Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

GETTING YOUR MONEY’S WORTH

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, green, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on May 25, 2023| Leave a Comment »

GETTING YOUR MONEY’S WORTH

Originally Published the Week of May 22, 2023 in Western Outdoor Publications

A few days ago, I had a couple of guys come to our Tailhunter Restaurant and Sportfishing offices here in La Paz. They were pretty troubled to say the least.

Actually, they were pissed off.

And they needed to vent.

Insofar as we run a fishing operation and have been down here forever, I was a handy target.

I knew who they were. They had contacted me several weeks earlier inquiring about a fishing package with hotel, fishing and other things.

Cool. No big deal. Appreciate the inquiry. I gave them a regular quote for the package.

They wrote back that they I was “too pricey” (their words) and they’d just make their own reservations and “wing it.”

So, what they did is go through a general 3^rd party online booking agency for their hotel for “great hotel discounts…blah blah blah.”

I’m sure you’ve heard commercials like that.

Then, when they arrived here in La Paz, they walked around the marina and found a guy selling fishing trips and set up several days of charters.

Well…the hotel was not as described online.

It was “not steps to the beach.” The pool was not filled like the pretty photos. It was half-empty because the filters “weren’t working.” The rooms had faulty air-conditioning.

But the hotel staff told them they could “upgrade” if they wanted. They were told that the online booking agency sold them “economy rooms.”

On top of that, they had given the guy at the docks several hundred down payment in cash.

They were supposed to get picked up at their hotel in the morning. No one showed up.

They called the phone he had given them. No answer.

They took a taxi to the marina. No boat. No guy to be found.

And, they let loose on me as if it was MY fault. If I had given them a better price, they would have booked with me!

On top of it, after they finished their story, they asked…

“Can you help us get a refund from the hotel and help them find the guy who sold them the charters so they could get their money back?”

When I asked the guy’s name, all they could tell me was his name was “Gonzalo” and he was short and had black hair. He had a mustache and spoke decent English. He had a New York Yankees baseball hat.

Oh, and he was a “Mexican guy.”

That described about half the population of Mexico.

They promised if I helped them get their money back, they would use that money to book with me in one of the hotels we work with . They would also do their fishing with our operation!

Please oh please help us! Wa-wa-wa!

I had to tell them, they were probably outta luck. They would have to pursue any refunds from the 3^rd party online booking company. The hotel surely wasn’t going to give them refunds.

And good luck finding someone named “Gonzalo” out on the docks.

They unfortunately, walked away mumbling something about “everyone in Mexico is a rip-off artist” and some other choice words about me as well.

I hated to see this happen to anyone because there are indeed some good independents out there, but when you cut corners, you sometimes really DO get what you pay for.

And in Mexico, there often isn’t much recourse. You’re on a vacation. You don’t have time or inclination to chase someone around. You’re in country for a limited time so you’re not going to stick around searching for someone to solve your problems.

You’re probably going to just have to eat it and make the best of it. Call it a learning lesson.

The hotel part of their vacation didn’t sound like a scam, but they surely didn’t get what they expected. The guy on the docks? Well, that was possible scam. Or not.

You just don’t know and vacation is a terrible time to find out.

Maybe signals were just crossed. Who knows?

Whether these guys were victimized or not, the biggest problem is there’s no recourse or accountability. There’s no one to go after.

I’m surely not the one to bitch at, fellas .

And therein lies the issue when you “wing it.”

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 http://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:

http://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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WERE THEY PULLING OUR LEG ABOUT THE WORM?

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, green, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, mezcal, mezcal worm, 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 Sea Level, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on March 28, 2023| Leave a Comment »

WERE THEY PULLING OUR LEG ABOUT THE WORM?

Originally Published the Week of Mar. 27, 2023 in Western Outdoor Publications

Back in the day…back in MY day a LONG time ago when things like this mattered, there were two guys that were always fun to have along.

One was the guy who brought the Cuervo Gold Tequila. We thought that was the apex of tequilas back then.

The other was the really fun guy. He brought the bottle of Mezcal. You might remember. Or maybe you tried not to remember!

It had that little worm at the bottom of the bottle.

As “party protocol” had it, the macho dude was the guy who got to the bottom of the bottle and ate that little squiggly thing.

You always tried to get the new guy to do it. Right?

Everyone told him we had all passed that “right of passage” and eaten the worm so it was HIS turn. Of course, we were lying.

But we would say anything to goad the newbie. Solidarity in peer pressure!

We were all told that eating that worm had “psychedelic properties.”

So what’s the deal with the worm?

I decided to look into it given that mezcal is growing more popular these days. Mezcalarias, that specialize strictly in mezcal are popping up everywhere and it’s rare to find a watering hole that doesn’t have bottles on the shelf.

Personally, I’ve found it to be a great mixer.

Always in moderation, mind you which is a good thing. Mezcal indeed has a higher alcohol content than tequila. About 15% more buzz for the buck.

But, it adds a nice smokiness to cocktails and, to me, much added flavor compared to tequila.

But, don’t mix them up.

Although both come from the agave plant, tequila is generally distilled from blue agave. Tequila is produced by steaming the agave.

Comparatively, mezcal uses a larger variety of agave. The plant is fire roasted in pits lined with lava rocks. Hence, you get the smokey earthy flavors.

The story of the worm goes back to the 50’s when a mezcal distiller found a worm larvae in a batch of brew and thought it added extra flavor.

It was also a nice marketing move which was soon copied by other manufacturers.

acbbdbe8d6adf6513e05f2cd6f298322

In reality, it’s not really a worm per se. It’s an insect larvae that they say tastes a bit like chicken (why is that always the case?). To be more precise, it’s the redworm agave moth.

I did read another study where test subjects said it tasted like almonds. Whatever…

But, even in the party days, I’ve never seen anyone who actually admitted to chewing the darn thing.

However, the worm is often a popular culinary additive. Roasted and crushed, I’m told it adds some nice texture and flavor to regional Mexican dishes.

Gusanos

It’s perfectly safe to eat. Gulp all you want.

However…is it hallucinogenic?

Nah. Someone was fibbing.

There’s no proof that it has any such properties. However, if you make it to the bottom of the bottle to eat the worm, I have no doubt you’ll be seeing things!

On the contrary, there are some who believe that the worm has aphrodisiac affects.

Again, if you make it to the bottom of the bottle, you probably will feel 10-feet-tall; bullet-proof and eternally attractive.

Clinical studies have shown that when consumed by animals, there have been some aphrodisiac affects. But, never in humans.

I did find some clinical benefits of drinking Mezcal besides getting a faster buzz.

It reduces cholesterol which is the main factor in heart disease so you can say it helps prevent heart attacks.

Surprisingly, I also discovered that you are less likely to get a hangover after drinking mezcal.

Mezcal is made of polysaccharides. They transform into the body faster than other alcohol so begins to disintegrate as soon as it comes in contact with your mouth.

I don’t understand that, but its kinda good to know. Bigger brains than mine study this stuff.

Keep it moderate!

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 »

HAND ON HEART – It Still Gets To Me

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on March 17, 2023| 1 Comment »

HAND ON HEART – It Still Gets To Me

Originally Published the Week of Mar. 10, 2023 in Western Outdoor Publications

OK, this is not really about Mexico like my usual columns. Or maybe it is.

My wife, Jilly, and I have been on the road now about 2 months travelling the U.S. doing the usual fishing/ hunting shows and conventions across the country. Lots of road hours.

With our booth, cat and clothes bundled up and stuffed in our Suburban, we’ve now done shows this year in Dallas, Reno, Salt Lake City, San Diego and Nashville. We just wrapped it up in Southern California at the Pacific Coast Sportfishing Show at the Orange Co. Fairgrounds.

A few minutes before the show started with hundreds of vendors ready go in their booths and a couple thousand attendees anxiously waiting at the gates to go in…

A giant American flag was unfurled and a beautiful woman’s voice sang a live version of the Star Spangled Banner over the fairground’s speaker system.

Everyone stopped. Oh Say Can You See?

Trucker hats and cowboy hats came off. Beanies and visors got placed over hearts with hands.

Guys with scruffy beards and overalls standing next to millennials, Generation Xer’s, surfer dudes, deckhand-types, salty old guys, guys and gals in camo or cutoffs, families, boomer folks in fashion… were all standing at silent attention staring at a massive American flag slowly fluttering in the chilly morning breeze.

Middle class…high class…no class. Didn’t matter. All standing together.

Next to me, a hipster with a man-bun and black skinny-legged stovepipe pants had his hand over his heart next to an older gent with a baseball that that said “Vietnam Veteran. He was standing at full salute.

There was a family that looked Middle Eastern (the wife had a burka) with an African American family standing nearby as well. I could see the wife mouthing the words…

“What so proudly we hail…”

Many folks of Asian and Latino descent also standing and saluting in their own ways.

Dangit…My wife and I both got teary-eyed. We always do.

And as that great song is playing, “Oh say does that star-spangled banner…”

I’m thinking, why can’t we all get along? Why are we so devisive? Why does it take some national tragedy or emergency to bring us all together?

Look at us all standing together at this very moment.

However, over 4 days of the show, folks coming to our booth to talk about fishing in La Paz. And they just can’t help themselves.

Over conversation about airflights into Mexico or Mexican restaurants or catching marlin…comments get interjected about our politics, their politicians, our presidents and their presidents, religions and economies.

Not little comments either, but combative, inflammatory and vociferous opinions. Fighting words. Not directed at me, but surely loud enough for the opinions to be heard by anyone within earshot.

As if they were just looking for an opportunity…any opportunity to wiggle in a belligerent opinion. Amazing.

What do street tacos have to do with election fraud? Or how is fishing in a panga related to conspiracy theories about covid or supply chain issues? The size of a dorado and corruption?

C’mon, man.

And of course, everyone of an opposite belief is an “idiot.”

Sigh…

I live and work in another country. That country has given me a nice little career and livelihood. But I’m still proudly American.

Inwardly, I laugh.

Check out what it’s like for most folks living across the border. Politics, the judicial system, the economy, education…if Americans could only see and experience what it’s like
“over there.”

There’s a reason why so many folks are trying to get across to the U.S. (A completely different discussion for sure.)

But, we are so blessed as Americans. Yea, the struggle is real. For all it’s monumental problems, what a darned fine country.

And for one shining moment, standing in the chilly morning breeze listening to the national anthem and facing a giant old glory, it felt especially good.

To look around and think that for all our outward differences…for all our crazy opinions…we could still draw together over an old worn song that still has meaning.

And that if it ever came to it, we’d all have each other’s backs.

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 »

NO BATTERIES NEEDED

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, Heat stroke, highway, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on February 26, 2023| Leave a Comment »

NO BATTERIES NEEDED

Originally Published the Week of Feb. 13, 2023 in Western Outdoor Publications

Many years ago, when hand-held GPS’s first came out, I proudly and anxiously took my new device out on the water. I was already living and working in Baja so I dailed-up my favorite captain, Victor, who was also my panga fleet manager at the time.

Just to put this in context, this was before Google maps and smart phones and every electronic doo-dad we have nowadays that can pinpoint a needle in a haystack.

This was almost 20 years ago.

Boy, I was excited. Technology at my fingertips. Imagine, a Global Positioning System just like the government and military had. It would put me on all my favorite fishing spots!

What a concept!

I showed it to Victor and told him, “Someday all the captains need to get one of these.”

He laughed and shrugged. Yea, right.

Well…I’ll show him. Seeing is believing!

So, out we went. Oh yea! I had programmed in all kinds of waypoints that I had found on various fishing maps.

And then my little electronic wonder, with all it’s orbiting satellites, beeped “stop here!”

So we did. The hotspot!

Victor cut the outboard. I looked about the flat morning sea.

We were maybe 200 yards from the beach just outside a little bay. Cerralvo Island in the distance. Famous sands of Punta Arenas just to the north.

I baited a hook with a live sardine with the anticipation of a kid at Christmas. I couldn’t get it into the water fast enough.

I tossed it into the drift and I got ready to be pulled out’ve my socks.

I told Victor in Spanish, “C’mon, amigo. Get a bait into the water!”

He laughed and sat down on the gunwale. Folded his arms. “No, gracias. Quiero mirarte. I want to watch you instead. No thanks.”

Well, I was ready. I’m gonna get hit so hard. Here it comes!

…and nothing.

…and more nothing.

Let me check the GPS again. Maybe I’m holding it wrong.

Yup, the satellites say this is the spot alright. Maybe I need to change my bait.

Reel up. Pin a new live sardine on the hook and let ‘er fly.

Now, we’re cooking with gas! Now, the rod is going to get torn right outta my hands. Here we go…

…and nothing.

…and still more nothing.

I look back at Victor. Smirking and smiling. Arms still crossed across his chest sitting there being very entertained.

I hated seeing that stupid-a#% grin!

“Que pasa, amigo? Hay algo mal con su machinito?” he laughs. “What’s happening? Is something wrong with your little machine?”

“Possible se quebro!” He adds with a hiked eyebrow. “Maybe it’s broken!”

More laughs. Actually more like a guffaw.

“Si, pienso que no esta funcionando.” Yes, I think it is not working. I responded in frustrating Spanish.

Yes, that must be it.

He stands up off the gunwale. Big exhale.

He gazes shoreward to the north. Then a slow turn south. He stretches his calloused tanned fingers about 6 inches between thumb and forefinger.

Holds his fingers at arms length.

He lines up an old shack on the beach.

He smiles. And he winks at me.

Starts the outboard. And moves the panga about 30 yards closer to the beach.

Cuts the motor.

“Aqui, amigo. Ponga su linea aqui,” he cackles. Put your line in here. “Vamos a ver que pasa”. Let’s see what happens.

New bait on the hook. Line in the water.

Within seconds, line is ripping from my reel. I set the brake.

FISH ON! BENDO!

I look back at Victor. Still smirking. Arms across his chest again. He shrugs his shoulders and laughs his self-satisfied laugh.

Pretty proud of himself. He got me.

He beat my techno-toy with some simple triangulation borne of 30 years on the water.

As I fight the tuna on the end of my line, Victor busies himself at the stern of the panga. I hear him say to himself, but loud enough for me to hear.

“Soy mejor de jugetes electronicos. Ellos se quebran. Victor nunca! No faltan baterias.

(I’m better than electronic toys. They break. Victor never breaks. And I don’t need batteries.)

…and that laugh again! So entertained by himself.

“No baterias pero a veces una cerveza” (…no batteries but maybe at times a beer)

Victor said this more loudly looking at me …and then at the ice chest …and back again to me.

I put away my GPS. Go ahead amigo. You earned it. I smiled back and gave him a thumbs-up.

…and grab the gaff too. I got color.

Denny Chin two victor tuna yellowtail 8-19

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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WHEN MEXICAN FOOD ISN’T MEXICAN FOOD

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, green, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on February 15, 2023| Leave a Comment »

THINK AGAIN!

WHEN MEXICAN FOOD ISN’T MEXICAN FOOD

Originally Published the Week of Feb. 13, 2023 in Western Outdoor Publications

One of the most common questions we get living in Mexico from visitors is “Where can we find REAL Mexican food?”

That kinda makes me grin.

For one, we own our own restaurant in La Paz. Yes, we serve tacos, but I wouldn’t call the rest of our menu “typical Mexican” cuisine.

Anyway, when I ask folks what they consider REAL Mexican food, I get the usual responses you might expect. However, most of the responses are based on gringo-ized versions and concepts.

The main thing is that you’re probably NOT going to find anything resembling that chain-eatery in your city back home. And you DEFINITELY will not find any crazy creation you’ll find at Taco Bell like a “chalupa” or “nacho cheese dorito loco taco.”

I personally love ‘em, but they surely aren’t authentic Mexican by any stretch of the imagination.

So, here’s my list of things that come to mind you’ll probably not find in your average restaurant in Mexico. Sorry to be a buzz kill because I’m sure some of your favorites are on my list:

CHILI – The first thing that comes to mind. Years ago, I threw a party for friends and made chili dogs. A sure party hit.

Everyone looked disgustedly at this saucy morass of meat and beans and WIPED IT OFF THE HOT DOGS! Turns out no one knew what chili was and I found out later it’s a cowboy Tex-Mex thing not something you’d find normally in Mexico.

CHIPS – This one hurts! We’re so used to getting a bottomless basket of chips before the meal ever arrives. Not so in Mexico unless the restaurant is really a gringo-ized tourist restaurant. Or, maybe you’ll get a little bowl that has a dozen chips. That’s it. Ask for salsa. It’s extra.

HARD SHELL TACOS – In Mexico, it’s a heated soft-tortilla wrapped around whatever goodness is being served. The idea of a pre-formed crunchy hard-shell is purely American.

There is something called a “taco dorado.” This is not a fish taco. Rather, the filling is put together. Then the whole thing is deep fried in hot oil. I’ve sometimes heard this called a “Los Angeles Street Taco.” They’re good and you’ll find them here and there. Think Jack-in-the-Box super taco except even better.

FILLED TACOS – We’re used to having a taco stuffed with ground beef usually. You won’t find ground beef tacos in Mexico.

We are also used to having our tacos pre-loaded with cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. In Mexico, the soft tortilla has the protein. Then it’s up to you to go to the salsa bar and load it with whatever you want. This is where the magic begins! However, do not expect to find shredded cheese as part of the choices.

NACHOS – It’s popping up more frequently. Not only at tourist restaurants, but it’s becoming a local favorite as well, especially among kids. Who doesn’t like all the gooey cheese dripping off chips and topped with other yumminess? But, most local-local restaurants will not have it on the menu although they will probably be happy to throw it together.

Legend has it that nachos had their genesis along the border when some picky army wives went to a restaurant after it was already closed and the inventive owner threw something together for them that just exploded in popularity.

TACO BOWL SALADS – WHAAAAT??? We tried to introduce them at our own La Paz restaurant and our staff couldn’t even fathom what we were talking about. We dropped it off our menu. No one knows what it is or why anyone would do such a thing. A taco shaped like a bowl? Really?

FAJITAS – Another Tex-Mex concoction. Get some meat and throw it in a pan with whatever else you have hanging around in the frig. It’s the equivalent of Chinese Chop Suey…which is about as Chinese as Fajitas are Mexican.

BURRITOS – Yes, another culinary lie! Those big-as-your-forearm wraps of everything yummy are American. You’ll find “burros” (big donkeys) here-and-there that are somewhat similar but not as elaborate, but most Mexican places will have small hand-sized tortillas with fillings. In which case it’s really a taco now!

TAMALES– Found occasionally from street vendors, but rarely found in a restaurant. Too time-intensive. Someone sells them, but you’ll have to go looking.

ROLLED TACOS (Taquitos) – Go to San Diego to find them. Go to El Paso. We have found them in Utah. But, not Mexico.

My wife’s favorite. Can’t find ‘em anywhere. Whenever we’ve travelled in Mexico and have asked for them, we get a look from the waiter like “WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO ROLL A TACO INTO A TUBE AND DEEP FRY IT? “ We gave up . We make our own at home instead.

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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LEMONS & LEMONADE

Posted in bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo island, charity, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on January 15, 2023| Leave a Comment »

LEMONS & LEMONADE

Originally Published the Week of Jan. 14, 2023 in Western Outdoor Publications

No doubt, Mexico is a great place to escape to, especially in the winter. This year, in particular, with all the storms criss-crossing the U.S. and repeatedly battering some areas, it’s a no-brainer.

The idea of shedding your thermals, rain gear or snow-boots and sticking your bare toes into warm sand with any icy cold one in your hand is awfully appealing.

There’s just one thing wrong with that visualization.

Folks think that nasty weather respects the political borders that separate the two countries. No, the weather does not simply stop at the border.

If there’s weather north of the border, there’s weather south of the border as well. Generally, it’s not as severe, but there can be enough weather to impact your vacation plans whether it’s that sunset booze cruise, a snorkel trip, and of course, fishing.

The sun is generally out so you can keep your toes in the sand. And for sure it’s going to be warmer than South Dakota and dryer than California or Oregon, but beware.

Waters can be rough and windy. Or, at worst, your trip could get cancelled. It definitely won’t look like the post card or website photos that enticed you to visit in the first place.

So, what recourse do you have?

Listen, common sense.

We know you REALLY want to get out on the water to do whatever it is you planned to do.

There are unscrupulous operators and outfitters who know darned well they shouldn’t go out and still take your money. They will give you an abbreviated trip then apologize and go back to port.

Or, they’ll try to do the best they can and gut-it-out and everyone gets seasick and has a miserable time.

Or, simply cancels things and is honest and says it’s too windy and dangerous or the port has been closed. And hopefully refunds everyone’s money.

Use common sense. If it’s looks too rough, it’s really not worth it to get seasick and have a terrible time. Believe me.

If you’re going fishing and the captain himself says you shouldn’t go out, don’t go out! The guy wants your business more than anything.

But, the guy know his waters and if an experienced waterman like him says not to go, no one is more disappointed than him.

The best thing to do in any of those situations, short of getting your money back, is staying flexible with your schedule. Especially important during this time of year.

Check if there’s a different day you can go out and get a credit or rain check. Most reputable operators will jump at the chance. They want you to have a good time as much as you want to have a good time.

And they certainly need the business.

And no one wants to go out there if it’s unsafe. That’s a given. Don’t take that chance either.

Whatever amount you paid, it’s not worth it to jeopardize anyone’s safety. Even if you’re not getting a refund. Walk away.

One other big thing…

We never travel without travel insurance. We recommend all of our clients who come to fish with us in La Paz to purchase it as well.

You just never know. And it’s very economical.

Believe me, if you get cancelled for some reason, refunds are generally non-existent. Weather is part of being on the water. No one’s fault. It can’t be controlled.

But, even if you do get a refund, it might take time and some wrangling to get all or part of your dinero back. Don’t count on it.

Travel insurance can be a big help.

Whatever happens and you do get cancelled…

Go sit on the beach. Console yourself that it still beats being on the freeway or back at work.

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 »

CAN YOUR CITY SAY THE SAME?

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, 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, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on January 1, 2023| Leave a Comment »

CAN YOUR CITY SAY THE SAME?

Originally Published the Week of Dec. 27, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

Tongue-in-cheek. Are you safer on vacation than at home?

Over the almost 30 years we have lived in Baja and run our Tailhunter Sportfishing operation, it’s not uncommon for us to get questions about safety.

Understandable.

Mexico has that seemingly unshakable reputation of unmitigated lawlessness. When you tell people you’re going to Mexico or you live in Mexico you here, “You’re going to…MEXICO?” “You live in MEXICO?”

(Their voices always go up on the world MEXICO!).

I might as well have said I like driving with my eyes closed or like swimming nekkid with pirhanas.

I won’t deny that there are some big issues, but it seems if a tourist has their watch stolen, it ends up on CNN. It’s an easy target.

And yes there’s violence. But, what city these days doesn’t have issues with violence. (Hello Chicago!)

We have friends in the U.S. terrified of visiting Mexico.

But likewise, we have many Mexican friends afraid of visiting the U.S. Can’t say I blame them.

This is because like U.S. media, Mexico TV broadcasts the robberies, mass shootings (is there ever a week this doesn’t happen in some mall, concert, school, etc), police issues, racial issues, riots, homelessness.

I wouldn’t want to visit either.

Every year for more than 3 decades, my wife and I do the fishing and hunting shows and expos all over the U.S. A different show each week usually in some big convention center.

We’re there in our booth promoting our La Paz operation and thousands of people attend these events.

We usually do 10-14 shows over three months driving back and forth criss-crossing the U.S.

These have included shows in San Diego, Salt Lake City, Portland, Spokane, Boise, Phoenix, Denver, Bozeman, Seattle, Long Beach, Sacramento and many more.

There are some shows we will NOT be attending for the first time in many years simply because of the rampant crime we saw. Some of it first-hand as we were victimized in one city and we saw a number of friends and fellow outfitters also victimized.

Openly. In broad daylight.

We honestly saw more in 3 months on the road last year in the U.S. than we have seen in 30 years in Mexico. And the police (many of whom are good friends told us) are largely powerless to stop it.

It was very sad and sobering.

So, you want to ask us how safe it is in Mexico.

Well, I think there’s a reason it’s the #1 travel destination in the world right now. Not just for Americans, but for international travelers as well.

Mexican destinations like Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and others are breaking attendance records for visitors. Cabo alone hosted more than 3 million visitors this past year shattering previous statistics.

And here’s some interesting stats that just came out…

In Baja, homicides have dropped 95% since 2018.

Car theft is down by 74%. Burglaries have decreased by an impressive 63% while street crime such as pickpocketing, muggings and violent theft have dropped by 52%.

I wonder how many American cities or states can claim those statistics.

Authorities attribute the drop to increased presence of law enforcement including police and national guard/ army. They also point to increased funding for such activities plus U.S. support in terms of better training.

Logistical improvements as well have increased. They have added much street lighting and security cameras are more prevalent everywhere. More are planned to add an extra measure of security, especially in tourist areas.

Common sense is still the best security no matter where you go. Don’t forget your brain just because you’re on vacation.

Don’t leave your wallet accidentally on the bar top.

Don’t go walking down dark alleys or doing things you shouldn’t be doing.

Don’t go flashing your jewelry or cash wad out in the open.

Same as you would at home.

All that aside, don’t let it stop you from going on vacation and enjoying yourself in Mexico.

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 Sportfishing, P.O. Box 159, Hewitt TX 76643

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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COKE…The Real Thing?

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storms, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on December 11, 2022| Leave a Comment »

COKE…The Real Thing?

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

If you’re old enough to remember commercial about Coke being the “real thing,” you’re like me. You have some history!

Ask most folks what the most popular drink in Mexico is and some will say it’s tequila . Others will claim it’s beer.

It may surprise you to learn that Coke is the #1 beverage in Mexico. The statistics are astounding.

According to the stats, Mexicans drink more than 700 cups of Coca-Cola a year! Let that sink in for a moment. That is 43 gallons of Coke per year.

Chiapas is Mexico’s poorest and southernmost state. The average person in Chiapas knocks back over a ½ gallon of the Coke each day! It’s an area where Coke is cheaper and easier to get than water.

I’m not sure how much Coke YOU drink, but that’s a lot of Coke by anyone’s standards.

In fact, Mexico is the largest consumer of soft-drinks in the world. Coke being about 70% of that consumption.

That 700 cups in Mexico is still way ahead of the #2 country. It’s the United States with a still-crazy 400 cups of Coke every year per person.

Needless to say, Coke is a big part of the fabric of Mexican life, tradition and culture. Some would argue it’s an addiction.

It’s not only a refreshment but is even used in religious ceremonies and for medicinal purposes as well. With some validity, it’s used to soothe or cure everything from headaches, indigestion and nerve disorders.

I mean, how many times have we all just “grabbed a Coke” and we seem to feel better?

But, it wasn’t always that way in Mexico, although it had been around for decades.

It really gained it’s popularity during the 60’s and 70’s. Former Mexican Presidente Vincente Fox worked his way up the corporate ranks of Coke, but started as a delivery driver and salesman. He ended up as President of the company.

During his career, he shrewdly offered incentives to companies who sold Coke exclusively over Pepsi.

Then, during the 70’s, it really accelerated. Those were the years that Mexico sponsored the Olympics in Mexico City as well as the World Cup.

Not surprisingly this co-incided with national ad campaigns that exposed the drink to so many Mexicans and brought it to prominence.

Mexican President Luis Echeverria, during those years, even tried to get the Coke recipe in order to nationalize the drink as the official drink of Mexico. He was unsuccessful. However, it underscored how integrated the drink had become to the nation.

When Vincente Fox left the presidency of Coca Cola and became President of Mexico in the early 2000’s, he sure wasn’t going to let the brand fall.

It was his baby. Lots of photos of him with an ice cold Coke in hand!

So, what’s the deal with Mexican Coke?

Many folks swear by it over American Coke although many folks can’t tell the difference in flavor.

However, it’s growing popularity has many U.S. outlets and restaurants now offering Mexican Coke to their customers and patrons.

While quite cheap to purchase in Mexico, it’s understandably more expensive in the U.S. It has to be imported. But that has not slowed the demand.

But, many Americans clamor for it.

There is a difference.

While American Coke is made with high-fructose corn syrup, Mexican Coke is made from cane sugar. To many purists, they insist it has a cleaner and fresher flavor and zest.

Some testify it that Mexican Coke doesn’t have the chemical taste of fructose Coke. Supposedly it also has more snap and effervescence.

Others also insist that it makes a difference that Mexican coke comes in the traditional bottles. And to many, glass containers make a critical difference.

However, other than taste, one wonders if Coke made with sugar is better for you than high-fructose Coke. The medical field says it’s all the same.

Coke is Coke.

Arguably, the same taste. Same calories, sodium and other things probably not so good for us.

Alot of it could all be in your head and what advertising tells us.

Does an organic apple taste different than a regular apple? To me, Chicago Pizza tastes as good as a New York pizza. Expensive water bottled in the “mountains of Fiji” better than “smart water.”

C’mon, Man!

It’s like the Emperor’s New Clothes.

We all think Mexican Coke is better because everyone says it’s better. So when we lift that ice cold bottle to our lips…ahhhhh…dang, that’s good stuff!

But, there’s some hard sad facts about drinking Coke. Even one can.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my Coke. I don’t drink a ton of it, but it’s my non-alcohol drink of choice on many occasions. Living in Mexico, an icy can from the cooler on the beach rocks. Or while fishing.

And, I’m personally not picky about Mexican or American Coke. The red can is the red can.

Seems pretty harmless.

However, a single can of Coke has about 10 teaspoons or sugar in it (or it’s equivalent in fructose corn syrup) which does the same thing to your body. It still gets processed the same way.

The World Health Organization recommends no more than 6 teaspoons per day. So, even one can or bottle puts you way above dosage.

Not to mention the sodium and caffeine that’s also being consumed.

By the way, original Coke actually did have cocaine in it! But that’s for another story.

Sodium, sugar, caffeine…All of these are attributable to higher blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. Or at least the lifestyle that goes along with it…

Those factors contributed a lot to fatalities during the pandemic.

Mexican Coke or American Coke. It’s no wonder the two leading consumers of Coke in the world also have the highest obesity and diabetes issues.

Buzz kill. But, it is the “real thing.”

I don’t have any beer in my frig. But, I do have a 6-pack of Coke sitting in there.

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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COVID REBOUND

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, holidays in mexico, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on December 2, 2022| Leave a Comment »

COVID REBOUND

Originally Published the Week of Nov. 22, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

Mexico tourism, like many places took a big hit in 2020 with the Covid Pandemic. Baja, in particular took it right on the chin with a virtual lockdown that turned many areas like Cabo and other cities into ghostowns.

Some of it was external. I mean, if you have no airline flights there’s not much you can do about it. Likewise, if the U.S. government has closed the passport office, it’s outta your hands.

But, Mexico at ground level was trying to figure out how to handle it. In many respects, they were late-to-the-game in dealing with it.

Mexico is highly dependent on tourism. It needed to keep the general economy moving and people working. Therefore, it sat on it’s hands when the rest of the world was going into lockdown.

It didn’t help matters that Mexico’s own President was still running around visiting restaurants and kissing babies; or telling folks that “Mexico will not be affected by Covid because we have Mayan blood and only rich people are affected by the virus.”

Uh, yea, right.

He also wore a special “amulet” that he claimed would ward off the virus.

It wasn’t too long ago to forget some of the wacky attempts to curb the spread.

That included sanitizing your feet and shoes before you could go into a building or shuttle van. Or who could forget, spraying sanitizer from helicopters?

The stopping of all beer sales was a big winner. So was having to walk through a fumigation tent to go into a market. And only one family member in the store at a time.

At hotels, you could not have two occupied rooms next to each other. One occupied. The next one empty. Then an occupied room. Social distancing to the max!

Since we run a fishing operation, this one was near and dear. At one point, they declared that you could not be on a boat with open-toed footwear. No flip flops. No sandals. To fish “safely” you had to wear closed-toed shoes.

…and the captain could only stay in the center of the boat. And the boat had be regularly fumigated. Even if it was a panga.

Those were just lovely days!

But, the point being, none of this was very conducive to welcoming tourism on any level even after things started to open up.

However, here we are. Almost 3 years post-covid and about a year since masks more-or-less came down.

Tourism is booming.

In fact, tourism in Mexico is breaking records. American tourists are up 35% over last year.

But… not just with Americans. It’s an international vacation destination as well. Mexico is the number one tourism spot in the world right now.

cabo-san-lucas-hip-hop-boat-party-with-unlimited-drinks-1155902

In fact, for the upcoming holiday season, if you’re headed to Cabo, be prepared. It might be hard to find beach space!

We run our own shuttle service for our clients who fish with us in La Paz. The majority fly into Cabo and we transport them north to our city.

I was there in Cabo Airport a week ago and the line of shuttle vans picking up and dropping folks off was incredible. Vans and cars were triple parked with arriving and boarding tourists.

Statistics showed that this year visitors are thronging in greater numbers than ever before.

So much so, that they’re adding another 1500-2000 more hotel room construction in the next year. Airlines have added more flights to the tune of almost 2 million more available plane seats.

By this past spring 2020, almost 3 million visitors had already shown up in Cabo. They expect by the end of the year, Cabo alone will have hosted some 7 million tourists.

medano-beach

During the Thanksgiving holidays, the expectation is for at least 30,000 visitors and more than 80% hotel occupancy.

It’s a phenomenal number. We think of all the big-name hotels brands like Hyatt, St. Regis and Four Seasons to name a few.

However, there are also all the little mom-and-pop operations as well. The big ones have been booked for weeks or months even though statistics show that the average hotel room night is now $400!

Of course there’s plenty of smaller more economic places (like where I stay!). But, the flood of tourists has now slowed down.

Not surprisingly, Cabo has edged Cancun as the #1 Mexican vacation destination.

Just be prepared for crowds if you’re coming down in the next few weeks. Give yourself extra time so you can enjoy your time!

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

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

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

Read Full Post »

YOU’RE NOT HERE TO FISH?

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, green, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican church cathedral, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, mexican road crosses, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, water, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gourmet food, 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, mexico dining, 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 Sea Level, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on November 21, 2022| Leave a Comment »

YOU’RE NOT HERE TO FISH?

Originally Published the Week of Nov. 15, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

Over the years, I’ve watched the complexion of the tourism industry and tourism in general evolve. It has been an interesting observation.

Being in the tourist industry ourselves, we have a courtside seat to all the comings and goings.

Years ago, it was the fishermen. No two ways about it.

Fishing built the tourism industry. It’s what initially opened up Baja and much of the Pacific Coast of Mexico.

It was the exotic frontier teeming with fish and popularized by those early adventurers and writers who elaborated about deserted hidden beaches; sunshine; waters teaming with boiling fish and a wonderful people.

At first, it wasn’t easy to get to. But that only increased the allure.

But, as time went on, the tourism gates edged ajar enabling more visitors to make their way down the coast. The gates have never closed.

It has never stopped being a wonderland to so many.

At first, mostly the guys came down. The journey could be long. The visit often did not accommodate many conveniences like air-conditioning, ice, electricity, gasoline and soft beds or even running water.

But, again with time, all of these came to pass along with swimming pools, spas, shopping centers, and all the modern accoutrements.

Not co-incidentally, tourism surged again. Not surprisingly, the mix of families, wives, kids and others increased. International tourism also burgeoned.

Today, Mexico is one of the hottest vacation destinations in the world. Not just for Americans but for world-tourism as well.

But, no matter who was arriving off that cruise ship, plane or bus, there was always the underlying attraction of the ocean.

Whether for fishing; diving; watersports like boating; beaches; real estate; photography…for the most part, the water was a common denominator for a vast majority.

Everyone was attracted by that big blue ocean out there in some way, shape or form.

Whether to catch the fish of a lifetime; lie on a beach; to go on a booze cruise; to build a house; to watch whales; to get married or honeymoon; to retire; to surf; build a house…the ocean was always the seductive siren.

I mean, no advertises empty desert. Right? It’s always “ocean view.”

But lately, I’ve noticed a big difference.

People are arriving who have really no interest in the ocean or the proximity of the water.

They’re here for the food.

A “Foodie” invasion.

Not just folks who like to eat. These are people who are hardcore into what’s on their plates. They study. They research. They take notes and photos.

They post up photos of their meals on all the social media platforms. “This is what I’m eating tonite!”

They’re not just here to eat a taco from a food cart or have nachos at happy hour.

I’ve often written about the food scene down here in Mexico. It’s often about stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new things.

But these are whole different class of visitors.

I’ve found myself taking vacation reservations for folks who don’t ask what’s the best time to catch a marlin.

They don’t really care if that hotel has a spa. They don’t ask about the water temperature for scuba diving.

But, they do want my opinion about which restaurant has the best chicken mole dish.

Or they want to know if I had tried the bearnaise sauce they’re making at some new chi-chi restaurant on the waterfront. Is the restaurant really using an organic goat cream reduction?

Yup! As if I knew!

gourmet-vs-gourmand-usage-6072-09ae1d24289a50ea6ce3c9e8005a7796@1x

I’ve been asked my opinion about sautee’d bluefin eyeballs or the French pastries some hot-shot chef is getting raves about at a new bakery.

These folks have researched online menus and have check-lists of eateries they intend to visit or certain dishes they specifically plan to try.

You’ve heard of a “pub crawl.”

I’ve had folks do things like “only taste test ceviche” at a number of restaurants. And take notes! Or only tacos made from triggerfish or baby octopus.

Or they are on a “food tour” to taste the difference in fish preparations between various regions such as eastern Mexico vs. Southern Mexico vs. Baja.

There’s a big difference in preparations. Spices and herbs. Presentations.

In the same way barbecued ribs might be different in Alabama compared to Minnesota in the U.S. Or chowder on Boston’s waterfront versus San Francisco’s Fisherman’s wharf.

large_562228646

Stuff like that.

Food popularity is big business. Just check out the Food Channels on TV sometime. There are dozens of cooking shows 24-7 and the hosts are international food rock stars.

Yes, many of our visitors are changing and seeking culinary pursuits these days.

Some are actually chefs themselves. A few have been cookbook authors. Some are just gourmet adventurers.

Some just like to eat and get that same cosmic rush over a bowl of pasta as the folks who come to battle a big fish; or ride a wave; or touch a migrating whale.

To each their own.

With the growth of so many higher-level restaurants in Mexico and Baja, being a “foodie” is a sport. It’s a hobby. It’s an obsession.

Buen provecho!

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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

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

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

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

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

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

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

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

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

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

Read Full Post »

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¡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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