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“BRING IT ON HOME!”

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, Mexican culture, Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, tagged baja, charters, fish packing, fish storage, fish transport, Fishing, Fishing Techniques, fishing vacation, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, light tackle, mexican, mexico, outfitters, panga, sea of cortez, Tailhunter International, vacuum sealing on June 24, 2012| Leave a Comment »

How you treat your fish makes all the difference in what it’s like when you get it home. Sherman from the Tailhunter staff prepares dorado fillets to be vacuum sealed at our facility for our fishing clients where it’s trimmed, labeled, dated and commercially vacuum sealed. Even if you don’t have the ability to vacuum seal your fish, keep it cold and fresh as possible.

“BRING IT ON HOME!”

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of June 28, 2012

After so many years of doing this, I just assume most folks know about bringing home their catch. Certain things are just assumed. I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am. Just this week alone, I think I received at least 2 dozen e-mails asking me about how to get their fish home.

Don’t get me wrong! The questions are great questions. It’s my own fault for being surprised!

For you veteran Baja anglers, you just assume that fish is going home with you, but for many first timers, families, couples, etc. fishing the Baja is a new experience.

So, let’s do a primer!

Bringing home good quality fish means taking care of it as soon as it’s out’ve the water and on the deck. Dispatch the fish as quickly as possible. Keep in mind, as soon as your fish is dead, it’s already deteriorating. Like any type of food, cold helps arrest deterioration a.k.a. spoilage!

So, get it in the box, ice chest or other container and off the deck and out of the sun, unless you want it cooked and spoiled right before your eyes! Nothing like blazing Baja sun to turn your fish to mush. In the box, make sure there’s ice and keep it as cold as possible.

In most cases, your captain or deckhand won’t have time to start cleaning it on the spot, but the colder you can keep your fish, the better. Ice is the key. In the major fishing tourist destinations, ice is a given. Usually. But it’s always a good question to ask your operator. Also, is it included in the price of your trip? Many outlying areas may not have ice. Find out! If not, do your best to keep your catch cool.

Usually, once back at the beach or dock, your catch is cleaned. Get it bagged and cold and on ice again as soon as possible. So often I see anglers wander away to take photos and high-five each other and not pay attention to their fillets…which might just sit in the sun on a cleaning table…cooking! Get the fish on ice. If you can get it vacuum sealed, it’s a plus.

As soon as you can, if you’re staying in one spot for awhile, get your catch in the freezer. Again, a good question to ask if whether your lodging or charter operators have freezing facilities. Don’t assume! It’s Mexico. Better to be certain.

Now, getting your catch home…

Let’s get this right out. Generally speaking, there’s no way to ship your fish home. This is not Alaska or Canada. Unless you want to pay and arm-and-leg and get your fish on your doorstep melted and stinky a week late, don’t even consider mailing it.

The best and cheapest way is to bring your fish home in an ice chest as a piece of luggage. Everyone does it. Extra baggage is usually 25-50 dollars. A bargain. Most airlines have a limit of 50 pounds per piece before they charge you for an over-weight piece. Check with your airlines.

There is no dry ice. The airlines will also not permit you to put ice in the cooler either as it will melt and when your ice chest tumbles along the conveyor belt, you’re gonna piss off a lot of people when it leaks fish water on their luggage.

So, this is why it’s important that your filets be frozen. Believe me, if you don’t keep opening and closing the lids, your fish can last 24-48 hours in an ice chest!

Usually a 35-42 qt. chest holds will weigh about 50 pounds when filled with fillets. Don’t forget, chests with wheels will weigh more so you don’t be able to put as much fish in the chest if you’re trying to be exactly 50 pounds.

Don’t use Styrofoam chests. They get crushed when smacked by other luggage and make a mess! Don’t cheap out either and put it in a cardboard box as I’ve seen some guys try it. Not a great idea to stick extra fish in your personal luggage either! The airlines frown on it and you might have trouble getting the stink out of your clothes if the fish starts melting.

I’ve seen some anglers try to use the insulated boxes that they use in Alaska. They don’t work as well down here. In Mexico, ice chests might sit on the 100+ degree tarmac or in a hot luggage room before being loaded.

Although lighter in weight, insulated boxes don’t hold up like they do in Alaska or Canad. Up there, the ambient temperature is not very warm and the boxes can be kept out or stored in cooler places. Mexico is a cooker!

Many companies make some great soft-sided ice chests now that work incredibly well and are made for hot weather. Worth looking into and they weigh less than conventional coolers.

If you have extra room, stuff your dirty fishing clothes around the packs or crushed newspaper for extra insulation. Bring some duct tape to seal it up or a packing strap.

When you get home, get your fish in your home freezer and get the barbecue ready to go!

That’s our 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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“How Deep is ‘Deep Sea’ Fishing?

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, Mexican culture, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, 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, living in Mexico, mexican, mexican business, mexican culture, mexican life, mexican retirement, mexican vacations, mexico, Mexico tourism, panga, Panga Fishing, roldan, sea of cortez, sea of cortez fishing, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, tuna, vacations, western outdoor news on March 31, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Nice people sometimes ask the craziest questions. It's hard to believe some of the funny and nutty questions and comments we get.

“HOW DEEP IS ‘DEEP SEA’ FISHING?”

Originally Published the Week of April 4, 2012, in Western Outdoor News

Every year, after we do all our promotional shows across the Western U.S., I like to compile some of the funny questions and comments I heard during the past 3 months. Folks approach our booth to talk and ask us questions and we literally see speak to hundreds of anglers and hunters at each show over the 4 or 5 day period. Over the years, there have been some doozies…

“What’s the best day of the week to catch a blue marlin?”

“How come everyone in Mexico speaks Spanish?”

“It’s called ‘Baja California’ but I can’t find Baja on a map of California!”

Stuff like that.

Sometimes we roll our eyes. Sometimes we have to ask the to repeat the question because we can’t believe what we just heard!

Sometimes, it’s awfully hard to choke back a laugh or be a wise-guy (more my nature) and fire back a quick smart-aleck response…especially after talking to hundreds of persons at each show and hearing so many questions over and over!

But, we’re professionals! Ha!

And we have to remind ourselves that these are truly and honestly sincere and generally intelligent folk. I’m just as guilty of not having my brain and mouth in synch. You be the judge! Sometimes, there’s just NO answer to some of these questions and comments!

Almost every conversation starts up with someone walking up to our counter and firing the opening line…

“Where you out’ve?” (even tho’ the words LA PAZ MEXICO are plastered all over the booth! )

And then it starts…

“Is that near Cancun?”

“Is that near Tijuana? I took a picture there once with a donkey painted up like a zebra!”

And this little exchange…

“You don’t look Mexican. Did you learn your English from missionaries?”

(“Sir, I’m actually from Hawaii,” I responded)

“Really? Are you selling fishing trips in Hawaii?”

“Do they speak Spanish in Hawaii?”

“So, in Hawaii, did you learn English from the missionaries?”

“Hey, do you know my friend in Cabo San Lucas? His name is Jose. He’s short like you with black hair and mustache. Everyone knows Jose!” (I’m sure he’s in my rolodex!)

“So, is fishing any good where you’re at?” (Nope…that’s why I’m selling fishing trips at a FISHING show and there’s pictures of FISH all over my booth!)

“I knew a guy once that got Montezuma’s revenge from drinking the water in Mexico. Will that happen to me? What will happen if I get Montezuma’s?”

“When do the salmon run in Baja? I hear you get some good ones and they’re not like the salmon in Alaska!” (I guess not!)

“I was told Mexican ranchers raise little goats so they can get cheese and breed with them and have babies. Is that true?” (Can you repeat that one more time again, Sir?)

“Can my wife walk across the border to Loreto to go shopping?” (Oh sure…if she can walk about 500 miles!)

“I heard you can’t drive an American car to Mexico because American speedometers show miles-per-hour and in Mexico they don’t have miles…only kilometers. Mexican cars have kilometers on their dashboards. So, Mexican cars cannot be driven in the U.S. either.” (Someone has been eating the brownies with the little green flecks in them again!)

“My wife doesn’t like the sun can she stay in the room the whole time?”

“Can I scuba dive without air tanks?”

“How deep is ‘deep sea’ fishing?”

“I’ve never fished in the ocean before. What happens when the fish pulls me out’ve the boat? Will sharks eat me? I watch “Shark Week” all the time on TV and I know what happens to people who get in the ocean.”

“I was in prison once and can’t get a passport. Will they still let me come fishing where you’re at?” (They might let you out of the U.S., but you’re gonna have a big problem trying to get back in!”)

“Last time we were in Mexico it was really windy! What can you do about the wind?” (Well, let me just wave my magic wand over the earth and sky for you!)

“Are you positive you’re not selling fishing trips to Hawaii?

By the time you read this, I’ll be home in La Paz! Thanks to everyone who came out to say hi to us over the last 3 months. WON readers are EVERYWHERE! There’s no such thing as a dumb question. But…You never know when you may end up as part of a story!

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

.
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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“CHANGES IN ATTITUDES REVISITED”

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, kids, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexican, Mexican culture, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, Tailhunter International, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, 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, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, Light Tackle Fishing, living in Mexico, 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, vacations, western outdoor news, Women fishing on March 19, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Me and Jilly in our booth at the International Sportsman's Expo Salt Lake City UT. Just tryin' to sell smiles one fish at a time.

CHANGES IN ATTITUDES (“ARE YOU TALKING TO…ME?” REVISTED)

Originally Published the Week of March 23, 2012 in Western Outdoor News

So, here it is. As I’m writing this, we’ve been on the road 78 straight days now hitting all the major fishing/hunting shows…Denver, Sacramento, Portland, Vegas, Seattle, Long Beach…just to name a few. New show every week. 13,000 miles of driving and, by the time you’re reading this, we’ll be at our 11^th show at the Fred Hall Show in Del Mar near San Diego.

So, we see thousands of you all at these shows and many of you have asked about the experiences we had last year on our promotional tour. If you remember, last year, several times at every show we were actually accosted…mostly verbally…sometimes physically by knuckleheads telling us to:

“Go back to your country!”

“How did people like US get into the show?”

“Everyone of you effing people from Mexico should be killed…”

Y’know…lovely pleasantries like that. Every city. Every show. Not just the cities like Boise, Idaho or Billings, Montana either.

The worst were at the shows in Sacramento and Long Beach, California. Yup…you’d have thought folks in these hubs might be a bit more enlightened. So did we!

It’s a bit unsettling when a guy in an Izod polo shirt with a Tag Heuer watch and a wife looking like she just came from the spa grits his teeth, reaches across the counter at my booth and pokes his finger in my chest and hisses at me, “They oughta just nuke the whole stupid country.”

Well, we got hundreds of e-mails and letters about our experiences. Outrage. Embarrassment. Support. Most agreed that there’s some folks out there that just have their underwear on a little too tight. We didn’t take it too personally.

But after decades of doing shows and meeting the public, it seemed like the rage and frustration towards Mexico directly and us indirectly came out’ve left field.

So, what about 2012?

I don’t know what everyone was drinking or smoking in 2011, but it’s almost like someone someone threw the light switch the other way. Thankfully, we’ve had very few incidents this year.

In fact, just today while here at the Salt Lake City ISE show, someone did tell me, “I’m not going there to Mexico where they cut off everyone’s head!” He didn’t stop at our booth to say more or have a discussion. He said it loud enough for others to hear and his buddies to laugh. But that was it

We’ve had maybe only half-a-dozen actual heated exchanges. And they were quickly dissipated. Either we got the person to walk away. (No loss…anyone that tight will never visit Mexico anyway so why waste the energy!)

Or, in two or three situations, the angry person unknowingly walked up while our booth was surrounded by friends and clients who quickly bristled and got their own dander up.

The guy opens his mouth and gives us a piece of his mind. Party foul! Don’t call out the host in front of the host’s friends! The bad guy gets chased away really really fast by friends who give him a bit of his own vitriol.

“Buddy, you need to take a hike!” “You’re a jerk, keep walking.” “Back off, amigo, you’re full of…” Well, you get the idea. It’s hard to suppress a grin still thinking about it. Thanks guys!

But honestly, I don’t know what’s changed. Maybe people are coming around and are untangling fact from sensationalism and realizing that, while Mexico has a lot of problems, much of what the media feeds us isn’t the whole story and is not reflective of ALL of the country. It’s a big place.

The bad guys are not targeting tourists. Like pretty much anywhere else, there’s places in every city you shouldn’t visit places and things you shouldn’t be doing no matter where you are. I mean…why would anyone need to go into a dark alley in Ciudad de Juarez? Or, one in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco or New Orleans, etc? Common sense!

In fact, statistics show that American tourism to Mexico has been on the rise the past year. Last year alone, something like 15 million Americans visited Mexico and you know what happened…NOTHING!

What we’ve found instead this year is people walking up to us and asking,

“What do you think about the violence?”

“What’s the real story down there?”

“Is it really that dangerous?”

They really want to know. They want someone to give another side. And they listen. Really listen. And instead of a confrontation, it becomes an exchange of ideas. They may never come down to visit, but most times, I hear them say, “Wow, I didn’t know that. That’s really interesting.” They shake our hands and thank us. Hopefully with a little better understanding.

Now, I do hear people say that the ONLY reason we’re pimping this is that we have a vested interest in getting folks down to Mexico. Of course we do. We have a fishing business and a restaurant. To me, what’s good for us is good for everyone. A little understanding goes a long way. But, no matter what I say, people will still call it a sales job.

Well, just this week, none other than the U.S. State Department officially recognized and declared that “no advisory” is “in effect for La Paz and the entire South Baja region.” (that includes Cabo and Loreto!). According to the State Department the report was compiled at the behest of American business groups worried about employee safety and NOT to appease various boosters of Mexican tourism, e.g. self-serving “salesmen” like me!

So, there you have it. The U.S. Government finally telling folks something most of us in Baja already knew. Come enjoy!

_______

HOLD THE PRESS…just after I wrote this and it went to publication to the editor, we had two people walk up to us at the booth in Salt Lake City Sportsman’s Expo.. Just as we were thinking we had made it through with a kinder, gentler, season. Just after I wrote the above column the night before…two folks walked up to us and hissed…”WE HATE MEXICANS!” And walked on. Didn’t even stick around long enough for get a response from me or my wife. Both the woman and the man said the same thing and made a point of walking right up to our booth. “ I HATE MEXICANS.” Dangit…I guess there’s still knuckleheads out there. Sad.

_________

That’s our story…

Jonathan

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International
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://www.tailhunter-international.com/fishreport.htm

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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“DIFFERENTLY THE SAME”

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, kids, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexican, Mexican culture, Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, yellowtail, tagged 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, mexican business, mexican culture, mexican life, mexican retirement, mexican vacations, mexico, mexico life, panga, Panga Fishing, roldan, sailfish, sea of cortez, sea of cortez fishing, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, tuna, vacations, western outdoor news, Women fishing on March 5, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Only two guys who've fished together for awhile like Captain Jorge and Steve would mug like this. Just two guys fishing together!

DIFFERENTLY THE SAME!

Originally Published the Week of March 8, 2012 in Western Outdoor News

I’m just saying. I think the world might just be a better place if we all just did a little more fishing. It might solve a few problems, or at least not have so many.

Nations and, even neighbors, are pulled-apart by such complicated issues as religion, culture, politics and language or such silly stuff as, “I hate the music that jerk plays! ”

There are simply countless reasons NOT to like each other. So many reasons to polarize us all. I’m as guilty as the next person. I probably let a person’s differences jump out at me more often than they should.

But put two knuckleheaded guys as dissimilar as night and day in a boat… keep some fishing rods handy… and give them the mutally-advantageous goal of trying to fool an animal with a brain the size of a pea…

And it’s amazing to watch what develops. I see it happen all the time.

One guy speaks Spanish. One English.

One knows how to run a fishing boat. One knows how to run a million-dollar company.

One has 3 kids and lives in a cinderblock home with a tin roof and a chicken or two in the yard. The other has 1 ex-wife, two mortgages and rents a roof-top condo on the west side.

One has spent 30 years learning the waters that provide his livelihood and survival.

One has two advanced university degrees.

One can fix a Mercury outboard or Chevy engine with duct tape and a butter knife.

One can do Power Point presentations before a Board of Directors.

One makes the best goat-meat barbecue in his neighborhood.

One makes a mean happy hour martini.

In any other context, there’s hardly a single reason for these two guys to care a wit about the other. But, put them in a fishing boat…

And they get along just fine!

All the disparate petty things that pull drive us apart or keep us from getting to know each seem to take 2^nd chair to the overall goal of putting a dumb fish in the boat!

Language barriers are overcome with the simple universal communication of a smile or a laugh.

Often, both guys try extra hard to actually LISTEN more carefully and WATCH more closely. They SPEAK more carefully and simply to each other…even in their own languages, because they really WANT to be understood!

We have smart phones, Facebook, Twitter, Google and Skype…all the technology in the world, but we’ve forgotten the skills of LISTENING, WATCHING and SPEAKING SIMPLY! Two guys in a boat wanting to catch a fish will resort to animated and creative hand gestures to make themselves understood!

At the end of the day…smiles…and maybe a photo or two…and a handshake. Both understand “Gracias” and “Thank you.”

“Tomorrow” says one.

“Manana!” says the other.

By the next day, more grins on the beach as they meet to go out. The captain pulls out a little foil packet of grilled fish burritos that his wife made for the client and wants to share.

“Delicious! exclaims the client surprisedly.

“Delcio-SO!” confirms the captain proudly with a grin.

“Hey, Spanish and English are almost the same!” says the client through another mouthful of burrito.

“Si!…Yes!” replies the smiling Captain

“Good…uh…BIEN” laughs the client.

“Correc-TO!” confirms the Captain as he revs the motor.

The client rummages through his bag and pulls out a box of juice to share with the captain. Gratefully accepted. Smiles and nods.

And they head out for another day of fishing.

…and the language barriers start to diminish. And with each passing hour, the other barriers don’t matter. They never really did.

At the end of the day, the client “thinks” he understands that the Captain has a younger son who likes baseball. Both have daughters about the same age. The Captain now knows the client likes the N.Y. Yankees (Captain likes the Red Sox) and the client lives in San Diego. They both think politicians in both countries are the same…idiots! Laughs.

And so it goes. At the end of the day, more handshakes and photos. More smiles. The client gives the captain some lures as a gift. His eyes light-up gratefully!

“Mil Gracias!…Mucho thank you’s” says the captain grasping the precious lures.

“Thank YOU very much” answers the client pointing at the captain “…Gracias gracias, mi amigo!”

And then the next year, the client comes back.

Hands clasp. And there are big grins and smiles and anticipation of another great time on the water.

The fisherman shows photos of his kids on his cell phone and photos from the last trip! The captains smiles proudly looking at the photos. Using hand gestures and simple words he demonstrates that his kids have grown “this much…” He uses another hand gesture to happily say his wife has another baby coming!

And every year it grows…3, 4, …7…10 years of fishing together. And it’s no longer captains and client. A friendship grows. And not a hint of politics…or religion…or cultural differences. And they learn from each other.

He’s become a better fisherman and learned to love barbecued goat and fish jerky and how to catch his own bait.

The captain has picked up quite a bit of English and has enjoyed bagels and cream cheese. His son has a new baseball glove and a N.Y. Yankees ballcap. The captain proudly uses a new reel from a place called “Cabelas.”

Oh…and over the years, they just happen to catch a few fish too. But it never seemed to be as important or as fun as just two guys hanging out.

Yup…the world might be a bit better if everyone just went fishing. We’re so differently the same.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

__________________________

.
Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:
http://www.tailhunter-international.com/fishreport.htm

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.”

Read Full Post »

“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’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

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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

.
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http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

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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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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

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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

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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

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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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“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

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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“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

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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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Jonathan has written for:

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