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NO BAD QUESTIONS?

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No Bad Questions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who will actually be delivering the services?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I have heard people ask me or ask other outfitters:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s my story!

Jonathan signature

Jonathan

______________

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

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

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

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

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

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

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Tell Them Bring the Salad Next Time!

Posted in bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo, charity, charters, crankbait, Dehydration, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, 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, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing, 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 Christmas, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, suitcases, Sun stroke, Tailhunter International, techniques, 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 de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Bahia de los Suenos fishing, bahia magdalena, baja, baja fishing, Baja fishing reports, Baja sportfishing packages, baja sur, Baja Vacations, beach, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, carnavale, carnival, catch and release, Central Washington Sportsmans show, Cerralvo Island, Cerralvo Island Fishing, Chad Schearer, charters, circle hooks, costa baja resort, day trips, dog tooth snapper, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito, espirito santo island, Extreme Expeditions Alaska, family, family fishing, fish, fish report, Fishing, fishing and hunting shows, fishing charters, fishing guides, fishing reports, fishing tackle, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing video, fishing videos, flyfishing, Fred Hall Fishing Show, fred hall fishing shows, freediving, girls fishing, golden grouper, gray whales, Great Western Hunt and Conservation Expo, grouper, holidays, hotel perla, idaho sportsman show, igfa, International Fish and Game, international sportsmans expo, International Sportsmens Expo, ise, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, la concha beach resort, La Paz, la paz baja sur, La Paz Fishing, La Paz Vacations, la ventana, La Ventana Fishing, las arenas, Las Arenas fishing, light tackle, mag bay, mahi mahi, marlin, mexican, Mexican sportfishing outfitters, Mexican sportfishing packages, mexico, mexico fishing, Mexico vacations, Muertos Bay Fishing, outfitters, pacific northwest sportsmans show, packages, panga, pargo, pompano, portland expo center, rainbow runner, robalo, roosterfish, sailfish, scuba, sea of cortez, sierra, sierra mackeral, snapper, snook, snorkel, spearfishing, sportfishing packages, squid, swimming, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, Tournament fishing, travel, tuna, tuna tournament, vacations, wahoo, Washington Sportsmans Show, Washington Sportsmens show, Western Outdoor New Tuna Jackpots, western outdoor news, whales, whalesharks, whalewatching, Women fishing, world records, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail on March 12, 2018| Leave a Comment »

PEACE OFFERING or DID THE SPANISH GET PUNKED?

NEXT TIME TELL THEM TO BRING THE SALAD INSTEAD!

Originally Published the Week of March 14, 2018 in Western Outdoor News

I’m a fan of history and enjoy finding little obscure bits of historical trivia. I recently came across a story about our own city of La Paz where we live.

If you ever have a chance to visit the city, I hope you get the opportunity to visit the city cathedral in the town square. It’s not a big city. The cathedral is not hard to find.

The first thing that will strike you is that it sure doesn’t look like your typical Spanish-style mission so common up-and-down the Baja and into California.

It is strikingly absent of the long sepia-colored arched breezeways and adobe walls usually associated with mission architecture. On the contrary, the La Paz cathedral is kind of square and blocky-looking.

It has two atypical massive bell towers that look more fortress-like than other mission churches. Heavy stone blocks and concrete masonry have been described as “sober neo-classical” in design. It doesn’t sound too exciting, but nonetheless, it’s a big church!

Indeed, it looks different because it is.

Most other missions were constructed by Spanish Jesuit missionaries and conquistadores in the 1600’s and 1700 hundreds. La Paz didn’t complete it’s house of worship until the latter part of the 1800’s.

According to the history, when the Spanish first arrived, they didn’t come as benevolent emissaries of church and crown. Actually, they showed up as violent buttheads and took a heavy brutal hand to the local indigenous population. They had no problem applying armor, cannons and musket to get their point across.

The locals didn’t take kindly to it and battled back. And won. Booted the Spanish right out.

This happened again and again. Something between 5 and 8 incursions by the Spanish were made in La Paz to set up a colony. In each case, the locals either whupped up on the padres and their military escorts or simply made it difficult to for the Spanish colonists to sustain the outpost.

The natives would cut off water; damage crops; and made it impossible for supply trains and ships to replenish and re-inforce the beleaguered colonists. Life in the New World was hard and brutal enough let alone being harassed by belligerent tribes.

So, the Spanish would pack up and sail away.

At least until the next intrepid group of helmet-headed imperialists showed up.

According to the story, during one of these attempts, the Spanish thought they were making some headway with the locals. Rather than attack, the tribesmen presented the Spanish with many loaves of native papaya bread.

A welcome gift and gesture indeed! The Spanish were thrilled with this apparently peaceful overture. So, thrilled that they decided to have a fiesta to celebrate the wondrous gift of the delicious bread. A bit like the colonists at the first Thankgiving.

It was during this fiesta that the Spanish found out that the natives had a special method to making their bread.

The natives loved papaya and would consume the entire fruit wasting nothing. This included the skin, meat and seeds. It was their traditional way.

So far so good. The key words are “wasting nothing.”

The most interesting part was that the tribespeople would then gather up the “previously digested seeds.” Use your imagination.

The seeds ground into the flour used to make this special “Baja Bread” …wasting nothing!

Upon hearing this, the Spanish pretty much choked and gagged in” mid-chew” thinking about the origins of their yummy bread.

They were mad. Fighting mad at what they perceived was a cruel and sinister joke. No one was laughing. The Spaniards thought they got punked big time. Talk about a “party fail!”

And once again, hostilities broke out. The Spanish had no sense of humor and much blood was spilled over breaking bread.

A peace offering misunderstood and gone awry? Or a dastardly prank pulled on the Spanish masters and padres?

We will never know.

But the natives again rose up and pummeled the Spanish back to the mother country.

I love history.

That’s my story!

Jonathan signature

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

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

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I SWEAR IT WAS THIS BIG

Posted in bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, circle hooks, crankbait, dorado, el nino, 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, 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, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, Mexico, Mexico life, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, Tailhunter International, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Bahia de los Suenos fishing, bahia magdalena, baja, baja fishing, Baja fishing reports, Baja sportfishing packages, baja sur, Baja Vacations, beach, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, carnavale, carnival, catch and release, Central Washington Sportsmans show, Cerralvo Island, Cerralvo Island Fishing, Chad Schearer, charters, circle hooks, costa baja resort, day trips, dog tooth snapper, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito, espirito santo island, Extreme Expeditions Alaska, family, family fishing, fish, fish report, Fishing, fishing and hunting shows, fishing charters, fishing guides, fishing reports, fishing tackle, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing video, fishing videos, flyfishing, Fred Hall Fishing Show, fred hall fishing shows, freediving, girls fishing, golden grouper, gray whales, Great Western Hunt and Conservation Expo, grouper, holidays, hotel perla, idaho sportsman show, igfa, International Fish and Game, international sportsmans expo, International Sportsmens Expo, ise, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, la concha beach resort, La Paz, la paz baja sur, La Paz Fishing, La Paz Vacations, la ventana, La Ventana Fishing, las arenas, Las Arenas fishing, light tackle, mag bay, mahi mahi, marlin, mexican, Mexican sportfishing outfitters, Mexican sportfishing packages, mexico, mexico fishing, Mexico vacations, Muertos Bay Fishing, outfitters, pacific northwest sportsmans show, packages, panga, pargo, pompano, portland expo center, rainbow runner, robalo, roosterfish, sailfish, scuba, sea of cortez, sierra, sierra mackeral, snapper, snook, snorkel, spearfishing, sportfishing packages, sports, squid, swimming, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, Tournament fishing, travel, tuna, tuna tournament, vacations, wahoo, Washington Sportsmans Show, Washington Sportsmens show, Western Outdoor New Tuna Jackpots, western outdoor news, whales, whalesharks, whalewatching, Women fishing, world records, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail on December 31, 2017| Leave a Comment »

I SWEAR IT WAS THIS BIG!

Originally Published the Week of January 3, 2018 in Western Outdoor Publications

“All fishermen are born honest…but they eventually grow out’ve it.”…Anonymous sign posted on a fishing shack

“Jonathan, come down quick, I’ve got a huge fish. It could be a record!”

Over the several decades in the fishing business down here in Baja, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that.

There was a day and time when I’d go rushing over with camera, scale, and tape measure. Hey, it’s Baja!

More world records pop out’ve Baja waters than any other place on the planet. Line class and weight class records are set every year.

I used to stumble over myself sprinting over to the massive fish and beaming fisherman. Couldn’t get there fast enough.

If it wasn’t a call for a “world record” it was a call to check out some no less massive creature from the deep.

I admit I’ve gotten older and slower through the years, but I don’t quite sprint over like I used to. At least not with the same urgency!

I have not curbed my enthusiasm by any means. If an angler is excited and thinks it’s a big fish, then by gosh, I’m excited about that big fish too!

But logically, not every fish is going to be a “world record.” Logically, not every dorado is a “fifty-pound beast.” Not every roosterfish or wahoo weighs 80 pounds!

But, if someone is excited about it, then it’s very likely the largest fish that proud angler has caught…or the first…or prettiest… It really doesn’t matter.

It’s an important fish and I’m excited about it too.

And, despite jokes to the contrary, “size matters.”

Actually, it’s all that matters. But, like we all know, size is relative.

I’ve gotten pretty good after all those years after handling thousands of fish. I can eye-ball the size of a fish and can give a pretty good estimate on size.

So, like I said, I don’t quite hustle down the beach with all available speed any longer.

I don’t want to bust anyone’s bubble or temper their excitement so I’ll “conveniently” say, “Darnit, I forgot my scale, but that’s a dandy fish!”

I’ll give a generous estimate and I make sure I take a photo if at all possible with lots of well-deserved genuine high-fives…low-fives…knuckle-bumps and back-slapping.

The best part is listening to the stories of the great catch. Having clients who return year-after-year, gives me a great opportunity to hear the story over and over.

Having our own restaurant and bar is also an excellent venue to hear the stories, especially as the beer and margaritas flow.

And sometimes, oh my…how the story and size change!

There’s the quote that goes, “May I catch a fish so big that I don’t have to lie about the size when I tell the story later.”

Fishermen are among the best story-tellers on the planet. Ever since the first cave-dwellers came back from the hunt to share exploits around the fires with the rest of the tribe, story-telling is part of the excitement and fun.

But, y’know, there really ARE some fish that need to be put on the scale and remove all doubt.

We finally got a very expensive IGFA scale that will weigh fish up to 2000 pounds and has to be certified ever year. It’s come in handy a time or two.

Now, I don’t suggest you go out and do that. For years, I got along very well and still carry some inexpensive hand-held devices in my tackle bag.

One is a little battery-operated hand-scale. A number of companies make them and, although there are still numerical scales, the digital ones are handier and seem more accurate.

They have a big hook on them to hang the fish and, will give you a pretty accurate read-out of the weight of a fish. They’re pretty handy to weigh your luggage as well.

They come in several sizes, but for Baja purposes, I have the ones that have 50-pound limits. It seems to cover most Baja fish.

While normally not certifiably accurate, I’ve actually had several of my devices sent in to check their accuracy. They were all within ¼ to ½ pound of our expensive certified rig. Surely close enough!

Great for settling debates among friends. Great to decide who wins the jackpot over the largest fish and will be buying drinks at the cantina that night.

For larger fish up to 100 pounds, there’s the boga-type grips that look like a handled tube with a claw on the end. They’re a little pricier and spring loaded.

They’re also a bit heavier, since they’re made of steel, but also fit easily in a tackle bag.

Using the trigger on the device, the hooks grab a fish by the lips. When lifted, the springs inside the tube give a read-out of the weight.

Works great on larger fish although if it’s a long fish like a wahoo or dorado and you’re short like me, you might need to stand on something so the fish is off the ground.

But, it’s also handy if you plan to release the fish. By “lipping” the fish, you minimize harming it. You weigh it. You take a photo and you release the fish to fight another day.

But, now you know the truth! What you do with it and how you tell the story is still up to you.

Honest!

That’s my story (Really! Believe me!!!)

Jonathan signature

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

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

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SCROOGED at the BORDER

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

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

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

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

SCROOGED AT THE BORDER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, good people are getting stopped.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s my story!

Jonathan signature

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

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

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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You Can’t Go To the Buffet Dressed Like That!

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Cabo San Lucas, cerralvo island, charters, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing trips, fishing videos, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, Mexico, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, outfitters, packages, packing, panga, Panga Fishing, planning, road trip, Salt Water Fishing, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, sportfishing, suitcases, Tailhunter International, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, Uncategorized, vacations, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, tagged amberjack, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Bahia de los Suenos fishing, bahia magdalena, baja, baja fishing, Baja fishing reports, Baja sportfishing packages, baja sur, Baja Vacations, beach, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, carnavale, carnival, catch and release, Central Washington Sportsmans show, Cerralvo Island, Cerralvo Island Fishing, Chad Schearer, charters, circle hooks, costa baja resort, day trips, dog tooth snapper, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito, espirito santo island, Extreme Expeditions Alaska, family, family fishing, fish, fish report, Fishing, fishing and hunting shows, fishing charters, fishing guides, fishing reports, fishing tackle, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing video, fishing videos, flyfishing, Fred Hall Fishing Show, fred hall fishing shows, freediving, girls fishing, golden grouper, gray whales, Great Western Hunt and Conservation Expo, grouper, holidays, hotel perla, idaho sportsman show, igfa, International Fish and Game, international sportsmans expo, International Sportsmens Expo, ise, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, la concha beach resort, La Paz, la paz baja sur, La Paz Fishing, La Paz Vacations, la ventana, La Ventana Fishing, las arenas, Las Arenas fishing, light tackle, mag bay, mahi mahi, marlin, mexican, Mexican sportfishing outfitters, Mexican sportfishing packages, mexico, mexico fishing, Mexico vacations, Muertos Bay Fishing, outfitters, pacific northwest sportsmans show, packages, panga, parents, pargo, pompano, portland expo center, rainbow runner, robalo, roosterfish, sailfish, scuba, sea of cortez, sierra, sierra mackeral, snapper, snook, snorkel, spearfishing, sportfishing packages, squid, swimming, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, Tournament fishing, travel, tuna, tuna tournament, vacations, wahoo, Washington Sportsmans Show, Washington Sportsmens show, Western Outdoor New Tuna Jackpots, western outdoor news, whales, whalesharks, whalewatching, Women fishing, world records, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail on October 22, 2017| Leave a Comment »

active-senior-vacation

YOU CAN’T GO TO THE BUFFET DRESSED LIKE THAT!

Originally Published the Week of Oct. 25, 2017 in Western Outdoor Publications

I’ve gone through several stages in life where I thought that I had “come of age” or had “finally arrived.” Maybe that’s happened to you.

In high school, I thought it was when I went to the prom with the homecoming queen. A year later, it was the head cheerleader. In college, I thought it was when I bought my first car.

Even later, I had finally arrived when a law firm hired me and I had my own secretary and a view of downtown Los Angeles from the 28^th floor. Living large!

But looking back now, I realize my milestone took place when I was on vacation with my dad many years later. I was in my 30’s

He turned to me and said a bit sheepishly,

“Hey, Jon, can you spot me 200 bucks? I didn’t bring enough money.”

A pause. A little smirk on my face. A cocked eyebrow.

“Whaddya mean, you didn’t bring enough money?”

“Well, y’know how it goes.”

He smiled innocently and shrugged. Then he said the following three words…

“Payback is hell.”

And he just smiled a S-eating grin.

And that was the moment. I point to that as my life-changing moment.

And in a nano-second, I flashed on all the times dad had “spotted me.”

Countless. Priceless. What any dad does for his kid with a hand-out asking for a dime or quarter…and later in life for so much more.

Quarters and dimes for the arcade and those mechanical horses in front of the supermarket. All the “loans” for junk and things I “desperately” needed growing up.

All the myriad of times he fished into his pocket for some change or a few bucks or reluctantly pulled out his checkbook. Or mom’s checkbook.

And now here we are on vacation together and he’s asking me to float him some cash.

“Sure dad. Don’t spend it on anything foolish,” I joked.

We both grin. I’ve arrived. How can I say no? He knows it. He knows it’s OK to ask.

And life will never be the same…in a good way.

Dad’s not always going to pick up the dinner tab or “forgive” loans anymore. I’ll be paying my own way… or for him now. And that’s OK! I’ve truly arrived.

And the roles have reversed. I’m happy and proud to be able to spot him some bucks and secretly inside tickled as hell. Payback isn’t hell. Not being able to accommodate him would have been hell.

My dad forgot to bring enough cash? Really?

I’ve written numerous articles about taking the family or kids out on vacation. But what about taking your parents out on vacation? Easier? Harder? Survivable?

In some ways, especially as they grow older, it’s a bit like having your kids with you. You can’t just run off and leave them alone.

But, it’s not like you can leave them at hotel day-care either. You can’t give mom and dad some buckets and a shovel and say, “Make some sandcastles” while you read a book.

You gotta keep a respectful eye on them. They’re adults, not kids. They’re your parents. You can’t lead ‘em around like kids.

It’s more like you’re their wingman. You have to be there. But NOT be there at the same time. It can be trying. And frustrating.

They’re gonna forget stuff.

Like money. Like credit cards. Room keys. Fishing licenses and passports. Most importantly their medications! Don’t let them forget or slack on their meds.

In fact, make it a point to bring extra meds for them in case they lose some; luggage gets misplaced or you’re delayed for a few days. You don’t want to have to look for prescription medications in a foreign country.

By the same token, without saying so, they’re depending on you to not just watch OVER them. You have to WATCH them. There’s a difference.

Are they getting too tired? Overheated? Too much sun?

They may tell you stories about the time “back in the day” when they caught 100 zillion tuna in an hour or hike 20 miles, but now one fish in the hot blazing sun might be their limit. A walk to the pool and back might be enough.

Be gracious. No one likes being confronted with their frailties or mortality.

If you’re all doing an activity, make it “age appropriate.” Just like your kids. You might be into zip-lining and body surfing. Your 80-year old parents, maybe not so much.

The biggest thing we encounter here is adult children not watching their parents to keep them hydrated. Beers are fine, but water is essential.

They’re not going to be able to keep up with the youngsters and we’ve sent several seniors to the hospital over the years for dehydration and heat exhaustion. Simply not drinking enough water.

Especially with seniors, once you get behind the 8-ball on hydration, the consequences can be very very serious. Even critical.

040909+oldsex

And then, there are the awkward moments that will test your patience. Just like when you were a kid.

“Where’s your jacket? You have to take a jacket because you might catch a cold!

“You can’t go to dinner dressed in your fishing clothes.”

“You only brought one pair of what?”

“You lost your what? Where?”

“You’re only telling me this now?”

“If you’re going to be out past midnight would you please call or leave us a message so we don’t worry.”

“You don’t know how to send a text? We bought you that new smart phone!”

Or the really awkward one…

“You want to bring your new boyfriend/ girlfriend on the trip with the family?” And stay in the same room?”

Payback is hell. Grit your teeth and smile. Enjoy the time. Some day you can torment your own kids in the circle of life.

That’s my story…

Jonathan signature

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

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

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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DINING IN THE DARK

Posted in 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, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, dorado, east cape, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, missions, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, sportfishing, Tailhunter International, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, Uncategorized, vacations, Western Outdoor News, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Bahia de los Suenos fishing, bahia magdalena, baja, baja fishing, Baja fishing reports, Baja sportfishing packages, baja sur, Baja Vacations, beach, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, carnavale, carnival, catch and release, Central Washington Sportsmans show, Cerralvo Island, Cerralvo Island Fishing, Chad Schearer, charters, circle hooks, costa baja resort, day trips, dog tooth snapper, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito, espirito santo island, Extreme Expeditions Alaska, family, family fishing, fish, fish report, Fishing, fishing and hunting shows, fishing charters, fishing guides, fishing reports, fishing tackle, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing video, fishing videos, flyfishing, Fred Hall Fishing Show, fred hall fishing shows, freediving, girls fishing, golden grouper, gray whales, Great Western Hunt and Conservation Expo, grouper, holidays, hotel perla, idaho sportsman show, igfa, International Fish and Game, international sportsmans expo, International Sportsmens Expo, ise, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, la concha beach resort, La Paz, la paz baja sur, La Paz Fishing, La Paz Vacations, la ventana, La Ventana Fishing, las arenas, Las Arenas fishing, light tackle, mag bay, mahi mahi, marlin, mexican, Mexican sportfishing outfitters, Mexican sportfishing packages, mexico, mexico fishing, Mexico vacations, Muertos Bay Fishing, outfitters, pacific northwest sportsmans show, packages, panga, pargo, pompano, portland expo center, rainbow runner, robalo, roosterfish, sailfish, scuba, sea of cortez, sierra, sierra mackeral, snapper, snook, snorkel, spearfishing, sportfishing packages, squid, swimming, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, Tournament fishing, travel, tuna, tuna tournament, vacations, wahoo, Washington Sportsmans Show, Washington Sportsmens show, Western Outdoor New Tuna Jackpots, western outdoor news, whales, whalesharks, whalewatching, Women fishing, world records, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail on July 17, 2017| Leave a Comment »

tacos in the dark

DINING IN THE DARK

Originally Published the Week of July 18, 2017 in Western Outdoor Publiations

Many many decades ago on one of my first forays into Baja, my buddies and I found ourselves to be tragic victims of a common Baja disease of unsuspecting tourists. It’s called “over-serving.”

Poor us.

It started with “just one” innocent drink. The next thing you know those sneaky bartenders are “overserving” you and pouring you another round. Then another.

Who ordered this round of slammers? Well, I can’t let it go to waste, can I?

Followed by other rounds of something else with only slight intermissions of spastic dancing; howling; smack talking and lots of “bro-love.”

“Bro, I REALLY love you, man! No, I mean I REALLY love you!”

And so us “bros” found ourselves just a few hours short of dawn, cotton-mouthed and stumbling down the street looking for our hotel. We are hungry as heck and know we’d better eat something.

Who’s the idiot who booked us to fish in a few hours? I used to love you. Now I hate you, Dude!

No Denny’s or Jack-in-the-Box here in Baja. All the restaurants are closed. That crushed granola bar back at the room is sounding pretty good right now.

“Forget ‘bro-love.’ I’m not sharing it with any of these drunken boobs…” says my buzzing brain. Every drunk for himself!

It was then we ambled upon the dusty street corner. Like an oasis of light, a string of overhanging light bulbs beckoned to a bustling cart surrounded by other like-minded booze-addled wanderers. The sound and smell of searing chunks of meat drew us in like a Star Wars tractor beam.

Plastic chairs and tables surrounded a portable table filled with colorful salsas while fresh tortillas were coming off a flaming grill; filled with sizzling meat; and handed over to hungry revelers as fast as they came off the glowing coals.

Paradise found. My first ever street taco stand! Each of us devoured a half-dozen tacos like ravenous wolves and washed down with an icy Coke from an old-fashioned bottle. We would surely pay for our indiscretions in the morning, but for now, happy tummies accompanied us back to our hotel rooms.

I can’t remember if we ever made it to fishing.

But, I do remember the beginning of my street-food love affair in Baja.

If you ever want to eat “real Mexican food” you’ll find it on the streets. It’s estimated that 70% of locals eat more than 50% of their meals at street carts. It’s fresh, fast, cheap and muy sabrosa!

If you’re ever stumbling around at night like we were, you probably won’t find a restaurant. No Denny’s Grand Slam breakfast or short stack at the International House of Pancakes in Baja. But you will find street carts everywhere and probably a line of hungry people around them.

Each of them can be very different because each of them is probably a family-run venture. Each has it’s own specialty salsas (reds…greens…spicy…sweet…fresh…cooked). Each has it’s specialty condiments (cabbage…marinated onions…picked vegetables…chiles…nuts…spreads…guacamole).

Each might have it’s own particular meats, cuts of meats or seafoods. Usually at night, it will be mostly meats.

These are not the same as American tacos.

Real Mexican tacos are usually served in soft corn or flour tortillas so be prepared to tell them what kind of tortilla you want. American tacos (Taco Bell/ Del Taco) are in a strange pre-cooked hard “folder” of corn.

Americans are used to having their tacos with meat then buried under lettuce and tomatoes. Your Mexican tacos are filled with meat then you get to have the fun of packing it yourself with all the different fillings. It’s really what makes each taco stand different from it’s neighbor right next door!

Here’s a quick primer that touches just the tip of all the varieties:

Carne Asada – Grilled beef either on a flat grill or open flame then sliced or chopped and served in your tortilla. Different cuts of beef make a difference in the flavor and texture from cart to cart.

Al Pastor – thin sliced pork marinated in spices and pressed into a rotisserie “log” much like gyro meat or shwarma with a fiery brazier cooking it from the side as it slowly turns. Brought over from the middle east at the turn of the century pork is used instead of lamb. Often topped with pineapple, it’s sliced from the top down in thin strips right into a handheld tortilla.

Chorizo – Mexican pork sausage flavored with garlic, chile, vinegar and other spices chopped then grilled. Some folks like it dry. Others like the good greasy chorizo!

Carnitas – Chopped and shredded pork shoulder usually or sometimes just cut-off chunks of whole suckling pig. A big favorite. Try it mixed or topped with chopped crunchy bits of deep fried or grilled pork skin (cueritos/ chicharrones). Basically think deep fried pork belly chopped and fried! Who doesn’t like bacon?

Arrachera – Personal favorite. Tender flank steak that has been marinated in citrus juice, garlic and other spices sizzled on the grill then slices into my tortilla! Way better and more tender than plain carne asada.

If you’re at an authentic place, you’ll know if it they serve these. Don’t turn your nose up at it. Get past the names and it’s tasty stuff and often a line waiting to eat these tacos:

Lengua – Trimmed and cleaned beef tongue. Grilled and tender. Has a chew texture and mild flavor.

Buche – Pork throat and stomach. Actually very flavorful and delicious on a corn tortilla.

Cabeza – Steamed cow head / cachete cheeks – meat cut from the head and those tender cheeks. Eat this and you’ll get high-fives from the locals eating next to you!

A word about taco cart etiquette.

There may be a line, but you have to sometimes step up and tell them what you want. They’re jamming and busy. Raise your hand if you have to. On a Saturday night, it can be like a mini-version of the stock exchange. Everyone is hungry! It’s not impolite to yell out your order!

Reach into the ice chest for your sodas. Keep count of your tacos. It’s an “honor system” and often everyone there is a neighbor of the owners.

They trust you to keep count of how many sodas and tacos you scarfed down.

When your tummy is full, they’ll tally it up for you. Don’t wait for a bill to show up. There usually isn’t one!

Now go back to your hotel room and don’t forget to set the alarm to wake up for fishing! And drink lots of water.

That’s my story!

Jonathan signature

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

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

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read Full Post »

WHERE THE WILD THING ARE…er…WERE

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, crankbait, 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, 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 economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, missions, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, Tailhunter International, techniques, 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 de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Bahia de los Suenos fishing, bahia magdalena, baja, baja fishing, Baja fishing reports, Baja sportfishing packages, baja sur, Baja Vacations, beach, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, carnavale, carnival, catch and release, Central Washington Sportsmans show, Cerralvo Island, Cerralvo Island Fishing, Chad Schearer, charters, circle hooks, costa baja resort, day trips, dog tooth snapper, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito, espirito santo island, Extreme Expeditions Alaska, family, family fishing, fish, fish report, Fishing, fishing and hunting shows, fishing charters, fishing guides, fishing reports, fishing tackle, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing video, fishing videos, flyfishing, Fred Hall Fishing Show, fred hall fishing shows, freediving, girls fishing, golden grouper, gray whales, Great Western Hunt and Conservation Expo, grouper, holidays, hotel perla, idaho sportsman show, igfa, International Fish and Game, international sportsmans expo, International Sportsmens Expo, ise, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, la concha beach resort, La Paz, la paz baja sur, La Paz Fishing, La Paz Vacations, la ventana, La Ventana Fishing, las arenas, Las Arenas fishing, light tackle, mag bay, mahi mahi, marlin, mexican, Mexican sportfishing outfitters, Mexican sportfishing packages, mexico, mexico fishing, Mexico vacations, Muertos Bay Fishing, outfitters, pacific northwest sportsmans show, packages, panga, pargo, pompano, portland expo center, rainbow runner, robalo, roosterfish, sailfish, scuba, sea of cortez, sierra, sierra mackeral, snapper, snook, snorkel, spearfishing, sportfishing packages, squid, swimming, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, Tournament fishing, travel, tuna, tuna tournament, vacations, wahoo, Washington Sportsmans Show, Washington Sportsmens show, Western Outdoor New Tuna Jackpots, western outdoor news, whales, whalesharks, whalewatching, Women fishing, world records, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail on July 2, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Where the Wild Things Are…er…Were

Originally published the Week of July 4, 2017 in Western Outdoor Publications

As a little kid, there was a beach I would sneak off to back home in Hawaii.

I’m dating myself. I could ride my sting-ray bike there.

Down from the main road to where it sloped to gravel. Down through the thick over-hanging jungle canopy. The air was thick and moist and the gravel gave way to a path of rich soft wet damp earth that never seemed to dry out and carpeted with soggy decaying leaves.

It would suddenly break into a clearing that I simply called “my beach.” A sunny little white sand cove protected by a small shallow coral reef. Dark lava rocks at the two small headlands and waves broke gently over into a blue pool about as wide as I could throw a rock.

A small stream that started somewhere in the rain forest up in the mountains dropped from a small waterfall. It emerged from the thick vegetation and tumbled over smooth dark boulders through a gritty arroyo where it’s darker reddish waters joined the blue ocean.

It was a good little place to fish. Or swim. Or hang out with neighborhood pals under the coco palms. For a bunch of black-haired, barefooted, hell-bent tribal children with unlimited energy and imagination , it was the best playground.

Where the wild things are.

Build forts out’ve driftwood. Chase each other with rounds of “Marco Polo,” our version of “tag.”

Play “chicken” in the waters while perched on each other’s shoulders and exhausted ourselves with laughter attacking the “king of the hill” on the small sand dunes. Then later a retreat under the palms to eat sandwiches or maybe sticky-finger spam and rice rolls made by our moms.

Looking back we referred to it as “little kid time.”

It was “my beach.” And I was convinced no one knew about it. We never saw anyone else there.

On the island we just figured there were lots of little hidden beaches and coves. This was “ours.” Other people must have “their own beach.” Right? Little boys have their own brand of logic.

But, as with all “little kid time,” little kids grow up. Life and other things came along. The islands were left behind, but always carried with me.

Years later, I came back. To where the road ended. To where the gravel started. To where the dirt path emerged from the dampness to the light. And I stopped.

Or to be more precise. I was halted.

By a barbed wire gate. It had a sign.

“No Trespassing. Private Beach. Exclusively for Owners. No locals.”

Some “non-local” kids were gunning wave runners through the shallows where we used to play chicken. Some new “kings of the hill” had built expensive houses on our sand. An expensive European SUV was parked in front of one of them.

I stared at the barbed wire. . . and the sign.

Fast forward.

Two days ago. Mid-day Baja heat.

I drove out to one of the beaches north of La Paz where we live. Just needed to get out’ve the office and not to be found for an hour or so.

No more beeping text messages or phone calls. Maybe just close my eyes for a few minutes to the sound of…nothing.

Just to take a breath. Get some air. Look at some blue water. Get lucky and watch some dolphin make me envious.

I drove to one of the remote beaches. This one famous on postcards for sugar sand and water the color of sapphire turquoise. It often shows up on travel shows and brochures as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

And there, plain as day, the beach had been lined with umbrellas and plastic tables and chairs. And you needed to pay for a permit.

It was like being told you can’t look at Yosemite or the Grand Canyon without renting special glasses.

Oh, and no photos allowed either. Or what? Are you kidding me?

On the license plates here in Baja it says, “La Frontera.” The frontier. Yea, I get it. Wide open spaces. Deserted beaches. Solitary beaches. OK. It’s not Mexico City. It’s definitely not the mainland.

But, it had this reputation of being someplace you could still find the wild places to go.

And maybe re-aquaint yourself with some of your own internal wildness or hidden “little kid time” that seems to get buried in traffic jams, office politics, corporate jumble and suburbia strip-mall-life-back home.

I guess, it’s still here. You just have to look a little hard and go a little further. And further still. Everywhere. Somewhere.

That’s my story!

Jonathan signature

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

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

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THEY BETTER SPEAK ENGLISH!

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, chubasco, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, 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, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, sportfishing, Tailhunter International, techniques, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, Uncategorized, vacations, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Bahia de los Suenos fishing, bahia magdalena, baja, baja fishing, Baja fishing reports, Baja sportfishing packages, baja sur, Baja Vacations, beach, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, carnavale, carnival, catch and release, Central Washington Sportsmans show, Cerralvo Island, Cerralvo Island Fishing, Chad Schearer, charters, circle hooks, costa baja resort, day trips, dog tooth snapper, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito, espirito santo island, Extreme Expeditions Alaska, family, family fishing, fish, fish report, Fishing, fishing and hunting shows, fishing charters, fishing guides, fishing reports, fishing tackle, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing video, fishing videos, flyfishing, Fred Hall Fishing Show, fred hall fishing shows, freediving, girls fishing, golden grouper, gray whales, Great Western Hunt and Conservation Expo, grouper, holidays, hotel perla, idaho sportsman show, igfa, International Fish and Game, international sportsmans expo, International Sportsmens Expo, ise, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, la concha beach resort, La Paz, la paz baja sur, La Paz Fishing, La Paz Vacations, la ventana, La Ventana Fishing, las arenas, Las Arenas fishing, light tackle, mag bay, mahi mahi, marlin, mexican, Mexican sportfishing outfitters, Mexican sportfishing packages, mexico, mexico fishing, Mexico vacations, Muertos Bay Fishing, outfitters, pacific northwest sportsmans show, packages, panga, pargo, pompano, portland expo center, rainbow runner, robalo, roosterfish, sailfish, scuba, sea of cortez, sierra, sierra mackeral, snapper, snook, snorkel, spearfishing, sportfishing packages, squid, swimming, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, Tournament fishing, travel, tuna, tuna tournament, vacations, wahoo, Washington Sportsmans Show, Washington Sportsmens show, Western Outdoor New Tuna Jackpots, western outdoor news, whales, whalesharks, whalewatching, Women fishing, world records, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail on June 17, 2017| 2 Comments »

It’s vacation! Perfectly fine and fun to blow off some steam and act like an idiot. Completely different to BE and idiot when you visit a neighbor.

THEY BETTER SPEAK ENGLISH!

Originally Published the Week of June 19, 2017 in Western Outdoor Publications

They better speak English!

Or what?

Are you going to pack your bags and go home?

I’m usually pretty calm. Don’t get too excited and try to keep an even keel about things. But, I’m human. I have buttons that can be pushed like anyone else.

One that gets me is arrogant Americans. I’m sorry.

This isn’t political. It’s just about well…as my English buddies day, it’s about “bad form” and “behaving poorly.”

I’ve lived here 21 years in Baja. My wife and I try to be good ambassadors on behalf of Americans. We realize people look at us. We have several rather high-profile businesses. But, we always remember we are guests.

It’s how I would act if I were to come visit you in your home. It’s how you’d expect me to act if you opened your doors to me.

But this happened yesterday. I had the occasion to run into two couples who came into our restaurant. I like to visit the tables. Say hi. Check on the food and chit-chat.

“Where ya from?”

“How’s that taco?”

“Is that mango margarita OK?”

Seemed like nice folks. First time visiting Mexico.

They asked me about the possibility of going fishing. So, I went into my info about our fishing fleets. Blah blah blah…

Several sentences into my spiel, one of the guys says very straight-faced, “Your captains better speak English.” Totally squared up. Almost challenging.

Like the way the hall monitor talked to you…or down to you… in grade school. Or Father O’Malley talked to me when he nailed me for shooting a spit wad in church.

What? They BETTER speak English…or what? Was what bolted through my brain matter.

“UH…Well, sir, they do speak pretty good ‘Span-glish’ that has seemed to work pretty well for 2 decades. Everyone gets along.” I tried to deflect with a smile.

He replied.

“Y’know, that’s the problem with this country (oh-oh…anytime someone wants to tell you about YOUR problems red flags pop up…)”

“The problem is ‘THESE PEOPLE’ (another red flag) want our money, but they won’t learn English. How are we supposed to communicate and how do you run a business with employees that don’t speak English?”

Inhale. Take breath. How do I count to ten really fast? For a nano-second I really wanted to bark back.

I looked around the room at all my waiters and busboys hustling around the dining room terrace.

I said, “Sir, it seems to work out OK. This is Mexico. People speak Spanish. You’ll never find friendlier more welcoming people and hard workers. Folks really do their best. All of us do. And whether it’s fishing, dining or whatever, I think you’ll find that the language barrier is what you make of it. Everyone understands words like ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’ and smiles are universal!”

I was trying to be cheery. This guy couldn’t be this much of a boob.

I was doing my best efforts using international relations / chamber of commerce party lines. But, my words were sincere.

One of the wives chimed in.

“Y’know, here’s another problem with THIS country. (emphasis on “THIS”) We went to a store to buy a t-shirt and they wouldn’t give us change in U.S. dollars. They wanted to give us that Mexican pesos! It’s like ‘play money.’”

“Yea,” chortled one of the other husbands. “I bet these people have American dollars stashed behind the counter and just love to screw with American tourists ‘cuz they think we’re idiots.”

Si, Senor. I’m thinking the same about you at this very moment. I didn’t know where to start. What are the rules of engagement here?

Do I address the insult or make some feeble attempt to educate? Or do I punch someone in the nose?

It was three of them against one of me. Three half-wits that didn’t have a complete thought between them.

Until the other wife joined the bashing party. She was gonna sum up the conversation.

“THESE PEOPLE (that phrase again) just have such a messed-up country.” There’s so much violence. Their politicians are all corrupt.”

“No one trusts their government. Everyone is on the take. Mexican voting is all rigged. Everyone knows that. Their president is a joke. Mexicans don’t care because that’s how it is. That’s their culture. They’re used to it.”

“All they know how to do is take advantage of each other and get free things. It’s all backwards in Mexico not like US back home in the U.S. Right?”

She said it so cavalierly. So dismissively bordering on haughtiness. So much smugness. She looked around at the other three to confirm. Nods and smirks from the other panel of “judges.”

Yup. Everyone knows. You are so very very right. Dumb-bass. Pointless.

Why are you even here?

Favor quedate en casa proxima vez.

Well, you folks finish your meal. Hope that margarita gives you the worst brain freeze ever.

I’m gonna go back into my office and do two things.

I’m going let off some steam and vent by putting some ideas down for my column. Insulted. Angered. Ashamed. Yea…that about sums it up.

Secondly, I’m going to be thankful that the majority of the folks who visit us are a lot more enlightened. Amen.

That’s my story!

Jonathan signature

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

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

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read Full Post »

WEATHER or NOT?

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, crankbait, 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, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, 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, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, Tailhunter International, techniques, 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 de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, bahia magdalena, baja, bay, beach, billfish, boise, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, costa baja resort, deep sea, deep water, discount, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, Fishing lures, fishing reports, fishing shows, fishing tips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, girls, grey whales, guide, holiday, Hotel Blue, hotel perla, hotels, hunting shows, hurricanes, igfa, inshore, international, International Game Fish Association, international sportsmans expo, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, la concha beach resort, La Paz, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, lodging, los barrels, mahi mahi, marlin, offshore, outfitter, packages, panga, pargo, photos, pompano, rooster fish, roosters, sailfish, saltwater, san jose del cabo, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, shallow water, snapper, snorkel, spearfishing, sport fishing, swim, swimming, tailhunter, Tailhunter International, tailhunter restaurant, todos santos, tour, tournaments, travel, trolling, tuna, vacation, wahoo, weather, whale sharks, whales, whalewatching, wife, women, world records, yellowfin, yellowtail on June 4, 2017| Leave a Comment »

windy-trees

WEATHER or NOT?

Originally Published the Week of June 6, 2017 in Western Outdoor News

For the last few months or so…well…actually since winter…I’ve been whining about the crazy windy conditions in all my fishing reports. As many of you in the U.S. may have noticed, winter is being a tenacious boob about going away.

Memorial Weekend has come and gone. I’m still hearing from amigos north of the border about abrupt snowstorms; unexpected hail; crazy winds; and rain. Folks are uncovering their swimming pools; getting ready to mow lawns; pulling out the barbecue…and winter sweeps in with an 11^th-hour punch.

Even, in Mexico City, they had historic hailstorms causing damage!

Well, it’s been the same down here in Baja.

We SHOULD be into balmy hot sunny weather about now. I should be hearing from fishing clients laughing asking for “a little breeze” to knock back some of the heat.

Instead, we get sporadic windstorms that kick up the ocean. They muss up my water. They scatter the bait. They get people seasick. They gum up the fishing!

So, I bitch. And I whine. And I rail about “the wind.”

In fact, as I write this column at about 4 a.m. in the morning, the winds outside are howling and I can hear it rattling my windows. I can hear waves crashing outside and the palm trees are somewhere out there in the dark being rudely rustled by a strong northwind.

And I’m dreading putting out my fishermen in about an hour. The forecast says the winds will calm down, but I know they’re gonna get wet. And bounced. And uncomfortable. And that’s not what I want. It sure doesn’t look like the fancy brochures right now!

But, last time I checked, I didn’t have a “weather control” button. Dangit!

Anyway, a good friend asked me a great question that I don’t think I’ve ever been asked before.

“When is it too windy to fish?”

Relatively speaking, that’s an easy answer.

Like asking “When are the waves too big? Or “When is it raining too hard?” Or not. You walk outside. You figure it out pretty fast. Yes or no. You then decide to go. Or not.

But, if you’re like me, you want to play the odds a little better than just looking out the window or showing up at the docks. This is especially true this year whether you’re going to Baja or anywhere else for that matter.

Since our livelihood down here with our fishing fleet depends on putting our customers on fish, I look at several variables. Internet weather and wind sites are invaluable. I use several to get the best picture of the coming forcast.

I look at:

Windspeed
Time
Direction

Obviously, with regard to windspeed, I want it to be as calm as possible. If the windsurfing and kiteboarding crowd starts to gather on the beach, something is up! I want to know if the winds will be single or double digit speeds.

If you’re going to be panga fishing, then double-digit winds could be problematic. If you’re going to fish inshore, maybe it will be OK. If offshore, you might want to re-think things. If you’re headed out in a 50-foot sportfisher, probably not so much.

The second variable I check is time. When will the wind be blowing? If it’s going to be blowing in the early morning and calm down later in the day, that’s not too bad.

If the forecast calls for double-digit winds, but during the fishing hours, it settles down then, I really don’t care. Let the wind blow all it wants when I’m back at the hotel hitting happy hour after a good day of fishing!

The third thing I take into consideration is the direction of the wind. If it’s going to be blowing harder than I would like; if it’s also going to blow during the hours I want to fish; then I want to know where the wind is blowing.

If the winds are coming full-speed out of the north and I’m going to be heading north to the fishing grounds early in the morning, then I know it might be a long bumpy wet ride.

If we’re heading south and the winds are coming from the north, then it would mean the wind is at our backs. It’s going to push us along very nicely to where we want to go. (Although coming back might be an issue if the wind is still blowing.)

By the same reasoning, if those north winds are going to kick up and we’re going west or east, then it might create some swells and rollers as the boat goes side-to-side. You might want to be sure everyone has their seasick pills that morning and stays away from the greasy breakfast burritos!

That’s my story!

Jonathan signature

Jonathan

______________

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

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

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read Full Post »

Oh Say Can You See?

Posted in bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo island, charters, circle hooks, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, Fishing, fishing blogs, 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, 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 economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, 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, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, sportfishing, squid fishing, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, Tailhunter International, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, tuna, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, weather, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged accommodations, activities, adventures, amberjack, bahia, baja, baja editor, baja sur, bars, bay, beach, Bill Boyce, billfish, blogs, blue water, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, catch and release, Central Washington Sportsmans show, cerralvo, certified scale, charter, children, chubasco, costa baja, day tour, deep sea, del mar fairgrounds, discount, dog tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tour, el sargento, espirito santo, extreme fishing, family, fish, fishing and boating shows, fishing and hunting shows, fishing sportfishing, flyfishing, fred hall, free dive, get-away, girls, grey whales, grouper, guide, guide service, holiday, hotel, hotel marina, hotel perla, hotel seven crown, hunting, idaho sportsman’s show, igfa, images, inshore, International Game Fish Association, international sportsmans expo, ise, isla, island, jack crevalle, jillene roldan, jilly roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, lodging, los barriles, mahi mahi, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos, northwest sportsmans show, offshore, outfitter, pack for a purpose, package, panga, panga slam, pargo, photos, pompano, portland expo center, Puyallup Fairgrounds, reef fish, reports, restaurants, rockfish, rooster fish, rooster fish foundation, sailfish, saltwater, san jose del cabo, scuba, sea bass, sea of cortez, sealions, shuttle, sierra, snapper, snorkel, spearfish, suenos, swim, tackle, Tailhunter International, tailhunter restaurant bar, Tailhunter sportfishing, techniques, tips, tour, tourism, travel, trolling, tuna, tuna jackpot tournament, updates, vacation, video, wahoo, Washington Sportsmans Show, weather, western outdoor news, WFN, whale watching, whales, whaleshark, wife, women, World Fishing Network, yellowtail on April 10, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Oh Say Can You See?

Originally Published In Western Outdoor Publications the Week of April 12, 2017

I want to tell you a little story.

We just finished our 21^st year on the road. For 3 months of the year, we drive to a different fishing and hunting show around the country.

We sell the Baja. Our Baja. The sunshine. The fishing. The blue water. Come put your toes in the sand and get away from it all.

Seattle…Denver…Portland…Boise…San Diego…Salt Lake City…it’s the life of a modern carnival worker.

We arrive in a city in our cargo van. Set up our booth. Talk to folks for 4 or 5 days. Break it all down. Drive another 1000 miles or so to the next city.

Ready for the next show. And on and on. See a lot of wonderful country. Shake a lot of hands. Talk to a lot of wonderful folks.

There’s a whole gaggle and rag-tag of other outfitters, guides, vendors, and show people who follow “the circuit.”

Several weeks ago at the show in Phoenix, my booth was surrounded by the usual outfitters. One couple from Alaska. Another from Colorado. A guide from Canada.

But across the aisle from me, was a booth set up with chairs in a row. The “kid” working the booth was selling electric back massagers. Oh joy.

For two days, I watched the kid bust his butt working his booth and talking to people. His booth was a favorite.

Everyone walking that show loved sitting in his chairs and getting a back massage. Who wouldn’t?

But, I loved watching the kid work.

“C’mon in. Put your feet up for a few minutes!” he would smile.

I say “kid” only because he was a lot younger than me. Medium height. Dark and swarthy with a neat mustache and beard. Good shape. Polo shirt Nike tennis shoes and hip black skinny jeans that I couldn’t wear even on my best days back then.

On the 3^rd day of the show, a few minutes before they opened the doors to the public, he walked over to my booth and stuck out his hand with a big smile.

He introduced himself as Yama Nasrallah.

He said he had also been watching me working the past two days. We struck up an easy conversation.

As vendors do, I told him I live in Mexico.

He told me he was from Afghanistan.

Over the next few minutes, he explained that he had come to the U.S. fifteen years ago. He used to have businesses in Afghanistan and Pakistan. He moved with his mom, dad and brothers.

“When I came to America I could not speak or write any English. I told myself the only way to get ahead is to learn English. So, I made myself study hard every night while I worked at whatever jobs I could get to support my family.”

“I still do not write English very well,” he grinned, “But I speak English pretty good and I still study every night…after work! I must be better!” he added enthusiastically in a slight accent.

Without prompting, he told me that hard work is the only way to get ahead and do good. Too many people…even Americans (he laughed) expect things to be given to them.

But, he told me he works usually 7-days-a-week. He does over 100 shows around the United States every year.

He now employed his two younger brothers and they were manning his other two booths at the same Phoenix show. One sold soft bamboo sheets and pillows for camping. The other sold a handy high-tech utility flashlight.

He had a warehouse in Salt Lake City.

I couldn’t help but grin and compliment him.

“Y’know, if you are lazy you won’t get anywhere. I teach that to my young brothers. They like to party too much,” he laughed. “But hard work is how you earn respect.”

“Everyone thinks America is where life is good and things are free and you are entitled to anything you want. That is not true. America gives you opportunity and freedom to make choices.”

As the show would start in a few minutes and both of us had some things to get ready, he gave me a quick firm handshake, a smile and wished me a great day. He hustled back to his booth.

I walked back to my booth.

A few minutes later, just before the gates opened, the show producers always play the Star Spangled Banner over the loudspeakers.

Most of the show people, vendors, outfitters and guides, stop what they are doing and face a nearby American flag. Often several hundred vendors.

Hand over heart. Hat over heart. Hands clasped behind back. Old veterans often stand at attention and salute. No one takes a knee. Some sing.

It’s a great way to start the day. Like being in school again in some ways.

But, I’m always annoyed at someone who forgets. Some folks don’t notice that everyone else is paying respect. They keep writing. Or talking. Or chatting on their cell phones.

It makes me smirk. C’mon, put it on hold for a minute.

Toward the last part of the song, I glanced over at Yama, my new friend from Afghanistan. Vendor of electric massagers, pillows and flashlights.

Straight as an arrow.

“Oh say does that star spangled…”

Hand over heart.

“…Banner yet wave…”

Shoulders back

“O’er the land of the free…”

Head high towards the huge American flag on the wall.

“And the home of the brave!”

And when it all ended and all the outfitters were clapping and cheering, Yama, who can speak English, but can’t write English so well. . .

put two fingers to his lips and let out the loudest whistles.

And started pumping his fist in the air…

“U.S.A! U.S.A! U.S.A!”

I don’t think anyone else saw or heard. I don’t think Yama cared. He didn’t look around. He got ready to work. To earn respect. To get ahead.

You go, Yama.

And that’s my story.

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Jonathan Roldan’s

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That's My Story

Tailhunter International, La Paz, Baja Sur

Archive for the ‘transpeninsular highway’ Category

NO BAD QUESTIONS?

No Bad Questions?

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

Tell Them Bring the Salad Next Time!

NEXT TIME TELL THEM TO BRING THE SALAD INSTEAD!

I SWEAR IT WAS THIS BIG

I SWEAR IT WAS THIS BIG!

Originally Published the Week of January 3, 2018 in Western Outdoor Publications

SCROOGED at the BORDER

SCROOGED AT THE BORDER

You Can’t Go To the Buffet Dressed Like That!

YOU CAN’T GO TO THE BUFFET DRESSED LIKE THAT!

Originally Published the Week of Oct. 25, 2017 in Western Outdoor Publications

DINING IN THE DARK

DINING IN THE DARK

Originally Published the Week of July 18, 2017 in Western Outdoor Publiations

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Where the Wild Things Are…er…Were

Originally published the Week of July 4, 2017 in Western Outdoor Publications

THEY BETTER SPEAK ENGLISH!

THEY BETTER SPEAK ENGLISH!

WEATHER or NOT?

WEATHER or NOT?

Originally Published the Week of June 6, 2017 in Western Outdoor News

Oh Say Can You See?

Oh Say Can You See?

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