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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 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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“A Bit of History and Mexican Spirits!”

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, 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, Cerralvo Island, charter, dorado, Espiritu Santo Island, expatriates in mexico, Fishing, fishing charters, Fishing Techniques, fishing tricks, gringos in mexico, international, jonathan, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, Light Tackle Fishing, mexican business, mexican culture, mexican life, mexican vacations, panga, Panga Fishing, roldan, sea of cortez fishing, Tailhunter International, vacations on October 30, 2011| Leave a Comment »

The hidden back stairway in the Tailhunter building. A stairway for wandering spirits?

After taking over this 100-year-old building in 2006, we found it had a colorful history as an office, apartment, many restaurants, a museum, and home to many former La Paz residents...some of whom may still "reside" there!

A BIT OF HISTORY & MEXICAN SPIRITS!

Originally Published in Western Outdoors the Week of Nov. 4, 2011

History isn’t necessarily about events and dates. It’s about the people who made those things happen. People who mostly aren’t with us any longer. Or are they?

As I’m writing this it’s a few days before Dia de Los Muertos…the Day of the Dead. A big celebration here in Mexico. Not in the morbid sense, but rather a time to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have gone before us. It’s getting more commercialized, but for the most part, it’s version of Halloween.

So, let me tell you a story of historical building. In fact, it’s the very building where my wife and I run our Tailhunter Restaurant & Bar on the La Paz waterfront.

We have refurbished an old 3 story building next to the beach. It’s over 100-years-old.

Over the years, we have found that it has been a home many times, an offices, a museum, a warehouse, restaurants; and an apartment to name a few. There’s a dark interior stairwell that goes from the 1st floor offices to the restaurant kitchen on the 2nd floor. Covered in old ceramic tiles and graced with a metal rail that has seen too many coats of paint, it allows staff to move between the floors without having to walk through the actual restaurant and bar.

Jill and I were working at our desks one afternoon.

Jill saw or sensed the lady in black first.

“Did you see that?” she said a bit startled? “Who was that lady that just went up the stairway? That wasn’t one of the staff.”

“Who honey? I didn’t see anyone, I replied. I had been looking at my computer screen.

“There was a lady in black that just went by our office door.”

She went on to say that youngish woman dressed in black, wearing a big ruffled dress like you would see on an old Mexican hacienda just walked by the office door and up the stairs!

We both got up and looked out the door up the dark stairwell to the kitchen. Nothing. I shrugged.

Jill insisted. “She made no sound! It was like a whisp.”

We checked upstairs and no one in the busy kitchen just above us had seen anyone come up through the stairwell.

Jill and I just looked at each other. Hmmmm…another shrug between us.

Over the next 3 years, the “lady in black” has walked up the stairs several times According to Jill, she’s not scary. In fact, Jill says she seems to be lost or like a mom looking for someone or something. I saw her once and agree.

We kept it between us until one day we happened to mention it to several of our staff members who were talking about noises they sometimes hear in the old building. All eyes went wide.

They had seen her too! But no one had said anything. “You’ve seen her too?”

She is always in a full hacienda black dress. Imagine Zorro’s wife. There is never a sound. She is never scary, but seems anxious or looking for something.

And although she was usually seen near our interior stairway, she was also seen near our restrooms and on the terrace briefly looking out towards the bay. Looking for what?

The answer came from our landlord only recently. He had heard a story about a wealthy woman who had lost one of the children to illness and the child had died in the nursery…on the 2nd floor at the spot where our restrooms were now located!

Hmmm… our staff has reported that after we’re closed at night during clean-up, they sometimes hear children laughing in that area or a woman crying! Toilet paper is sometimes strewn about and raised toilet seats will sometimes fall back down loudly…all at the same time! Water in the sinks sometimes turns on and off by itself.

The family of our lady in black?

Several years ago at the restaurant, I met another woman who said that she had lived in the building back in the 40’s. She said her father had been the director of customs for the City of La Paz and described wonderful childhood in the house when the highway in front had been packed dirt and burro-drawn carts still shared the “road” with the few cars in town.

She mentioned how easy it was to walk out front and dig all the clams she wanted and how commercial fishermen would sell fish right on that same beach including tuna and dorado they had caught literally yards in front of our restaurant that had once been her home. A bygone time!

I gladly accompanied her as she asked to look around. She said our offices had been her parents’ bedroom and told stories about how our downstairs cantina and store had been the living room and garage. She said she had great memories of living there.

Upstairs, she said the 2nd and 3rd floor had been patios and more bedrooms and how she and her sisters would play overlooking the ocean.

When we entered the kitchen, she looked quietly around.

“This was my grandfather’s bedroom,” she said. ” He was a wonderful playful good man to be around.”

She went on.

“He passed away in this room.” Pause.

“Do you ever notice anything strange around your bar?’ She said with a raised eyebrow and smile.

I raised an eyebrow of my own. Little prickly hairs perked up on my arms.

“Why do you ask?” I replied with a guarded smile.

“He always says he wanted a bar and if he had one, he would LIVE there, ” she replied.

Well, as a matter of fact, I told her, things move around in the kitchen from one day to the next. Glasses move. Sugar seems to find new places to hide. Packets of spices move from one side of the room to another with no explanation. Bottles of tequila will be found taken out…even after they have been put away for the evening.

“Mi abuelo (grandfather)!” she seemed to say happily. ” He loved playing pranks and he loved tequila!” I think you have my grandfather’s ghost enjoying your bar!

And indeed, I think we do! As I found out later from staff members, sometimes they also hear old rancho music and what sounds like someone in scuffed shoes dancing!

Our “grandfather ghost?” Maybe. I hope he’s enjoying himself. I I like to think he’s keeping an eye on us. I’m not sure what to think of our lady in black! Maybe the two know each other. Maybe they dance when the band plays!

But, if they are indeed spirits from the past, they don’t seem to bother us. “Haunted” doesn’t mean scary. I think we’re kind of blessed to have a bit of “living history” still with us.

To be fascinated by history is to know about real flesh-and-blood ordinary folks like you and me who were just going about their daily lives and have passed on before us. Like our resident ghosts!

As someday, I will also. Mavbe my own spirit will be found laughing at the bar or cutting fish in our fish room! If I have to wander for a bit of eternity, it might as well be in a place of laughter and camaraderie. What better place than a bar!

I hope I am having a good time with my wife as our place has been a good space for friends, family, fishermen to meet and enjoy each other! Maybe they will tell stories about me the funny-looking short guy and the laughing redhead who once owned the place. Our daily life today will be someone else’s “history story” of tomorrow.

Cheers to life…and the afterlife! Happy Dia de Los Muertos!

______________________________________

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

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.”

Read Full Post »

“LOST FISH CAPTURED MEMORIES”

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, kids, 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, 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, kids, La Paz, light tackle, marlin, mexican, mexico, panga, roldan, sailfish, sea of cortez, tailhunter, tuna, vacations on September 16, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Win some...lose some. It's part of the sport. But certain fish leave lifetime memories.

LOST FISH CAPTURED MEMORIES

Originally Published the Week of Sept. 22, 2011 in Western Outdoor News

I think I was about 9-years-old and my uncle had taken me out on my first real trip in Mexican waters. It was a multi-day trip on the old party boat “Holiday.” I had never fished the big boys before and was obviously thrilled like any little boy. Sky high and feet off-the-ground-excited.

That day we got into a big bluefin and albacore bite. It was exciting and like a proverbial three-ring-circus. Bent rods. Screaming reels. Blood splattering. Guys cursing and yelling and big thick fish bodies hitting the deck! Oh man…pandemonium like a little kid had never seen!

I didn’t know what I was doing. My uncle got lost in the melee. I had an old Mitchell Garcia ocean “coffee grinder” spinning reel as I hadn’t yet learned how to use conventional gear. I think I had 30 pound line purchase from Thrify Drug Store. I had a beat up Roddy fishing rod. Being a little brown kid, I wanted to stay out’ve the way so I wandered to the bow all by myself and cast an anchovie as far as I could!

As soon as it hit the water, there was a huge splash. The reel was in gear so it was almost launched out’ve my hands! I remember digging my heels in and slipping down on my butt but still holding onto the rod which was now torqued against the gunwale with my knees arched and my feet braced against the Holiday’s white fiberglass…and holding on for dear life.

I somehow managed to stand up. I did the best I could to just hang on. I turned the handle when I could. Gritted my teeth and remembered the butt of that spinning rod digging into my chest and hurting under my armpit. Forget backbone! That rod was like a big noodle in my small hands and almost doubled with the big fish!

Oh, please! Oh please! I remember frantically looking around hoping someone would come help me. But everyone was jammed back in the stern. No one missed the 9-year-old by himself up at the bow.

I don’t know how long I held on up there. Maybe 15 minutes? Time has little relevance when you’re on a big fish let alone when you’re 9 years old and can barely tell time!

I really didn’t know what else to do!

“Hey, there’s a kid in the bow with a fish! Someone go help him!” I heard a booming voice yell from the wheelhouse above me.

Bodies came running up. Hands wrapped around me and around my rod. I didn’t look up.

“Hang in there, kid! Oh man, you have about a 50-pound bluefin on there! You been up here all alone? That’s the wrong outfit to be using for these fish!”

Certain things get etched in your brain. I remember those words to this day more than 40 years later.

I was straining for all I was worth.

“Hey, it’s coming up! It’s coming up! Get the gaffs! “

I turned the handle of that old Mitchell. It was like pulling a refrigerator up the side of a building.

“Oh wow. It’s a big one, Kid! Just a little more. Just a little more!”

I peered over the side of that tall rail. What I saw was the fat blue and silver body that seemed close enough to touch. The eye of that massive fish must have matched my own that were the size of pizza plates.

That fish looked right at me. Then it surged with one last burst.

The rod dug into my groin and chest and I remember my knuckles getting slammed against the wooden rail.

And the line popped…then and there. KER-SNAPP!

Where? Where’s MY fish?

I found myself crumpled on the deck. Alone. All I remember was people walking away and I think I heard, “Tough luck, Kid.”

Looking back, the deckies were busy in the stern with other bent rods. They had other things to attend to, but for a 9-year-old, I wanted to cry. I wanted someone to tell me how I lost that fish. And why?

I wanted someone to pat me on the back or give me some props. I wanted an “Attaboy.” But you don’t get an “attaboy” for losing fish. My uncle didn’t even know I had been up there in the bow. Where was my mom, dangit! She’d understand.

To this day, I remember that eye still looking at me!

I remember Micheal Jordan once saying he won alot of basketball games with last-second shots. But he also said that there were other games when his last-second shot clanked off the rim. He said he remembers those games he lost more than the games he won.

I have caught many big fish over my fishing career. But…I remember more every big fish I lost. Perhaps none more than that first one adventuring into Mexican waters almost 50 years ago.

__________________________

_________________________

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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:
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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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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

________________________________

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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“PERSPECTIVES – Another Slice of Life in the Baja”

Posted in Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Tailhunter International, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, tagged baja, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, living in Mexico, mexico, Tailhunter International on July 23, 2011| Leave a Comment »

An eye-opening trip home...

“PERSPECTIVES – Another slice of Life in the Baja”

Originally published in Western Outdoor News the Week of July 27, 2011

At any given time we have several dozen employees on the roster here in Baja. Like business owners anywhere in the world, we stress over the usual stuff like scheduling, attendance, benefits, employee taxes…the usual stuff.

But, one of the biggest problems we face is folks always coming in late. Dangit, how come a dishwasher or cook can’t come in on time? Day-after-day.

No matter how many times you talk with them; put things in their files; dock their pay…nothing works. Arrive late. Often leave early. Doesn’t anyone have an alarm clock? How hard is it to be ON TIME? Three days late, legally lose a day of pay.

Then, I had a bit of an epiphany of sorts.

We had just closed the restaurant about midnight and headed home, I saw one of our cooks walking down the block in the dark. I pulled over and offered to give him a ride home which he happily accepted. To me, no big deal. Hop on in, Jose!

It took almost 15 minutes to go just several miles. Up one dark deserted street. Down another side street. Around a dark turn or two. Dogs in the trash…some guys on a porch drinking beer under a harsh lightbulb..two more dark roads…or three…up several hills and more dark alleys then into the foothills.

No houses around but plenty of trash. Abandoned hulks of cars. Everytime I thought we must almost be there, he’d say, “poco mas adelante.” (little further). No problem, Jose.

Man…some of these “streets” were best for a mountain bike or vehicle with high clearance. Little more than gravel. In my rearview, I could see blooms of dust behind us.

We finally arrived at a cluster of dilapidated concrete cinder-block structures. In my headlights, it was hard to tell if they were painted. Single light bulb ceiling lights in some windows that didnt’ look like they had glass. Mis-matched bed sheets seemed to serve as curtains in some.

I knew Jose had a little girl and a wife, but judging by the amount of laundry hanging to dry in the dusty breeze, it was clear that more than 3 people lived there. More like a dozen. Two dogs sleeping in the dirt under a yellow glazed streetlight.

I asked Jose, how he gets to work every day. He said he walks about 2 miles down the dirt road. Hopes he hitches a ride with someone, if possible. He then pays 20 pesos to catch the bus (10 percent of his daily wage) assuming it’s on time and assuming it hasn’t broken down. It’s an hour to come into work…if he’s lucky.

What about at night? Sometimes he doesn’t get out until after midnight. There’s no bus after midnight. He walks. He hitches. He hopes for the best. Sometimes it takes 90 minutes to hike home.

He shrugs his shoulders and smiles. Gives me a high-5 and a “gracias”. Out the door then runs into his house around an old tire and through a broken screen door. A single glaring light bulb goes out.

I drove down the hillside deep in thought. Jose’s a great worker. But, I’ve been busting this guy’s chops for more than a year because he’s routinely 5-15 minutes late. . .or more. I’ve docked his pay. I’ve threatened to suspend him. He’s never argued with me. He always promises to be better. How’s a guy to run a business when the employee can’t be on time? Sheesh!

Then, he’s late again and I jump on his case. In fact, I have him on night shift which means he won’t leave the restaurant until well after midnight, So…that means, Jose walks home up through the dark alleys…the back paths…the dusty roads…and up into the hills to get home. Every night.

I never thought…

You just assume that people have transportation. As an American, we are used to always having ways to get from point A to point B. Certainly, we can get to work. We all have cars or access to cars. Gotta get somewhere? Heck…jump in your car and just go, Man!

We just so often forget. Most people don’t have cars in Mexico. Or the bus doesn’t run. Or they have to walk a zillion miles to catch a bus that may or may not be there on time if at all.

Or, if they do have a car, gas costs the equivalent of a day’s wages. So you buy ONE gallon at a time. To an American, that would be like paying 50-100 dollars per gallon!

It gets complicated when a kid or family member is sick. When the car breaks down. When the bus doesn’t run. When you don’t have enough dinero to even buy one gallon of gas.

Someone is gonna be late.

I try not to bust Jose’s chops so much anymore. It’s not gonna do any good to “teach him a lesson” in punctuality. I’m the one who gets “schooled” in being a bit more tolerant and also grateful for my own blessings.

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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EVERYONE’S CATCHING FISH EXCEPT ME!

Posted in Baja Fishing, 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, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Tailhunter International, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications on July 9, 2011| Leave a Comment »

EVERYONE’S CATCHING FISH EXCEPT ME!

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

Being here in La Paz, I can’t tell you how often during the
week a boater comes into our offices or restaurant and says…

“We have our own
boat and have been trolling around for days and haven’t caught a thing!”

“We see all your
boats come in with fish and can’t get a bite even though we fish in the same
areas as all the pangas!

Or something to that effect.

Listen, the oceans surrounding the Baja Peninsula are a
target-rich environment for sportfshermen.
Among the best in the world. But
so often I encounter anglers who figure…

1. I have my own boat

2. I have rods and
reels

So therefore…

3. I MUST
AUTOMATICALLY catch fish! (BOAT + GEAR = FISH)

That’s a bit like me saying, since I have checks in my
checkbook, I must have money in the account!

Believe it or not, most of the ocean is pretty empty. Nothing but blue and wet. And sometimes not even blue.

Assuming the first part of the equation is good (You have a
decent boat and decent gear) …Knowing WHERE and HOW to fish sure helps. There’s a reason.

The locals know their spots and just because, for example,
you know how to fish in Loreto doesn’t mean the same methods will work in Cabo
San Lucas. There is NOTHING like local
knowledge. Don’t just pull away from the
docks. There’s a big difference between
fishing and driving around the ocean.
Some research is in order.

It will help avoid looking dumb when you find out:

1. The locals use
live bait/ dead bait/ stink bait/ Velveeta cheese

2. Green lures work
better than blue lures/ polka-dot lures/ lures shaped like small farm animals

3. There’s secret
spots in the middle of the ocean where the locals all know there’s a big reef/
ledge/ sunken boat.

You get the idea…

I’m not saying your local “expert” in Wyoming who
just sold you all that gear isn’t a good fishermen, but I’d be more inclined to
ask him about flyfishing for brown trout than chunking for yellowfin tuna. I’ve lived her in La Paz almost 16 years and
I would never profess to know about fishing in Cabo which is only 100 miles
away!

The private boaters I know that have fished a few times with
the locals always seem to do better.
Therefore, if you can, go out
with a local on THEIR boat a few times.

Short of that, do a little investigating. Rather than run around willy-nilly all over
the ocean burning fuel and vacation time, at least check in with some of the
locals. Walk down to the docks and the
beaches when the boats come in and ask questions. There’s an old saying that goes something
like…

“Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish goes
home through an alley.”

Fishermen talk.
Fishermen brag. We can’t help
ourselves. It’s the hunter-gatherer
mentality of our single-brow
cave-dwelling ancestors. They sat around
the campfire and pounded their chests about the big sabre-tooth cat they killed
by bravely poking it with a sharp stick!
(Even when in reality the cat was chasing them and it fell over a cliff
and killed itself).

If you truly must…hang out in a fisherman’s bar. OH MY!
When the cerveza flows so do the stories. All the free advice you need and all the
stuff you probably don’t need!

Beyond that, use some common sense out on the water. Living things have two main needs…food and
pro-creation out on the water.
Everything eats. Everything
breeds.

Look for diving or hovering birds. If you’re fishing inshore, look for rocks
covered with seagull or pelican crap.
Those are areas the birds hang out because there’s bait. Where there’s
bait, that means other fish will be there feeding as well. Look for floating
structure like weeds or trash where baitfish might be hiding or laying
eggs.

Again, larger fish look for smaller fish to eat. Look for current lines or temperature
breaks. Often, even without
sophisticated electronics, you can actually see temperature breaks and
currents. They look like little rivers.
Often, the fish will be on one side, but not the other. If you do have
electronics…USE THEM!

It all adds up to a better day on the water whether you’re
fishing Baja or your own waters!

_______________________________________________________

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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¡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 ‘Living in Mexico’ Category

SOMEDAY IS ALREADY HERE

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

A BIT OF HISTORY & MEXICAN SPIRITS!

Originally Published in Western Outdoors the Week of Nov. 4, 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

LOST FISH CAPTURED MEMORIES

Originally Published the Week of Sept. 22, 2011 in Western Outdoor News

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

“PERSPECTIVES – Another slice of Life in the Baja”

Originally published in Western Outdoor News the Week of July 27, 2011

At any given time we have several dozen employees on the roster here in Baja. Like business owners anywhere in the world, we stress over the usual stuff like scheduling, attendance, benefits, employee taxes…the usual stuff.

But, one of the biggest problems we face is folks always coming in late. Dangit, how come a dishwasher or cook can’t come in on time? Day-after-day.

No matter how many times you talk with them; put things in their files; dock their pay…nothing works. Arrive late. Often leave early. Doesn’t anyone have an alarm clock? How hard is it to be ON TIME? Three days late, legally lose a day of pay.

Then, I had a bit of an epiphany of sorts.

We had just closed the restaurant about midnight and headed home, I saw one of our cooks walking down the block in the dark. I pulled over and offered to give him a ride home which he happily accepted. To me, no big deal. Hop on in, Jose!

No houses around but plenty of trash. Abandoned hulks of cars. Everytime I thought we must almost be there, he’d say, “poco mas adelante.” (little further). No problem, Jose.

Man…some of these “streets” were best for a mountain bike or vehicle with high clearance. Little more than gravel. In my rearview, I could see blooms of dust behind us.

We finally arrived at a cluster of dilapidated concrete cinder-block structures. In my headlights, it was hard to tell if they were painted. Single light bulb ceiling lights in some windows that didnt’ look like they had glass. Mis-matched bed sheets seemed to serve as curtains in some.

I knew Jose had a little girl and a wife, but judging by the amount of laundry hanging to dry in the dusty breeze, it was clear that more than 3 people lived there. More like a dozen. Two dogs sleeping in the dirt under a yellow glazed streetlight.

What about at night? Sometimes he doesn’t get out until after midnight. There’s no bus after midnight. He walks. He hitches. He hopes for the best. Sometimes it takes 90 minutes to hike home.

He shrugs his shoulders and smiles. Gives me a high-5 and a “gracias”. Out the door then runs into his house around an old tire and through a broken screen door. A single glaring light bulb goes out.

Then, he’s late again and I jump on his case. In fact, I have him on night shift which means he won’t leave the restaurant until well after midnight, So…that means, Jose walks home up through the dark alleys…the back paths…the dusty roads…and up into the hills to get home. Every night.

I never thought…

You just assume that people have transportation. As an American, we are used to always having ways to get from point A to point B. Certainly, we can get to work. We all have cars or access to cars. Gotta get somewhere? Heck…jump in your car and just go, Man!