As soon as the holiday glow has worn off, get going on your passport. If you already have one, check to make sure it’ll be current to travel in 2009. It must be renewed every 10 years and Uncle Sam will not be sending you a renewal notice.
If you are applying for the first time, since the middle of 2008, you are required to have a passport to travel by air outside of the U.S. in order to enter or re-enter the country. (That’s the important part. It’s fun to get out, but you want to make sure the U.S. lets you back in!)
However, by June 1 of 2009, the full effects of the Western Hemispher Travel Initiative by the U.S. State Dept. will be implemented affecting both land and sea travel. It will require that all persons traveling outside the U.S and wanting to enter or re-enter the country have either their U.S. passport or the new passport cards.
The new passport cards have been in effect for several months now and cost $45 for a first time adult applicant. These wallet-sized cards look like a driver’s license and were meant to facilitate travel for folks who cross and re-cross the border often.
This applies to many commuters who go back and forth to work in either Baja or the U.S. These cards cannot be used for air travel and are strictly meant for land travelers. However, if you’re like many anglers who frequently drive across to say, go fishing in Ensenada or San Quntin, you may want to consider using the new cards.
Right now, the timeline for processing new passports or cards is not long. Estimated time is 3 weeks, but don’t wait. Many people don’t start thinking about their passports until it’s almost time for vacation. Then, there’s a big rush. Things slow down Don’t get caught. Might as well get them for the kids too. They’ll be needing theirs too at some point.
All the info is right here: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
The other document you need to consider is your fishng license. Yes, you do need one technically to fish Mexico/Baja waters. Whether someone checks or not, you’re supposed to have one on you. If you’re not fishing, but on a boat with fishermen, you’re supposed to have one as well.
Like many laws in Mexico, sure, it seems like you can get away with things. But, it’s when someone actually decides to check or else decides to enforce it then problems can arise. Again, you might as well take the pre-cautions and have the document ready.
Interestingly, it’s often easier to get a hold of a Mexican fishing license in the states than in Mexico. Obtaining a Mexican fishing license is sometimes as complicated as applying for a mortgage and about as easy to get these days.
The bureaucracy of getting a Mexican fishing license can be staggering. In the states, one usually goes to their local tackle store or variety store and steps up to the sporting goods counter. Five minutes later you walk out with a license. In Mexico, obtaining a license can take days!
Don’t count on your outfitter or charter company or hotel to have them. Often, through no fault of their own, they can’t get them either! It’s a good idea to check and even better if you can obtain them in the U.S.
Many of the better tackle stores that service clients who do long range trips or clients who travel to Mexico carry the licenses. Various travel groups and clubs also carry them. You can also get applications online:
Personally, I think it’s more economical to just purchase the yearly license. Unlike licenses in the states that are good for only a calendar year (Jan 1 to Dec. 31), a Mexican fishing license is good for 365 days from the time you purchase it. If you don’t know the exact dates of your trip or plan to fish Mexican waters several times this is a great bargain.
Depending on where you purchase the license (there may be a small service charge and the peso exchange rate), the cost of a daily license is about$12. A weekly license is about $25. A yearly license about $50.
That’s my story. If you ever want to reach me, my e-mail is riplipboy@aol.com.
That's My Story 
