, beach, Bill Boyce, billfish, blogs, blue water, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, catch and release, Central Washington Sportsmans show, cerralvo, certified scale, charter, children, chubasco, costa baja, day tour, deep sea, del mar fairgrounds, discount, dog tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tour, el sargento, espirito santo, extreme fishing, family, fish, fishing and boating shows, fishing and hunting shows, fishing sportfishing, flyfishing, fred hall, free dive, get-away, girls, grey whales, grouper, guide, guide service, holiday, hotel, hotel marina, hotel perla, hotel seven crown, hunting, idaho sportsman’s show, igfa, images, inshore, International Game Fish Association, international sportsmans expo, ise, isla, island, jack crevalle, jillene roldan, jilly roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, lodging, los barriles, mahi mahi, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos, northwest sportsmans show, offshore, outfitter, pack for a purpose, package, panga, panga slam, pargo, photos, pompano, portland expo center, Puyallup Fairgrounds, reef fish, reports, restaurants, rockfish, rooster fish, rooster fish foundation, sailfish, saltwater, san jose del cabo, scuba, sea bass, sea of cortez, sealions, shuttle, sierra, snapper, snorkel, spearfish, suenos, swim, tackle, Tailhunter International, tailhunter restaurant bar, Tailhunter sportfishing, techniques, tips, tour, tourism, travel, trolling, tuna, tuna jackpot tournament, updates, vacation, video, wahoo, Washington Sportsmans Show, weather, western outdoor news, WFN, whale watching, whales, whaleshark, wife, women, World Fishing Network, yellowtail on March 20, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Your Negligence. My Emergency?

Originally Published the Week of March 12, 2017 in Western Outdoor Publications

Over the last two months of being on the road and talking to hundreds of fishermen at these fishing and hunting shows, there’s a lot of story-talking that goes on. I mean, that’s part of the fun of fishing, hunting and the outdoors, right? Talking smack. Telling tales. Mine-is-bigger-than-yours. It’s a guy thing.

And it’s not all about fish, either. Ever since we were kids, we showed off skinned knees and cut fingers; missing front teeth; and plaster-casted arms. We wore them like badges of honor.

Mom might have hated it, but ripped blue-jeans weren’t a fashion statement. It meant you played hardball with sticks and rocks not Barbie and Ken dolls.

Nothing against girls who played with dolls, but there was something about girls who could lace ‘em up and slide into homebase or didn’t mind a good game of football in the mud.

And so it is with fishermen. You can’t take the kid out’ve the man. Like Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw and Roy Scheider in the “Jaws” movie showing off their scars.

So typical.

“This scar is from when I tried to pull a hook barehanded out’ve a wahoo mouth!”

“Well see this scar? It’s the operation from a tendon they had to repair when I was barefooted and tripped on an anchor chain reaching for a beer!”

“That is nothing. Here is where a gaff went through my hand, when I tried to do a trick!”

There’s that joke about why women live longer than men. Yes, we remain little boys deep inside.

Yea, “poop happens” as the saying goes. And a lot of it is our own fault and could be avoided.

Usually, most of us are pretty careful. But, fishing is a sport inherently rife with sharp things; slippery things; pointy things and simply an unforgiving Mother Nature.

There’s things I always carry with me on my Baja fishing trips. There’s the obvious things geared towards prevention. Like a good hat. A windbreaker. High-end sunscreen. Sunglasses. Or water (Duh!).

Prescription medications.

These are the things that even the most veteran anglers sometimes forget but missing any one of them can really crimp your day. Or a vacation.

But what about other things?

Use common sense. For some individuals that’s asking a lot. You should know if you can fix it yourself or you need to run to the hospital. Nothing I say here is a substitute for real medical opinions and knowledge, especially in a true emergency.

But…

I once had several very well-respected surgeons fishing with me as part of a group. One of their buddies who was an attorney cut his finger on a lure.

It was bloody, but not serious. It was funny listening to them “go into conference” about the best procedure to fix the finger. Blah blah blah blah blah. Three surgeons, mind you.

It took so long the attorney fisherman looked at me and rolled his eyes then started making jokes about “malpractice lawsuits.”

I pulled the attorney away from the group. Splashed water on the cut. Told him to hold it high and apply some pressure. Pulled a band aid outta my tackle box and slapped it on. Back to fishing for me and the attorney.

Silence from the “over-thinking” surgeons. The doctors mouths dropped then they started laughing.

But seriously, even small cuts or punctures can be critical. Not because of the wound itself, but because of infection. Especially, in Mexico, that can be an issue. You don’t want thing going septic on you.

So, clean the wound as well as you can. Water, even clean saltwater is good.

I always bring some mouthwash with me. One of those little travel sizes works. It has alcohol. (It’s also good to chase away onion breath from the lunch burritos).

Splash some on. Beer or other alcohol works in a pinch as well.

I always have some assorted band aids. Keeping the wound clean and covered is essential. Keeping it dry is important too. So, I bring some first-aid tape to wrap around the bandage. I usually have some kids balloons as well to roll over a finger. We once used a condom (whatever works!) and then taped that on.

My tackle box also includes something antiseptic like Neosporin or similar that helps healing and fights infection. I also carry super glue. It stings a bit, but it can help seal a cut really nicely almost like brushing on some new skin.

If gets a puncture from a fin, tooth or spine, especially something toxic like a scorpion fish, have a bucket handy or plastic tupperware. Clean the wound and as well as possible. Immerse the body part in the bucket. Obviously, pull out the barb or fin.

An old trick we used when I worked on boats commercially is to add some bleach to the water, but also some meat tenderizer. The bleach helps cleanse.

Meat tenderizer breaks down proteins and helps draw out the venom. Works good on insect bites as well, if you make a paste out’ve it and apply to the skin.

Also from the galley…if someone gets a mild burn, honey on the affected area then covered up works like a charm!

For jellyfish stings, obviously get the jellyfish of you. Scrape with an edge like a credit card or even the edge of a knife or shaving razor.

Rinse in salt, not fresh, water. A paste of baking soda and SALT water works as does white wine vinegar that can be diluted with salt water. Ice can help swelling.

Get back to fishing, but once back to shore, don’t ignore the wound. Clean and dress it again. And keep it clean so it doesn’t get infected. Get to a doctor if you need to. Or it gets worse.

That’s my story!

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Jonathan

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Jonathan has written for:

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That's My Story

Tailhunter International, La Paz, Baja Sur

Archive for the ‘chubasco’ Category

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