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“YELLOW FEVER REVISED”

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tournaments, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexican, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, Tailhunter International, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged baja, baja fishing, Baja Mexico, billfish, Cerralvo Island, charter, dorado, Espiritu Santo Island, expatriates in mexico, Fishing, fishing charters, Fishing Techniques, fishing tricks, gringos in mexico, holidays in Mexico, international, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, Light Tackle Fishing, living in Mexico, mexican vacations, mexico life, panga, Panga Fishing, roldan, sailfish, sea of cortez, sea of cortez fishing, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, tuna, vacations, western outdoor news, Women fishing, yellowtail on February 19, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Amigo, Rick Hosmer has the right idea after a big day of yellowtail fishing!

YELLOW FEVER REVISED

Originally Published the Week of Feb. 20, 2012 in Western Outdoor News

I’ve been writing columns and stories for various publications now for about 25 years and for Western Outdoors now for about 8 years. Usually, I pop them out in the middle of the night, press “send” …sigh that I got another one in the can and forget about it. I go to bed. Morning comes early.

We don’t get the publications down in Mexico so I never see them again and, unless someone mentions something about it, I don’t think about it again. Another deadline pops up soon enough!

But every now and then, I’ll go back and check out the backlog of stories. A phone call this past week from prolific San Francisco Chronicle outdoor writer (and WON columnist) Tom Stienstra got me to look back at some of the many columns from the past.

I noticed that as much as Baja has changed. So has my writing. The more fishing I’ve done, the more I’ve thought differently about fishing as well. Techniques change. Gear has changed. Technology has changed and even in some cases, the fish themselves have changed.

Yellowtail for instance. I found I had last written about yellowtail in this column back in 2008. Other than tuna, I don’t think any other fish generates more interest or even frenzy among veteran Baja fishermen than yellowtail. And…co-incidentally, it’s yellowtail season in Baja!

The big jacks are not only real sluggers on rod and reel but can attain trophy-size proportions not to mention being great eating.

But, after you fish for a certain species a certain way, you can get set in your ways. I mean, if one technique works, then if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. I see a lot of Mexican captains like that. Grandfather, dad, brothers and cousins all used a certain technique so why change? They roll their eyes and grin when the gringo client shows some new-fangled lure or reel “guaranteed” to produce fish! Lo que sea…”whatever!”

For example with yellowtail, I was convinced that the tried-and-true colors for casting lures (throwing iron) would be blue and white. With some variation at times for green and yellow or scrambled egg (white, red, orange, yellow). It seemed that everyone was always catching yellowtail on those colors. Well, it might also have been a self-fulfilling prophecy. Everyone was ONLY using those colors because everyone, like me, had bought into the same mantra! Ergo, yellowtail were ONLY getting caught on those colors because that’s the only colors anyone was using.

However, like with many lures, I’ve found it’s not so much the color. It’s how you fish it. A variation on the saying, “It’s not worm, it’s how you wiggle it!”

Generally speaking, fish any lure color at the right speed, depth and action and if the yellowtail are there, their predatory instincts kick in and they’ll bite! Like a cat. They don’t care about the yarn ball. If it rolls past their noses, they’ll pounce!

Some of my BEST yellowtail action came when I had LOST my preferred colors and had to dig in my tackle box and fished with pink (lost that)…went to lime green (lost that) then found my “jewel”…an un-painted ugly lead-colored jig that slammed fish-after-fish. Next time out, everyone else was using the “colored” lures and my ugly jig outfished most everyone! I used that lure for years until it was so scarred from teeth and until it too was finally lost!

Another “revision” to my yellowtail hunting. Structure. My amigos fishing Cedros, Benitos, Mulege, Loreto and Santa Rosalia might agree or disagree with me as they fish yellowtail a lot more than we do in La Paz where I am, but yellowtail move around a lot!

I used to always think to fish them deep or at least around structure. Off southern Cal waters we’d search for them under kelp paddies. In Baja, we look for them around reefs and high spots on submerged mounts or generally deep areas over structure.

I’ve now come to believe that, like most fish, find the food source and, like most fish, you’ve got a half-way decent chance of finding the big yellow forktails. They love mackerel. But they also love sardines, caballitos, smaller jacks, and squid. You don’t see it as often as in the Baja glory days, but yellowtail will boil on the surface and I’ve caught yellowtail over sandy bottoms where the there was absolutely no structure and only a few feet deep. They key was finding the food source. Just common sense.

Finally, when nothing else works…troll! Ewww…that ugly word. But yea…you’ll cover more water and hopefully roll up on some fish by dragging something behind the boat. If slow trolling a big slab greenie mackerel or caballito isn’t available then those big-lipped deep-diving Rapala, Yo-Zuri, Braid, or similar lure in the magnum size will often work when nothing else will! Bigger the lip, the deeper the dive, but just don’t get hung up on any rocks!

That’s my story!

Jonathan

___________________________

Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western Outdoor News since 2004. Along with his wife, Jill, 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 riplipboy@tailhunter-international.com or drop by the restaurant to say hi!

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com
U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Drive, Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745
Mexico Office: 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico
Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

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

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate

“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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“JUST ONE MORE TRIP!”

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tournaments, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexican, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, tagged baja, baja fishing, Baja Mexico, billfish, Cerralvo Island, charter, dorado, Espiritu Santo Island, expatriates in mexico, Fishing, fishing charters, Fishing Techniques, fishing tricks, gringos in mexico, holidays in Mexico, international, jonathan, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, Light Tackle Fishing, living in Mexico, mexican, mexican culture, mexican life, mexican retirement, mexican vacations, mexico, mexico life, panga, Panga Fishing, roldan, sea of cortez, sea of cortez fishing, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, tuna, vacations, western outdoor news on February 6, 2012| 2 Comments »

The curious statue of the old man in the paperboat staring out to see on the La Paz malecon waterfront.

“JUST ONE MORE TRIP…”

Originally Published In Western Outdoor News the Week of Feb. 8, 2012

To any of us who work in the sportfishing industry where our livelihood is dependent on the seasonal whims of nature, there are often some pretty rough times. Especially these days when things are complicated even moreso by economics, politics, plus changing social and ecological interests, there’s many a night when folks in our industry bang ourselves on the head. Why do we do it? There’s gotta be an easier way to make a living.

Well, a few months ago, I got a thought-provoking e-mail from Peter, a long-time WON reader. Here’s what he wrote:

“I’m 75 years old now. I started fishing when I was 11 years old. Fishing with a drop line from the old Santa Monica Pier. Fishing for perch, smelt and mackerel with the old drop line was the beginning. For my 12th birthday I got a 7’ rod and a Penn reel.”

“I lived about 12 miles from the ocean and soon found me and my 7- foot rod were not welcome on the street car that ran along Venice Blvd to Santa Monica. So I made the trip on my bicycle riding 12 miles each way with my 7-foot rod etc. I soon graduated from the pier to fishing from a Fishing Barge in the bay and then to 1/2 day boats fishing for Halibut, Bass and Barracuda.”

“I dreamed of the day when I would be 16-years-old and able to drive south to San Diego and get on the San Diego Boats to fish for Tuna and Yellowtail. “

“In the late 70’s, I started fishing on the Long Range Boats. My first trip was a 4- day on the Royal Polaris. I was hooked on long range. Over the next 25 years I fished most of the long range boats from San Diego.”

“Things were different for me then. I was working and earning a decent wage. Fuel and boat fares were much cheaper. I could afford to take 2, 3 or 4 trips a year.”

“ Now, I am 75-years-old, living on my modest social security income. Fuel and boat fares are pretty much beyond my means. My last long range trip was 5 years ago. My tackle is, by today’s standards, pretty much obsolete. I still read the fishing reports in WON and on the internet and dream of going out for the tuna and yellowtail again. “

Maybe sometime… One more trip… The others will look at the old guy with the old gear and chuckle…. But I don’t think the fish will know the difference… anyway, I hope not.”

“Oh yes… I have also fished the East Cape and La Paz (long before Tailhunter was there) All great memories.. and lots of fish stories..

“One more trip…”

There’s a most intriguing statute out on the waterfront of La Paz in front of the now-closed Hotel Los Arcos.

It’s weathered and the copper patina is showing through after many years of sun, salt and sand. It’s on a pedestal on the busy malecon thoroughfare. It’s a bit larger than life-size depicting a curious old man staring out to sea.

He’s in shorts. Like little school-boy shorts. But around his waist is a giant paperboat…the kind you made as a kid. Perched on his head is a duplicate paper hat. Even in the worn statuary, there appears a glimmer in his eye and a clear grin on his weathered face. With one hand, he is shading his eyes against the sun.

What’s he looking for? What’s he waiting for?

I’ve never been good at interpreting art. I either get it or I don’t. Just me. I never got this statue either.

But, then I got Peter’s e-mail.

As someone who’s been fishing a long long time, I’ve been blessed with more time on the water than I could have ever hoped for. But, as with all anglers, I think I might be at the point where I have more fishing behind me than ahead of me. It’s life. It’s just the way it is. A time is coming when I won’t be able to go out anymore.

But what memories! Like what Peter wrote. There were so many good days that you remember with a smile. And, despite the advance in years on our bodies, spirits and souls, who of us wouldn’t like to have back some of those carefree days of paper boats and school-boy shorts?

At least for me, when I get some of those insane days when things are crazy and we wonder why we do what we do, I’m gonna pull out Peter’s e-mail and remind myself.

What we do, if we work in this industry, is create smiles and memories. One of our “just-another-day-on-the-job” is someone else’s lifetime memory. Like Peter and his 7-foot rod taking the streetcar to fish. . .His first long range trip of foray into Mexico. We are very privileged.

I understand the old man statue now.

As Peter wrote, “I dream of going out for tuna and yellowtail again. . .Maybe sometime… One more trip… The others will look at the old guy with the old gear and chuckle…. But I don’t think the fish will know the difference… anyway, I hope not.”

Just one more trip.

___________________________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

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

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate

“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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MEXICO ECONOMICS AT GROUND ZERO

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Cabo San Lucas, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tournaments, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexican, Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, tagged baja, baja fishing, expatriates in mexico, gringos in mexico, international, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, living in Mexico, mexican, mexican business, mexican life, mexican retirement, mexican vacations, mexico, mexico life, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, vacations, western outdoor news on January 9, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Another business locked and up for rent...

MEXICAN ECONOMY AT GROUND ZERO

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of January 10, 2012

Just before the holidays, I took a little hike into downtown La Paz to go pick up some gear I needed from one of the local hardware stores. During the frenzy of the fishing season, I don’t often get a chance to get out let alone take a walk down the waterfront and into town.

Seriously, in the course of about 8 months of craziness, walking about 8 blocks might as well be a cross-country excursion. There’s just no time to go strolling when you’re going full turbo shuttling folks to and from airports; shoving pangas off the beach; packing fish; tracking down a piece of luggage or trying to figure out who doesn’t want salsa in their lunch burritos for the next day fishing!

Anyway, my walk got a little depressing.

Old Juancito’s little taco stand had closed. I think it has been on that corner over 30 years.

The little French place had a “SE RENTA” (for rent) plastered over shuttered windows. In fact, I counted 4 restaurants that had closed as I walked along. It included some pretty fancy places too.

The little neighborhood department store had the equivalent of a “Going out of Business Sale.”

One little Bed and Breakfast had a “For Sale” sign stuck out front and it was clearly no longer open for business.

I got hailed by Jose Luis, driving a taxi. He stopped to wish me Feliz Navidad.

“Why are you driving a taxi?” I asked.

“Our shoe store had to close,” he said sadly. “My family has owned that store for 23 years, but there is not enough business so I am driving a taxi. But, it is not much better. I have had only one trip for 50 pesos (5 bucks) in 3 days.”

I get asked a lot if the downturn in the U.S. economy has affected us in Baja. Most folks are touring visitors so they only see 3, 5 or 7 day chunks of life through the picture-perfect postcard perspective of a hotel or timeshare where superficially, all looks rosy. It’s vacation! It’ supposed to look like a postcard.

However, I can’t think of too many places or too many people that have not been affected by the crunch anywhere on the planet…at least not in my circle of friends or places I know. As the dollar goes, the rest of the world goes as well.

I know of at least five big multi-million dollar real-estate projects around La Paz that will never be completed; have gone bankrupt; or are simply languishing vacant stoically waiting for the relentless Baja desert to do what it has been doing for ages…re-claim them to the weeds, sand and dry winds.

I can’t speak for the rest of Mexico or even the rest of Baja, but I can’t imagine it’s too much better. I think because in Southern Baja, so much of the economy is based on disposable income whether it involved tourism, real estate investments; vacation homes and land speculation, it may have taken a longer time for the economics to crash, but it may take even longer to recover.

It’s a trickle-down effect. You can point the finger at the economy; fear of swine flu or nervousness of drug violence. But the triple whammy effect is the same.

If the fishermen aren’t coming down with their buddies and families; if people aren’t buying land or condos; if cruise ships aren’t dropping anchor; if vacation homes aren’t getting constructed; then no one is buying gas. Fewer people are eating out. No one is shopping for t-shirts and trinkets. Fewer margaritas are getting ordered.

Whether you walk some of the business streets of La Paz or the marina in Cabo San Lucas, the commonality of boarded shops or “for rent” signs is unmistakable. Those that are open have restricted hours; have cut back on staff; or changed other aspects of doing business.

I kid you not. Parts of the once-bustling waterfront/ marina district around Cabo are a virtual ghost town at times.

As one prominent well-known cantina owner told me, “In 30 years of operation in Cabo, I have never seen it this bad.”

At our own restaurant/ bar in La Paz, I get a constant stream of job applications from skilled chefs that worked 20 years in a big-chain hotel; or waiters who spent an entire career waiting on the rich and famous now asking if we have a dishwasher position open. Anything.

One La Paz restaurant manager told me that on one single day, they sold “just one beer.”

Another usually bustling eatery told me they had just one dinner table all evening. For three days, they didn’t have a single patron.

I get regular inquiries from fishing captains asking if I have any positions in my own fleet because they’ve not had a single trip in 1, 2 . . .3 months.

As one of my local friends told me, “When times got rough in the past, I have cousins who would sneak north across the border for a few weeks and make good money. Wash some dishes. Dig some ditches. But now, even in the U.S. there’s no jobs. The whole world struggles.”

So, yes, our little slice of Mexico is going through a rough patch. I wish there were some answers.

That’s my story

Jonathan

__________________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

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

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate

“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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“STAY HOME NO MORE!”

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tournaments, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexican, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, women fishing, tagged baja, baja fishing, Baja Mexico, billfish, Cerralvo Island, charter, dorado, Espiritu Santo Island, expatriates in mexico, Fishing, fishing charters, Fishing Techniques, fishing tricks, gringos in mexico, holidays in Mexico, international, jonathan, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, Light Tackle Fishing, living in Mexico, marilin, mexican business, mexican culture, mexican vacations, mexico, mexico life, panga, Panga Fishing, roldan, sailfish, sea of cortez, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, tuna, western outdoor news, Women fishing on December 11, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Look out! These gals can fish!

STAY HOME NO MORE!

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of December 14, 2011

“Steve used to leave me at home, but if he knows what’s good for him, he better bring me along!” laughed one of the ladies.

“I know what you mean,” said another gal at the beachside table. “My husband can still take a ‘man-cation’ with the buddies, but he knows he has to make time to take me on a separate trip also!”

“I used to think it would be boring but after my first trip, I couldn’t wait to get back,” grinned another of the women.

Back in the day, fishing trips to “the Baja” or “Old Mexico” used to be a manly-man affair. Jim, Joe, Jack, Harry and the rest of the guys piled into a van with the sleeping bags and an old Coleman canvas tent for the dusty drive or climbed into an airplane full of other guys doing the same thing and landing at some one-desk airport…if there was even an airport.

Ice chests, rods and fishing gear were all tied together. A pair of shorts or two; some flip-flops for the feet; a straw fishing hat; some t-shirts were all the clothes you needed stuffed into an old salt-stained gym bag.

If you couldn’t swim in it or rinse it out in the sink, you didn’t need it! As long as the beer was cold and you could put sand between your toes, it was pretty simple.

You camped anywhere. Or you stuffed as many guys into an economical room near the beach. Maybe it had running waiter. Maybe not. Maybe it had a toilet. Maybe not. So what?

There was always a bar somewhere and the drinks were frosty. The fishing was always good. There was always an old hammock somewhere. The jokes were always funny. You ate what they cooked or you ate what you caught. There’s nothing you can’t eat wrapped in a tortilla.

If it tasted good, you made it taste better with more salsa. If it tasted bad, you added extra salsa and drank more beer. Nothing that couldn’t be cured with more salsa or beer. What happened in Mexico stayed in Mexico. You and the guys!

Oh how times have changed!

These days, with more frequency, the complexion of Mexico fishing trips is changing. If you ever watch folks de-plane at the airport or even watch the cruisers and pangas go out in the morning, you’ll notice a few things…

A few more pieces of pink luggage on the tarmac…

A few more “anglers” wearing sundresses and halter-tops…

A few more high-pitched laughs in the mornings on the dock and beach…

Jim and Joe and Harry have brought along Sarah, Joanie and Kathleen, and it’s happening more and more.

And don’t be fooled by the dangly -earrings, manicured nails or floral sandals. These ladies come to fish! No longer content to just “ride along” or “just coming to watch,” these gals have no qualms about going hand-to-hand with the world-class fish in Mexican waters or shoulder-to-shoulder with their husbands, brothers, dads, and buddies!

“I don’t need any help when I’m on a fish! If I’m hooked, up, everyone else better get outta my way!” is how one lady angler put it.

“I can hang with the guys and I especially like being able to spend time doing something that used to be an all-guys sport,” is what another told me. “I started fishing with my boyfriend who took the time to show me how to fish and now he’s my husband!” she beamed with a smile.

It’s a great way for families or couples to have quality time together.

The captain of one charter boat in Cabo San Lucas once told me, “I like having the ladies aboard. They tend to listen better and you can coach them. They are not afraid to ask questions. They have more patience sometimes than the guys and beat the fish with technique rather than brute strength which is what some guys often do. I’m never surprised when one of the women or girls outfishes the guys although it often surprises the guys!”

Some can handle it. Some can’t!

“Some guys get their shorts all bunched up if a woman does better than them,” said another captain. “But, if you put all the macho-stuff aside, everyone has fun although some of the women are as fiercely competitive as the men and get as fired-up as the men when it comes to who-fishes-better-than who! Some of the women can really talk smack!” he laughingly added.

“I love to outfish my boyfriend,” grinned one young lady who talked about her fishing trip as she watched the crew fillet their catch of dorado. “It seems whenever we come to Mexico, I catch the biggest fish or the most fish,” she said proudly.

“I let her win!” retorted the boyfriend with a wink and a laugh who got a playful elbow in the ribs as he raised a bottle of beer in a toast.

In some ways, it’s a two-edged sword. For many guys who used to do the all-boys trip, the days are long gone or numbered. On the other hand, getting a wife, girlfriend or daughter interested in fishing with you is a pretty nice trade-off.

That’s our story…

Jonathan

______________________________________________________________

Jonathan Roldan’s Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Drive, Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745 Mexico Office: 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico Phones: from USA : 626-638-3383 from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

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

Tailhunter YouTube Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate

“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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“SOMEDAY IS ALREADY HERE!”

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tournaments, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexican, Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, Tailhunter International, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, tagged baja, baja fishing, Baja Mexico, billfish, Cabo San Lucas, Cerralvo Island, charter, dorado, Espiritu Santo Island, expatriates in mexico, fishing charters, Fishing Techniques, fishing tricks, gringos in mexico, holidays in Mexico, inspiration, jonathan, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, Light Tackle Fishing, living in Mexico, marlin, mexican, mexican business, mexican culture, mexican life, mexican retirement, mexican vacations, mexico, mexico life, panga, Panga Fishing, roldan, sea of cortez, sea of cortez fishing, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, tuna, tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, vacations, western outdoor news on November 13, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Five hours...214 pounds on 60 pound test line...one leg...alot of heart!

Big check aside, there was a larger story behind the win at the Western Outdoor News Tuna Jackpot Tournament in Cabo San Lucas

SOMEDAY IS ALREADY HERE

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of Nov. 17, 2011

If you’re in the travel / fishing business like we are, you get alot of ” We’ll get out your way someday!” or “One of these days, we have to try doing something like that!”

You smile. You nod. That’s great. Sure thing.

This past week, my wife, Jill and I spent a great time working with the wacky crazy fun crew of Western Outdoor News at the 13th Annual Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot. Imagine throwing a five -day party for about 600 of your best friends.

It’s alot of work, but far outweighed by the smiles and fun. With over 100 teams from around world participating, how can you go wrong with a tournament that has the motto, “FISH HARD! PARTY HARDER!”

Ringmaster and WON Editor Pat McDonell pulls out all the stops as tournament director to make sure everyone has a good time. The best thing is that you see so many of the same faces every year. Many participants tell us this is sometimes the ONLY fishing they do all year and look forward to ONLY fishing in this event…because it’s such a kick.

This year, Jill worked the papers and stats helping to keep the tournament central booth manned and everyone straight. I thought I had the “easy” job of working the weigh scale with Pat.

Not so. There were alot of fish to weigh! It was pretty crazy. Drama right to the end. As it turned out, it was historic! More fish were weighed than ever. There were so many fish over 100 pounds, let alone the bigger slugs. (23 fish over 100 pounds and 3 over 200 pounds). I was pretty much covered with fish goo by the end of the day.

And there was the winner…214 pounds of tuna muscle. And it was worth almost 37 grand in prize money. Yay!

It’s quite a story.

Oroville Henseler fought this thug fish for almost FIVE hours. He was a FIRST TIME angler. When we saw his rod and reel, it almost looked like a rental rod. No fancy upgrades. No two-speed gears. No aircraft precision. It was a simple out-of-the-box Penn 6/0 reel. His rod…I dunno…a no-name-brand from what I can tell. Better suited for 20-pound dorado than 200- pound gorilla tuna. Granted, he had 150-pound Seagaur leader, but his mainline… only 60 -pound mono!

He refused to pass off the rod for all five hours. He wouldn’t hear of it. Imagine dangling a 200-pound refrigerator over the side of a building on a string and hanging onto it…for five grueling hours in the Baja sun on a rolling boat. That’s manning-up on a fish!

But that’s not the story…the real story. The winning story.

See, Oroville Henseler came all the way out from Springtown, Pennsylvania. Yes, THAT hotbed of ocean-fishing. Oroville had never fished in a big-time tournament. Heck, he hadn’t even been ocean fishing before.

Six months ago, he never imagined himself standing on the winner stage with a big fat check in one hand and his wife, Cindy, holding his other hand and holding back tears of her own.

You see, about 6 months ago, Oroville Henseler from Springtown was more concerned with staying alive and maybe walking again. He had lost his leg in an industrial accident when his shoelace got entangled in a machine. Surgery was unable to save his leg.

Fitted with a prosthetic leg, he had one of those life-changing experiences you hear about.

As the story is told, just two weeks before the tournament, he decided to go. A big -time tournament was on his new “bucket list” and he said no more “what if…” moments in his life. He plopped down the credit card and stepped up.

As he stood up there in the lights accepting the roaring congratulations and applause from more than 600 people, politicians and dignitaries at the awards banquet at the Cabo marina, he was choked up. I could see his eyes tearing up. His metal bionic leg sticking out from a pair of jeans shorts. A Kodak moment of moments.

Winning. It’s not about the money. It’s about saying “No more somedays.” There might not be time for “someday.” Someday is already here.

That’s our story!

Jonathan

______________________________________________________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

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Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:
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“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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“FIVE STAR AS IT GETS!”

CHOICES...CHOICES...on the Baja road trip!

It may not look fancy, but sometimes the rougher the road, the prettier the "gem" at the end of the trail!

You'll probably never see this on Trip Advisor, but it doesn't mean it's not a great stay! It doesn't say "hot water." It says "running water!" Oh...and the also "weld!"

FIVE STAR AS IT GETS!

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of Oct. 20, 2011

Don’t get me wrong. I like being pampered as much as the next guy when I go on vacation and stay at a hotel. There’s nothing wrong with room service; a great restaurant; a spa; fluffy robes and a (OK…I admit it)…a mint on my pillow and cookies!

Surely, I’ve stayed in some of the best in Baja…Hotel Cabo San Lucas, The Finesterra, Plaza Las Glorias, Palmas de Cortez, Spa Buenavista among so many great resort properties and enjoyed them all tremendously.

But that’s not usually how I roll. I WISH we could do that all the time, but that’s just not very economical.

But, especially in pre-internet days 15 or 20 years ago. . . In the days before all those sites like Trip Advisor and Yelp and other websites arose to dissect every aspect of every resort from the size of the pool to the softness of the toilet paper and the fragrance of the shampoo; there weren’t many resources to finding a place to lay your head.

There was always the dog-eared dusty copy of dad’s Auto Club guide in the glove box or under the seat and that was about it if you were road-tripping down the Baja.

In those early days when I would routinely drive up and down the often-lonely-always-bumpy Baja several times a year, some of those were the best stays I ever had.

There were three kinds of nights.

Sleep in the car or truck on the side of the road curled up under the steering wheel.

Pull over in the dark. Camp on the side of the road or beach. Never quite sure where you pitched your tent until you woke up the next day.

Or…

Really “splurge” and find some road sign as the sun goes down. Take a chance that “Clean rooms. Cheap Rooms Hot Showers. Comida Rica” (good food) really meant what it said.

Cheap rooms sometimes meant “economical.” Sometimes, it meant exactly what it said…CHEAP! Single light bulb hanging from the ceiling with a pull-chain. Threadbare towels the size of a dishtowel. . Worn mattress on top of a concrete slab and a TV with rabbit ears made of a clothes hangar.

But those were the exception. More often than not, off the road and to the left meant finding a little Baja gem. They still exist. The scenario didn’t differ.

Sun going low. Too many hours driving in the shimmering dessert heat with the Jimmy Buffet cassette tape getting pretty old. Junk food wrappers on the floor. Reading the road signs for miles. Rusty, sun-baked, poorly-lettered or hand-lettered attempts to look attractive nailed onto any fence post, tree, or any vertical piece of wood.

Casa Maria Palapa and Campground 5 km.

El Sol Beach Hotel 3 km.

Hotel Bahia Hernan Cortez 1.5 km.

Perhaps not grammatically correct but lots of credit for effort.

“Hot Chowers and Gude Fud”

I would eventually be forced to make a choice prompted by tired eyes and diminishing light. Down the road and to the left. Often down a dirt or gravel washboard. Sometimes parting a herd of goats or rousting the lazy dog.

And the trees would open and there it would be.

Often on the beach. Often only one or two other cars and a well-used hotel pick up truck in the parking lot and lit by yellow bug lights illuminating concrete walls, terra cotta tiles, and a palapa roof.

Lots of tangled bouganvillia vines climbing the old columns and up the terraces. Maybe an old fountain in the brick courtyard. Maybe not. But the savory smell of grilling corn tortillas and searing meat coming from somewhere. The faint sound of an old mariachi tune off an 8-track or the sound of a TV playing a soccer team carries over the early evening air.

Family owned and happy to see you with big smiles. As you check in, family pictures on the walls. A cheap Baja calendar over the check-in desk. Mama happily checks you in.

Lo siento, Senor! No credit cards, but rooms are $15 U.S. Will that be OK?

It’s a deal. Papa comes in “Bienvenidos, Amigo! (Welcome!) and helps with your luggage to a clean little room . Daughter brings fresh towels again with a shy welcoming smile. This will do. There’s a fuschia-colored flower in a glass on the nightstand. Nice touch.

I follow that wonderful aroma that caught me as I came in. Down to the little 3-table -cafe on the concrete slab overlooking the beach. Pacifico Beer poster on the wall next to a faded picture of a bullfight.

In the soft yellow bug lights, there’s a dry-yellowed dorado taxidermied on the wall and some shark jaws dangling from a decorative old fishing net tacked nearby. The soccer game flickers from an old black and white TV.

The plastic Corona Beer tables match, but the silverware and plates don’t. Grandma in the back frying something good. She sees you and smiles.

There’s no menus. Grandson comes out and tells you what they are serving that night. And treats you like you’re a guest in their home. Which you are!

Tomato salad (from their own garden)

Homemade Rice and beans

Grandmas corn tortillas and green tomatillo salsa

Grilled Lobster tail (proudly caught by their cousin that morning on the reef who doubles as the gardner)

Flan

…for eight dollars.

Is that OK, he asks awkwardly as if he regrets charging a house guest. “Es bueno?”

“Claro” (Of course) I smile back.

He brightens and eagerly heads to the kitchen.

A Baja feast. And of course, ice cold beer. Heaven. Smiling grandson brings the beer.

I lean back in the chair kick off my flip-flops and let my feet rest on the cool concrete. Beer so cold the icy liquid burns the road dust at the back of my throat. Sigh. Slow exhale. Inhale the salty beach air. Ahhhhh… And watch the sun go down on the Sea of Cortez.

It’s as Five Star as any person ever needs.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

_________________________________________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

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

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate

“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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“FALL NEVER FAILS”

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tournaments, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexican, Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, Tailhunter International, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, tagged baja, baja fishing, Baja Mexico, billfish, Cerralvo Island, charter, dorado, Espiritu Santo Island, expatriates in mexico, Fishing, fishing charters, Fishing Techniques, fishing tricks, gringos in mexico, holidays in Mexico, international, jonathan, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, Light Tackle Fishing, marilin, mexican, mexico, Panga Fishing, sea of cortez, sea of cortez fishing, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, tuna on October 2, 2011| Leave a Comment »

“FALL NEVER FAILS”

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of Oct. 5, 2011

Long before I ever lived down here in Mexico. Long before I even had an idea that I might someday be living down here in Baja, let alone running a business, I was like alot of you.

I worked some semblance of a 9-5 job. I had a day or two off a week. I had vacation time and 3 and 4 day weekends like everyone else

And, I planned my fishing trips like everyone less.

Early in the year, I would pull out my big fishing “master calendar” and figure all the places that I’d like to fish during the season. Trying to budget my time and wallet. And moon phases…

Big red marker…

Let’s see…shallow water rock fishing on the central coast…late winter or early spring. Check.

Trout opener in the Sierras…April. OK

Maybe sneak away for flyfishing in Montana…hmmm…June. Check.

San Diego kelp paddy yellowtail…late June. Can’t miss that.

July for king salmon and halibut in Alaska. Better check airfare now.

August…hmmmm…albacore and bluefin should be running. Book San Diego again. Check.

September…hehehehe…long range? 10 days? I’ll try to get a kitchen pass!

October/November…BAJA!

The fall in Baja has always been good to me. Pragmatically, it’s a good time to come down. It’s not as hot generally. Shadows are a bit longer. Air is a tad cooler. Waters are still warm. Generally flat with small breezes. The killer humidity is lower.

Most of the summer yahoo crowd is gone. Kids are back in school. It’s not quite the holidays so alot of places are only populated by fishermen walking around. During the days when the fleets are out, the towns are empty!

Many airlines consider the dip between Labor Day and Thanksgiving a “downtime” as well so they offer low-season rates on flights. And, as long as you’re not trying to book a boat during a big-time tournament, the best boats and captains are always available and ready to roll.

From a fishing perspective, the season has never failed me.

I’ve caught the majority of my billfish during the fall. In fact, I got my largest, a 400-pounder in October.

My largest and biggest wahoo have all been caught in the fall.

The majority of my tuna and my largest, a 236-pound cow was caught in the fall.

Come to think of it, my largest dorado have all been caught in the fall as well.

I guess there’s a reason so many of the biggest and most popular fishing tournaments in Baja, and indeed Mexico, are held in the fall. That’s when the big fish are around. That’s when many of the top-water pelagic trophy-fish that made Baja famous can be found…blue marlin…black marlin…sailfish…yellowfin tuna…wahoo…dorado…and others.

Had you the luxury, you could literally hop from one tournament to the other. One stops. Another begins. I know some semi-professional tournament teams and that’s what they literally do. They zoom from one tournament to the other. You could probably just stay in Cabo San Lucas and between September and November participate in a virtual assembly line of tournaments and never leave the city except to go fishing.

In many circles, Southern California comes to mind, once Labor day has gone, so do the fishermen. Well, the fish don’t simply stop biting because the calendar says summer is over. At least as far as Baja is concerned, the end of summer marks the beginning of some of the best fishing around!

That’s my story

Jonathan

____________________________________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

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

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate

“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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“Don’t Laugh If It Works!”

Posted in Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, fishing tournaments, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Tailhunter International, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, tagged bait, baja, Cerralvo Island, dorado, Espiritu Santo Island, fishing charters, Fishing Techniques, fishing tricks, international, jonathan, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, Light Tackle Fishing, marilin, mexican vacations, mexico, Panga Fishing, roldan, sailfish, sea of cortez, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, tuna on September 3, 2011| Leave a Comment »

When it comes to bait or any fishing techniques, if it results in a bent rod, it's hard to dismiss it! Try it. You never know!

IF IT WORKS DON’T LAUGH!

Originally Published the Week of Sept. 6, 2o11 in Western Outdoor News

I am often amazed at what catches fish down here. Of course, us gringos are always looking for “live bait” like caballitos, mackerel, sardines and the like. Plus we have all the “latest and greatest” technology has to offer in the way of lures, plugs and feathers.

But, over the years, having worked with so many captains in so many areas of Baja, I’ve come across some pretty incredible things that have been used for bait…and they work!

BELLIES & STRIPS – Long ago when I lived in Los Frailes, the owner of the hotel turned me onto taking the oily juicy strips of belly meat from dorado and bonito and pinning them on the hooks of my feathers and jigs, especially my marlin lures. Strips of squid also work. They add scent and flavor to your lures. I also think gamefish tend to hold onto them more when there’s some “taste” to the lure.

Actually, even without the feather or jig, one of the most effective methods of attracting game fish is to simply pin a nice long strip of these species to a hook and leader (make sure you have a swivel) and drag it slowly behind your boat. Bigger fish can’t seem to resist it. Even large dorado will jump on dorado strips!

If you happen to get into a bite of the giant squid, give some thought to taking the whole head and sending it down deep. I’ve gotten some monster tuna on 5-pound chunks of head. Smaller giant squid worked when trolled and long-rangers will tell you that a big squid bounced on the waves from a kite are deadly.

It’s also productive to chop the squid legs (arms?) into chunks and just tossing handfuls into the ocean as chum then taking another big chunk and hook it, letting it all drift down to the game fish. Often, even when the fish won’t take live bait, they WILL eat the chummed bait.

WHOLE FISH – As much as we tend to hate needlefish down here as the scourge of fishermen, a smaller needlefish slow-trolled in the rocky areas will sometimes really get nailed by a big pargo, snapper or cabrilla.

Sent down deep, this can be deadly for a big grouper around the islands…or even using a small bonito! Cut off a fin and score a few knife cuts into the flesh to get it bleeding then send it down with a heavy weight and see what happens! If it’s live, you better hold into your socks!

One of the strangest baits I have ever used was small puffer fish. I often noticed that when we cleaned dorado we would find whole puffer fish in the stomachs of bull dorado. (Maybe I can see eating one, but the thought of passing one of the spikey guys out the backside raises some eyebrows).

Anyway, I asked one of my captains and he said he often saw dorado eat floating puffer fish and that the smaller ones make good bait. So we caught some floaters and put them in the bait tank. When we got into a dorado bite we tossed some into the fray…like surface poppers and sure enough…WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! Puffers were hit faster than sardines! It worked! Small barracuda work also or larger ballyhood.

INORGANIC BAITS

OK…here’s some of the crazier stuff I have seen work…

1. Strips of tortilla cut like a “pig-and-jig” fork-tail and thrown into feeding dorado and bonito.

2. Strips of white rubber liner like the kind you put on the bottom of your kitchen sink so that your dishes have a cushion. Slow trolled or cut like the back end of a small bait fish…twitched along the reefs, you’d be surprised what comes out to chase it! It’s a cheap swim bait!

3. A mop head! Old Mexican fishermen will tell you that they used to troll old mop heads without a hook. The abrasive bill of sailfish and marlin are like a rasp. They would hit the trolled mop head and it would wrap around their bills like velcro! Hook up! I’ve seen it used one time and it blew me away!

4. Orange Crush bottle – I once saw commercial fishermen leave some orange soda in a bottle; put crushed tinfoil in it and re-cap it. They tied it behind a panga and trolled it in the wake like a teaser! I saw it raise several sailfish like this!

If it works, don’t laugh!

__________________________

_________________________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

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

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate

“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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So…You Wanna Sit Under a Palm Tree?

Posted in Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, fishing tournaments, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, women fishing, tagged baja, expatriates in mexico, international, jonathan, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, mexican, mexican business, mexican retirement, mexico, roldan, sea of cortez, tailhunter, Tailhunter International on August 20, 2011| Leave a Comment »

It's a dirty job, but someone has to sit in the plastic chair and keep it from floating away! Air temperature 90. Water Temperature 80. Beer temperature 32 degrees.

SO…YOU WANNA SIT UNDER A PALM TREE?

Originally Published the Week of Aug. 25, 2011 in Western Outdoor News

A week doesn’t go by where I don’t get asked several times about moving/ retiring/ setting up a business in Mexico.

“Man, you got the life. You fish all day. Siesta under the palm trees and drink beer!” is often how the conversation starts. I have to inwardly laugh. It’s always fun to dream, but being down here in vacation and having to actually live or work here are different issues.

First some general stats:

It is said that more Americans live in Mexico than any other country in the world. It’s close proximity to the U.S.; relative lower cost of living; climate; and ease of lifestyle make it an attractive destination. Studies (speculative at best) put the number of Americans living in Mexico between 125,000 and 1 million with “600,00” most often quoted.
A 2009 poll of Americans retired in coastal communities in Mexico showed most are “baby boomers” with 53% being under 65 years old. 67% have at least a college degree. 61 percent are married.
Most are financially comfortable by Mexican standards with over 70% having an income of over $25,000 a year which is more than 2000.00/month compared to less than $1000/month of most Mexicans.
The majority of those polled spent less than $2000/month but felt their lifestyle was actually higher than in the U.S. with 75% feeling that cost of living was a major factor in their desire to retire south-of-the-border.

We’ve been down here now for almost 16 years and been full-time residents for about 7. Folks always ask us what we think. Here’s a few thoughts below. For everyone who’s down here, there are probably several dozen we know who didn’t make it or had to leave and dreams turned into disasters.

Do your homework. Read. Read. Read. The bookstores have tons of resources and the internet has the freshest stuff. I can’t believe how many folks just seem to “show up” expecting to start whole new lives just by “being here!” Here’s a good place to start: http://www.icfdn.org/publications/retireeresearch/
Talk to folks who have already done it and have attempted to live down here. There’s nothing like local knowledge. No matter how many books or pamphlets you read, someone who’s down here can give you immeasurable insight. Talk to LOTS of them!
Yes, you can have a really great life down here, but it’s all relative. What do you want in a lifestyle? Do you need everything you had in the states? Shopping? Golf? Movies? Restaurants? Or are you just fine walking along the beach without another soul and living “off the grid?” There are cultural, economic, and tremendous social differences between the two countries and peoples. It’s not for everyone.
Living here day-to-day is alot different than being here on vacation. If you have a chance and think you might like to set up roots down here, rent a place for awhile. See what it’s like to go shopping; pay bills; get a plumber; go to Church; interact with the community and being away from family and friends back in the U.S. Maybe part-time residency works better. Also, there really are seasons! Most folks show up here on vacation in the spring, summer and fall. Winter here is not like the other seasons. Can you handle it when it’s not all beach weather?
Do you have some personal medical or dietary needs? What will you do if there’s an emergency? Mexico has great facilities, but not all of them are accessible in all places.
If you plan to set up a business, do even more research. My main advice is not to invest more than you can lose. Be able to walk away if you have to. It’s not easy for foreigners to operate businesses here as in most countries if you’re a foreigner. Mexico is especially heavy on bureaucracy even if you’re local! If you have a business plan, triple it. The “model” you learned earning your MBA doesn’t work in Mexico.
Don’t take shortcuts no matter what kind of “deal” someone offers you! Whether it’s banking, real estate, contracts, labor laws, construction permits, immigration; etc….adhere to the law. It’s no fun looking over your shoulder or worrying. The law is the law and citizens and visitors alike are expected to respect it. Just like in the U.S. If you follow the law you can never go wrong. Plus, being a gringo…you’re higher profile. Not like you can hide!
Learn Spanish…even a little! It’s the best investment you can make in living and working here.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

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Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western Outdoor News since 2004. Along with his wife, Jill, 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 riplipboy@tailhunter-international.com or drop by the restaurant to say hi!

___________________________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

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

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate

“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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CAN’T GO WRONG BAJA PRIMER

Posted in Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, fishing tournaments, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, tagged baja, gringos in mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, living in Mexico, mexican culture, mexican life, mexico, mexico life, sea of cortez, Tailhunter International on August 7, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Look past stereotypes. A smile is a smile in any language!

CAN’T GO WRONG BAJA PRIMER

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of Aug. 10, 2011

Been down here long enough and had several thousand folks pass through our care either directly or indirectly here in Baja. Over the years, I’ve compiled a list of things that you can do that will always work no matter what. What got me started many years ago was listening to two gringos talking on the beach.

“I’m really disappointed in Mexico. The golf course here is not even close to being as good as Pebble Beach!” (how many are THAT good?)

“We were fishing and the boat didn’t even have an electronic fish finder on it. We caught fish, but it’s like fishing in the stone ages down here.”

Y’know, sometimes expectations are just a little too high. Folks forget. This is still the Baja. Until a few years ago, things we take for granted like electricity, running water, phones and ice were non-existent in many places, let alone complaining because you can’t find a McDonald’s for the kids.

Anyway, here’s my two-cents primer on things that are 100 percent guaranteed if you plan to visit us:

Never forget you’re a guest here. Act accordingly as if you were visiting a friend or neighbor and you will never go wrong.
Stereotypes work both ways. You are consciously or sub-consciously judging your hosts as Mexicans. It’s inevitable. You are also being judged as a guest American. Americans are also stereotyped. Remember, you’re being watched and judged. Be an ambassador of goodwill.
No one will every laugh at you for trying to speak the language. It’s appreciated. By the same token, don’t get impatient if a local doesn’t speak or understand English as fast as you would like.
“Please” and “Thank you” in any language is always understood.
An unspoken smile or a laugh is a powerful communicator
A dollar left on a dresser of your hotel room or pressed into a palm for a small favor goes further than any dollar you ever spent
You will never go wrong eating at a place that has a crowd or a line around it. It’s worth the wait.
Make a friend forever by complimenting someone’s child or asking about their family. Ask to see a photo.
Shopping is always better the further you get away from the tourist areas.
Never be afraid to negotiate. It’s expected. It’s fun. It never hurts to ask if there is a lower price for anything…from taxi cabs to day tours and from margarita glassware to blankets. If they say “no” smile. If they say “yes” smile even bigger!
Ask a taxi driver to “show you HIS favorite places.” Or take you to HIS favorite restaurant or where the locals go or eat. Often you will discover things you would never find in the travel brochures.
Even if you get a bargain, tip nicely. You’ll be remembered.
Take a photo of someone and, if there’s any way, give them a copy. They will treasure it and you always. We take photos for granted. We have thousands of photos of ourselves. Many folks down here have their photo i.d. and sometimes not even that.
Tell your captain you just want to catch fish. He really wants to. Let him do his job. Try tipping AHEAD OF time or showing him his tip ahead of time. See what magic that works!
Our throw-aways are someone’s treasure. A used t-shirt. Old fishing line. Some hooks. A worn baseball hat. A out-of-fashion pair of shoes or slippers. Hand them off with a smile. Get a smile in return.
Don’t be afraid or too lazy to walk through a park, beach or shopping area where families are gathered.
Visit a local bookstore or listen to some local music.
No matter how much of a hurry you think you are in, stop and sit. Watch and listen. Absorb. Revel in the slower pace, even for just a moment. You’ll be amazed. Don’t forget that you might not be passing this way again, even if you’re rushing to catch the glass-bottom boat tour or the mariachi dinner show. Those will always be there. That magnificent sunset over the Sea of Cortez might not.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

________________________________________

___________________________________________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

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

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate

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¡Bienvenidos Amigos!
Jonathan has written for:

Western Outdoor News
Western Outdoor News Magazine
Pacific Coast Sportfishing
Discover Baja Magazine
Baja Life Magazine
The Log
Fish Taco Chronicles
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Tailhunter International, La Paz, Baja Sur

Archive for the ‘fishing tournaments’ Category

YELLOW FEVER REVISED

Originally Published the Week of Feb. 20, 2012 in Western Outdoor News

“JUST ONE MORE TRIP…”

Originally Published In Western Outdoor News the Week of Feb. 8, 2012

MEXICAN ECONOMY AT GROUND ZERO

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of January 10, 2012

STAY HOME NO MORE!

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of December 14, 2011

SOMEDAY IS ALREADY HERE

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of Nov. 17, 2011

FIVE STAR AS IT GETS!

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of Oct. 20, 2011

“FALL NEVER FAILS”

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of Oct. 5, 2011

IF IT WORKS DON’T LAUGH!

Originally Published the Week of Sept. 6, 2o11 in Western Outdoor News

SO…YOU WANNA SIT UNDER A PALM TREE?

Originally Published the Week of Aug. 25, 2011 in Western Outdoor News

A week doesn’t go by where I don’t get asked several times about moving/ retiring/ setting up a business in Mexico.

“Man, you got the life. You fish all day. Siesta under the palm trees and drink beer!” is often how the conversation starts. I have to inwardly laugh. It’s always fun to dream, but being down here in vacation and having to actually live or work here are different issues.

First some general stats:

A 2009 poll of Americans retired in coastal communities in Mexico showed most are “baby boomers” with 53% being under 65 years old. 67% have at least a college degree. 61 percent are married.

Most are financially comfortable by Mexican standards with over 70% having an income of over $25,000 a year which is more than 2000.00/month compared to less than $1000/month of most Mexicans.

The majority of those polled spent less than $2000/month but felt their lifestyle was actually higher than in the U.S. with 75% feeling that cost of living was a major factor in their desire to retire south-of-the-border.

We’ve been down here now for almost 16 years and been full-time residents for about 7. Folks always ask us what we think. Here’s a few thoughts below. For everyone who’s down here, there are probably several dozen we know who didn’t make it or had to leave and dreams turned into disasters.

Talk to folks who have already done it and have attempted to live down here. There’s nothing like local knowledge. No matter how many books or pamphlets you read, someone who’s down here can give you immeasurable insight. Talk to LOTS of them!

Do you have some personal medical or dietary needs? What will you do if there’s an emergency? Mexico has great facilities, but not all of them are accessible in all places.

Learn Spanish…even a little! It’s the best investment you can make in living and working here.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

CAN’T GO WRONG BAJA PRIMER

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of Aug. 10, 2011

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