Archive for the ‘storm’ Category

DUMB-BASS QUESTIONS

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo island, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, 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, green, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, 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, coronavirus in Mexico, 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, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on August 10, 2022| 2 Comments »

DUMB- BASS QUESTIONS

Originally Published the Week of Aug. 10, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

Over the last 3 decades or so down here, I’ve been asked some crazy head-scratching questions. I call them dumb questions from smart people.

Hey, I’m just as guilty of opening my mouth before I can put the brakes on and something idiotic comes out. I do it more often than not.

But, when you run through hundreds of fishing clients and friends each year, you realize that often we are a clearing house for information.

Understandably. It’s a foreign country. People speak Spanish. It can be difficult to navigate.

We live here. We have answer. No problem.

So, daily, we get the usual questions about the weather, restaurants, siteseeing, shopping and where to purchase things. All very typical on a vacation trip.

Then, there are the other kinds of questions that leave us wanting to give a smart-alec response. But, we hold our tongues and realize that the questions are very sincere and require a somewhat sincere response as well.

“Will I get wet if I go snorkeling?”

“What happens if a shark bites me?”

“When do the salmon run upriver?”

“How come everyone speaks Spanish in Mexico?”

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

“If I’m fishing out on the ocean and have to go ‘Number Two’ and can’t hold it, what happens?”

“How come in Mexico the sun sets in the East?”

We always tell folks there’s no such thing as a bad question. But, I have to admit there’s “dumb-bass” questions like these.

I do my best to provide a deservedly sincere answer. I grin and try to remind myself that these are honest questions.

There is one subject however, that I get irked about when asked.

I recently got pulled aside by a fishing client who wanted to speak to me alone in my office. Sure. No problem. C’mon in.

I thought he wanted to complain about his hotel shower or tell me he only wanted vegetarian meals for lunch on the boat.

Instead he says, “Dude. Jonathan. Where can I score some pot or coke? I can’t find anyone or don’t know where to go. Help me out.”

(pause)

(hard stare and a longer pause)

Are you kidding me?

Yea, this deserves an honest answer. Frankly, I’m a bit put out that someone would think I know where to score illicit drugs…in MEXICO! And yes, this is more than just a dumb-bass question.

It’s a truly stupid question and the kind that will get you in a lot of trouble.

It’s not the first time someone has asked me something like this, and honestly, it never ceases to amaze me when I hear it. I look at the knucklehead who asked me.

Maybe I’m just naïve about all this.

First of all, I tell them NO! A HARD NO!

It’s not my line or my wheelhouse and I tell them if you go around asking, or you’re solicited, you could very well be talking to a narc who is looking for an idiot tourist to make a bust.

Or you hang out with the wrong people and you get in even more trouble.

I tell the person if they would enjoy being in a dirty Mexican jail with a bunch of other Mexican guys with a coffee can toilet and zero rights.

Here in Mexico, I remind them that it’s not like the U.S.

You are “guilty until you prove your innocence.” Unlike the U.S., in Mexico you are automatically guilty. And if you’re a tourist…especially an American tourist…you’re triple-dog-dare guilty.

Think long and hard about automatically being guilty!

So, someone could tell a police officer you wanted to buy drugs or a police officer could say you bought or used drugs. And, it would up to you to PROVE you didn’t do it.

Try that without being able to speak Spanish.

At worst, your life is might change radically in a bad way. At best, your vacation is ruined and you’re probably in for a bad few days.

I tell ‘em don’t be an idiot. Or a victim.

If you really need a buzz, drink tequila like everyone else.

If they are already carrying stuff get rid of it. And yes, I’ve had people actually travel INTO MEXICO with illicit drugs and chemicals.

I get away from them as soon as I can. Maximum space. Social distancing to the umpteenth power.

Don’t do it. Don’t ask me how to do it.

Yes, there are stupid questions.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter Sportfishing

www.tailhunter.com

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

U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter Sportfishing

8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

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

“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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Things I Didn’t Know About Mexican Etiquette

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, 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, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, 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, green, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, 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, coronavirus in Mexico, 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, Fubar Cocina Cantina, 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 31, 2022| Leave a Comment »

THINGS I DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT MEXICAN ETIQUETTE

Originally Published the Week of July 24, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

The longer I live here in Mexico, the more I realize that there are so many “nuances” to social etiquette that can only be garnered through experience. Sometimes, embarrassingly so!

It’s not enough to know a language, although that’s a great place to start. Lord knows after 30 years, I’m hardly fluent. By most standards, I’m hardly even passable.

But, I get by.

I try to learn a new phrase or word every day. But, even then it’s not just what you say, but how you say it and the context in which something is used.

Like in any country.

There are some things that I learned long ago that are just bad form. I hear Americans unwittingly say and do things that make me cringe.

For instance, hearing someone ask a local, “Do you speak Mexican?” Ouch.

That’s right up there with walking around and committing one huge faux paux of telling folks, “I’m American.” As if that gives you extra cred.

Or even worse, telling a local, “Well compared to how it is in Mexico, in the United States this is how WE do it…”.

Go ahead and be an arrogant bastard.

Here’s a few other things I’ve learned about social etiquette over time. Admittedly, I’ve goofed on many of these until I got “schooled.

Where to start…Here are some nuances that I bet you didn’t know.

It’s rude to stand with your hands in your pockets. Standing with your hands on your hip signifies you’re angry. Really?

This is a very macho country on so many levels and it’s part of the very fabric and DNA. For instance, only men should propose toast at a table. Especially rude for a foreign woman to propose one.

Try to figure out this one…

As a foreigner, you are expected to be on time. But, if you show up “on time” at a social event like dinner at a restaurant, you’ll be the only one there…maybe for a long time!

It’s quite alright for locals to customarily arrive 30 to 60 minutes or more late. We see this in our own restaurant constantly.

They’ll reserve a table for 8 at 6 p.m. Great. But, by the time everyone shows up, it’s 7:30!

In business, it can really be frustrating.

“On time” for a meeting means your Mexican counterpart might show up unapologetically half-an-hour or more late. Expect it.

On top of that, it’s considered rude to just “get down to business.

Business in Mexico is largely based on relationships. Resumes and pedigrees are fine, but locals deal with counterparts they like and trust.

Business…real business, is not done on the phone, text or e-mail. Even the smallest thing is best done personally. In many cases, it will ONLY be done person-to-person.

So, expect small talk first. And it’s expected that you will ask and be asked about family, friends, etc.

By the way, get everything in writing. A “promise” culturally means nothing. It’s part of small talk. Unless committed to writing, it’s not serious.

If business or entertainment is done over a meal at an establishment, the invitee is expected to pick up the tab. No friendly arguing at the end. Not a bad idea to slip your credit card to the waiter at the beginning.

Even if your Mexican associate drinks several cocktails, and you’re sipping your Diet Coke, the tabs is on you.

Conversely, if you are being invited and you are offered a beer, cocktail…even coffee, it’s rude for you to turn it down.

Or food.

Accept and take a little or you’ll be seen as being “too good” to accept.

Along those lines, drinking in excess raises eyebrows. Especially, if it’s done by a woman.

And it’s culturally acceptable if the person you invite to a meal, meeting or social event keeps canceling. Sometimes at the last minute. Or not show up at all.

Maddening!

But, you’re expected to keep inviting them or they will assume you were never serious in the first place!

Interestingly, if you do invite folks, usually, they will say “yes” because it’s culturally acceptable and proper. And even if they say “yes” they might never intend to really show up.

As an American, that sure feels rude! But, perfectly OK down here.

Here’s one I just learned…always keep your hands above the table. Pass dishes to the left.

Don’t start eating until the host says “buen provecho.” And never ever cut your salad at the table. Fold it!

One thing to keep in the forefront is that many Mexicans are very status conscious. Despite what you may see and hear or seems obvious, Mexico has social classes.

There’s an upstairs and a downstairs. Socially, there’s not much cross-over. Sadly actually.

Upper class stays upper class. Middle and lower class stay in their lanes as well.

Status is very important.

Therefore, how you dress. What you drive. What hotel you are staying in. Your make-up. Your jewelry. Your shoes.

Impressions are important. Yes, you ARE being watched and subtle judgements are being made about you.

I never realized that until recently. Never dawned on me.

I’ve been here 3 decades. My wife and I run several businesses.

However…I wear shorts every day. And usually a Hawaiian shirt or printed t-shirt.

And I don’t even have a pair of shoes!

Because of our work, I’m in flip-flops 24/7. I wear an old dive watch with a rubber/ plastic wristband . We drive a beat up 1992 Honda Civic!

Sometimes, I even take the time to shave!

This is how I show up. I am what I am. Now I wonder how I’ve been perceived all of these years.

Or not!

None of this is wrong, by any means. It’s just a different and wonderful culture that you need to adapt to. As in any country. It’s how things are done.

However…

I’m definitely going to start showing up late. And saying “yes” when I don’t intend to actually show up! When in Rome…or Mexico…do what the locals do!

That’s my story!

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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WARM BEER and NAVY SHOWERS

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, 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, green, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, 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, coronavirus in Mexico, 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, Fubar Cocina Cantina, 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, water Tailhunter Sea Level, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on July 25, 2022| Leave a Comment »

WARM BEER and NAVY SHOWERS

Originally Published the Week of July 18, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

Understandably, we got a lot of folks from chilly and wet places like Alaska, Montana, Washington, etc. coming to Baja to fish.

Over the years, when I’m trying to entice folks to sign up with us to fish here in Baja with our fishing fleet in La Paz, I laughingly tease by saying,

“The only snow and ice you’ll see down here will be inside the rim of your margarita glass or in your cooler chilling down your beer!”

Well, I may just have to put the brakes on that for a bit. Hopefully, it’s not an omen of the future, but I have to admit I’m nervous.

This past week, reports started coming in from various spots in Baja as well as the central Mexican mainland that there’s a water shortage and water restrictions.

Yes, it’s pretty common to hear in the U.S. about drought conditions that have been on-going for way-too-man-years. The Colorado River and Lake Mead are drying up and at historic lows. Lakes in California are turning to mudholes.

But, you don’t hear about it much in Mexico. Or, at least you don’t think about it a whole lot.

But, beyond the golf courses and the sculpted swimming pools and the new construction condos and hotels…hey! It’s a huge desert out there.

Yup. A big old desert full of cactus and scrub and arid land devoid of water.

All this tourist construction is a fantasy that we’ve artificially managed to use beating back the fact that there are a zillion square miles of parched desert outside the nearby gates.

And the desert is just a dripping-faucet-turn-away from roaring back in a big way.

This past week, areas of Mexico started reporting not just a shortage of water, but actually running out’ve water. Right. Nothing coming out’ve the pipes.

We started getting inklings of what was happening about a month ago. We have a small convenience store here in La Paz attached to our restaurant. We stock the usual, beers, water, sodas and other beverages for retail purchases .

Several popular beverages made on the mainland could no longer be obtained. Apparently, those areas had no water to produce the beverages!

Because of water restrictions, the factory could not produce any of it’s bottled waters.

This past week, more bad news.

Emergency water had to be trucked into various areas of Mexico as reservoirs, wells and underground aquafers literally tapped out.

Here in La Paz where we live and several other areas of Baja, various neighborhoods were without water for several days.

Water is distributed a little differently down here.

If you’ve ever been down to Baja, you’ll often notice big plastic cisterns on top of rooftops. At our restaurant, we have three 1100 liters plastic cisterns on our roof.

These cisterns look like giant black or tan-colored tubes.

Water only comes from the city, 3 or 4 times a week.

The city turns on the water. It’s come in from a little pipe smaller than the diameter of your typical garden hose. Little more than a running drop.

Consequently, everyone has cisterns to collect as much water as possible for usage until the next time the city turns on the water. That might be 2 or 3 days.

Well, this past week, the city didn’t have any water to turn on.

Businesses like hotels and restaurants, need water for normal things like hotel showers, cooking and restrooms. That’s a lot of water use.

Swimming pools could not be filled. Ice houses that produce bags of purified ice for fishing, retail stores, bars and others did not have any water to make ice.

There was a huge” run” on ice deliveries as businesses started to hoard ice not knowing when there would be ice available again. It reminded me of the toilet paper hoarding two years ago in the U.S.

At our restaurant, we jammed several freezers full of ice bags.

When you have a tourist economy, having ice to chill beer and make margaritas is kinda important. Maybe moreso in Mexico where cold beer and icy cocktails are part and parcel to the whole marketing scheme.

Tourists like to brush their teeth and take showers too. A good thing to have.

“Navy showers” where you rinse…turn off the water…soap up…then rinse off aren’t exactly folks’ idea of a vacation shower.

There’s a lot of finger-pointing going on if you read the local newspapers.

Current politicians and bureaucrats are blaming former politicians and bureaucrats for not seeing the warning signs. Accusing each other of not improving the ancient water-producing infrastructure like pipes and wells that are now breaking down or weren’t adequate to begin with.

It’s kinda hard to “wash your hands” of the issue when nothing is literally coming out’ve the tap.

Stay tuned!

That’s my story

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 »

PASSING THE BUCK

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, 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, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo island, charters, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, fish, 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, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, ice chests, 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, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, road trip, roosterfish, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, waterspouts, 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, coronavirus in Mexico, 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, Fubar Cocina Cantina, 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 16, 2022| Leave a Comment »

PASSING THE BUCK

Originally Published the Week of July 12, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

I recently got tuned into a little side-hustle that I didn’t realize has been taking place for quite sometime down here in Baja. I imagine it’s pretty much the same all over Mexico.

It’s kinda funny. But also quite serious on another level. In fact, it’s a crime.

Let me set the scene.

We’ve lived down here in Baja for almost 30 years. We have several businesses including a restaurant, two fishing fleets and a shuttle company.

American money passes through our hands as transactions are carried out. No problem.

We love American dollars. We accept it as a convenience to travelers and our guests.

In fact, EVERYONE loves American dollars. Especially here in Mexico.

It’s a fairly stable currency. It holds it value. It’s easy to use. In fact, most folks I know hoard the dollars and use pesos for daily transactions. Yes, it’s a mighty currency.

I’ve often joked with folks that everyone loves our green paper with the old Presidents on them. Even in countries that don’t necessarily like the U.S., they have no problem with American bucks in their banks and pockets.

It’s the universal currency.

The one type of dollar down here that no one wants is “bad money.” That is, dollar bills that are torn, written on, defaced and abused.

You know the ones. Someone wrote a phone number on it. Or drew a mustache on Ben Franklin. Or, it’s just plain old and torn and gone through a lot of hands.

It’s easy to see why.

Banks won’t take them down here. In fact, no one will take them.

If the banks won’t accept them, neither will the grocery store. Or the taco stand. Or the t-shirt shop or the taxi driver.

You have to wait until you get back to the states to use the bills.

Many of our friends here in Baja, like waiters or chambermaids or bellman get bills as tips. If they are torn, they’ll come to us and we’ll give them usable U.S. dollars.

We’ll take the torn ones back to the U.S. Or, we’ll change them with our guests headed back to the U.S. and ask us to give us “good money.” They are usually pretty understanding.

New money and old money spend just fine back home.

Torn money is pretty much worthless down here.

In fact, in many cases, even torn pesos are not accepted.

So, here’s the deal called “musical bills.”

People surreptitiously and sneakily try to pass off their torn bills to someone else. Like an unsuspecting waiter at a restaurant. A taxi driver. A busy taco stand at night.

Basically, anyone not looking too carefully might get some bad money.

Later, that person realizes they got a bad bill. They, in turn, will now try to pass it onto someone else.

It’s like that game “Old Maid” we played as kids. You don’t want to to get stuck with the bad bill that no one can use! So you keep playing “the game.”

There is a real sinister side to this, however.

There are reports of money changers giving away bad bills to tourists. These are the exchange houses where you change dollars to pesos and pesos to dollars or other currency.

You find them on streets in tourist towns; kiosks on street corners; and yes…in airports and bus stations.

Most are legit. But you can see where this is going and how the “game” of passing on bad bills can have a serious impact.

The un-suspecting tourist arrives to exchange money. They are “slipped” a few torn or defaced bills. Be it pesos or dollars.

You walk away ready to do what tourists do.

However, you find out that no one will accept your money! You’re now stuck on vacation with unusable currency.

DING!DING! DING! You got scammed and there’s no recourse.

So, just a heads-up. Check our bills so you’re not stuck with worthless paper.

Or, you do what so many do.

You pass it to the water. The taxi driver. Or the bellman at your hotel.

Who then gives it to me in exchange for good money.

And now. I’m the guy stuck with it!

That’s my story!

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 »

THE WORST DAY

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, 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, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, 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, highway, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, 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, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, 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, Fubar Cocina Cantina, 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 24, 2022| 1 Comment »

THE WORST DAY

Originally Published the Week of June 9, 2022

What’s that saying?

A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work?

I don’t know who came up with that, but that’s a load. Being in the fishing industry now for many many decades, a bad day fishing is just a bad day.

Maybe not in the grand scheme of things, it’s not as terrible as say, losing your wallet or forgetting your anniversary, but you gotta admit, it’s a major disappointment.

From the standpoint of someone who runs a fishing operation, a client who comes back from fishing with zero fish may seem ambivalent. But, you know they are disappointed. I take it personally. I feel like it’s MY fault.

My old Catholic School upbringing drops a load of guilt on me, as if I was to blame that the weather didn’t cooperate. Or it’s my fault the bait was bad or the clients used the wrong lures.

It is what it is.

Fortunately, down here in Baja, tomorrow can turn into a banner day which somewhat helps to alleviate the current angst. There is always hope.

There was a time in my life, however, when a bad day for me on the water was the end of civilization as we know it. If I came off the water after a bad day watch out!

It could be a day when I didn’t catch fish. Or someone caught more or bigger fish than me. My competitive streak was all puckered.

Grumpy is an understatement. I would be fist-shaking-mad at the cosmos for daring to hand me such fate as a bad day of fishing. Personally insulted and inconsolable.

Fortune-cookie sayings like “A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work” or “It’s fishing not catching” be damned. A bad day is a bad day. I should have gone to work.

That is, until I got on the water again and the fish started biting. And just like that the world would right itself on an even keel.

Funny how fishermen can be like that. Guilty as charged.

But, I don’t think I’m that guy anymore.

I have good days. And I have not-so-good-days. But, I haven’t had a bad day in years.

Everyday is an 11. Or a 10 at worst.

Even when I don’t catch fish. Or someone catches more and bigger fish.

I’ve become quite content to let my wife catch more and bigger fish. Or the kids. Or whomever is on the boat with me.

Every day is a blessing and I appreciate just being out on the water.

It’s so much more fun to watch everyone else have fun. It’s like going to Disneyland of the beach too often. It can get old.

And then one day, you bring the grandkids for the first time. The magic comes back. It’s brand new again.

Or it’s you and a buddy NOT catching any fish, but still kicking back with a cold one and just laughing and talking. Some of the BEST talks!

And then there are the days when I’m alone on the water. Just me. No clients. No kids. No fishing buddy.

No hooks to tie. No one needs their backlashes untangled or hooks baited. No one forgot their sunscreen.

Just me and the captain.

And the fish just aren’t having any of it.

Simple conversation.

The sunrise.

The sound of the water under the bow.

The sun on my face and the taste of salt spray on my lips.

My hand trailing in the water.

The homemade burritos just taste so much better and the beer in the ice chest just burns the back of my throat from that first icy chug.

Maybe a quick doze to the rhythm of the motor as we troll.

A cellphone that has zero bars of signal.

Bare feet and happy toes on the warm deck.

My worst day just ain’t that bad anymore.

That’s my story!

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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GETTING GAS IN MEXICO (Not What You Think)

GRINGO GAS DEMAND BLEEDING OVER THE BORDER

GETTING GAS IN MEXICO

Originally Published the Week of May 18, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

Many of you readers know that I’m often writing about food. After reading the title, it would seem there’s a joke just begging to be told.

However, “getting gas” in Mexico has nothing to do with checking out taco stands or the culinary benefits of eating refried beans and cheese down here.

It’s a bit more “refined” than that (no pun intended). I’m actually talking about gasoline.

None of us are strangers to the fact that gasoline prices are soaring to incredible heights. Jill and I just finished 3 months on the road doing our tours through 14 different states and exhibiting and all the major hunting and fishing expositions.

This was from January to March of this year. We drove over 10,000 miles. That’s a lot of visits to the gas station.

Nothing like driving a fully loaded Suburban from one state to another. Seattle, Washington to Denver, Colorado. Or Dallas to Sacramento. Having to fill up two or three times a day in the span of 24 hours and watching the price of gas climb a buck or more from state to state or city to city was depressing. OUCH!

We’re back home now here in La Paz where we have our fishing fleet and restaurant, but our fishermen coming to fish with us are confirming the horror stories at the gas pump.

And apparently, prices haven’t hit their apex yet.

Here in Mexico, fuel prices have risen as well. But surprisingly, they have risen only a fraction compared to the escalation in the U.S.

It’s been a moderate rise.

Gas is sold by the liter down here. But, on the average I’m seeing prices at a bit over 4 bucks a gallon or thereabouts. That’s way cheaper than up north.

However, relative to what folks earn here in Mexico, any little price increase is huge.

The minimum wage here is about 7 dollars…A DAY! Not an hour. Per DAY!

So, imagine in your own personal situation back there in the U.S. Imagine more than half of your daily wages is what you fork out for one gallon of gas! A fill up could be your whole weekly paycheck.

Mexican President Obrador promised to insulate the Mexican people from things like this. Therefore, the Mexican government has been subsidizing the fuel prices to keep things as low as possible.

Probably not so good for the Mexican government, but good for the local population that has to live and work at ground zero.

Not to mention how it keeps the wheels of commercial transportation moving like trucks, buses and airlines. Keeps prices low for everyone.

Nevertheless, the lower gas prices in Mexico have become very attractive to Americans living near the border. Especially in California and Texas.

Many are finding that it’s cheaper to just cross the border to full up. In some cases they are also bringing extra fuel tanks or gasoline containers to get as much gasoline as they can.

In some instances, Mexican gas stations along the border are reporting that they sell more gasoline to Americans now than to locals. And there are lines of cars waiting to fill up.

Understandably, there have been complaints because the stations run out’ve gas. They don’t have enough gasoline to sell to locals.

Or say, some American drives all the way into Tijuana only to find out that gas station are already dry. Simple supply and demand economics.

In an attempt to curb that situation, the Mexican government recently stopped subsidizing the gasoline in some of it’s border states, including Baja.

So, now gasoline prices are rising in the Mexican states along the U.S. border.

Still, when gasoline in Mexico is 2 or 3 dollar cheaper than in the U.S. it’s just a matter of how far an American is willing to drive and the time necessary to save on filling up.

So far, it doesn’t seem to be working.

Americans are still driving across the border. Statistic show that fuel demand is not only high, it’s growing!

Saving two or three dollars per gallon is still saving two or three dollars per gallon!

That’s my story!

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 »

FIND YOUR BEACH (a novel approach)

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, holidays in mexico, hurricane, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, 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, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, 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, coronavirus in Mexico, 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, Fubar Cocina Cantina, 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 May 18, 2022| Leave a Comment »

15 MORE MINUTES PLEASE? OUR FOOD JUST ARRIVED!

FIND YOUR BEACH (A novel approach)

Originally Published the Week of May 12, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

This past week the last vestiges of covid-masking were removed here in Southern Baja. Mask wearing in public places is now optional.

Realistically, private businesses could still require masks to enter and employers can still require their employees to mask-up. However, for the most part, we’re seeing the last remnants of “cobre boca” (face coverings) at least for now.

During the pandemic, things were highly restrictive. Much moreso than in the U.S. Especially during that first year in 2020, beaches were closed among many other things.

Once things started opening, beaches were open…closed…open… and closed depending on the whims of government to co-incide with the ebb and flow of covid infections.

Understandably, whenever beaches were opened, the government advised folks headed there about social spacing. Basically, asking folks to maintain their 3-6 foot distance from one group or family to the other.

Well, that went over like wings on a pig.

After being cooped up for months, locals flooded to the beaches in droves. Inspectors, police, health officials ran around trying to get people to space out. That was like trying to empty a bucket of water with a sieve. Wasn’t happening.

A rule with no ability to enforce it is toothless.

So, beaches got closed again.

As covid ebbed, they tried something else.

Respective beaches were allowed an occupancy quota. For example, one beach allows only 350 people. That down the way beach gets 425. The other beach is allowed 500. And so on.

Tecolote Beach 10-21

Once they hit a number, no one else was allowed in. Even AFTER people left, no one was allowed in.

Another exercise in futility.

Authorities were out there actually trying to count heads on the sand.

Let’s see…24, 25, 26…oh, your kids just ran into the water? How many kids you got? 29, 30…

Not an easy task.

Back to the drawing board.

The next attempt placed security at the entrance to the beaches. They checked each car. They counted the heads in each car.

Again, once the quote was reached, too bad for the rest of you. Go home or go find another beach.

WP_20150802_005

That system actually got some traction. Except not so much for the hundreds of folks that had been waiting in their cars in the Baja heat for a couple of hours with a carload of kids trying to get into the beach.

Then, being told, they were too late. A lot of ticked off people.

Sorry kids. Sorry mom.

Thousands of people want to escape to the beaches. However, allowing only a limited number did work out so well.

So, the latest venture attempts to remedy that.

And it’s being implemented in many places. So far.

It makes the beaches more accessible to more people. Problem solved.

There’s just one catch. Well, two actually.

One is cost. The other is time.

Here’s how it works. They’re thinking about implementing this at many of the Baja beaches.

You arrive at the entrance to the beach. You are sold a bracelet to enter the beach. Cost is less than 2 bucks. That’s manageable.

However…

The bracelet allows you to stay in the beach for THREE HOURS. That’s it.

Shifts are 8-11 a.m. Then 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Finally 1-4 p.m.

I’ll let you wrap your brain around that one.

Apparently, at the end of each “shift”, they sound an alarm. You gotta chug that last beer; fold up the umbrella and beach towels; grab the kids and scoot!

If you want to stay longer, you need to purchase extra bracelets when you arrive at the beach.

I guess this will indeed allow more people access to the beach. In theory.

However, I’ve never been able to spend only 3 hours at the beach. I don’t know many folks that have that ability.

There’s one other glitch. At some beaches, no charge to locals. If you’re not local, you pay for the bracelet. But that begs the question. Are locals able to stay as long as they want? And do they just grab a bunch of bracelets when they enter?

Tourists need to pay AND scoot after 3 hours?

Stand by. I don’t think this is the last we’ve heard of this new plan.

That’s my story

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 »

BREATHING EASIER…FOR NOW

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, 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, car, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, 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, historical, history, holidays in mexico, hurricane, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, storm, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, tuna tournament, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, waterspouts, 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, coronavirus in Mexico, 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, Fubar Cocina Cantina, 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 April 25, 2022| Leave a Comment »

BREATHING EASIER…FOR NOW

Originally Published the Week of April 25, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

My wife and I fly a lot for work. In the past 2 years since Covid, I’ve probably been on close to 20 flights.

If you have flown at all during this time, you know that travel has been less than enjoyable. Like everything else. Rules and protocols.

Least of which was wearing a mask in the airport and on flights.

I just loved being sternly reminded to pull up my mask because I absent-mindedly forgot. Some airline and airport people were unashamedly rude. Or suddenly power-tripping!

I get it. But, don’t ream me. I’ll happily pull it up or pull it outta my bag. Chill.

But, I guess they got a job to do too. Especially those early months when no one really knew what was going on (do we really know now?)

Or trying to explain something at the check-in counter when you have a mask and the agent has a mask and they are sometimes also behind a plexi-glass screen.

Or you’re trying to tell the flight attendant that you’ll have another Coke, please.

Or getting stink-eye from someone at the airport or during the flight because you’ve pulled your mask off or sideways for a discreet moment to breathe or eat something.

Frankly, I’m sure I’m hardly the first person who “pretended” to always be sipping on water or a drink during the flight so I could keep my mask down. My wife, Jill, became a ninja about that.

Heck a good number of other passengers had their masks below their noses!

But, I’m not going to debate the efficacy of mask-wearing here. Bigger brains than mine have opined on that subject ad nauseam and can’t figure it out.

However, this past week, I was on a flight the first morning the mask mandate was removed.

A federal court struck down the mandate for airports and airlines and stated that the CDC had over-reached it’s authority.

I was flying on May 19^th and had just read about the decision the night before. No idea when it was going to be implemented and, according to my readings, not all airlines had jumped on board.

So, there I was the early morning of the 19^th ready to pull out my mask when the P.A system for American Airlines announced “that masks were now “optional.”

I kid you not, there was some handclapping and fist pumping and a lot of smiles!

laguardia-jetblue-rt-ps-220419_1650386514639_hpMain_16x9_992

I talked to the ticket agent at the counter who was literally giddy along with the other American Airlines employees. I told her it was nice to see everyone’s faces and smiles again!

She said they had just received their directive that morning.

Originally, they had been told that the airlines was going to extend the mask mandate until the middle of May. The CDC wanted the extra time to come to some decisions about some new Omicron variant.

But, she was happy as heck! Everyone was.

On the plane, there were announcements from both the flight crew as well as the captain about the repeal of the mandate.

Again, rounds of applause and high-fiving and hoots!

The announcements cautioned that masks were “optional” and asked that everyone be respectful of everyone’s choices. Everyone had their masks off, however, some older folks kept them on understandably.

I was next to a 92 year-old-lady travelling for her birthday who was a gem.

She was smiling the whole time, even under her mask. She said she was happy to see everyone happy and that it seemed crazy to wear masks all the time. However, she wanted to keep hers on because…”Well, I’m kinda old!” she laughed.

Anyway, no one had to pretend they were eating or drinking the whole flight and it was nice to see smiling flight attendants again and interact like normal folk.

I will tell you that when we landed in Cabo a Mexican airport agent came on and said the mask mandate at Cabo Airport was still in effect. (Big groan). However, the opinion is that it won’t be long-lasting and things will probably change.

Once out of the airport, everyone pulled their masks off again.

There’s a few caveats.

Private places may still require you to wear a mask. Here in La Paz where we live, you will still see masks by employees in stores, public places and restaurants and hotels. It’s up to the private owners.

I only had to pull up my mask one time in the last week. That was to go into a supermarket.

Also, despite the repeal of the mask mandate, individual countries may still require masking up. Depends where you’re flying.

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Note also that there’s a bear on the horizon.

The U.S. Justice Department may file an appeal against the Federal Court that made the ruling about the masks. As I read it, the Justice Department might assert that the Federal Court ruling is erroneous because the court lacked authority or jurisdiction over the mandate.

The Justice Department is waiting to hear from the CDC which is dealing with a possible new Omicron variant that is supposed to hit us.

However, I think for now the horse is outta the barn. Cat’s outta the bag. The happy faces are back.

Gonna enjoy breathing easier as much as I can for as long as I can.

That’s my story!

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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OUTSIDE YOUR EPI-CURIOUS COMFORT ZONE

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, 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, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, donations, 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, historical, holidays in mexico, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, storm, suitcases, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, waterspouts, 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, coronavirus in Mexico, 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, Fubar Cocina Cantina, 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 April 17, 2022| Leave a Comment »

OUTSIDE YOUR EPI-CURIOUS COMFORT ZONE

Originally Published the Week of April 14, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

A few columns ago, I mentioned that a great place to get a bit of “real Mexico” is to visit the local church. Get a bit of history. Culture. Community. Maybe even some healthy spiritualism thrown in.

But, I forgot maybe the best place to get a real slice of Mexican life.

Maybe it’s even more basic and more fundamental than going to church.

I mean, admittedly, not everyone goes to church. Plus, at church, we’re always seeing folks pretty much at their best. Dressed up. Respectful. Attentive.

For most of us, going to church is not an everyday activity.

But, there is one place that pretty much everyone goes to eventually. That includes, families, couples, kids…everyone!

Get away from the tourist zone and go visit a local grocery store.

I’m not talking about one of the numerous chain convenience stores on every corner that sell every manner of two things…beer and junk food.

I’m not talking about the new Walmart or Costco or Sam’s Club that seem to be popping up everywhere there’s a hefty gringo population or tourist destination.

I’m talking about a regular grocery store.

You’ll find one in pretty much any neighborhood.

It could be an eye opener.

Sure, you’ll find a lot of products similar to the U.S., with growing demand for many of the same brands. But, you’ll notice the prices are cheaper than the U.S.

For one, very often the quality isn’t quite the same as the U.S. even though the packaging might look the same. You do get what you pay for.

You’ll find lots of canned goods. Tons of salsas. Many you’ve never heard of but worth a try!

mexican-supermarket-salsa

In produce, you’ll find some unusual thing like nopales (cactus paddles…the broad succulent leaves of the cactus plant). You’ll see all kinds of chiles if you like to make your own salsa and you’ll notice that veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers, etc. are vibrant colors.

That’s because they’re allowed to ripen in the warm Mexican sun not coated with wax to make them shiny. And they taste so much better too1

Definitely you’ll see a lot of junk food. It’s a paradise of munchie food!

If it’s sugar or salt or something fried that you’re looking for, there is no shortage of soda, candies (some very interesting and unusual types you might want to give a taste) plus bags of bags of a zillion types of chips or other fried things.

There are aisle and aisles of sugar and salt. It’s unfortunately why diabetes is so rampant in Mexico.

In the meat section, there are cuts you won’t recognize, other than to knowing it’s beef or pork. However, Mexico cuts many of their meats differently than in the U.S. Mexico has different names for their cuts.

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Also, the cuts tend to be much much thinner (affordable) than in the U.S. Unless, it’s a market frequented by gringos, you’ll never find a thick steak or a fat porkchop. No ribeye, New York , T-bone or pork tenderloins!

You will find lots of different chorizo (pork sausages) and cold cuts in the deli section.

You will rarely have actual sliced ham for some reason. Like the kind you put in sandwiches . It will be “ham flavored” but made from turkey (“jamon de pavo.”) and that includes packaged hot dogs. You will however, find bacon, but in my experience, it’s incredibly salty unless you purchase an American brand.

The dairy section has lots of yoghurt, but tends to be highly sugared creamy syrup and you’ll have to look hard to find real butter. Mostly it will be some type of margarine.

You will, however, find loads of different and delicious Mexican cheeses. It’s one of the true treasures if you get a chance to sample all the different cheeses including manchengo, queso Corazon, queso fresco and dozens more.

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Another great thing you ‘ll find in the larger grocery stores is a bakery. Fresh cakes, breads, pastries are laid out and customers pick up a big flat pan and tongs and go up and down the shelves picking our their selections. There will also be a section with fresh warm tortillas as well.

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However, the magic for me, is in the hot deli section!

The larger markets have hot dishes behind glass where you can buy incredible food to take home. Carne asada…chicken mole…chicharrones in salsa verde…pork ribs…street corn slathered in lime and cotija cheese just to name a few of my favorites.

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Bring some of that home along with a cold Mexican Coke , some fresh warm tortillas and you’re good to go!

Give it a try next time. They may not necessarily be the healthiest or what you’re used to, but it’s all pretty delicious and you’re only ducking in for a sample! It can’t be any worse than ordering a pizza near your hotel or walking over to Burger King

Instead of the fancy tourist restaurant step away next time. Ask your taxi driver where he does his grocery shopping and it’ll open up a whole new culinary world for you!

That’s my story!

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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HI-FIVE and WELL DONE!

Some High-Fives are gratuitous and don’t mean much. There are other High-Fives that mean everything!

HIGH FIVE and WELL DONE!

Originally Published the Week of April 4, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

Last week, my wife, Jill and I were in Denver.

We’ve been on the road 3 months doing the fishing and hunting expositions across the western U.S. promoting our fishing operation in La Paz as well as tourism in general to Baja.

Each week a different city. A different show.

In our booth four or five days for 8-12 hours-at-a-time. Meeting and greeting. Shaking hands and socializing.

We’ve been doing it every January to March for almost 30 years. It’s fun. But, it can also be wearing.

Long hours driving. Different hotel rooms. Too much fast food. Packing and unpacking all the booth and gear. Convention centers with thousands of people packed inside.

So, we’re at our last show in Denver. As often happens, rather than look for parking in a major downtown metro, it’s often easier to take Uber from our hotel to the respective convention center.

Dial up Uber. He’s on his way. Meet out front on the sidewalk.

It’s early. We’re half-asleep, but we gotta get to the expo. It’s show time.

Our uber driver today is Haani. He has a white Toyota Camry.

He pulls up. Good-looking pleasant young man. Swarthy. Cleanly dressed. He helps us with all our briefcases, backpacks and other things we need to drag to the show each day.

We climb in. Bonus points, the car is spotless and he’s got some light jazz playing. Nice music for the morning.

We make the usual conversation.

Jill asks, “Are you having a busy day?”

He says cheerfully, “I’ve been working all morning and usually work the whole day. But, today, I have to take a break in the middle of the day.”

“For lunch?” asks Jill.

“No. Not today! Not for lunch. Today I have a special service to attend!” replies Haani.

“A special service?”

He smiles and turns around towards us in the backseat and says proudly, “Today I will become a naturalized American citizen!”

A pause as Jill and I wrap our collective brains around that for a moment.

“Oh my God! That’s awesome!”

“Congratulations!”

“This is the best news of the day!”

Jill and I are both yammering out loud at the same time from the backseat as we lean over towards him.

We are spontaneously shaking his hand; playfully punching him in the shoulder and giving him high-fives from the backseat. I’m shaking him by his neck. It’s like he just shot the winning basket…scored the 4^th quarter touchdown…touched all the bases in the World Series.

For indeed he has!

He is laughing and trying to keep the car on the road!

He is beaming and his proud smile fills the rearview mirror as he watches Jill and I bounce around his backseat pumping our fists in the air!

Haani is from Afghanistan. He has been working hard on getting his citizenship for six long years. He says it is the hardest and best thing he has ever done.

He and his wife work two jobs. Two young kids in school.

He tell us what a great country America is. He could not be prouder. Or more grateful.

Neither could we. He dropped us off and we all laughed and we wished him well with one last handshake and high-five. It made our day.

Welcome to America, Haani.

We’re gonna lift up a cold one to you and your spirit to luck and a better life!

family-celebrates-nationalization-with-american-flags

That’s my story!

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 »

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Jonathan has written for:

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