Archive for the ‘Tuna jackpot’ Category

CAN’T GET OUTTA YOUR OWN WAY!

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, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, holidays in mexico, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, 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, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, Tailhunter International, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on June 7, 2021| Leave a Comment »

CAN’T GET OUTTA OUR OWN WAY

Originally Published the Week of June 1, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

If any of this applies to you, I am NOT throwing shade your way. I am as guilty as the anyone of this.

It was dawn and we were loading up the clients in our van to get them from the hotel to the beach to board our boats to go fishing that day.

Everyone was loaded and anxious to get going. Waiting for the last 2 guys.

And then down the lobby steps come Rob and Gerry. This is their 4^th trip with us and really really good guys.

But, they are struggling. They are carrying more gear than the other 6 guys combined that are waiting in the van. Everyone stares wide-eyed.

Rob and Gerry need a crew of Himilayan Sherpas. It took 3 of us to heft stuff onto the roof rack of the van.

When they first started coming down, they were rookies. Didn’t have much gear.

However, with each consecutive year, the equipment gets more and more extensive. They have the latest rods, reels, clothes, lures, gadgets and thing-a-ma-jiggers.

And, it’s not like I can say anything. I mean, I don’t wanna be a buzz-kill or dampen their enthusiasm. Like I said, there are really nice guys.

But, sometimes I think they stay up at night on the couch with the remote in their hands. Or instead of football on weekends, they watch the fishing shows…marathon style!

Every gadget that comes out “made by fishermen for fishermen” or “guaranteed to catch fish faster and easier” or “as seen on TV” gets them twitching to grab their cellphone and credit cards.

They MUST have the “Ferris Wheel Lure” and the “See Underwater Seaview Glasses” and the battery-operated “Sonic Fish Caller.”

They can’t help themselves. It’s like some gals I know at a Nordstrom Shoe Sale.

They’re having fun and get so excited they can’t wait to show everyone what they bought and how it’s gonna work. This will be the year that the fish will literally attack their lines!

Whether it’s the latest type of triple-speeded fishing reel or the hot-color 100 SPF camouflage fishing clothes, they have it!

…and the always catch fish. But EVERYONE catches fish.

I’m not sure that all of that gear really made a difference. The folks using our basic rental rods do just as well. The guys who bring a minimum of gear do just as well.

But, here’s the issue I see with these guys getting caught up in the technology.

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They still don’t know the basics.

I’m guilty of that myself. I get into a new hobby or interest and then I need all the accessories. Then I realize…whoa…slow down!

Put down the catalogs. Stop web-surfing Amazon.

I need to back up and get some foundation so I know how to use all this great stuff.

I know for a fact, these guys still don’t know how to tie basic fishing knots…because I’ve sat with them and showed them some knot tying.

But, I know they don’t trust their own knots. So they always let my captain tie up their rigs. And bait their hooks for them.

I know as well that they don’t know how to cast or how to work a jig.

They really don’t understand why some people use braided lines. They don’t know why they need to tie fluorocarbon to regular mono. Aren’t both kinds of lines invisible?

Why do we use certain hooks?

They don’t understand how to set the drags or why you can’t just “button down” the drag when a fish is running. Why can’t you just “winch” the fish to the boat?

Well most of us know…it just doesn’t work like that!

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The thing is sometimes we can get so wrapped up in all the cool fun stuff that we forget the basics. We trip all over ourselves because of the technology and the “latest and greatest” claims.

Why take the time to learn when technology will help us fast-forward to our goal?

Don’t learn to tie knots. Buy a gadget instead.

Don’t learn to read the water. Buy the battery-operated underwater drone camera.

Don’t learn how to make a jig swim. Buy a rechargeable lure that swims all on it’s own!

Sheesh! Stop me!

We make it more complicated than it really is. We can’t see the forest for the trees or the water through all the gear in front of our eyes.

If fish could laugh, I’m sure they would.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western Outdoor News since 2004. Along with his wife and fishing buddy, Jilly, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La Paz, Baja, Mexico www.tailhunter.com.

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

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

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

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

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FEELING A LITTLE MORE NORMAL AGAIN

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo island, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, pompano, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, storm, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, Tailhunter International, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, women fishing, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on May 23, 2021| 1 Comment »

FEELING A LITTLE MORE NORMAL AGAIN

Originally Published the Week of May 17, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

The vibe just kinda just hit me this week.

I had to go down to Cabo San Lucas which is about 100 miles south of us where we live in La Paz. Had to take care of some business, but also check out the Cabo Airport.

I got stuck in traffic.

It’s been awhile since I’ve been stuck in traffic down here. I mean, not just slo-mo movement. I mean gridlock bumper-to-bumper stuff.

At the airport, to drop off folks, shuttle vans and taxis were triple-parked trying to let folks off at the curb. Inside the terminal lines snaked back-and-forth and up-and down.

It was a morass of people struggling to find their proper lines to check in for their flights as well as get their covid tests.

Picking folks up, the same thing. Chaos. People ready and anticipating a cold margarita and sunny vacations now stuck in lines. Buzz kill.

Like being a kid getting taken finally to Disneyland then realizing it’s a 2 hour line to get on your favorite ride.

From the time planes were landing, it was taking 1-2 hours for folks to get off the plane and get their luggage. Then, they had to navigate get through more snaking lines for immigration and finally customs and luggage x-rays.

It was another hour wait to get a rental car…if you’re lucky.

As my amigo and I sat in the car waiting for traffic, I looked at him and said, “I guess we’re back to normal.” And went back to drumming my fingers on the steering wheel.

And so it is. I guess we’re somewhat back to normal. At least it feels like it. The new normal? Maybe so.

There’s no doubt that Mexico, especially Baja, has become the #1 vacation target for Americans looking to get away…finally. Covid or no covid. Vaccine or no vaccine.

Mexico is close. A quick little plane ride.

There’s no quarantine. It’s economical. It’s a long weekend.

To many the culture is not so unfamiliar. It’s second nature to many Americans. It’s not like going to France or Italy or somewhere in Asia. And, getting back home is easy too.

Although Baja still has restrictions, truthfully, they are almost un-noticeable.

Sure, you still gotta wear a mask. It’s a requirement, but it feels very relaxed. No one is shaking a finger at you if you’re not wearing one.

And for sure, it’s rare that someone is going to remind the precious tourists with the American dollars to put on a mask.

As you walk around, you’ll know if you need to pull up your mask.

You will still have folks taking your temperature at some places. No big deal.

Admittedly, restaurants and hotels are supposed to only be at 40-50% occupancy.

But, I see hotel parking lots are full. Many restaurants are full and I sure don’t see many tables supposedly 6’ apart.

If the restrictions are being observed, it’s pretty loose. Or maybe no one is really checking that hard. Getting people working is too important.

Everyone is trying to make up for a devastating 2020, no doubt.

Those are just my own personal observations. A generality, if you will.

But, honestly, it’s exciting to feel the nice buzz in the air. A nice energy. Visitors are excited to be here.

Folks are excited to be working again. Locals are excited to have you. Businesses have open arms waiting for you.

Baja had it especially tough last year. I remember everything being closed. I remember night time curfews.

I remember only being allowed to have 2 persons in a car and everyone better have a mask on. I remember having to sanitize your shoes and feet before entering a business.

For Pete’sake, I remember when they cut off beer sales because brewing beer was a “non-essential activity.” Long lines and small riots ensued at convenience stores.

Toilet paper no problem, but cutting off beer in Mexico? That’s a real crisis.

I don’t miss any of that.

In an ironic bitter-sweet way, I will miss some things however. Not that I ever want to go back to 2020.

In a weird Twilight Zone kind of way, it was a peek at Mexico the way it was 30 or 40 years ago.

The ocean was empty and uncrowded.

The fish were ready and eager. There had been so little traffic on the water.

I had the beaches to myself.

At restaurants the service was crazy good. Waiters were falling all over themselves to wait on me. Few tables were occupied.

Hotels were almost giving away rooms to have you be there. You got the pool all to yourself. The jacuzzi didn’t have 20 kids diving in it.

The swim up bar was just you and the bartender. And he was anxious to have some company.

And traffic? What traffic? Roads were empty. The airport was empty.

Things moved at a much more leisurely pace.

I couldn’t wait for it all to end and it’s good to get back to some normalcy. Good to see people back working and visitors flocking back.

But, for awhile I got to see a different older Mexico. Just for awhile.

It’s like those movies where someone invents a time machine and goes back in time. Nice to visit, but you don’t wanna stay there too long!

It’s good to be back to business. Even if I’m stuck in traffic now and then.

That’s my story!

signature transparent JR 4-21

______________

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 think of all the things you never had the courage to try.”

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IT MIGHT TICKLE…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, cerralvo island, charters, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, donations, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, holidays in mexico, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, missions, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, pompano, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, Tailhunter International, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, covid test, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, Tailhunter Sealevel, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on May 6, 2021| Leave a Comment »

illuminacovidtestingservice

YOU MIGHT FEEL A TICKLE…OR NOT!

Originally Published the Week of May 4, 2020 in Western Outdoor Publications

“OUCH!”

“HEY!”

I admit hearing my lovely wife squirming behind the closed door had me squirming and wincing myself. First, because no one likes to hear a loved one in distress or pain.

Secondly, it was because when she came out from behind that door, it was my turn to go back there.

We were there for our required Covid tests in order to fly back to the U.S. for a quick turn-around trip.

Since January 26^th, the CDC and Biden Administration are requiring that everyone FLYING back into the U.S. from an international destination needed to have a Covid test. Further, it can’t be any older than 72 hours before the date of travel back into the U.S.

You need to have the test even if you have been vaccinated.

Many hotels in tourist-saturated areas like Cabo San Lucas have facilities to obtain the tests. Plus labs have sprouted up all over. Additionally, all the international Mexican Airports have testing labs to facilitate the tests.

Where we live in La Paz, the hotels do not have enough international tourism to warrant erecting labs or creating testing facilities or services. Therefore, my wife and I opted to go to one of the local labs.

So, there we were.

Nice clean little place that offered all kinds of lab services; blood tests; or pretty much anything diagnostic to poke and prod one’s body. As mentioned, lots of labs have popped up everywhere to administer the covid testing.

I didn’t have any trepidation. Figured it would be in-and-out-and done. I heard it was a 15-minute issue. Results in an hour. How bad could it be?

We had to show our i.d. and the expression-less lady behind the acrylic glass reception office with the mask took our info. Tap…tap…tap…typing stoically on the keyboard.

No expression. Reminded me of the one of the old nuns when I was in grade school. All business.

Of course…just before…I got whacked on the head with a ruler.

They told us that the test would take 15 minutes, but like most things, the paperwork part took “at least” 15 minutes by the indifferent receptionist.

A lady in a white lab coat came out. I was directed to take a seat. Jill was told to follow the lady in the lab coat behind a closed door.

At first I heard my wife giggling.

I grabbed a magazine and opened a page.

Then, I heard the giggles turn to groans…and a bit of agonized yelps.

That didn’t sound so good. My anxiety level took a couple of up-ticks.

More bad sounds and squirming.

Then Jill came out. She did not look happy. And I know she has a pretty high pain tolerance.

Before I could say anything to her, the lab-coat lady beckoned me into the room.

My turn.

I sat in the chair with a nervous laugh as she took out the long nasal swab. I tried to smile and I know my hands gripped the arm-rests of the chair. Based on what my wife went through, I prepared for the worst.

Here she goes…up my nose!

…and then she was done.

Just like that. Maybe 2 total seconds where she was actually WAAAY back there that were uncomfortable, but otherwise easy-shmeazy. I felt a little tickle.

We were done.

Got results in 30 minutes on our cellphone. Both negative.

As I found out later, just like anything else, folk re-act differently to the actual testing. I guess it also depends on who’s sticking that swab up your nasal passage too. But, I did feel really bad for Jill. Hours later, she said she could still feel it. I’ve heard that from others as well. It can hurt! Or not.

COVID-19-Test_Topper

One friend has had the test 6 times for work related requirements. He works in a testing lab.

He told me 3 times it hurt enough to bring tears to his eyes. Three times, he felt almost nothing. All done by the same lab tech at his work.

He told me it had alot to do with the condition of nasal passages. Allergies, dry weather or a recent cold can inflame the nasal cavity. Previous nasal injuries can also produce scar tissue. Using a saline rinse before and after the test helps. So does putting some non-fragrance vaseline in your nose.

Anyway…for Jill and I…

Cost was 1000 pesos…$50 each.

Had we gone to the Cabo Airport, it’s a little different.

For one, give yourself an extra hour so you have enough time for the test. Keep in mind that there could be a line.

Covid test site at Cabo Airport copy

(The testing tent outside Cabo Airport)

However, according to one of our friends who took the airport test, “…the test was pretty easy. You walk in (take your luggage with you); scan your QR code with your phone to fill out the questionnaire; and you pay. “

“You are then led into a corridor to sit down, wait until someone sticks that swab down your nose, leave, and 30 minutes later, get an email on your results!”

Cost was about $40 and he said they accept credit cards and pesos, but no American dollars.

It’s also important to have functional cell service while at the testing site (airport WIFI doesn’t work) because when scanning the QR code, you go to a site that you need to fill out which includes an email address.

That’s where your results will be sent. There’s someone there to help with English or Spanish.

Bring your luggage back with you to the counter and show your results to get your boarding pass. You’ll also need to show your cellphone questionnaire before they let you up to the gates.

customs-line-at-san-jose

As this is a new thing, the airport can be a morass of frantic travelers wrestling with cellphone reception; figuring out where to go; filling out the forms, etc. However, there are numerous friendly and patience airport assistants all over the place being very helpful.

Off you go. No quarantine when you get back to the U.S. Hopefully, as things get better, they’ll eventually do away with the test requirments.

Until then, best to know what to expect.

That’s my story!

signature transparent JR 4-21

Jonathan

______________

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

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

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

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

Read Full Post »

TROUBLESHOOTING – DON’T LEAVE FISH TO FIND FISH

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo island, charters, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, Tailhunter International, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on April 28, 2021| Leave a Comment »

panga

TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR FISHING – DON’T LEAVE FISH TO FIND FISH

Originally Published the Week of April 28, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

How does that saying go?

“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”

I would like to throw out a challenger:

“Nothing worse than a grumpy fisherman when everyone else is catching fish except him.”

I know from experience. I have been in the path of such a demon and it can be like watching one of those disaster movies where the huge apocalyptic tidal wave is coming. There’s no escape. Climbing the tallest tree or building isn’t gonna save you.

Running a couple of fishing fleets here in Baja, I get the reports from my captains before they get back to the beach. Everyone has caught lots of fish. Everyone had a great time.

Except one boat. And the one guy.

And it’s the guy who calls himself the “expert.” He’s fished everywhere and caught everything and he’s done it all.

And my captain gives me the code word on the radio “caliente” meaning, they’re coming in hot. The client is NOT happy.

Oh no. Not like I can run away. I know I’m gonna either get an earful of what went wrong ( it’s never the angler’s fault). Or, I’ll get the silent Clint Eastwood squint of the pissed-off fisherman.

Nothing like someone who’s upset and when you ask them what’s wrong, you get a brusque, “I’m fine!”

Well…alrighty then…we’ll just walk to the other side of the room and give you some space!

Before trying to figure out what went wrong I always chat with my captain. I don’t like asking questions that I don’t already know the answer to.

Was the bait bad? Was the guy simply unlucky? Did he actually hook fish, but they broke off ? That’s not bad fishing. That’s simply bad catching.

Did he have a tackle box full of bananas?

Often, one I hear is that the client just kept moving around too much and kept telling my captain he wanted to move. Even when the fish were biting.

The client wanted bigger fish.

Or he wanted a different species…then another type…then another type to cross of his bucket list.

Or he simply had read too much and wanted to try all the “famous” spots he read about.

For whatever reason, the client was like a waterbug scooting from spot-to-spot-to-spot. Even when the fish were biting. Even when other boats were catching fish.

That spot just wasn’t up to his expectations and in a version of “grass-is-greener-on-the-other-side” wanted to keep moving…and moving again.

When I am finally able to confront the angler, it’s really hard to tell them to just stop racing all over the ocean. Especially, if it’s an angler that attests to knowing more than my captain or me about fishing.

However, I learned long ago when working as a deckhand and also as a fishing guide “Don’t leave fish to find fish.”

There’s only a finite number of hours in a fishing day.

If the fish are biting where you are, you probably shouldn’t pull up and go looking for a different spot. At least give your current spot time to produce whatever it’s going to produce.

Sure, you might find a better spot. But, there’s a good chance you might not. And you’ll be wasting time and bait and gas chasing around.

While everyone else is hooking fish and having a good time!

That’s my story!

signature transparent JR 4-21

Jonathan

______________

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

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

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

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

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PRESENTATION IS A GAME CHANGER

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 island, charters, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, fish, Fishing, 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, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids fishing, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, 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, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, storms, Tailhunter International, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, weather, Western Outdoor News, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on April 18, 2021| Leave a Comment »

PRESENTATION IS A GAME CHANGER

Originally Published the Week of April 20, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

Presentation is a simple concept explain. How something looks, feels or even acts has a lot to do with how that subject is perceived.

Perfect examples.

Two hamburgers. Same meat. Same cook. They both taste the same.

But, one is served on white table cloth with nice silver. There’s a nice garnished sprig of parsley and the plate is shiny white ceramic.

The other burger comes in a greasy wrapper.

Most folks would be more inclined towards the nicely packaged burger, even though personally, I’d probably grab the one in the greasy wrapper that’s all messy. But, that’s just me.

But, that wrapper registers an impression in my little brain that the one in the greasy wrapper is gonna taste better.

Possibly a better example:

The young man that comes to pick up my daughter for the evening at the movies. For the first time. First date.

Torn jeans…dirty fingernails…way too many piercings and a dragon tattoo up his arm. And honks for her to come out.

Danger! Danger! Not with MY daughter!

Or the young man shows up on time. Calls me “sir.” Holds the door open for my girl and he’s nicely dressed.

In both scenarios, it’s the same kid. If my daughter is going out with him, I’m sure he’s probably a sweet kid and nice guy despite first impressions. Clothes aren’t everything.

I didn’t exactly look like a prize at that age either.

And the dad writing this article has a piercing and several tattoos!

The nicely dressed kid does get bonus points for calling me “Sir.”

But, first impressions are important. There’s no getting around it.

fish bait

Fish are a lot like that too. Presentation is everything.

Some folks think if they have a lure in the water or if they have a bait on a hook in the water, the fish will jump all over it. And they can’t figure out why they’re not getting bit.

Or how come the guy next to them is getting hits left-and-right.

There’s the old saying that, “20% of the fishermen catch 80% of the fish.”

There’s a reason. Much of that has to do with presentation and the impression it makes on the targeted fish.

Imagine that “Mr. Fish” has a whole bunch of choices down there.

Why should he bite you? What makes your bait stand out and gets his brain neurons saying, “Eat! Eat! Eat!”

unnamed

Let’s talk about live bait for the moment.

How is it acting? Lively? Lethargic? Plain dead?

Take dorado fore example. Dorado, are like cats. Fast moving lively things put them into attack mode. The livelier the bait the better.

By contrast tuna can be notoriously lazy and love picking up dead bait or barely lively bait. It’s like they don’t wanna chase anything.

That’s why chunk bait is so effective. Just a big mass of dead and dying bait dumped into the drift. One chunk has a hook in it.

Speaking of hooks…How you rig (“pin”) your bait on a hook can have a massive effect.

For one, generally, match your hook to the size of the bait. Don’t match your hook to the size of the fish you’re chasing.

For instance, if using a 6-inch sardine or anchovy, jabbing a 10/0 hook in it is going to kill the bait, even if you’re chasing 100-pound fish. That’s not doing you any favors.

Simple logic.

Likewise, if your line is very heavy, your bait is gonna tire out faster and you’re not even going to know it. Your line is way out there and you have no clue that your poor little bait is half-dead floating where you can’t see it.

And you wonder why your buddy keeps hooking fish!

A lot of anglers also don’t know that you can actually control how your bait swims.

Pinch-off or cut off a bit of tailfin and your bait will swim erratically. Often, this is a great attractant for gamefish who like to grab injured bait that can’t escape.

Darwin’s theory. Culling the herd. It sets your bait out from the rest of the bait in the water.

Try these next time.

If you pin your bait on the bottom-side behind the dorsal fin, you bait will tend to swim directly away from the boat and down.

If you hook your bait on the top-side behind the dorsal fin, your bait will tend to also swim straight out, but will stay on the surface.

If you put the hook through the right collar, the bait will swim to the right. Through the left collar and the fish will swim to the left.

Handy to know for those baits that continually want to swim under the boat or if you’re on a boat and you can’t get around someone or something.

If how “food” looks and acts is important, consider how something “smells” also affects attractiveness just like smelling a steak on the grill.

When I was first learning to fish as a kid, my old Japanese uncle taught me to keep the bait as fresh as possible.

Don’t touch the bait with hands that touched food or something oily. Or suntan lotion.

He was a smoker and never ever touched his bait with the hand holding his cigarette.

If you do have stuff on your hands, wash it off then put some fish slime or dead bait on your hands to cover up the fragrance of soap or other detergent.

Presentation makes a difference. First impressions are a game changer.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

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

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

Read Full Post »

ON SECOND THOUGHT…

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, charity, charters, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, 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, holidays in mexico, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, storms, Tailhunter International, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on April 8, 2021| Leave a Comment »

ON SECOND THOUGHT…

Originally Published the Week of April 4, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

Back in the day…state of the art. (Shudder)

There was a time, many decades ago when I worked as a deckhand on sportfishing boats, when there would be an audible groan when someone walked on board with a spinning reel.

If you don’t know, there’s basically two kinds of reels. Everything else is a variation of those two reels.

There’s a “conventional reel” that looks kind of like a barrel-shape on top of the rod.

conventional reel

Then, there’s the “spinning reel” that goes under the rod and looks like…well…a spinning reel. It’s not easy to describe.

A lot of fishermen started out as kids with a spinning rod fishing in lakes and streams. Great reels, no doubt. Easy to learn. Easy to use.

My own first was a black Mitchell Garcia (remember those?) with 4-pound-test line that my dad had attached to a K-Mart fishing rod. (Remember when K-Mart ruled?).

But, as far as many of us saltwater fishermen were concerned, spinning reels should stay in lakes and stream.

In fact, many of us called them “coffee grinders” outwardly or at least under-our-breaths. This was due to the big handle you would “grind” when retrieving line or fighting a fish.

“Coffee grinder” was not a complimentary title. Anglers who brought them out on boats weren’t held in high esteem either.

Justly or unjustly, it marked that person as someone to avoid. You stayed away from them. You fished as far away from them as possible.

You’d just as soon fish next to a guy who picked his nose than a guy with a spinning reel. It was that bad.

There was a good chance that if that fisherman had a coffee-grinder reel, they weren’t very good fishermen. Additionally, the reels themselves had a hard time controlling fish.

The reels often weren’t very good. Poor engineering . Poor components.

Ultimately, they were just overblown and oversized freshwater reels. I’ve seen these reels seize up or break. I’ve seen big fish just blow these reels apart.

A novice fisherman with a reel and equipment that doesn’t do much to control a fish is a bad combination.

9ec1a38b7f73943ec0d57ef2e092888c copy

Chances are they’re gonna tangle you which wastes a lot of time and gear. It will always happen at the worst time. And they won’t know how to untangle things. It’s now YOUR problem.

Additionally, because of the gear and inexperience, they can’t control their fish during the fight . That means, not only are they tangling you, but they have a good chance of cutting your line…especially if your line is taught as you also fight a fish! Adios fish! Seee-yaaaa!!

DANGER! DANGER!!! STAY AWAY FROM ME!!! RUN AWAY!!! GO FISH ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BOAT!!!

This was years ago. And all things considered, I knew there had been many improvements. However, old prejudices die hard and old dogs don’t learn new tricks very well.

The only reason I mention it is because over the last few years, I’m seeing more and more of these spinning reels showing up on fishing boats in Baja. With the exception of trolling or the biggest of big fish, they seem to be working well.

The technology has improved.

They are lighter and stronger alloys.

They have better line capacity and are able to hold larger line classes.

They cast as smoothe as silk and even a novice can learn to handle one very easily and quickly. Certainly it’s a lot faster and initially more comfortable than a conventional reel set up.

They also have reversible handles so both left-and-right handed anglers are comfortable and “bait runner” innovations that allow baits to free-swim more naturally than the predecessor reels and more like conventional reels.

First and foremost, the drag systems are so much more improved. They can really put the brakes on some of the biggest and most powerful fish most anglers will encounter. That includes tuna, marlin, giant roosterfish and others.

Frankly, they look like something a starship trooper would would use in a Star Wars movie.

saltwater-spinning

I know a lot of these innovations have actually been around for a bit, but well…like I said…I’m old school. And more spinning reels are catching my eye.

And folks are doing well with them. Even veteran fishermen are finding a spot for them in their arsenal.

Kristina Ainsworth yellowtail tags 3-21

I’m not giving up my conventional gear, but I stopped making fun of anglers with coffee-grinders and looking sideways at them with a wink or raised eyebrow.

Always room to learn at least one new trick, although sometimes I’m a slow learner.

That’s my story…

signature June '18 two 1

Jonathan

______________

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

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

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

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

Read Full Post »

DON’T DO AS I DO

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo island, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, holidays in mexico, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, sierra, storm, Tailhunter International, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, tuna, Tuna jackpot, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on April 4, 2021| Leave a Comment »

DON’T DO AS I DO

Originally Published the Week of March 28, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

Dan Stewart Gerardo rooster 9-20

I’ve done many “how to” articles and magazine columns over the years. So has everyone else.

However, I can’t think if I have ever done an article about things you should NOT do when fishing in Mexico. After 30 years and thousands of clients, I’ve seen a thing or two and maybe I have a little insight for you.

I’m also getting a lot of inquiries from folks who plan to go fishing for the first time in Mexico as well in 2021.

A lot of it might just be common sense and/ or common courtesy.

Here’s some things that I’ve been told by my captains or other employees and friends who are in the tourist industry.

Here you go…

Don’t be afraid to speak Spanish. It’s appreciated.

By the same token, don’t assume that people don’t understand what you’re saying in English. I’ve witnessed some embarrassing moments and have had a few of my own where I said something and thought the other person didn’t understand.

Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know. Believe me, it’s way better than the person who shows up and tells you they know EVERYTHING or they are the BEST at everything.

Blah…blah…blah. My brain shuts down. Words are coming out of your mouth, but all I’m really hearing is Charlie Brown’s teacher. Waaa-waaa-waaah!

Don’t act like you could do it better or you know someone who can do it better. It comes off as condescending. People are doing the best they can. Walk a mile in their shoes before you tell someone they’re doing it wrong.

Don’t be afraid to overtip. Don’t show money then be chintzy.

At minimum wage in Mexico, a person earns maybe $8-10 dollar PER DAY. That’s PER DAY. For an 8-12 hour day.

If you can afford to be on vacation, you definitely make more than that.

He doesn’t need to hear how much you own/ earn/ make. Doesn’t need to see your big wad of cash, then you tip like it’s painful.

And for Pete’s sake…you’re not doing anyone any favors by giving them three of your junk fish (like bonito or mackerel) that you were gonna throw away anyway instead of cash.

The man has to feed his kids and put gas in the boat so be fair.

Don’t overindulge in the party then ruin it for everyone. You’re not the only one on vacation. Respect that other people are also trying to enjoy themselves, including members of your family, friends, etc.

Everyone loves to party, but you getting plastered and causing a scene or throwing up really is a buzz kill for everyone who is with you or is near you.

Don’t be afraid to share. You got extra? Spread it around? Offer.

Got an extra burrito in your box lunch or an extra Coke or beer? Offer. It’s great good-will and, even if gratefully turned down, it shows you’re an OK person.

In fact, purposely bring or buy extra food for your captain and crew!

Here’s one not many folks think about. Don’t lose or break gear.

It happens. We all know it. It’s part of fishing. But, offer to replace it or buy new ones. Gear and tackle are incredibly expensive in Mexico.

Where we are in La Paz, a Rapala is $35 dollars. Good hooks run 50 cents each. It adds up. A small leader spool or fluorocarbon costs $40.

You gave him a $50 tip is great. But wait. You also lost 2 of his $40 lures and bird-nested about 30 dollars worth of line. C’mon man.

While you’re at it. Don’t belittle the man’s boat; his gear or his tackle. Bring your own next time. Most guys I know or work with take a lot of pride in their belongings.

At least the ones I work with. They do a lot with a little and make the best with what they have. Like having someone come to your house or ride in your car then tell you it needs improvement. It’s insulting.

In all honesty, none of the things above apply to 99% of our visitors. God love ya. Most tourists are gems and so much above is common sense and just being decent and courteous.

Frankly, the biggest “DON’T” that I ever talk to people about is not to forget who you are and where you come from.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re American. Don’t forget that. You’re being watched carefully. In many ways, you’re down here “representing.”

For all the good as well as all the bad. Don’t leave a lasting bad impression.

In almost 30 years in Mexico and thousands of friends and clients, I can only think of a handful who crossed the line. Egregiously.

But, I never forgot them! Others probably never forgot either. Not a good memory to leave when you go home.

The best thing you can ever do, no matter where you travel. Don’t ever forget “please,” “thank you,” and your smile.

That’s my story!

signature June '18 two 1

Jonathan

______________

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

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

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

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

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THE BEST LURE

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, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricanes, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, Mexican, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, midriff islands, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, Tailhunter International, testing facilities mexico airport, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, wahoo, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on March 27, 2021| Leave a Comment »

THE BEST LURE

Originally published the Week of March 21, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

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Y’know, say what you will about fishing, but sometimes you have the most profound and interesting conversations when the fish aren’t biting.

I have a friend. You don’t know his name, but you’ve probably heard or seen his product. Or you have used it.

He’s a fun hard-core East Coast angler.

Years ago, he came back to his home in Massachusetts from a day fifishing and was sitting at his kitchen table drinking beers. He started fiddling with his plastic lures and decided on a whim to modify some.

He tested them and they worked. He went back to the kitchen table and more beers and modified them s’more. They worked even better.

He then started pouring his own molds and started marketing them. Sales went viral.

They went so well that Walmart or K-Mart or someone like that paid him mega millions for the rights. And then it went the route of “As seen on TV.”

And that’s where you probably heard of the famous “Helicopter Lures.” Just a goofy piece of twirly-colored-rubber with a hook that catches fish and made millions for my buddy.

He never worked again in his life. Only fishes. Living the dream.

So he and I were sitting in a boat. On the ocean. And the fish had stopped biting for the moment.

He and I were talking about “the best all-around lure to have.”

We had a laugh about it. Him a famous (now wealthy) lure inventor and me running a charter operation in Mexico.

We agreed that like cameras or guns it’s the old adage. “The camera or gun you have in your hand when you need it is better than the one you left at home.”

Lures are like that too. The one you have beats the one you left home.

But, maybe as knuckleheads, that’s why us fishermen bring 50 lures to every waterfront battlefield. Can’t leave any at home.

Realistically, however, it’s harder and harder to bring every lure when you have to fly. Thirty-pounds of lures is not only impractical, but airlines make you pay dearly as well.

So, it’s a question I get all the time.

Here are my essential lures I would not leave home without if headed to Mexico. These would apply pretty much anywhere.

Any tackle store will know these or you can see them online if you don’t understand the terminology.

I’d bring two tuna-style feathers for trolling. One dark-color. One light color. I’d have them rigged with 80-pound leader line.

To my trolling arsenal, I would add one cedar plug. Natural. Unvarnished. No fancy paint job. Trust me on this one. Plain old wood with that ugly grey leadhead.

I’d bring 4 Rapala-style lures. These are the ones with the big lips that dive down when cast and retrieved or slow-trolled. The two larger ones would be the “Magnum” sized lures. In our area the Rapala Xrap style has become very very popular.

However, other companies such as Yo-Zuri and the old Bomber-style lures are excellent as well. Get one dark colored and one lighter color .

The two smaller ones would be 4 to 6 inches long for trolling the shallow areas or over rocks. Bass fishermen are very familiar with these. A zillion companies manufacture them. Call ‘em “crank baits. “

I can’t tell you how many fishing trips were saved by slow trolling or casting one of these in the shallows. There are few fish that won’t eat one of these.

The problem is that often, these are so effective that they get chewed up and busted up. Or they get blown up by some huge critter and get dragged into the rocks and lost.

Then, you suddenly find out you should have brought more!

Again, one dark one and one light one, but I especially like any style that looks like a shiny sardine or baitfish.

So…the count. We have two tuna feathers. We have one cedar plus. We have four Rapala-style lures.

Next, into the box goes two or three casting lures.

A yo-yo style or candy bar style casting jig. Blue and white or something with chrome on it. Used to sink and retrieve. Tons of manufacturers. Tady, Marauder, UFO, Krocodile (the large ones) and Salas come to mind.
A knife-style jig like a Shimano butterfly jig, but others make good ones too.

And that, my friends, is kinda of it! Doesn’t take much space. Won’t cost you much money to purchase or bring down.

I would add in a Lucky Joe or Sabiki style rig and a 4 oz. torpedo sinker. Good to have just-in-case, there’s the opportunity to use live bait.

You never know. Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

Several caveats:

First, I used brand names only as a means of simplifying the description. Kinda like saying “Kleenex.” Everyone knows tissue by that name even if it’s made by a dozen other companies.

Same with lures. I used the brand name simply to make it easier to describe and find.

Secondly, I left out plastic lures…swimbait and plastic jigs and such. These are very very effective.

However, I was trying to minimize the space and keep things simple. Plastic jigs are deadly-good. But, everything in Mexico worth catching has a mouthful of teeth. Even the smallest fish have teeth.

Plastics get torn up really fast.

In my experience, you need a whole zip-lock bag of each color just to keep up. So, I purposely kept those off this list. If you love ‘em, I’m sure you’ll bring your plastics anyway.

Third, I mention colors. These “colors” I mention have worked for me and zillions of fishermen over many decades.

But, I have often wondered.

When I worked as a deckhand, for instance, you would hear in the reports that all the yellowtail or barracuda, etc were being caught on blue and white jigs. But, I’ve often wondered if that’s because 90% of the anglers are using blue and white jigs and they had a reputation about being effective.

That being said, don’t be afraid to go outside the box of my recommendations and throw in some zany polka-dotted pink lure. Just for the fun of it!

That’s my story

signature June '18 two 1

Jonathan

______________

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

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter Sportfishing

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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DUST and WAVES

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo island, charity, charters, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, dorado, east cape, 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, giant squid, Heat stroke, holidays in mexico, ice chests, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, midriff islands, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, pompano, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, Tailhunter International, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on March 20, 2021| Leave a Comment »

DUST & WAVES

Originally Published the Week of March 11, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications!

I guess there’s two stories to pass onto you this week in a round-about-kinda-way.

One actually is possibly some useful info about fishing in Baja, which is what this column is normally supposed to be about.

But, let me start with the first story!

As a kid I really only cared about three publications in my life.

Sears

One was the Sears Christmas catalog. If you were a kid, my reasons need no explanation. It was the most dazzling thing to have in your hands. I should have saved a copy or two to show to the grandkids.

Another was MAD. Don’t laugh. If any of you are old enough to remember, MAD Magazine, I think it’s how I learned how to read. It’s where I got my weird bent sense of humor.

It’s where I learned goofy songs and rhymes and things I didn’t even understand in those pre-teen years. And, of course, there was that backpage fold-out that was brilliant.

My mother, a dedicated 2^nd grade teacher for 30+ years would always try to steer me towards good literature…classics…authors…etc. She was usually successful.

Except there was MAD Magazine. I don’t know how she and dad let me get away with that or knowing my allowance money was not being used very wisely.

But, there was one other magazine that I treasured and that DID receive a better nod of approval.

It was Field & Stream.

field-and-stream

Now THAT was a magazine that I would definitely save my allowance to buy. It was everything I ever wanted to know about hunting and fishing and all the places and adventures I would someday have.

It was the Sears Catalog for the outdoors to me.

It was geography and adventures, Daniel Boone and Tom Sawyer all rolled onto the printed pages.

Cover-to-cover and back-and-forth. I would cut out articles and save them in scrap books. If I got caught under the bedsheets at night with a flashlight reading MAD Magazine or the Sears Catalog, they were confiscated.

With Field & Stream, they let me slide. Or dad would take it and read it himself.

Well…of all things…two weeks ago a writer for Field & Stream contacted me for an interview about fishing in Baja! Me? Are you kidding?

That icon of outdoor magazines wanted to know what someone like me thought? Wow! Needless to say, I was thrilled. I’m not sure how the interview went or how it will eventually look in print, but hey, I was happy to do it!

Which leads to the 2^nd story of this column.

The reason they had asked me for the interview…

Apparently, I was part of a series of outfitters being asked how the Covid pandemic had affected us. As well, more importantly, they wanted to know what we thought of the coming year.

The first part was easy.

I think anyone who was in the travel industry or is still in the travel industry and didn’t get pulled down by the pandemic/ quarantine wolves will agree. Last year was devastating. It continues to be so in 2021.

It doesn’t matter if you were/are an outfitter, lodge, charter operation, guide, hotel, travel agent, airlines, cruise lines, taxi driver…If you dealt with any aspect of the travelling public, 2021 was unlike anything we had ever seen or could imagine.

Travel to Mexico? Travel abroad? Travel to another state? Travel to visit your family, kids, parents on the other side of town?

Are you kidding? We couldn’t even leave our houses, either because we couldn’t (lockdown); or were simply afraid to (contagion); or didn’t have the ways or means (no money) to travel.

No one could travel for essential things like work and school. So forget leisure travel like taking vacations or other discretionary trips.

Yea, we got hammered. Punched in the nose. Kicked in the nether regions then dog-piled while we were already on the ground. Many of our friends in the industry lost their jobs or had to find other or supplemental work.

For those of us in the travel industry still treading water, it’s not over yet.

For us in Baja, things really started to take an upswing there at the end of 2020. Americans were really scooting to Baja.

Mexico is close. It was economical. It was easy to there and get home.

Canada was a no-go because of the border closures and quarantines in place.

Going to Europe or Asia take some planning. Pack an overnight bag with shorts and t-shirts and you can fly off to Mexico.

Locally, more hotels and restaurants and other services were opening up. Airlines were having to add more flights to keep up with the demand. For us and other operators in Baja, things were looking up.

Bookings were picking up. People just wanted to get out no matter if there was vaccine or no vaccine. Covid or no covid.

Then, the new CDC rules were implemented in January of 2021. It required that everyone travelling into the U.S., including returning vacationers, have a negative Covid test within 72 hours of flying back to the U.S.

WHAM! BAM! Travel took another knee below-the-belt.

Bookings took a dive. Cancelations jumped up. Airflights got canceled. Folks not wanting to get stuck in Mexico made a mass exodus for home and left on-going vacations.

But, now things are looking up again. Whew!

Vaccines are being implemented. Moreso, Mexico got it’s game together and erected testing facilities at airport, hotels, timeshares and labs to make it cheap and convenient to get the tests. Can’t lose the all-important tourism sector again.

So, people are booking again.

But, will it be a good season?

I think so. The fish were largely left alone last year. Six to 8 months there was literally zero sportfishing traffic on the water.

Even when things opened, it was only a fraction of the usual crowds.

The fish had time to grow. The fish had time to spawn and mate without getting bonked by lures run scattered by boat motors. More importantly, their food source…the critical baitfish weren’t depleted.

I thnk this year of 2020 will be an improvement over last year. But, it still won’t see the normal numbers and the experts are saying we’re really only going to see 30-50% of the normal visitors.

So, bigger fish. Hungrier fish. More fish. More bait.

And maybe just you out there on the water!

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

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

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

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

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

Read Full Post »

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, crankbait, deep sea, dorado, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, fish, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, history, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, los barriles, marlin, Mexican, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, pompano, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, Tailhunter International, testing facilities mexico airport, tourism, tours, Travel, tuna, Tuna jackpot, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, Western Outdoor News, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on March 10, 2021| Leave a Comment »

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

Originally Published the Week of March 1, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

About a month ago, I received a reservation request from one of our regulars who had fished with us many times over the years. He wanted to set up a whole week of fishing with our fleet in La Paz.

He had not fished with us in a few years. As he put it laughingly, “Life got in the way of my fishing. Then this darned pandemic thing knocked last year’s fishing helter-skelter.”

This year, he was coming with his wife and 2 grandkids. Three days fishing…hotel…some snorkeling…one of our taco tours of the city. The whole package.

He’s always a pleasure. Low maintenance. Fun to be around him as well as whoever he brings along.

But, something he said to me has stuck in my head like a song that keeps re-playing. I wanted to share, but didn’t quite know how to write about it in my column.

We were talking about all the cancelled vacations and fishing trips everyone endured last year.

He said, “I’m 86 years-old. I can still do a lot of things, but at some point very soon, I know that I won’t. It’s just the way things are. “

“I can still enjoy a beer. (laughs) I like dancing with my dear wife who puts up with me. I can still give the grandkid a piggy-back ride. I can work in the garden. “

“And darnit, I can still fish!” He added emphatically at the end of that.

He went on…

“Life is not forever. I know people are scared to travel right now. However, I could get sick tomorrow going shopping at Target as easily as I could get sick going on a fishing trip.”

“It seems, in fact, more likely to get sick in a crowded store than in an open fishing boat!”

“When you’re young, you think you’ve got all these fishing days to look forward to. Good times on the water with the buddies or with family. But now…well…I don’t have that many more days ahead of me…if you know what I mean.”

“We always talk about the ‘good-old-days.” Well, even with this Covid-thing…what if these ARE the ‘good old days’ we’ll talk about in 5 or 10 years?

“To me, the ‘good-old day’s will be the days I could still do the things I want to do. “

“I’d rather spend my good-old-days on the beach or on a boat or hanging with my family than sitting in the Lazy-Boy with the remote. At some point soon, I won’t be able to get up from that Lazy-Boy.”

“So, Jonathan…book me a trip!”

I was pretty much ready to give him the trip for free at that point. Priceless thoughts.

When I was younger, it seemed I was always the one who talked. I had stuff to share and needed to be heard. Blah blah blah. I must’ve been insufferable.

As I get older…well…I need to listen more.

Life should have been reversed.

I should’ve listened more when I was younger so that now when I’m older, I could talk and say something that actually meant something.

I’m 20-years-younger than my fishing friend.

But, I’ve got a birthday this week. His words that I’ve hung onto for a few weeks have a little more poignancy.

In the past 2 months, I’ve had 7 close fishing buddies pass away…Dave and Jack…Roger…Kevin…Lloyd and John…Stan.

Cancer…Hearts…Covid

How the heck did that happen? In fact, except for one (Hi Leroy!), all of my fishing buds are gone now. I just realized that. It’s a long list growing longer.

These were guys who took me under their wings. Showed me stuff. Taught me. Kicked my butt when I needed it. I used to like to think they were proud that I had taken a hobby and a passion and made it into a career.

They took a kid with a rusty spinning reel and old line on overnight trips and long-range trips. On the boats, I was the kid tangling everyone or playing in the bait tank. On the lake or stream, I was the annoying bored kid who threw rocks in the lake when everyone was trying to fish and “shushed” by my elders.

I always looked up to them. It’s like at Thanksgiving when you sit at the kid’s table and the grown-ups sit at the big person table. It’s your mom’s and dads. Aunt’s and Uncles.

And then they are gone. And you realize that now you’re the one at the big person table and there’s more and more empty seats.

I’m the only one still fishing. Sort of.

I feel great. A few extra pounds from too much good food from Jilly during Covid. But otherwise, still good.

But yea…I’ve got more days behind me than ahead of me.

And, I don’t want some pandemic to define my “good old days.” Not while I can still do things. Before I get too creaky.

I can’t wait to put my toes in the sand this year. I’m gonna fish more too. Still drink my vitamin shake, but an extra beer or two won’t hurt. Say “yes” more often to doing things. Gonna hug my wife and kids and grandkids more too.

These are the good-old-days. Here and now.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

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

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

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

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

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¡Bienvenidos Amigos!
Jonathan has written for:

Western Outdoor News
Western Outdoor News Magazine
Pacific Coast Sportfishing
Discover Baja Magazine
Baja Life Magazine
The Log
Fish Taco Chronicles
Sportsman's Channel Magazine

His articles also appear in:

San Diego Union Newspaper
Los Angeles Times Newspaper
Sacramento Bee
San Francisco Chronicle
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That's My Story

Tailhunter International, La Paz, Baja Sur

Archive for the ‘Tuna jackpot’ Category

CAN’T GET OUTTA YOUR OWN WAY!

CAN’T GET OUTTA OUR OWN WAY

Originally Published the Week of June 1, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

FEELING A LITTLE MORE NORMAL AGAIN

FEELING A LITTLE MORE NORMAL AGAIN

IT MIGHT TICKLE…OR NOT!

YOU MIGHT FEEL A TICKLE…OR NOT!

(The testing tent outside Cabo Airport)

TROUBLESHOOTING – DON’T LEAVE FISH TO FIND FISH

TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR FISHING – DON’T LEAVE FISH TO FIND FISH

PRESENTATION IS A GAME CHANGER

PRESENTATION IS A GAME CHANGER

ON SECOND THOUGHT…

ON SECOND THOUGHT…

DON’T DO AS I DO

DON’T DO AS I DO

Originally Published the Week of March 28, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

THE BEST LURE

THE BEST LURE

Originally published the Week of March 21, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

DUST and WAVES

DUST & WAVES

Originally Published the Week of March 11, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications!

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

Originally Published the Week of March 1, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

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