Archive for the ‘passport’ Category

LIVING THE DREAM

Posted in bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo island, charters, deep sea, dorado, driving, east cape, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, Mexico, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, sportfishing, Tailhunter International, tourism, tours, Travel, tuna, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, waterspouts, Western Outdoor News, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, deep sea, diving, dog tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on June 17, 2019| Leave a Comment »

LIVING THE DREAM

Originally Published the Week of June 17, 2019 in Western Outdoor Publications

I think a week doesn’t go by down here where we live that someone doesn’t ask me about retiring to Baja or somewhere in Mexico. So many dream of “Living the Dream” after they walk away from the 9-to-5.

Kiss-off traffic and kiss-off the hassles and anyone who doesn’t like it can kiss something else for all you care.

The warm waters, blue skies and white sands call you and cold cervezas already have your name on it. The sounds of the mariachi and Jimmy Buffet beckon you like an irresistible siren. There has to be a way to do it.

And, in fact, so many have done it and are doing so with increasing velocity every year. Americans and Canadians alike have chosen Mexico as the #1 retirement destination in the world.

Despite travel warnings, Mexico has one of the highest tourism rates of any country. And, as more folks visit, they’re thinking that a permanent vacation might not be a bad idea.

If you have Mexico as a possible retirement destination, think on it carefully.

Remember, you’re not moving to another state. You are moving to another country with it’s own set of laws, customs, culture and language. It’s not like grabbing the U-Haul; calling some buddies with pick-up trucks; and moving across town.

It’s not for everyone, but if you put some thought into it, the possibilities are worth exploring.

The first thing to think about here is what kind of lifestyle you think you want to have. And also where do you want to live.

If you want a lifestyle similar to what you have north of the border, you can probably do it a lot cheaper here in Mexico.

If you really do not need a 3 bedroom home with the air-conditioner running all the time and you can turn things down a notch and live more like your local neighbors, you can do quite well.

When I first got down here almost 25 years ago, my roommate and I rented a 5 BR house with a 7-car garage! Not because the two of us needed it, but because it was $120 bucks a month! It came with a maid 5 days-a-week also!

The only reason we moved out was because the owner sold it.

Researching some online websites that specialize in retirement living and assets, the average cost of living for a retired couple is about $2000 a month ($24,000/ year) here in Mexico.

And that’s living pretty comfortably.

Also, the dollar is extremely strong in Mexico against the value of the peso so your dollars go quite far here in terms of purchasing power.

Of course, like all real-estate, location is important. Are you living with an ocean view or proximity to the ocean? In the little towns in the mountains? A resort city? A regular urban location? All of those factor in.

If you’re renting, housing is cheaper here than in the states. Gas is about what you pay for in a major U.S. metro area.

But how much driving are you really doing? I put maybe 20-30 miles a week on our beater vehicle, but that’s also because I run a business. I used to commute 50 miles one-way each day back in the U.S. in traffic!

Food is definitely cheaper. Electricity is probably a bit more. Services like phones and internet are a little cheaper, but quality is not always great. It’s serviceable but not always reliable depending on where you live.

Several things you will have to get used to, include possibly a lack of reliable mail service (again depending on where you live) or it can be very costly. Paying bills can be a chore…again very often related to mail service.

Getting someone to come by to do thing i.e. plumbers, painters, repairmen, electrician, the cable guy…

They’ll get there when they get there. No amount of phone calls will make it go faster. No amount of money will make it go faster or (laughing) telling people “I’m an American!”

We have a saying here that if someone tells you, “Manana (tomorrow)” for the 3^rd time, it ain’t happening. They’re just being too polite to tell you they can’t do it.

Go find someone else. When you find a reliable person for any job, grab and hold onto them! There are some great folks down here who do great work.

The problem is that everyone else has grabbed them as well. They are in high demand.

So, back to square one.

They might also have to tell you “Manana” as well. Not because they’re slackers. It’s because they’re extremely busy. It’s just part of living here.

One big consideration, for retirement is health care.

For the most part, I’ve found that health care here is pretty good. We live in a major city. La Paz also happens to be the capital of the state. So, the level of care is probably better than some other places.

Our U.S. medical insurance doesn’t work down here so yours won’t either, but we have always used private doctors and dentists and been able to easily use a credit card or cash.

For example, I had some back issues a few years back. I was in a private hospital in a private room with American meals and two personal physicians and two personal nurses for almost 1 week.

When I checked out, the doctors sheepishly apologized to me for the high cost. I held my breath as they handed me the bill.

It was a little over 1000 dollars! That included everything even the meds! That might have covered only one single day in an American hospital.

Two years ago, I had two root canals and two fillings needed. Three visits to take care of everything was less than $200 in a dental office that was more like a health spa. They had classical music playing; plant filled rooms; aromatherapy fragrances; attentive friendly assistants; and a U.S. trained oral surgeon who spoke English!

Near here, places like Cabo San Lucas and other “tourism” centers also have good care as well. Many of the doctors and dentist I have met were either educated in the U.S. or go to the U.S. for continuing education.

Of course, the further you go from major population areas, the health facilities diminish. Keep that in mind, no matter where you retire much like anywhere in the world.

Many of our fishing clients come down and take an afternoon or day off to do some routine dental work like cleaning or a quick filling at a fraction of the cost.

The same with medications is also true. Many folks that live in close proximity to the border in states like Texas, Arizona and California routinely visit Mexican border towns to purchase prescription drugs.

Remember, that whatever medical policies you have in the U.S. probably won’t be applicable here in Mexico.

But there’s the local socialized medicine that anyone can get. And there are local health insurance policies as well that can be obtained. Just remember that like anywhere, it’s more difficult to obtain the older you are or if you’re past 65 or have pre-existing conditions.

Living the dream here in Mexico is a very viable and popular option. This article barely scratches the surface of the research you should do.

That’s my story!

signature June '18 two 1

Jonathan

______________

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

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico
U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863
.

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

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I’m Voting You Off the Island!

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo, charters, deep sea, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, Heat stroke, highway, historical, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, pompano, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, Sun stroke, sustainable, Tailhunter International, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, deep sea, diving, dog tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on March 24, 2019| Leave a Comment »

20190209_133520

I’m Voting You Off the Island!

Originally Published the Week of March 23, 2019 in Western Outdoors Publications

Is it just me?

We have now been on the road cross-crossing the country since just after Christmas. All these fantastic fishing/hunting/ sportsmans shows from Denver to Seattle and Long Beach to Salt Lake City and many more.

Jill and I haul our booth and a zillion pounds of brochures and flyers in our vehicle and promote our Tailhunter Sportfishing operation in La Paz but also just visiting Baja and Mexico.

It’s been a wonderful run.

For almost 25 years we hit the road for almost 4 months. Add in another 15 other years for other fishing businesses and that’s about 40 years of shaking hands; smiles and good will.

It’s been a privilege and an honor to see so much of our great country and visit so many wonderful folks. Even moreso to host them, their friends and family with us in Baja.

Most of our clients become our friends. And we’re now into 2 or 3 generations. It has been one of my life’s great joys.

So, what’s changed? And indeed is it just me? Or are all of us just a little more on edge? More flinty. More intolerant. Less sensitive or overly sensitive at the same time. Sometimes over the same thing and at the same time.

It started a few years ago during our shows.

People directly confronting us or out of the side of their mouths saying things like:

“Why’d they let people like YOU into this show?”

“All dirty Mexicans like you should be killed.”

“We can’t believe you’re up at this show trying to make people go to THAT country!”

I’m not proud to say that a few times I rose to the bait and we had some confrontations at the booth. I hate when someone gets in my face and jabs a finger in my chest, especially when I’m trying to get everyone to stand down.

Some don’t dare say it to me, but I hear them say it to my wife. And, that I won’t take. Say it to my face if you have something to say.

And, no, it wasn’t isolated in just certain places. It happened in almost every state and city we visited. But only now and then.

I just chalked it up to ignorance. Or too much alcohol walking around through the show. Can’t fix stupid.

And believe me, it’s just one tiny-eenie-weenie part of the thousands of folks we chat with every year.

No, we’re not Mexican. We’re very American and very proud of it.

But, I’m also proud of the work we do and all the happy times we’ve provided. I’m proud to also represent Mexico and it’s people and hopefully open a few eyes to new experiences and a wonderful culture.

By the same token, I feel we represent Americans as well. We strive to be good ambassadors in Mexico because well…we’re Americans and we will be judged by our actions.

So, what’s happening?

At the shows, the complexion of people seems to have changed. So many folks still come to our booth to ask about fishing and vacations and laugh over fishing stories.

But, increasingly people come up to the booth not to ask about vacations or if the hotel rooms have air-conditioning or how big are the fish in August.

They have opinions to share. And we’re sitting ducks in our booth.

More belligerent. More confrontational. More argumentative. More contradictory. More profane.

You say that something like “Sir…In the past 10 years, the best time to catch tuna is the summer months!”

Here’s a response…

“Well, you’re full of crap. I have a friend-who-has-a-friend and he fished twice there in Baja and he caught tuna in winter!”

And it’s said with emphasis on the C-word and inches from my face. A challenge.

“OK, Sir. I don’t doubt your friend’s friend has caught tuna, but I’ve been in Mexico almost 30 years and…”

Before I can even finish…

“So, you’re calling me a liar? I guess just like all Mexicans, you just wanna take people’s money and talk sh-t!”

Or this conversation:

“We never listen or care about limits. Whenever we go to Mexico, screw the limits. We kill whatever we want to kill and as much as we want.”

“Amigo..uh..That’s illegal!”

“So what? Every Mexican captain or Mexican can be bought off if you give him enough money. (Ha!Ha!) That’s why we go to Mexico because rules don’t apply! We can do whatever we want. Who cares what Mexico or Mexicans think?”

“Well, that’s not how it works for me. Or my employees or my captains. It’s not only illegal and unethical, but I don’t know any LEGITIMATE operator where we live that would tolerate that or would risk their business or reputation doing that!”

“Then you’re all idiots! (Guffaw guffaw!) “

And he makes a point to point that stupid finger at my face. Cute.

He tries logic.

“Like when we catch marlin. Last time we went, I caught and boated a marlin. There’s 3 other guys on the boat. It’s not fair to them that they don’t get to kill a marlin too, is it?

“The limit is one per day, Pal..”

“Well, it’s a stupid rule and you’re stupid for not letting your clients catch what they want because if you don’t, there’s plenty of other Mexicans willing to play ball!”

My hackles are up…count…1, 2, 3, 4, 5…take a breath.

Look…I have a business to run and payroll to make and I surely love earning a buck. But, for the first time in decades, I’m reserving the right to fire clients. Sometimes even before they are clients…

I do the same to folks who stand at my booth and rail on all the things wrong with the U.S. and Americans and how it’s all gone to hell-in-a-hand-basket. And on and on.

There’s a time and place. The counter of my booth isn’t it. It’s a fishing booth not your soapbox to tell me all the things you hate about our country or people.

“You just need to move on. I really don’t want you down to visit us. I do not want you or your money or your business. You’re not worth the energy. “

And their eyes pop open! And they go…

”Whaaaa…? You don’t want me?”

As if they’ve paid their entry ticket to the event and it entitles them to spew vitriol at me and I’d better well stand and listen to it. And how dare I refuse to listen and not want their business or listen to their opinions.

Well, yes I can. You have a right to your opinon, but I have a right not to have to listen either.

Yessir. You, sir, are voted off the island! Seeeee ya!

And these are no longer isolated incidents. That’s the sad part.

A day doesn’t seem to go by at the shows these days when at least once or more when someone has something to get off their chest on us. It’s either because we’re handy targets or directly fired at us because of what we do.

People are angrier.

They’re more emboldened to say their mind with no filters. Maybe it’s social media. Maybe it’s just the times we live in. Maybe it’s just me lacking patience for haters.

In that respect, I’m angrier too. And it takes a lot to get me angry.

Just be on notice.

If you’re gonna spew hate and nonsense about me, my work, my wife, employees or both my countries of Mexico AND America, I have no hesitation to telling you that I don’t need you. You’re already wrecking my day standing in front of me yapping your pie-hole.

Twenty years ago…heck even 5 years ago, I’d have sucked it up and smiled and accepted their money and booked them to come down and fish. I’m learning to say “no” in my old age. I can be a butt-head too.

I’m not going to let that ugliness ruin it for so many other incredible folks who just want to have a good time with friends and family.

Nor will I let you come down and show our Mexican friends another side of ugly Americans and let you taint all of us. No, sir. Not everyone is like you.

Just my two cents.

That’s my story…

signature June '18 two 1

Jonathan

______________

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

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico
U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863
.

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

Read Full Post »

On Second Thought…

Posted in bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, chubasco, deep sea, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing packages, fishing reports, fishing trips, flyfishing, freediving, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexico, Mexico life, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, pargo, passport, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, Sun stroke, Tailhunter International, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, tuna, Tuna jackpot, Uncategorized, vehicle, wahoo, weather, Western Outdoor News, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, deep sea, diving, dog tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on March 11, 2019| Leave a Comment »

ON SECOND THOUGHT…

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

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

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

Where did all these people come from?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It wasn’t quite as I envisioned.

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

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

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

Oh well.

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

Oh no.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s my story…

signature June '18 two 1

Jonathan

______________

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

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter.com
Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico
U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863
.

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

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When Fishing Is Not So A-Peeling!

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, cerralvo, charters, deep sea, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, green, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, Tailhunter International, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, deep sea, diving, dog tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on January 28, 2019| Leave a Comment »

bananas1

When Fishing Is Not So A-Peeling!

Originally Published the Week of Feb. 1, 2019 in Western Outdoor Publications

“Life is full of banana skins. You slip, you carry on.”
—Daphne Guinness

It’s been about 15 years since I last wrote about a subject that seems to keep popping up. And lately, I’ve had several folks ask about it.

Most folks say they’re not superstitious.

But, they’ll still wear their raggedy “good luck” basketball socks. They refuse to throw away their best bowling shirt.

Do you still have a pair of “tidy-whitey” underwear in your drawer that’s you won’t throw away even if it has no more elastic and your wife nags you about it?

Do you refuse to open your eyes when your team’s kicker lines up for the game-winning field goal because it’s “bad luck?” Still have your bloody-splattered fishing t-shirt from when you were in college when you were 100 pounds lighter?

So, what’s the deal about bad luck bananas and fishing?

To some, it’s just something to goof with and talk smack about.

I’ve seen guys “plant” bananas in their buddy’s tackle box or fishing boots. I’ve seen guys tie a banana on hotel-room doors or toss a banana onto a buddy’s boat.

To other’s it’s deadly serious. It’s grounds for fighting words and coming to blows.

I’ve seen boats catch fire. Bananas were later found in the galley.

I’ve been on boats where everyone is catching fish except the boat with bananas but start catching fish when bananas were tossed overboard.

I was working as a deckhand where a guy broke his leg in a freak accident . Bananas were in an ice chest on deck. Another time a guy had to be air-lifted after having a heart attack on a boat that had bananas.

If bananas were found in the galley of any boat that I worked on or had chartered they were quickly discarded or discreetly “disappeared” at night when the boat was underway.

Rumor has it that Fruit of the Loom underwear used to have a banana on their label, but the banana was eliminated.

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So, what’s the source of the superstitious myth?

There’s a number of theories.

Bananas Stink

Back in the days of sailing ships, fresh fruit and vegetables were pretty important. Having bananas aboard, the bananas ripen pretty quickly and emit a gas and odor that can quickly ruin the food stores of a crew. Lacking fresh produce on those long voyages could lead to malnourishment at best. At worst, death.

No Slowing Down

The fact that bananas ripen quite quickly could also give credence to the lack of fish caught on board. Speed was essential to cargo ships carrying bananas.

Normal ships could travel at regular speeds. Often crews would fish to supplement their diets and the diets of passengers.

Banana boats did not have that luxury. They had to scoot. No slowing down to troll. It was essential to get from point A to point B.

Word got out that you didn’t want to crew or travel on a ship carrying bananas because those ships “never caught fish!” Seems logical.

Hidden Critters
Bunches of bananas could often hide snakes, spiders and other creepy-crawlers that could get loose aboard a ship. Many areas in Africa also were home to a voracious wood-eating termite that could get loose when bananas were brought about those old wooden sailing ships.

A Dark Chapter

If you remember your history, banana boats were often used as slave ships. If you suddenly woke up manacled, crowded and in a dark place smelling of bananas, life was about to take a turn for the worse.

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Davey’s Locker

Similarly, bananas float. When a ship would sink, among other things, floating bananas would often be indicative of the final resting place of a vessel.

Here’s another one…

Good to Be King

From my part of the world where my family originated, in Hawaii, only royalty were permitted to have bananas. A commoner found in possession of bananas could be grounds for execution…the ultimate bad luck!

So, what do you think?

I’m not superstitious, but you’d still better not bring bananas on any boat that I’m on! Why tempt luck?

That’s my story~!

signature June '18 two 1

Jonathan

______________

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

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico
U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863
.

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

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GOOD ENUFF

Posted in bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, deep sea, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, family, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, holidays in mexico, hurricane, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, outfitters, packages, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, Tailhunter International, tiburon island, tourism, tours, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, deep sea, diving, dog tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on January 13, 2019| Leave a Comment »

GOOD ENUFF

Originally Published the Week of Jan. 16, 2019 in Western Outdoor Publications

In addition to our fishing fleet, we have a little bar and restaurant in La Paz where lots of our fishermen trade stories; watch sports; and have a few cold ones. Most will tell you it’s a fun little place.

We also have live music a few nights a week. Our guys are pretty good. But anyone is welcome to join in.

If you think you can strum a guitar; carry a tune or bang two tin cups together, step on up. Put your beer down or bring it with you.

I guarantee, alone or with the band no matter. We love it. The band loves it. The crowd loves it. You’ll love it.

Enthusiasm counts for a lot more than talent, skill or ability.

I’ve played guitar for years. I’ve played in bands. I’ve been in front of crowds. But, by my own standards, I’m a hack. I get by if I have to.

But, I was hesitant to play with our guys at first. I don’t know why, but I didn’t think I was good enough.

It was the leader of our house band who finally said, “Are you good enough to have fun? If the answer is ‘yes’ then come on up to the stage.”

And that kinda did it. I’m not as good as these guys, but I’m good enough to play WITH these guys and I have a world of fun. And they have fun with me on stage and the crowd seems to enjoy it too.

For some reason, I got two e-mails this week from two different dads. In both cases, they wanted to come fish with us in La Paz.

One wanted to bring his young son.

Another was going to bring a son and an older daughter, but not his youngest daughter.

I also got a phone call from guy who had never fished in salt water, but was hesitant.

In all three situations, “not good enough” was mentioned.

I had to think about that for a moment before responding to each situation.

I rarely hear that someone “isn’t good enough.” Not about fishing. How good do you have to be?

No matter how much someone tries to make of it, I’ll tell ya a secret. In almost 5 decades of fishing, it’s NOT rocket science. Fishing is not curing cancer. Fishing is not winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

We often forget that.

And for some reason, I remembered about my guitar playing. I only have to be good enough to have fun. That’s all. Have a good time.

I asked each father if their kids enjoyed the outdoors? Did the kids like fishing at all? Do they have fun? Did the fathers have fun with their kids?

Both answered in the affirmative.

I put the same question to the freshwater guy that was nervous about saltwater fishing. He didn’t want to look foolish or under-gunned if he came to fish with us.

“Well, do you have fun fishing?”

“Yes, I love it!”

Well, what’s stopping you? Step on up. If it’s a kid, they’ll never get good at all if you don’t start ‘em somewhere. Same with the freshwater guy.

If you’re good enough to have fun, you’re good enough. That’s all you need to know.

You don’t need to be stronger or bigger. You don’t need to have all the best equipment. You don’t need more experience. That will come.

I’m in my 60’s now. I have a new first grandson myself. He’s not even two-years-old yet but we’ve already taken him fishing.

Some would say he’s not old enough.

Heck, he’s not even potti-trained yet! That will come, right?

But, he had fun so that means he’s already “good enough” and I can’t wait to take him again. Or the younger sister that just got born two months ago.

We’ll have her on the water in good time and I have no doubts she’ll have fun.

I won’t be around to see either of them fishing when they’re 60. But, I hope they remember their grandpa taking them out.

Time is precious. Moments are precious. Get those kids out. Get yourself out. Tomorrow is already here.

You’re good enough. Jump up. Jump in. The water is fine!

That’s my story!

signature June '18 two 1

Jonathan

______________

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

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico
U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863
.

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

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Everything But the Kitchen Sink

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, holidays in mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, luggage, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, Mexico, Mexico life, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, passport, planning, road trip, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, sportfishing, suitcases, Tailhunter International, tourism, tours, Travel, Uncategorized, vacations, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, diving, dog tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on July 1, 2018| Leave a Comment »

broadbeach-it'll fit copy

Everything But the Kitchen Sink

Originally Published the Week of June 28, 2018 in Western Outdoor Publications

In my last column I chatted about some “hacks” to get your best airline flights if you’re coming down here. Given that summer vacations and fishing trips are now upon us, here’s some suggestions about actually packing for the adventure.

There used to be the times when I would personally bring down two rod tubes and 8-14 rods and reel set ups. I remember the days of 70-100 quart ice chests too. What was I thinking?

Those days are long past. My old back can’t haul those anymore. My tolerance of running through crowded airports or standing in line has diminished as well.

Besides that, airlines charge a mortgage; a small farm animal; and first-born child for being over-weight…over-sized…over-long…Holy Moly!

Fortunately, over that years, I’ve discovered that I can get by with carrying a lot less.

Sure, there’s the inclination to bring all your toys. The latest reels, rods, lures and gadgets. But chat with whomever you are booking with.

What do you REALLY need? And perhaps more importantly, what will you actually use?

poles1

A perfect example is lead.

I’ve had guys bring down a couple of pounds of lead. In a whole year here in La Paz, I MIGHT use 6 total oz. of lead. That’s it! If they had asked me ahead of time, I would have told them.

If fishing with a partner, do each of you honestly need 8 trolling feathers per person? Or a giant 3-pound filler spool of 60-pound test line? Or 10 casting irons each?

I don’t know about you, but that’s too much to carry and my buddies and I can share without taking up all that space and dead weight.

Same with coolers. Figure out how much you really want to take home or need to take home. An empty 40-quart ice chest, with nothing in it but air, weighs 8-10 pounds.

If it has wheels, it weighs 12-18 pounds. If it’s one of those 5-day coolers, it weighs even more. If your airline weight limit is 50 pounds, that doesn’t leave much room for frozen fish.

For most of you, you’ll be home in a few hours the same day you leave Mexico so your fish only has to stay solid for that long.

Seriously, consider the lighter more efficient soft-sided coolers. Or one cooler for two of you.

I’m not talking about the flimsy ones you bring ice-cream home from the market. Yeti and other companies make some nice soft ones, but they’re really pricey. I’ve found that American Outdoors, Nor Chill and others make some awesome soft-coolers for a fraction of the price. They don’t weigh much and I’ve had stuff stay frozen for as long as 3 days in ours.

And just a word of common sense. While TSA and other security measures are not as relatively drastic as post 911, there are certain things you still should not try to carry-on into the plane.

I’ve had folks incredulous that they were separated from machetes, Leathermen multi-tools, fillet knives, bait harness needles, lures and hooks. Look, if it’s sharp pack it in your suitcase. Don’t bring it aboard. On year, I had a guy try to bring his own portable anchor. FAIL.

Also, Mexico inspectors are a lot less forgiving than TSA. Whether I agree with them or not, I’ve been or seen folks relieved of tactical flashlights, masking tape, fingernail clips and dikes. Be forewarned.

For actually packing, there’s a few tricks to lighten the load.

Try rolling your clothes instead of folding them. You’ll fit more and your clothes will have less tendency to wrinkle. Although I really don’t care if my fishing shorts and shirts are wrinkled! Inside a roll is a nice place to keep fragile things too.

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I’ve had a lot of guys and gals over the years, buy cheap t-shirts at the swap meet or outlets. Two bucks apiece or something.

They wear them once and then leave them in their rooms upon departure. Grateful cleaning staff loves finding barely used items. And for you…That much less to bring home.

By the way, if you are bringing stinky clothes and shoes home, toss a dryer sheet into them and it’ll help relieve the smell. Also, a cheap shower cap works great for smelly shoes and flip-flops.

Also, do you really need the family-sized shampoo or toothpaste? Hand lotion or sunscreen? If you’re only here a few days, do the math.

Bring the travel size or, buy it here when you hit the markets. You have to stock up on beer anyway, right?

There was a time when you really needed to bring whatever you’d need. There was no guarantee that you’d find whatever you’d forgotten in the local stores.

But, for the most part now, everything from toothbrushes and shaving razors to your favorite flower-fragrance shampoo is available here in Baja. The markets contain things you would never have thought of even 10 years ago like craft beers, Japanese wasabi; gourmet cheese and Angus beef; imported wines and fancy mineral waters.

COSTCO, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Home Depot plus good Mexican chain stores are everywhere. You can even get a hot dog while you shop.

I don’t know what happened to the “frontera” (frontier), but this isn’t your daddy’s Baja no more! You can get almost anything. Beyond that, you probably didn’t need anyway.

So pack light and save the extra room for bringing back fish fillets!

That’s my story!

signature June '18 two 1

Jonathan

______________

Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western Outdoor News since 2004. Along with his wife and fishing buddy, Jilly, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La Paz, Baja, Mexico www.tailhunter-international.com. They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront. If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is: jonathan@tailhunter.com

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico
U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863
.

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

Read Full Post »

Flying Like A Boss

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Cabo San Lucas, charters, east cape, ecotourism, family, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing trips, holidays in mexico, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, luggage, Mexican, outfitters, packages, packing, panga, passport, planning, road trip, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, sportfishing, suitcases, Tailhunter International, tourism, tours, Travel, Uncategorized, vacations, Western Outdoor News, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, diving, dog tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on June 18, 2018| Leave a Comment »

FLYING LIKE A BOSS

Originally Published the Week of June 20, 2018 in Western Outdoor Publications

Summer vacation is upon us and I thought I’d share some travel tips if you’re planning on coming down to Baja or traveling into Mexico. After almost 25 years of running trips here and thousands of clients, we’ve accumulated some things that might make your planning a trip a little less frantic and stressful.

My wife, Jill is quite the travel ninja for booking travel.

So, credit-where-credit is due, a good many of these are her tips. In addition to living here in Baja, we also travel extensively. We also fly extensively and (for better-or-worse) spend over 300 days a year in hotel rooms!

For flights, Jill starts looking and comparing prices right away. Don’t bust your chops and stress by waiting until the last minute. She starts looking. She does not necessarily purchase. This is her starting point.

Travel experts say you should be ready, however, to purchase anytime from 50-52 days out from your trip. That’s the most likely time to find the lower prices.

You waited? The WORST time is 3-7 days out.

Be prepared to pay a premium if you sat on your hands. That’s when there’s just a few seats left. The airlines can jack the prices knowing they’ll be able to sell those seats. . . to someone like you!

In our experience, the most crowded flights are Fridays to fly out and Sundays to fly back. For obvious reasons. It’s the weekend. It’s a resort area. Everyone needs to be back to work by Monday.

Sunday is also the most expensive day to fly.

When I would fly in and out’ve Cabo, I had a neat trick.

I used to plan flying out of Cabo on Sundays in the middle of the crowds. However, I would tell my office in Califorania that they might not see me until Tuesday or Wednesday.

On Sundays, I’d go to the Cabo Airport and check the lines. If the flight was full, I’d offer the airline people to give up my seat. For a price!

They were always happy and I would usually walk away with one or two free hotel nights; vouchers for meals; AND…free vouchers to fly again ANYTIME!!!

Sometimes, I’d do it again on Monday when I returned to the airport and SCORE again if the flight was over booked!

There was a time, back-in-the-day, where I had a handful of free vouchers to use and didn’t actually pay for a flight for a good 4 or 5 years! All from selling my ticket back to the airlines.

Friends who run travel agencies told me that Tuesdays are the best day to actually push the button and purchase tickets. If you can, night flights are the cheapest flights of the day.

Another little “hack,” if-you-will, that my wife discovered is how to best use your accumulated travel points.

Do NOT waste all those precious points to buy your ticket. If you do that, the airlines always applies it to the highest price tickets they sell. It’s a waste.

What she does is purchase the cheapest ticket she can find online or on the phone. If possible, she’ll use the airline credit card so we get travel points. PLUS, there’s sometimes a discount PLUS, if it’s an airline like Alaska, the companion fare is discounted.

Then, Jill will use the points to UPGRADE us to first class to go in style and live large. Yes, I believe I will have another glass (not a plastic cup) of champagne!

Sure, the seats and perks are nicer up in the forward cabins, although I’d much prefer the burgers and cheese plate back in economy over the foo-foo food they sometimes serve in first class. But, for me, the best part is that first class also has better baggage allowances.

Often you get one or two free bags or at least they will often discount your extra luggage. That’s well worth it when you’ve got fishing gear, rods, SCUBA gear, etc.

It might just be me, but I think they also handle the 1^st class baggage better too. But another little tip is that I get some of those stickers that say “FRAGILE” and I put those on every piece of luggage.

It couldn’t hurt. At least, I hope to makes the baggage handler think twice before he shot-puts my suitcase or tackle box across the tarmac.

That’s my story!

signature June '18 two 1

Jonathan

______________

Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western Outdoor News since 2004. Along with his wife and fishing buddy, Jilly, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La Paz, Baja, Mexico www.tailhunter.com. They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront. If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is: jonathan@tailhunter.com

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

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

U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863
.

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

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NO BAD QUESTIONS?

Posted in bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, dorado, east cape, el sargento, espirito santo, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexico, Mexico life, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, spearfishing, squid fishing, Tailhunter International, techniques, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, diving, dog tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on March 26, 2018| Leave a Comment »

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No Bad Questions?

Originally Published the Week of March 27, 2018 in Western Outdoor Publicastions

As I’m writing this, we’re just about to do our last shows of the season. Since December, Jill and I have been on the road appearing in our booth at some of the largest fishing/ hunting/ outdoor expositions in the Western U.S. We’ve been out promoting our fishing operation in La Paz but generally just talking it up about visiting Baja.

It’s always fun. After more than 30 years of standing in booths fielding questions and chatting with thousands of folks, I’d like to share with you some of questions you should ask a prospective outfitter or guide.

This applies to whether you meet face-to-face or, as happens in most cases these days, you make an inquiry online or over-the-phone. At least, give it some thought.

Many times, their literature or social media already has it. But…It’s YOUR vacation.

Better to have too much information and being prepared than getting surprised later on. This is especially true when you might be coming to Mexico or a location in Mexico or Baja for the first time and even moreso, if you don’t speak the language.

This is no particular order, but should come up in the conversation somewhere.

CREDIBILITY – How long have they been in business? What’s their background? I know lots of guys that were truck drivers then one day just decided they were going to be “guides” or “outfitters” with no real background. Everyone wants to “live the dream” but it’s an entirely different thing to actually turn a hobby into a paying profession.

It helps if they have a track record of advertisements or are recommended by someone you know or their social media presence. It takes something to stay in business in this field. It’s not everything, but it helps.

What do other say about them? Check places like Trip Advisor and Google which is very regulatory when it comes to posting comments.

ACCOUNTABILITY – Is the person you’re talking to going to be there when you are there for your vacation? Is the person you’re talking to just an agent that you’ll never see or hear from again once you’re booked? Does the person even live there?

Who will actually be delivering the services?

Who’s going to be the captain, guide, driver, etc.? The person you’re talking to might be totally reputable and we know many fine agents, but posing the question doesn’t hurt. At least you’re expectations will not be misplaced.

KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING – You wouldn’t buy a car or a house without having things in writing. Most outfitters we know that have had any longevity in the hospitality business know their stuff.

But, over the course of a conversation things get lost outright or lost in translation. This is especially true at shows where so much gets said or on social media where a zillion e-mails or texts might shoot back and forth. It’s best to have some record of what you’re getting and not getting.

Nothing like showing up then finding out there were extra charges for bait, transportation, food, gear, etc. Major buzz kill having to reach into your pocket unexpectedly. Or that that hotel “close to the beach” was really 2 blocks away with a view only if you’re on your tippy-toes standing on the roof.

PRICE ISN’T EVERYTHING – Like most things in life, you really DO get what you pay for. If you’re “budget shopping” chances are you’ll get a budget vacation too.

It surely doesn’t hurt to ask a prospective outfitter if there’s any discounts, but honestly, I wouldn’t push it. Maybe if it’s a different time of year. Maybe a saving if you bring more people.

Most outfitters working these days live on a tight budget themselves. If they are at shows, they are probably already offering discounted trips.

But that “discounted trip” might mean you’re now going to be in the room with a single light bulb hanging from the ceiling and sharing a bathroom with two other rooms.

I do know some that will get offended if you push too hard.

As one outfitter told me, “I know what my services are worth. I work hard. One guy pushed and pushed for discounts. So, I asked him, ‘You work hard for your paycheck right? If your boss asked you to take a 20% paycut would you work as hard or as diligently for him?’ The guy shut up. “ Point taken.

Another example I have seen numerous times. One charter operation is $100 less than another. The less expensive guy might be a little more hesitant to burn extra gas to go where the fish are biting in order to save money. He has to make a living too.

Think about it. Simple economics. Get the best you can afford. Not the most you can get away with. Vacations are too special to cut corners if you don’t have to.

There’s also some questions you can ask that will get a raised eyebrow from some outfitters and guides.

I have heard people ask me or ask other outfitters:

Will you guarantee that I will catch fish? (I’ve never met an outfitter that will!)

If I pay more will I catch more fish? (You’re always welcome to pay us more!)

If I don’t have a good time, will you refund my money? (I can’t hear you)

How many fish will I catch in a day? (I don’t know. Are you any good?)

Can you promise me the sun will be out when I fish? (Sure…let me wave my magic wand!)

Will it be too hot for me when I come on vacation? (What’s “too hot” mean?)

How can I make it so I only catch smaller fish? Big fish are too strong for me. (You will love catching bait!)

How hard are the beds / pillows at the hotel we will stay at? (Compared to what?)

How deep is the ocean? (About that deep!)

What if I stop breathing when I SCUBA dive? (Stay with the snorkel trip!)

I heard Baja is primitive. How much toilet paper should I bring? (So “primitive! You better fill a suitcase with it!)

We hear them all. And just when you think you’ve heard the all, you get another.

“If I have to go ‘number two’ in the middle of the ocean and can’t hold it, what will happen?”

That’s my story!

Jonathan signature

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

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

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

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SCROOGED at the BORDER

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

Whether coming or going there’s always an uneasy feeling when your car gets searched, but going INTO Mexico, especially during the holidays has some potential pitfalls!

Customs at the airport . The dreaded “red light/ green light.” If you press the button and it comes up green, you continue on . Get the red light and you get your luggage searched.

Why are you travelling with so many NEW shoes? You say it’s a donation to a church? Or are they really to re-sell? Hmmmmm..

SCROOGED AT THE BORDER

Originally Published the Week of December 17, 2018 in Western Outdoor Publications

Not that it’s been easy at the border sometimes, but given it’s the Christmas season, it’s getting a little “grinchy” lately. There’s a lot of holiday traffic coming and going through the crossings. Same at the airports.

Not only are many folks going back-and-forth visiting, but both ways, there’s a lot of shopping going on. Baja folks shopping in Southern California and Arizona. Folks in those states are likewise making shopping forays into Baja and northern Mexico as well.

If you’ve ever walked or driven across the border into Mexico this time of year, you can see all the bundles of toys and electronics that folks bring back home, especially for the holidays. Likewise, if you’ve flown into Mexico from the states, you’ve witnessed the same things.

Everyone’s got their bundles of joy. Expect longer slower lines. It’s just part of it. Folks carrying Iron Man action figures and remote-control trucks over the border. Folks with bulging bags from “Toys-R-Us” trying to get stuffed into the overhead on the plane.

However, there are many folks coming into Mexico landspace that routinely bring good cheer to a higher level. They bring bags, suitcases, boxes…even truckloads of new and used donations; toys; clothes; shoes; medical supplies, building supplies, educational materials and more.

Community groups, church groups, social organizations, fraternal lodges and many many individuals with generous hearts safari into Mexico from all parts. Their largesse is welcome and needed.

However, with increasing incidence, it’s getting more difficult to simply transport donations south. It’s even more difficult during the holidays.

With all of the goods coming across from laptops-to-toys and shoes-to-jackets, the border inspectors have been coming down harder on searching through bags whether at the airport or at the country lines.

It’s one thing if you have a new X-Box and have a sales receipt to show them.

It’s a different issue if you’re transporting 3 dozen pair of Nike shoes; 2 dozen jackets; two laptops and 3 dozen pairs of Levis.

You tell the inspector they’re donations for an orphanage. You tell him they were all purchased by your church “back home.”

First thing he’s gonna wanna see is if you declared these things for customs to see if you paid the import on them. Or, if they are even subject to customs. Do you have a real sales receipt?

Where’s the orphanage? Do you have papers from them? What Church group are you from? Are you alone?

A lot of folks are legit. Just doing the good thing. But, it’s never easy being questioned and it puts a crimp on the good Samaritan attitudes.

But, from the inspector’s point-of-view, his job is to check for contraband and lawful import duties and taxes. It is just as likely you have all these things because you’re going to re-sell them once you get across the border into Mexico. You wouldn’t be the first.

As one inspector told me, “Lots of people lie on their customs forms.”

Say it ain’t so! People don’t tell the truth to the customs agents? Really?

So, good people are getting stopped.

Before you bring it, know the importation and customs laws. Bring receipts with you. It sure helps to have paperwork from the charity you’re delivering to and/or the organization you’re representing, if any.

In the half-dozen cases I’ve encountered, they involved individuals or an individual who routinely drove or flew donations down to Mexico. Never had problems. Until recently.

They all got searched unexpectedly. And the search was thorough.

The majority of them had paperwork and were not required to pay duties. They were ultimately politely waved through.

Two of the others had to pay small duties on the new items they had in their truck (t-shirts and school supplies). They were able to demonstrate that their other items were used clothing.

One officer recognized the name of the orphanage in Ensenada and finally waived them through without penalties.

It was still a hassle. No one blamed the inspectors who were all professional and polite and had a job to do.

But all of them said they would make sure to have better documentation with them next time to alleviate and expedite the process.

So, God bless you if you’re bringing down donations during the holidays or for that matter, anytime of the year.

A little foresight and preparation helps! That goes for bringing gifts to friends in Mexico as well. Don’t forget your receipts!

Speaking of “inspections” that dreaded “red light/ green light” at the airport customs counter in airports is getting 86’ed.

If you’re not familiar, after you get your luggage, you must pass through a customs inspection. You press a button. If you get the green light, you get to go out.

If you get the dreaded red light, they’re gonna open your bags and riffle through your underwear, fishing gear , toothbrush and iPad.

It was like playing airport lottery when you press the button. Personally, I always try to get behind someone who just got the red light. The red light rarely comes on twice in a row!

No one likes to have their bags opened. But, Mexico is apparently going completely with x-ray machines now.

Orale y Feliz Navidad a todos! Que Dios les bendiga! Merry Christmas and God bless!

That’s my story!

Jonathan signature

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

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

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

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

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

Tailhunter YouTube Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

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BUDDY DO YOU HAVE SOME CHANGE?

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

money exchange

Buddy Do You Have Some Change?

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

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

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

The answer is yes.

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

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

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

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

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

Let me explain.

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

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

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

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

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

WRONG!

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

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

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

Some are just little kiosks. Others have small offices.

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

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

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

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

However, secondary and tertiary options can be found.

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s my story!

Jonathan signature

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

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

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

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

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

Tailhunter YouTube Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

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Jonathan has written for:

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Fish Taco Chronicles
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Archive for the ‘passport’ Category

LIVING THE DREAM

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NO BAD QUESTIONS?

No Bad Questions?

Originally Published the Week of March 27, 2018 in Western Outdoor Publicastions

SCROOGED at the BORDER

SCROOGED AT THE BORDER

BUDDY DO YOU HAVE SOME CHANGE?

Buddy Do You Have Some Change?

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