Archive for the ‘techniques’ Category

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

______________

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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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.

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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.”

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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!

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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.”

Read Full Post »

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.”

Read Full Post »

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 »

YOU CAN’T GOOGLE or TRIP ADVISOR THIS

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, chubasco, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, 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, 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, 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, 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, Mexican church cathedral, 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, Tailhunter Sealevel, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on April 3, 2022| Leave a Comment »

YOU CAN’T GOOGLE OR TRIP ADVISOR THIS

Originally Published the Week of Mar. 26, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

Living in Baja, visitors often ask me some suggestions of where they can “see the real Mexico.” They’re not interested in finding out where to go zip-lining or the cheapest place to buy a hammock or sarape.

They want the genuine article. The real deal. Something not “touristy.”

I tell them to head to church. Preferably on a Sunday or a Saturday afternoon.

After a momentary quizzical look, I explain that they’ll see a part of Mexico…a part of the community…a lot of history and a lot of culture if they make a visit to the local church.

Every city or large town has a Catholic church.

Since the earliest days of the conquistadores and missionaries, you can pretty much find a Catholic Church somewhere in the area. To this day, Mexico remains largely a Catholic country and the church is still the center of life…even if not everyone goes to church all the time.

Nevertheless, the church is still central to so much that goes on in a Mexican community. Obviously, it’s a spiritual and religious center.

Architecturally, it’s usually in the center of town or in a town square, park or pavilion area.

Socially, it often remains the place where life’s milestones still take place. Start to finish…baptism…confirmations…quincineras (sweet 16 presentations)…weddings…more baptisms…and funerals.

So, I tell folks to head to the local church.

Outside, there are often street vendors in the larger cities. It can be a hub of activity.

Our own cathedral in La Paz is in the town square and adjacent to the town park. There are often musicians playing. Families picnicking. Impromptu karaoke and bingo games. Old men playing chess or checkers.

Stand outside.

If it’s an old church, take in the architecture. Admire the craftsmanship. Many of these churches weren’t made with modern cranes, bulldozers and electric tools.

Old-fashioned human labor with hand tools. Sweat equity for credits in heaven. Pride in details that were meant to last for decades or centuries.

Handmade brick and quarried stone transported maybe from many miles away with carts, wagons and mules. In some cases, the very wooden beams inside the structure as well as the window glass was transported from Spain, not to mention statues and religious artifacts and furniture.

The bells may have come from some faraway forge as well. Most likely yes.

If there’s an old cemetery nearby, well worth it to trace the history of the former priests, padres and parishioners. It was a hard life.

You’ll often see short life spans. Children and babies who died early. Many deaths close in date could indicate a communal epidemic like measles, smallpox, dysentery or a simple flu.

Step inside. Remove your hat. There might be a Mass or other event taking place. Even if not, remember it’s still a house of worship. Be respectful.

If nothing is happening, wander and gaze. Statues, the alter, the stained glass, the wooden pews, paintings and artwork may date back decades or centuries. They may have travelled thousands of miles to find their forever homes in this church.

The craftsmen are long gone, but their work remains. It’s better than any museum.

Imagine today, we go to Home Depot. Get our materials. Build a bookshelf for your home. Never in a million years would we expect it to last for decades. Not like these old artisans.

I’ve been in old Mexican churches where the walls and ceilings are still covered with the dark soot of a century or more of burning votive candles.

A close examination of the area around the alter shows inset graves of the old padres who once serviced their community. The tiles show their names.

It’s a testament to their dedication and commitment that many of them travelled from Spain or other places in Mexico to find their final resting place in the arid hard-scrabble frontier of Baja.

If there are services taking place, many times, there can be multiple events transpiring since often, there’s only one priest or padre. In some instances, the priest is a travel-priest doing services from town-to-town to tend to his parishioners.

But, if you’re visiting, that’s where you’ll see the culture.

I once came for Mass. It was followed by a baptism. Followed by a wedding. Followed by a first communion of 8 and 9 year-old-kids in their little white shirts and puffy dresses.

The whole gamut. Proud families. Happy couples. Nervous youngsters. Big days in life. Big days in the community. The circle of life. The cycle of life.

All in one place. Just follow the sound of the bells!

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 »

SHOCK and AWE

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, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, chubasco, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, donations, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, 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, 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 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, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, 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 March 26, 2022| 3 Comments »

SHOCK and AWE

Originally Published the Week of Mar. 20, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

My wife, Jill, and I have been on the road now for the better part of three months. Every year, we drive all over the U.S. doing fishing and hunting expos drumming up business for our fishing operation in La Paz.

We set up our booth and join many hundreds of other international outfitters, fishing guides, hunting guides, gear retailers, RV and boat sellers and others in the modern day version of the fur trapper rendezvous.

It’s definitely a “gathering of tribes.” Over the course of 4 or 5 days, often tens of thousands of attendees fill the aisles. It can be quite an event.

As of today, we’ve been over a dozen states now. A few more still to come.

We’ve been through huge cities and the smallest of towns. Towering skyscraper skylines to one-horse crossroads. I believe we’ve already logged over 10,000 miles driving. (Not so fun watching gas prices blow up, but that’s another story!)

In previous columns, I’ve documented the distressing amount of crime, vagrancy, squalor and trash we encountered in so many cities. Especially along the west coast.

Friends and other outfitters were victimized by burglaries and outright thefts of their vehicles, trailers and rigs. One friend was carjacked at gun point by a guy running from a murder.

Our own rig was rendered undriveable by a break-in where the bad guys completely smashed not only our rear glass, but the whole liftgate.

We joke about the “Zombie Apocalypse,” but many a night none of us would leave our hotel/ motel rooms because of all the homeless folks wandering outside; sleeping in the bushes; panhandling; hustling; partying; defecating and more.

Some of our most beautiful and favorite cities broken, ruined and abandoned except for the tattered, the homeless, the lawless, the disenfranchised of the streets. It’s an urban landscape straight out’ve an “end of the world” sci-fi flick.

After several weeks in these areas, it was more than disheartening and depressing. I wasn’t alone in my assessment.

Other outfitters, local residents and law enforcement friends echoed the same sentiments in these areas.

There was a tacit resignation of spirit that THIS is what it’s come to. THIS is where WE are. THIS is how it will always be and only get worse.

And not a thing we can do about it.

The whole country to hell-in-a-handbag.

But wait…

Then our show schedule took us inland. Smaller shows AWAY from the big cities. We passed through and spent more time in smaller cities and neighborhoods.

Back to the countryside. Little pink houses. Denny’s diners. Swings and slides in town parks. Crossing guards at the elementary school. There’s a banner about a pancake breakfast at the church. The VFW Hall has a bunch of pick-up trucks parked outside.

Went into a grocery store in Central Oregon. A 9-year-old boy held the door open for me and said, “after you, sir!”

Shock and awe.

In little towns in Washington and Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas and Wyoming, we got “sir” and “ma’am” a lot. And not just from kids.

Adults you run into in the street in the normal course of a day or at our hotels addressed us similarly. Just the way things are. Courtesy and hospitality, that was rarely found in the big cities.

We had become so callous to common civility and comity that it seemed like people were going out of their way to be amiable. But, it’s just the way people are in different spots of the country. Or how they are brought up.

I was brought up addressing others like that as well. Just how I was taught. However, when I use “sir” or “ma’am” I often get a quizzical look as if I was speaking Greek. Some folks get offended as if I was calling them “old.”

In these small towns and open spaces, I got a nod and smiles and friendly responses instead.

At the shows themselves, it’s a different crowd for sure.

At the start of the show before they let the crowds in, they play the Star Spangled Banner over the loudspeaker in these expo centers. Everyone stops what they are doing and puts hand or hat over heart and faces the flag.

Many people sing out loud. You can help smiling. You stand up a little straighter. I catch myself singing as well.

When the crowds come in..

Again, I’m often addressed as “sir.” After chatting with someone at our booth, it’s not uncommon for someone to thank me for taking the time to answer their questions.

Are you kidding me?

I hear the word “please” a lot .

The adults/ parents are much more blue collar. Yes, there’s a lot of pick-up trucks and suburbans in the parking lot . A lot of baseball hats, blue jeans, camo vests and work, hiking or cowboy boots. Men and women alike.

Some look just like they just took off the gloves and came to the show from the ranch, farm or mechanic shop. Moms look like they just grabbed the kids from school and are trying to get through the show before they gotta race home to cook dinner.

In the meantime, a beer or Coke and a bag of popcorn will do, thank you very much.

But in talking to adults and kids alike, they sound like they can fix cars and boats. They can take out an elk at 500 yards AND carry it out on their backs. They can run tractors and they tell you they can only come visit us in Mexico AFTER the crops come in but BEFORE hunting season starts.

At one show on a Sunday, a family apologized to me for coming so late to the show. Because they were at CHURCH!

I felt like giving them all a high-five!

At one show, I was next to a sporting goods outfitter.

The men, women AND kids knew how to handle guns and fishing gear and were as at adept and knowledgeable about fishing and hunting, camping and boating and off-roading as any expert.

It was refreshing. It’s not hopeless. It’s not as depressing as it seems.

It’s not a Normal Rockwell painting, by any stretch. All places have their issues and problems. I realize my view was only a tiny miniscule slice.

But, all is not lost. Faith renewed.

Yes, Sir. Yes, Ma’am.

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 Sportfishing

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.”

___________

Read Full Post »

PARTY LIKE IT’s 2019

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, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, chubasco, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, dorado, 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, highway, 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 culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, 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, 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 January 29, 2022| Leave a Comment »

WELCOME NEW ARRIVALS! ENJOY YOUR VACATION!

PARTY LIKE IT’S 2019

Originally Published the Week of Jan. 26, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

Well…check any source and you’ll find that the number one travel destination since covid started is (drumroll)…MEXICO!

This is not just for Americans. It’s apparently the top spot for the whole world.

It’s pretty easy to get to, especially for Americans. There’s lots of flights. Or you can drive or jump a cruise ship.

It’s pretty economic. Foreign currency against the Mexican peso is pretty strong. For Americans, the dollar is huge. It’s 20 pesos to the U.S. dollar. International money goes a lot further than in many other countries.

It’s easy to come home. That’s pretty important. When you’re ready to come home…you come home!

Your chances of getting stranded there are pretty slim because of Covid. Your own country might put the pinch on you, but not Mexico.

In fact, there have been some new changes in Mexican restrictions.

As of this month, Mexico has completely dropped all entry requirements. Gone! Deleted! You are welcomed with open arms.

You can argue whether that is good or bad, but it is what it is. I make no judgements. Don’t kill the messenger.

However, borders are now open. In fact, many would ventur that they were never really closed at all. It was pretty leaky.

You also no longer have to fill out either the paper or digital health-care form to enter Mexico. This was the form asking thing like whether you had been in contact with a Covid person or whether you had Covid.

I always thought it was silly. I mean…who is going to answer “yes” on the way to their vacation? Who wants to get told they have to go in the little back room for secondary questioning when the tour bus to the hotel is waiting outside and your luggage is spinning mindlessly on the carousel?

Additionally, Mexican President Obrador has said he doesn’t plan to ever ask for proof of vaccinations.

But, there’s a small caveat.

Individual states, areas or businesses like restaurants, bars and casinos might ask for your vax card. However, according to sources, it’s just like many places in the U.S. with masks. It only applies if the rule is enforced and no one seems to really enforce it.

In lieu of that, proof of a negative covid test within 48 hours will also work. Jalisco is one of the states that recently implemented the rule about showing a vax card.

So, basically, it’s time travel. Mexico is back to pre-covid 2019 in terms of travel.

As of right now, the only real bump in your travel road is coming BACK to the U.S. or entering the U.S. if you’re a foreign national.

The U.S. requires that within 24 hours of your flight back to the U.S. you need to take a rapid Covid test. And, of course, it has to come back negative.

The test takes 15 minutes and you get your results usually within the hour on your cellphone. The airports all have facilities as do many hotels. Or the hotels will have someone come to the hotel.

There are also a plethora of labs that sprang up all over the place understandably.

This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.

If you are a foreign traveler headed to the U.S., the new rules mandate that you must show proof of vaccination now.

Stay tuned. The picture changes all the time!

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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DON’T TOUCH YOUR EYES

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, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, charters, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, 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, freediving, giant squid, Heat stroke, highway, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, 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 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, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, suitcases, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, 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, 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 January 3, 2022| Leave a Comment »

THIS IS WHAT YOU CAME FOR! FEEL THE BURN…OR NOT!

DON’T TOUCH YOUR EYES!

Originally Published the Week of Dec. 27, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

I’m a chips and salsa guy.

I go into a Mexican restaurant and I look forward to ruining the rest of my meal filling up on the chips and salsa that get plopped in front of me.

In fact, I judge the restaurant based on their chips and salsa.

It’s the opening round. First impressions are everything. Usually, the chips and salsa are a pretty good reflection on the rest of the meal-yet-to-come.

The problem is that in most Mexican restaurants in Mexico, you don’t get chips unless it’s a tourist place or you ask for the chips. And, even then, chances are you definitely don’t get the typical big basket.

You get a little bowl. Like a peace offering of chips!

But, there’s still the salsas. And every place worth it’s chili peppers makes their own.

I’m not talking about stuff you pour out’ve a bottle like Tabasco, Cholula, etc. Those are hot sauces, not technically salsas.

That’s for a different column. If the salsa comes out’ve a bottle or jar, move along. Those places don’t last anyway.

I have a rule or two when I hit a new place and try their salsas.

First, just because it looks mild doesn’t mean anything. Conversely, a very tasty benign salsa could appear like Satan’s own brew.

Even at a regular place that you visit often.

Their homemade salsa can change from day-to-day. That’s because the quality and flavor of the ingredients can change.

For example in our restaurant in La Paz, we would make green salsa verde from green tomatillo tomatoes. One day the salsa would be sweet and mild.

The next day, it could be very bitter and we would have to adjust the recipe. That’s because the quality and taste of the tomatoes would change from our delivery guy.

All tomatoes are not created equally. Nor or chilis or onions.

So, as a rule, no matter what the salsa looks like, I put a little dab on the tip of my little finger and taste it. Or on the edge of my plate.

Knowledge is power and better to know up-front before I slather my taco with a sauce that I won’t like or will cause me physical damage!

There are several main salsas to keep an eye-out for. They’re the standards at most any restaurant or taco cart you visit in Mexico.

Salsa-1170x617

SALSA FRESCA/ PICO de GALLO – Usually pretty mild and can surely vary from place-to-place. Usually bright red and green.

Typically consists of chopped red tomatoes, onions, salt, cilantro and fresh jalapeno or serrano chilis. This is the universal salsa. Stuff it in a taco. Divebomb it with chips. Spoon it over your huevos rancheros, fish or steak.

SALSA VERDE/ TOMATILLO SAUCE – Made from green tomatillo tomatoes, this can range from tart to sweet and savory. If the tomatoes are first grilled, roasted or boiled, then blended with the other ingredients such as the chilis and onions, you get a bolder full-bodied salsa. In fact, all of the ingredients are sometimes cooked then blended together.

Using uncooked ingredients produces a salsa on the tart side. Not necessarily a bad thing. Just deliciously different.

AGUACATE – This is avocado salsa. My personal favorite.

I can put this on everything in sight. Remember, the “taquitos” they sold at your little league games as a kid and the green sauce that came out’ve a plastic jug? Aguacate is a 5-star creamy upgrade.

It’s got the coolness of avocado blended with cilantro, a bit of lime, salt, onion and garlic contrasted with the serrano peppers. It also has tomatillos in it very often.

Guacamole…another favorite for other reasons…isn’t so creamy and is primarily avocados without the tomatoes and has a thicker consistency.

SALSA ROJA – This is often the signature sauce at any local dining spot. I’ve encountered places that guard “grandma’s recipe” like Colonel Sanders safeguarded his finger-lickin’ good chicken recipe.

The main thing is roasted or boiled chili arbol. It’s got more kick than other salsa chilis and cooking brings out spicy smokey flavors and deep red colors. It’s then blended with the onions, garlic and other ingredients and can be served hot or cold.

This is definitely one you should taste ahead of time before spooning it on your food. Sometimes, a little goes a long way.

Everyone makes their salsas differently and part of the fun of eating in Mexico is sampling all the different types.

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 »

THEY BUILT A BETTER BRIDGE

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, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo island, charters, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, deep sea, dorado, driving, 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, freediving, holidays in mexico, 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 culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, missions, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, suitcases, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, weather, Western Outdoor News, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, CBX express bridgeTailhunter Sealevel, 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 November 9, 2021| Leave a Comment »

THEY BUILT A BETTER BRIDGE

Originally Published the Week of Nov. 9, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

For years, I’ve been telling folks about the Cross Border Express bridge (CBX) at the border for flying to Mexican destinations from Tijuana.

Mexico has a brand spanking-new air terminal now in Tijuana that’s as nice as many and perhaps nicer than many in the U.S. Indeed, Tijuana is quite a hub for air travel.

Many Americans over the years, especially from Southern California, Nevada, Arizona and even Utah found it much easier to cross the border and fly from Tijuana to places in Baja like Loreto, Cabo and La Paz and other locations in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and others.

For one, it’s often much less expensive. From Tijuana, domestic flight instead of an international flight. Statistics show, it’s as much as 50% cheaper flying to Mexican destinations than from U.S. airports.

Lately, it’s been especially conducive with Covid since international travelers returning to the U.S. must obtain negative Covid tests before their flights. Domestic flights do not have that requirement.

However, back in the day, flying from Tijuana required actually crossing the border by driving, a shuttle, a bus or taxi. Or a generous understanding friend or family member.

It required navigating the maze of Tijuana streets and traffic to get to the terminal. Plus, it included the added anxiety and potential delays of just getting through the border check-point.

Those are huge deterrents to travel, especially for folks who don’t like the idea of driving through or into Mexico in the first place. Additionally, there’s the sheer nervousness and likelihood of getting lost on a Tijuana border street.

Not to mention, your Spanish is limited to ordering chalupas at Taco Bell.

Oh, and you have a plane to catch.

I’ve known many folks who missed a turn or two and ended up back on the U.S. side or got lost miles away from the terminal. Miss a turn, miss your plane!

To that end and with rare foresight, the CBX bridge was built several years ago. I’ve been touting it for years. Clients and friends rave about it.

Essentially, it allows travelers to park on the U.S. side of the border. Or shuttle/ taxi there. You then simply walk across the bridge right into the Tijuana terminal. No fuss. No bunched underwear getting lost.

It’s a game changer!

But, I had never taken it myself. It’s like telling someone how good Italian food is, but never having eaten it yourself.

So, this past week, I had the opportunity to go to San Diego for a few days with Jill, my wife. She remained, but I had to get back to our home and business in La Paz.

Booking was easy on Volaris Airlines. It’s a newer and increasing popular airline choice for Mexican air travel. It was $85 for a less-than-two-hour-flight to La Paz and the jet was completely full. About 1/3 were gringos.

She also booked me my ticket to use the CBX. Easy online for $16.

Dropping me off at the curb in the early morning hour to catch my flight, I was greatly surprised.

20211108_054005_HDR

I mean, I expected a BRIDGE. Y’know…like a big span or girders or something.

On the contrary, it was like being dropped at a regular modern airline terminal. The CBX is, in fact, more like a giant causeway than an actual bridge.

Architecturally, rather beautiful.

cbx_1280x640

I walked right up to an uncrowded airline counter and checked in. I could have opted for automated mini-kiosks as well.

I then walked over to an immigration counter to digitally fill out and print my immigration forms. Everything was computerized. There were helpful staff assisting folks.

Again, very easy. And off I went.

Through the gates and down several well-lit modern corridors. Signs and arrows were easy to follow.

I did one stop for them to take my temperature for Covid. Another short stop to have my luggage x-rayed. A short walk to another Volaris counter where I dropped off my luggage (There are carts available, but I was travelling light).

Another short walk and bam…I was in the new terminal. Starbucks…Johnny Rocket’s Burgers…convenience stores…cosmetics…clothes…a few sports bars.

And easy-to-find -boarding gates.

I had something to eat for breakfast and made my flight with plenty of time to spare. It was a no- brainer and could not have been easier.

The entire walk was maybe 100 total yards. Much easier than driving through the border and all over Tijuana.

I traveled light this time, but there are carts, luggage porters and wheelchairs if they had been needed.

For sure, two thumbs up 5-star rating in my book.

A couple of notes:

You can also park your vehicle in secure parking on the U.S. side. It’s a big bonus.

It’s as little as $18/day. In fact, you can reserve parking ahead of time online. Cost is about $25/day and guarantees parking even if the other lots are full. There is also valet parking.

If you’re coming the other way, car rentals are also available as are shuttle services from cities like Los Angeles and San Diego and cities in between all the way up to Sacramento. Plus Uber and Lyft.

There are discounts for families travelling together plus luggage porters and wheelchair assistance. There is assistance for minors travelling alone. You will also find scales, currency exchange counters as well as duty free shopping.

All-in-all, a great deal.

More info here: https://www.crossborderxpress.com/en/

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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