That&#039;s My Story

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

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

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

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“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.”

“LA PAZ EVENT TARGETS IGFA RECORDS AND ROOSTER RELEASES!”

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, camping, car, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, circle hooks, Dehydration, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, fish, fish farming, 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, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, Tailhunter International, techniques, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, baja, billfish, blog, blogs, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, catch and release, Cerralvo Island, certified, charters, children, deep sea, dorado, east cape, el sargento, espirito santo island, event, family, fish, Fishing, flyfishing, freediving spearfishing, gary graham, girls, guide, holidays, igfa, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, outfitter, packages, panga, panga slam, pargo, records, reports, roosterfish, sailifish, san jose del cabo, scale, scuba, sea of cortez, sierra, snapper, snorkel, sportfishing, swim, Tailhunter International, techniques, tips, tournaments, tours, tuna, vacations, video, wahoo, western outdoor news, wife, wives, women, world, world record, yellowtail on April 27, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Fish like this huge roosterfish caught and released by Ron Burgess at Las Arenas last year have made the Las Arenas/ La Paz area famous and known as the “roosterfish capital of the world.” Last year in 4 days, Ron and his amigos caught and released 29 roosters between 40 and 90 pounds!

A sample of the new IGFA “release measuring devices” which will allow anglers to officially measure and release fish and still be eligible for world records! This new “category” for records is a big boost for catch-and-release of species! Shown here with Jilly and Jonathan Roldan, Pat McDonell, editor for Western Outdoor News, and Gary Graham (holding the tape!) who is not only a multi-IGFA record holder, but also an IGFA rep plus famous author and journalist. All will be at the event!

LA PAZ EVENT TARGETS IGFA RECORDS AND ROOSTER RELEASES!

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of April 29, 2014

In what appears to be a first, Western Outdoor News and Tailhunter International Sportfishing in La Paz are having the first certified tag-and-release roosterfish event this summer

The “Summer Panga Slam” will be held June 17-21 in La Paz. It promises to be quite an event.

Originally slated as a 3-day light tackle panga tournament among friends, the event has grown tremendously. It has sprouted some “legs” since it’s inception several months ago.

For one, Tailhunter International in La Paz now has a certified I.G.F.A. scale on hand and is a registered IGFA center. This means, Tailhunters and it’s clients can legitimately target world-record fish.

This is significant given that they fish the famous waters of La Paz and Las Arenas as well as the northern East Cape where arguably more world records have been set over the decades than anywhere else. Many consider it to be one of the top light-tackle fisheries in the world.

Additionally, the area has been known as the “roosterfish capital of the world” famous for it’s slugger-sized rooster populations. In fact, in 1987, the world record roosterfish was caught on these very beaches. It weighed in ta 114-pounds. Larger ones have been caught and released.

Last year, the area had a banner roosterfish season where roosters averaged 40-90 pounds and a number of fish over 100-pounds were tallied and released including one estimated over 150-pounds!

All of this is important to the “Panga Slam” event for two reasons:

The IGFA now has “release” categories that were previously not available. That means you can now become a world-record holder and not have to kill your fish. Last year, a world-record release rooster was produced in La Paz waters! There are categories for men, women and children! However, you MUST have a special IGFA measuring device of which this event will have several on hand!

Tailhunter International is part of the newly formed Roosterfish Foundation dedicated to preserving the exotic rooster and monitoring the health of the species. To that end, tag-and-release devices are now available so that released fish can now be tagged before we let them go.

So, what all this means is that the “Summer Panga Slam” now gives participating anglers not only a shot a getting a record fish that can actually be weighed. But, it’s also an opportunity to release a world-record fish and get into the record books as well as help to proliferate the roosterfish species for everyone!

It’s going to be a lot of fun and, as mentioned, the event has grown. WON editor Pat McDonell himself will be down to help host the event. WON columnist, journalist and famous author Gary Graham will be on hand as well to record the event. Gary is himself also a multi-record IGFA record holder and the IGFA representative.

On board as well are a growing number of sponsor with lots of goodies for the participants.

The event is limited to 40 anglers in 20 two-person panga teams. There are still a few spots left! Here’s the rest of the details:

Sponsors aboard now include: Okuma Reels, Costa Sunglasses, Yo-Zuri, Sufix, Turners Outdoors and Lazer Trokar Hooks!
Three full days of panga fishing at Las Arenas (gear, breakfast and lunches included)
4 nights La Concha Beach Resort in ocean-facing room
Welcome dinner and Awards Dinner
Taco feed night and live music at famous Tailhunter Restaurant
One day open fun fishing and then two days jackpot tournament (cash entry $100 in La Paz per team)
Event t-shirts
Cabo San Lucas Airport Shuttles

Cost is $1350 per person. Space is limited and going fast. For more information, you can contact Western Outdoor News and talk with Mike Flynn at FLYNN@wonews.com or call him at 949-366-0030.

We’re looking forward to having you join us!

That’s our story

Jonathan

_______________

______________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

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

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

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:

“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.”

“Just Ask”

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, circle hooks, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, highway, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, Mexico, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, suitcases, Tailhunter International, techniques, tourism, tours, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged ambjerack, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, billfish, blog, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, child, children, culture, diving, dog tooth, dorado, east cape, el sargento, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, flyfishing, freediving, girl, guides, inshore, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kid, kids, La Paz, la ventana, las arenas, life, light tackle, los barriles, mahi, marlin, mexican, mexico, ocean, outfitters, packages, panga, pargo, pompano, reports, roosterfish, sailfish, salt water, san jose del cabo, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snapper, snorkel, spearfishing, sportfishing, stories, swim, Tailhunter International, teaching, techniques, tips, tournament, tours, tuna, vacations, video, wahoo, western outdoor news, wife, women, yellowtail on March 31, 2014| Leave a Comment »

“JUST ASK”

Originally Published the Week of April 3, 2014 in Western Outdoor News

The pangas had all returned to the beach with happy fishermen. Fish had been cleaned and were either getting icy in the hotel freezers or were in the kitchens getting prepped for the grill and tonite’s dinner.

Most of the guys had headed to their rooms for siestas and shower.

Others, had dragged themselves directly to the pool and the margarita bar foregoing the showers…and the siestas. But, I knew that for most, one drink and they’d be passed out contentedly in a lounge chair…dreaming of the fish they caught and the ones that got away.

I was already in the office, putting away gear and breaking down the days’ events. I had to get ready for another group of anglers coming in that evening on the next flight.

I brisk knock on the office door turned out to be one of the dad’s who had been fishing that day.

“Jonathan, I can’t find my son, Joey. He helped me carry gear back to the room and I went in to take a quick shower before dinner. I came out and can’t find him anywhere. I hate to be a bother. But, I looked everywhere.”

I told him not to worry. Ten-year-olds don’t usually stray too far and many of the other anglers knew or were familiar with the youngster.

We checked the restaurant and the pool. We hit the Jacuzzi. We walked to the kid’s playground. We asked a number of other anglers. No one had seen Joey.

“Let’s walk back to the beach,” I suggested to dad. And we took a short little hike to the little cove next to the hotel where our pangas drop off the anglers.

Sure enough, there was Joey sitting in the panga with our Captain Lorenzo. We could see both of them had their heads down and were concentrating on something.

As we got closer, Dad said, “Joey, we’ve been looking all over for you. What are you doing here with Lorenzo?

Both the captains and Joey looked up with big smiles. Joey held up a hook and some line!

“I came walking back to the beach and found my friend, Lorenzo. And I asked him to show me how to tie a fishing knot! Look dad!”

He held up the hook and proudly showed off his knot.

“I did this one all by myself!”

“Wow!,” said dad with raised eyebrows. “Even I don’t know how to tie a fishing knot.”

Captain Lorenzo looked just as pleased.

In broken “Span-glish” he explained that Joey had just walked up and asked how to tie a knot. It reminded him of his own boys and how he had shown them many years ago how to tie a fishing knot.

“They are grown men now, but I remember those good days,” he said wistfully.

“You are lucky to fish with your father,” he said to young Joey.

“Captain Lorenzo, will you show me how to tie a knot also?” asked dad.

“Claro que si…of course, mi amigo. Es un placer…it is a pleasure!” replied the Captain. “Here take a hook and some line…”

And with that, I backed away smiling down the beach. The lost had been found. And perhaps some other things had been found along the way.

An hour later, I went back down to the beach and half-a-dozen guys were surrounding the panga, all intently learning to tie knots. Captain Lorenzo and Joey were “holding court.”

One thing I learned long ago was one of the fastest way to get a “group session” going was to tie a knot in front of a bunch of fishermen.

Whether it’s a “San Diego jam,” a “Palomar”, an “Albright special”, a “Cat’s Paw”…whatever-you-want-to-name-it…tie a knot.

And someone will say “Hey, can you show me that again?” Or, “But, I tie it differently, like this…”

And there you go! Instant…constructive debate discussion and discovery!

It also occurred to me that one of the least utilized sources of fishing education are the Mexican captains and deckhands who take us all out fishing.

These guys fish more days in a year than most sportfishermen and women will fish in our lives. Most of them started as commercial fishermen and have been doing nothing else their entire lives.

You get pretty good when catching a fish puts food on the table and buys clothes for the family. Often, without all the fancy technology available to the rest of us, they have to be better than the fish as well as their competitor captains and crews. Proudly so.

I talked to Captain Lorenzo a few days after the knot-tying beach party.

“Everyday, there are new gringo clients. And they all want to catch fish. They come. They go.”

“To many, I am just the Mexican captain and the guide. And that is fine. We have a good time and I have been doing this more than 40 years and I am proud of what I do.”

“But, sometimes the clients get angry because they want to do everything. That is fine too. But, then I watch them and they have many problems. And they get angry and do not catch fish. Angry clients are not happy.”

“It is OK if they know how to fish, but many make mistakes. And they do not want help.”

“I wish they would ask. I like it. I am happy to teach. Then everyone has a good time.”

“No one ever asks.” He said with a shrug. “Except one little boy.”

That’s our story!

Jonathan

_______________

______________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

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

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

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:

“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.”

“But Will They Eat a Yo-Yo Jig?

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, circle hooks, dorado, driving, east cape, 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, green, highway, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, Tailhunter International, techniques, tourism, tours, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, baja, bay of la paz, blogs, Cabo San Lucas, Cerralvo Island, charters, costa baja resort, deep sea, east cape, eco, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito santo island, fish, fish farm, Fishing, green, guides, holidays, hotel perla, Jonathan Roldan, la concha beach resort, La Paz, la ventana, las arenas, los barriles, mexican, mexico, outfitters, packages, reports, salt water, san jose del cabo, sea of cortez, sportfishing, tackle, Tailhunter International, techniques, tips, tours, tuna, video, western outdoors, yellowtail on March 17, 2014| Leave a Comment »

YELLOWTAIL FARMING?

BUT WILL THEY EAT A YO-YO JIG?

Originally Published the Week of March 20, 2014 in Western Outdoor News

While at the Long Beach Fred Hall Fishing Show a few weeks ago, I was directed to an interesting article by a friend who is a commercial fisherman and sportfisherman. The title kinda piqued my interest:

“NEW FARMED YELLOWTAIL HITS U.S. MARKET”

According to the article published in Seafood Source.com on March 7, 2014 (http://www.seafoodsource.com/en/news/aquaculture/25678-new-farmed-yellowtail-hits-us-market), these forkies are being formed right in Baja out’ve Bahia Magdalena. Yes, real yellowtail ranches!

Here’s the article:

“California-based seafood distributor Catalina Offshore Products, and Baja Seas have partnered to bring a new farmed yellowtail to the U.S. market.

Baja Seas will officially introduce its Baja farmed yellowtail, also known as Baja hiramasa, at Seafood Expo North America in Boston on 16 to 18 March. Catalina Offshore Products has been test marketing the fish and it has already appeared on menus in from San Diego and Chicago.

The original stock was bred for Baja Seas from fingerlings produced at Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. The fingerlings were transferred to Baja Seas’ grow out facility on Bahia Magdalena, a bay in southern Baja California. Future seed will be sourced from Baja Seas’ own hatchery, Ocean Baja Labs.

Baja Seas uses Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to create a small water footprint by diminishing pollution and disease; fish are fed sustainable protein- and omega-rich meal derived from sardines in a low Fish In-Fish Out (FIFO) ratio; the fish are raised without antibiotics or paraciticides; and semi-automated feeders and feed cameras prevent overfeeding.

“With consumers demanding more seafood and pressures on wild harvests increasing, we believe aquaculture is the one true sustainable model,” said Luis Astiazarán, Baja Seas’ director general. “Because of their growth rate when compared to other species, marine finfish are the future of aquaculture.”

“The debut of this Baja hiramasa is very exciting for us as it marks a major milestone for Mexico and for the U.S.,” said Dave Rudie, Catalina Offshore CEO. “It is not only a great, local alternative to Japanese or Hawaiian yellowtail, its presence in the domestic market will increase people’s access to a highly valued food source while decreasing pressure on our wild populations.”

It sounds like a good deal. I like eating yellowtail. I like catching yellowtail. I don’t know about the taste, but I have a feeling that the wild fresh stuff is gonna taste a lot better. I know wild salmon blows away farmed salmon.

But, I’m pickier than most because I grew up on Pacific coast fish. But, most folks I know wouldn’t know the difference.

I doubt that 90% of those ordering yellowtail in say, Red Lobster in the mid-west, would know the difference between wild or farmed yellowtail either. It’s probably going to taste just dandy to them.

Just like my friends from Montana and Idaho and Wyoming who are hunters. They can tell the difference between wild elk and ranch-raised elk meat. To me, it’s just good eating!

However, if there’s a viable way to take the pressure off the wild stocks so us sportsfishers can still throw an iron or dropper loop a bait yet help meet the demand of the market, I’m all for it. Win-win!

I’m especially interested in the aspect of this “farmed” yellowtail (no pun intended) if they’re raised with a small ecological footprint. Not using additives and anti-biotics in their food means the “fish poo” (excuse my Spanish), isn’t polluting the water.

That has been an issue in other aquaculture situations. Especially, since fish eat a tremendous amount of food to grow. What goes in…has to come out!

Additionally, if they’ve found a new way to feed these fish and NOT deplete the local bait situation, that’s a major plus for anglers. No bait…no fish! No fish…no fishing!

I talked to an amigo of mine, Scott McKenzie, Director of Quality Assurance at the huge American Seafoods in Seattle WA. Scott is also an avid Baja angler.

Here’s his take:

“The vast majority of Yellowtail consumed globally is farmed. Most of the farmed yellowtail comes out of Japan, with some small production in Australia and New Zealand. From what I’ve heard it is typically a 5:1 feed fish, meaning 5 lbs. of feed to return 1lb of fish weight. Not the most ideal species to farm with regard to feed conversion rates as those are typically down around 3:1, some are even down close to 1:1 these days.

One of the unsavory part of a lot of these farmed fish operations is they are often using low trophic species as the feed (sardines, mackerel, menhaden, anchoveta,…). The feed coming out of global fisheries that are nothing more than rendering fisheries ( primary products being fish oil, meal) rather than a by-product of a food fishery. In a nut shell, the ocean gets stripped of bait fish to be converted into feed for a farmed fish somewhere around the world.

The amount of antibiotics and crap that can go into them I will leave for another day…

Sad thing, most consumers get all warm and fuzzy thinking they are making green decisions when they opt for a farmed fish to eat- in so many ways, it is more environmentally detrimental than the wild caught equal.”

The world is growing. There’s more people to feed. Yet, we want a balance with our recreational activities. Everyone has an interest and a stake in things. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

I wonder if farm-raised yellowtail can be released into the wild? I know they do it with salmon!

And, I for one, wouldn’t mind giving it a whirl on my dinner plate too!

That’s my story!

Jonathan

_______________

______________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

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

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

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:

“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.”

“IN THE PRESENCE OF GIANTS”

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, dorado, driving, east cape, el sargento, espirito santo, family, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, highway, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, 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, Mexico, Mexico life, outfitters, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, Tailhunter International, techniques, tourism, tours, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, baja, billfish, blogs, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, Cerralvo Island, charters, child, children, day trips, dorado, east cape, eco tourism, el sargento, espirito santo island, family, freediving, gray whales, guides, holidays, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, mahi, marlin, mexican, mexico, outfitters, packages, panga, photos, pompano, reports, roosterfish, sailfish, san jose del cabo, scuba, sea of cortez, snorkeling, spearfishing, Tailhunter International, techniques, tips, tours, tuna, video, wahoo, western outdoor news, western outdoor publications, western outdoors, whale migration, whale watching, wife, winter, yellowtail on March 3, 2014| Leave a Comment »

A moment of clarity ?

IN THE PRESENCE OF GIANTS

Originally Published in Western Outdoor Publications the Week of March 5, 2014

“Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.”

Albert Einstein

Oooo! Wow! Oh my! Lookit! It’s coming right to us!

Squeels. More ooo’s and ahhhs!

But, then everyone jostled to the starboard side of the panga. Whoa! For a moment there was an air of apprehension as everyone hung on.

But Mexican pangas are built for stability and although there was a bit of a list, attention quickly focused on what was making it’s way towards us.

For most of us, we grow knowing we’re at the top of the heap. We are the apex of intelligence, power and the food chain. Master of all we see. Conquerors of time, space and dimension.

That is, until we’re suddenly faced with the fact that there are creatures larger and stronger than us.

That is, until those creatures are not behind some cage in the zoo giving us a false sense of security.

That is, until one of those creatures is right next to us and literally smack in our laps!

Looking at us. And we touch it. And in some cases, it tries to touch us. And maybe communicate with us?

Something like a whale. Even a 15-foot baby…and it’s uh…its 40 foot mom!

And both were rising and approaching like two big grey submarines towards our awestruck panga full wide-eyed-cellphone-camera-snapping eco-tourists.

You feel small. And vulnerable. And utterly amazed.

This isn’t a video. This isn’t the Discovery Channel or Animal Planet or National Geographic. Or Sea World.

We’re not in the safety of our Lazy-Boy lounger in the living room in front of the big-screen.

We’re in Mexico. The light hum of the panga outboard is real. The water and the salt air is real. The sun and breeze on your cheeks isn’t virtual reality. The smell of damp things from the ocean is real.

We’re not outside the aquarium. We’re on the other side of the glass today. And we’re in the presence of giants!

And then, the magic happens.

The mom stops just a few feet from our panga. And the calf comes right up. And stops and raises his head. And it’s eye opens and you can swear it’s looking right at you with seemingly the same wonder that that you have for it!

And you reach out and you touch the rough skin and other hands also touch and scratch the youngster. And in those few moments, you feel like you’re doing more than just touching. It seems to transcend just a touch.

Two seeming intelligent creatures from different worlds…one above and one below the waters… reach across the abyss of eons and it’s unlike anything you have ever experienced.

Is the little calf really smiling and enjoying the scratches. Is it wondering about the funny creatures in the floating panga as much as we wonder about it? Can it sense us? In some cosmic way, are we communicating? Will we ever?

Whether one believes in a divine being or creator, I’ve never known anyone to come away from the experience without feeling something very special and different has happened or feeling humbled by the magnificence. For many, it certainly gives new perspective to our place on the planet.

Every year from approximately, January to March, the gray whales arrive at in Baja at the end of the longest migration of any animal on earth. Starting at the Bering Sea up by the Arctic Circle, they arrive in Bahia Magdalena, Scammons Lagoon and San Ignacio, three warm water lagoons on the Pacific Coast of Baja.

Once, almost hunted to extinction, they now arrive by the thousands, to breed, mate and give birth. It is estimated that some 20,000 whales now make the seasonal migration to these protected areas. In the 1800’s it was once suggested that they exceeded more than 100,000 in population.

But, these areas provide an incredible opportunity to get close to observe these magnificent creatures. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the calm, protected sanctuaries make an ideal place to see dozens of whales a day on many occasions.

Baja is currently experiencing perhaps one of it’s best whale-watching seasons in years. If you have a chance, take a trip. Look into an inquisitive eye of a creature larger than yourself. Be in the presence of gentle giants. And perhaps come away understanding a little bit more about so much more.

That’s our story!

Jonathan

_______________

______________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

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

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

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:

“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.”

“SOMEONE TOOK THE TIME!”

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, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, circle hooks, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, Mexico, Mexico life, outfitters, packages, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, Tailhunter International, techniques, tourism, tours, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, baja, bay, billfish, blogs, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo, charters, deep sea, east cape, el sargento, espirito santo, families, fish, Fishing, freediving, girl, hotel costa baja, hotel perla, hunting, international sportsmans expo, ise, isla, island, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, la concha beach resort, La Paz, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, los barriles, marina hotel, marlin, mexican, mexico, outdoors, outfitters, packages, panga, pargo, pompano, reports, roosterfish, sailfish, salt water, san jose del cabo, scuba, sea of cortez, snapper, snorkel, spearfishing, sportfishing, tackle, Tailhunter International, techniques, tips, tournament, tours, trips, tuna, vacations, video, wahoo, western outdoor news, western outdoor publications, wife, wives, yellowtail on January 20, 2014| Leave a Comment »

For all of us…our affinity for the outdoors had to start somewhere and with someone!

SOMEONE TOOK THE TIME!

Originally Published the Week of January 23, 2014, in Western Outdoor Publications

As I write this, I’m in a motel room in downtown Denver. We just finished our first day at the Denver Convention Center for the International Sportsmans Expo. It’s annual the big fishing, hunting and outdoor show.

We have our booth here every year promoting our fishing operation in La Paz and there’s several hundred other booths here as well with operations ranging from Canada to South Africa and the Amazon River to South East Asia.

Last week we were in Sacramento at a similar show. From here we zoom off down the highway to another show near Seattle.

And so it goes for 3 months of the year. A different show in a different part of the country every week. This year, eleven cities. Fifteen thousand miles of driving. Talking to thousands of fishermen, hunters and travelers and outdoor folks.

In many respects, these shows are a gathering of tribes. There’s outfitters and fleet owners.. .guides and captains. . .mountain climbers and deep divers. . .hunters and gatherers.

They’re a unique blend of the last of the outdoor frontier people who make their livings at the whims of nature. In some ways, the best of the best. You have to be well-above the norm to make a go of taking others out on the mountains, plains, jungles, rivers and oceans of our vast planet.

I’ve been at it now some 20 years. Others have been at it 30 and even 40 years and it takes a pretty special individual…some would even say nut or knucklehead to have lasted that long.

Many of us have known each other for many years and during these several months of shows, it’s good to re-connect. Find out about each others’s seasons and families. Who survived another season. And who had to fold up their tents.

But, it’s great to see our Baja and Mexican compadres. Yes, even our competitors. There’s the folks from Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. Our amigos from the East Cape, and Loreto, Ensenada and San Felipe. Cedros Island and points obscure, but each in their own way ecking out a living south of the border.

But, I noticed something else. We’re getting older.

The first generation of resort and fleet owners like the Chuy Valdez’s and the Bobby Van Wormers of the East Cape…Tony Reyes of the Tony Reyes Fleet…and so many others, have either passed on or have given way to the 2^nd generation of owners.

And many of those operators themselves are getting longer of tooth as well.

And I don’t see too many to follow. The next generation doesn’t seem to be there to fill in the ranks.

As a matter of fact, as I stand in my booth and watch the hundreds and even thousands of visitors pass by or stop to talk, I see a lot of seniors. I see a lot of older guys…guys like me.

I don’t see many below the age of thirty!

I don’t see many kids at these shows. I don’t see many teens. Often, if I see a family, it’s a dad with the family in tow. Mom and the kids trail behind while dad gets to have a day to shop.

Mom and the kids honestly look like they’re rather be at the mall or anywhere rather than trailing dad, but they’re indulging him. Just like so many dads wait patiently for wives and moms buying shoes or kids trying on clothes.

The kids themselves often have noses buried in smartphones and thumbs tapping away as they walk down the aisles. They show little or no interest in the marlin trips; backpacking outfitters; white water rafting adventures or scuba diving boats.

It’s too bad.

I would venture to say that almost all the the vendors working in their booths and most of the visitors walking the aisles.share a commonality. They share the fact that somewhere back in the day, an adult showed them how to tie a hook…how to aim a gun…how to build a campfire…how to pitch a tent or ride a wave.

Simpler times. Grand times. The BEST of times!

That’s where it started. With an adult. A father, grandfather, uncle or brother. Scout or church leader…even moms! And we don’t have that anymore. That commonality is gone among the youngsters.

Parents are too busy these days just trying to keep things together. Or the facilities or open spaces you that were so easy for you and I as kids just aren’t there or as abundant…or as fun. I’m talking about the beaches, boats, rivers, mountains and wilds that you and I just took for granted as kids.

Conversely, kids are different too. You and I often played in the outdoors because that’s just what we did. We didn’t have the distractions now of social media, cable TV, techno toys and so many other things that fill the lives of our kids.

If we weren’t already headed outdoors, Mom was kicking us out the door with a , “Go play outside and don’t come back until dinner time. Stay outta the house!”

So, we grabbed our fishing rods, our skates, our hiking sticks, our bikes, our bb-guns our tennis shoes…and we went out and got dirty! The outdoor world wasn’t the scary place it can be now. We also didn’t have to travel across town to find quality places to play. The outdoors was often right off the back porch.

It was what we knew. It’s what made us.

If you have a chance, find out about one of these outdoor shows in your community. Bring the family or the kids. Do it TOGETHER. Take the time. You only get once chance.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

_______________

______________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

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

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

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:

“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.”

“Through the Looking Glass”

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, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, dorado, driving, east cape, espirito santo, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, highway, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, 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, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, outfitters, packages, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, Sea of Cortez, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, Tailhunter International, techniques, tourism, tours, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, baja, baja sur, bay of the dead, billfish, blogs, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo, charters, culture, dorado, east cape, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, Fishing, flyfishing, freediving, girl, guides, isla, island, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, la ventana, las arenas, Leisure, light tackle, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, outfitters, packages, panga, pargo, reports, roosterfish, sailfish, salt water, saltwater, scuba, sea of cortez, sierra, snapper, spearfishing, sportfishing, Tailhunter International, techniques, tips, tours, tuna, updates, vacation, vacations, videos, wahoo, western outdoor news, western outdoors, women, yellowtail on October 14, 2013| Leave a Comment »

The famous arch on the public pier in La Paz welcoming visitors to the “Port of Magic.”

“THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS”

Originally Published the Week of Oct. 15, 2013 in Western Outdoor News

Here in La Paz, we call the waterfront area, the Malecon. It’s the Mexican equivalent of “fisherman’s wharf” in so many ocean-front areas in the U.S. And, like it’s counterparts north of the border, the malecon is a hub of commercial and social activity.

Restaurants, stores, cantinas and tourist shops dot the area and cater to the numerous locals and tourists enjoying the mile-long stretch of beach and concrete boardwalk.

Smack dab in the middle is the city pier. At the entrance to that pier is an arch proclaiming “Bienvenidos al Puerto de Illusion” (Welcome to the Port of Magic).

I never really gave it much thought. Just another chamber-of-commerce slogan to welome tourists. Yawn. Lo que sea (whatever). A bit like U.S. towns annointing themselves the “Cucumber Capital of the World” or “The Place Where Teddy Roosevelt Went to Middle School.”

And I live and work in the “Port of Magic.” Right. OK.

And for about 10 months of the year, we are myopically focused on running our fishing business and restaurant 24/7. Boats in and out. Clients and amigos coming and going. Flights to catch and meet. Luggage and fishing gear hauled and carried. Fish to be packed and frozen.

We’re out’ve salsa. The pork ribs didn’t arrive. There’s a busted toilet. The beer truck only brought half our order. The drummer in the band is sick. Two TV’s are don’t work and we have a full house for football games.

Did I just hear a bunch of glasses shatter? What do you mean we have no tortillas tonite? Which panga just broke down? Your buddy just heatstroked and needs a doctor? No, I don’t know where you put your passport! I don’t know why the bait is so small this year. Yes, it’s OK to drink the water.

It’s crazy. It’s hectic. We’re little gerbils on a treadmill. We love our lives and are immeasurably blessed. But, after months with zero days off, we’re human.

We bump into walls. We growl at each other. Patience is thin. Sometimes our smiles aren’t as ready or as genuine as we would like. How many times can I answer, “Where are the tuna?” or “So, how come the captains don’t speak English?”

But every now and then the cosmos send down a message that gives us pause to remember where we are and what we really do.

It happened just this week. Rick was on his 2^nd trip in two years with us here at Tailhunters. He’s a fireman. He pulled me aside one evening at the restaurant. He grabbed my hand in his big paw, shook it and gave me a big brotherly-bear hug.

“Hey man, I just want to thank you for having me here, “ he said sincerely.

“Oh sure, glad you’re having a good time!” I replied somewhat generically. I was kind of in a hurry and didn’t really have a long time to chat. The restaurant was filling up and I was expecting a big load of arrivals from the airport. My anxiety was a little piqued.

“No, Jonathan, I really appreciate being here with you and Jill, “ he replied a bit quietly. He wouldn’t let go of my hand. “This place stitches my soul.”

Pause. He looked at me eye-to-eye. It slowed me down. “Stitches my soul?”

“I’m a fireman. I see a lot of things. For a few days a year, being here in Baja helps put my soul back together. For a few days on a boat and with my friends, it helps me make sense of things again. When, I’m fishing my reality is simplified down to a bit of nylon string and a bit of bait. Things start to make sense again. It’s my happy place. It helps me do what I do the rest of the year. Thanks, man.”

With that, he gave me another bear hug and let go of my hand. He grinned and went upstairs to join the rest of his amigos already into their beers.

I stood there in my own moment.

Stiches my soul. A place where things make sense again. His happy space.

It’s good to remember that this isn’t just about how many fish you catch. It’s not about “just a vacation.”

There’s often a bigger picture here. I have to remind myself that we’re especially blessed to be part of it. It’s indeed a magic place and a magic space through which we pass. Vamos al Puerto de Illusion! Find your happy place, amigos.

That’s my story

Jonathan

_______________

______________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

U.S. Office: Box 1149, Alpine CA 91903-1149

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

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:

“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.”

“You Mean I Can Keep It?”

Posted in bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, Dehydration, dorado, espirito santo, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, Heat stroke, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, 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, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico economy, Mexico life, outfitters, packages, packing fish, pargo, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, Sea of Cortez, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, Sun stroke, Tailhunter International, techniques, tourism, tours, Travel, trolling tips, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, Western Outdoor News, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, baja, baja sur, billfish, blogs, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo, charters, child, dog tooth, dorado, east cape, eating, el sargento, espirito santo, families, family, fish, Fishing, flyfishing, freediving, fun, getaway, guides, holidays, isla, island, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, outfitters, packages, packing, panga, pargo, pompano, preparing, punta arenas, reports, roosterfish, safety, sailfish, scuba, sea of cortez, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, Tailhunter International, techniques, tips, tours, transportation, tuna, video, videos, wahoo, yellowtail on September 16, 2013| 1 Comment »

What do you think? It looks to me like Aiden's self-esteem is just fine!

Yes…I think we can bring this one home!

You Mean I Can Keep It?

Originally Published the Week of September 20, 2013 in Western Outdoor News

You Baja veterans should probably just web surf something else. This might be old stuff to you.

But, often when you do something so long or something is “old hat” you forget that there’s still newbies out there who have valid questions about things that old Baja rats like us take for granted.

It’s a simple, but important issue. I receive enough e-mails and phone calls asking if it’s OK to bring home fish.

Sometimes, my auto-response in my brain says, “Well..duh…that’s kinda dumb! That’s like asking me if it’s OK to dip you chips in salsa!”

Of course, I can’t and would never say that because there are no such thing as dumb questions. It’s a legitimate question and well-asked. I mean, if you’re coming fishing in Baja, one would need to know if it’s OK to keep your catch. Corollary to that, is it OK to bring some home!

But, I get asked about it enough as new folks are discovering Baja that I figured it was time to do another column about it and update my thoughts.

The question used to surprise me more. But, having been in the industry now for almost 2 decades, us west-coast anglers might be surprised to learn that there are many world-class fishing destinations that severely limit what you can keep.

Pay several thousand dollars a day and you get to keep say…one fish! Or, you must release all fish. Yes, it’s true! For most of us who have fished the Baja since the age-of-dirt, we pretty much always assume that as long as we’re within limits, everything hooked is coming home.

There may come a day when severe limits will be enforced, but that’s the subject of another column and someone with a lot bigger brain and bigger column than mine.

For now, the simple answer is yes, you may bring home your fish that you catch here in Baja. As long as you’re within limits, by all means, bring some home. Or have some cooked up while you’re still on vacation. Nothing will taste better than fresh caught fish that was swimming around earlier that day!

Bringing fish home starts with taking care of the catch. Treat it well and you’ll preserve the quality.

Once the fish is caught, if you can, have your captain or deckhand bleed it. That’s not always possible when the action is fast-and-furious and lines are flying and it’s a three-ringed-water-circus out there. However, bled-fish…even lower-grade meat fish like bonito or skipjack will taste world’s better if it’s freshly bled.

Maybe the most important thing whether it’s bled or not is to keep it cold. Warm water fish are…well…they’re warm! As soon as they’re dead, like anything, they start to deteriorate. And the hot Baja sun is not a friend to your future dinner! Leaving a fish on the deck or even in a fish box without ice is pretty much like putting the fish in the oven.

So, at all levels from catch-to-stove or barbecue…keep your fish cold. Ice is your buddy. It’s a good question to ask when you book your trip if there’s ice aboard to keep your fish chilled.

After that, you need to store your fish while you’re still on vacation.

I see two cardinal sins all the time. One is rinsing your fish in fresh water. Or, even soaking it in fresh water. That takes out all the flavor. Secondly, the fresh water gets in and then freezes and now your have fresh water crystals in your fish which detracts from the quality and flavor.

Additionally, I often see people rinsing their fish in warm or tepid water. Especially in Baja! Water coming from pipes here is often very warm…or hot! Amigo…not only is it fresh water, but moreso, you’re cooking your fish in the warm water. If you have to use fresh water, make sure it’s cool water! Ideally, clean saltwater is best.

The ideal method is to have your fish vacuum sealed. It’s worth it! Nothing is worse than beautiful fish fillets in a big giant frozen ball in your freezer. You take it out and it’s either freezer burned or you now have a 10-pound ball of thawed fish. And you really only need two fillets for dinner! The rest get wasted. Or the cats get it.

Vacuum sealing is the difference between fish that lasts a few weeks or fish that can last many months in your freezer so that your dorado caught in June tastes great in December!

If you can’t vacuum seal it, at least put it in good quality zip-lock style freezer bags. Only put in what you’re planning to thaw for a meal.

An old Mexico trick is to put fillets in the freezer bag then lowering the bag into a bucket or sink of water. The water forces the air out and then press the seal. You get instant Mexican vacuum sealing!

Lastly, it’s really important to keep your fish in a good place while you enjoy the rest of your vacation. As crazy as it sounds, we often encounter folks here who book their hotels and either do NOT have freezer or do not allow fishermen to store their catch. That’s gonna be a buzz-kill.

Others, simply put, have crappy freezers that aren’t worth a hoot. So, check on that. The places that cater to fishermen or have a reputation for good fishing also have good storage facilities. Or, if you’re booking through a charter operation, ask them about storing your fish in freezers.

Remember, that warm fish often takes awhile to freeze. Or the freezers at a given hotel get a load of fish every night from all the anglers. In even the best freezers it sometimes takes 24-hours to get solid.

If you’re leaving the next day, that could seem like a problem. It’s not. Put your least frozen fish on the bottom of your cooler. Put your most frozen fish on the top (cold travels down). Add extra insulation with crushed crumpled newspaper or your dirty fishing clothes and your fish will be fine!

That’s our story!

Jonathan

_______________

______________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

U.S. Office: Box 1149, Alpine CA 91903-1149

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

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:

“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.”

“Meet My New Fishing Buddy”

Posted in bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, dorado, east cape, espirito santo, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, 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, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, Mexico, Mexico life, outfitters, packages, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, Sea of Cortez, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, Tailhunter International, techniques, tourism, tours, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia de los suenos, bahia de muertos, baja, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, charters, dorado, east cape. panga, el sargento, fish, Fishing, fishing reports, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, girls, guides, holidays, inshore fishing, isla cerralvo, isla espirito santo, island, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, loreto, marlin, mexican, mexico, outdoors, outfitters, packages, pargo, pompano, roosterfish, sailfish, sea of cortez, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, sports, Tailhunter International, techniques, tours, travel, tuna, vacations, ventana, video, wahoo, women, yellowtail on September 2, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Fishing “buddies” are changing a bit these days!

“MEET MY NEW FISHING BUDDY!”

Originally Published the Week of September 6, 2013 in Western Outdoor News

We always try to make a point of personally greeting each and every fishing clients who comes to visit us when they come from the airport. After so many e-mails and phone calls prior to the trip, it’s great to finally put faces and names together…for all of us…clients included.

Several weeks ago, we were waiting at the hotel for two sets of brothers. Bob and Pat Brown and John and Terry Terrell were coming fishing together. Super.

But, what a surprise when they stepped out of the airport van to greet us. “Pat” turned out to be “Patricia” and “Terry” was “Teresa!” Two couples!

After a laugh and some quick scrambling to re-arrange their hotel rooms to get king beds, I had some thoughts. Several days before, half our fleet of pangas was occupied by couples. Even one of my long-time captains commented about it.

As I sit here and write this, I would say 40 percent of our clients fishing with us this very moment are women…that includes several wives…two sets of sisters…a daughter-in-law…and two single gals getting away from their guys for a quick fishing trip (tables turned!)

And this is panga fishing! That means no big shiny cruisers. It’s an open boat pushed off the beach old-school style!

Times are changing.

Fishing and Mexico aren’t just a guy’s domain anymore. But, with increasing frequency, we’re seeing an increasing number of couples and women in general. I attribute it to three things.

First, I think the ladies themselves have changed. They are much more outgoing. They’re used to travel. They’re used to a little adventure. They’re up for it. The younger ones grew up being outdoors and active. The older ones, don’t sit at home on the couch anymore either now that the kids are out-of-the-house! They’re on the move!

Many of the ladies can hang with the guys anyday and can keep up with them…and then some! They fish…they hunt…they camp…they shoot…theyswim and dive!

They can be as hardcore as the boys! Just try to elbow one trying to get to a screaming rod and you’re likely to get elbowed right back! And do NOT ask them if they need help! They’re just fine thank you!

Secondly, Mexico is changing. Facilities are better. Roads are better. Hotels are nicer. Heck…10 years ago, we were still wondering if we would have ice, let alone air-conditioning. Now there are spas and white-tablecloth restaurants. They can fish like crazy and still get a massage and pedicure in the afternoon right before pool time and happy hour. Oh…and there’s shopping. (most places!)

Also, Mexico itself is more welcoming. It’s exotically close. It’s a familiar culture, language and food. It’s easy to travel to and easy to get around. The country caters very well to visitors.

Lastly, I think us guys have changed too. We still love and need our “man-cations” with the bros, but it’s good knowing our ladies can hang with us too and frankly, from what I’m seeing we like hanging with them also.

Honestly, when I met my wife, Jilly, about 11 years ago, and found out she liked “football, fishing and beer…” Whoa! I had to buck up a bit. She was definitely worth a 2^nd look and, as one of my buddies advised me, “Jonathan, she’s a keeper!”

So, I kept her…and so far she hasn’t tossed me back either! And I wouldn’t think of going fishing, camping, diving or traveling without her.

I’ve taken her rapelling on cliffs, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, paddleboarding, surfing and hiking. She’s about to get her scuba certification and she’s asked many times when we’ll have time so I can take her on a “real long range fishing trip of at least 10 days!” She’s working up to run her first 10K. She’s the one who wants to take ME to fish for peacock bass on the Amazon River and fish for catfish in SE Asia plus hiking Italy (while taking cooking schools). Amen!

I was talking to one couple that came into our restaurant after a great day of fishing. The wife just gushed and gushed about what a fun day she had and how she couldn’t wait to go out again the next day. It was the first time she had ever gone fishing. It was the first time she had been on the ocean. It was the first time she had been to Mexico.

She pulled out her camera to show me that she had caught the biggest fish of the day…even bigger than her husband’s fish! He grinned and rolled his eyes, but you could tell he was beaming as well.

I asked her how come she had never gone fishing with him before. She smiled. She said she always wanted to and quietly was always envious of all his fishing trips. She then took his hand. She looked at him and said, “It’s because he never asked me!”

Gents…it might be worth asking. Find yourself a new fishing buddy!

That’s our story!

Jonathan

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Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

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“OOPS! Now What?”

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Oops…you really didn’t mean to kill that fish! That’s a buzz kill. What ya gonna do now?

OOPS! Now What?

Originally Published the Week of Aug 22, 2013 in Western Outdoor News

It’s a dilemma I see all the time with our fleet here in La Paz as well as elsewhere I have been fishing. Anglers wrestle with it all the time. It’s the “Oops Event.”

It usually pops up in two different situations.

In the first one, you’re fighting a fish. It’s a big one. Usually, it’s a billfish like a marlin or sailfish or you hook onto a sportfish like a roosterfish or a jack crevalle.

You un-intentionally killed a fish. You were going to let it go either because they just don’t taste good; or you don’t like to eat fish; or you didn’t intend to bring any home. More likely, you’re just a good-guy-sportsman and planned to release the fish anyway. It died. Even after you tried to revive it. Oops!

Or, hey…I’ve been there. In the heat of battle, you’ve got the adrenaline running and the sweat pouring off your head and you didn’t speak up fast enough. And dangit…you WANT this beast in the boat for a photo! Well… An overzealous gaff swings and now there’s a dead fish on the boat. Oh man…Oops!

Alternatively, in the other situation I see, anglers fish a few days. They fish within limits. The have a great time. They get what they want. Release what they don’t. All-in-all, just another great fishing trip to Baja.

Until, they pack up their fish to leave. They start dropping frozen fish into the coolers and realize… “Hey, oh-oh. We’ve got way too much fish. It won’t fit in the ice chest and the airlines is gonna charge an arm-and-a-leg for being overweight.” Oops.

Now what? Dead fish on the deck. Too many fish in the box. Ice chest too heavy. Oops!

I hear and see it pretty much every week. When the fishing is running, it’s a common dilemma. It happens. No fish slaughter was intended. No one broke any rules. There was no malicious intent. It’s just that suddenly there’s either an un-intended dead fish or there’s more fish than you wanted or needed.

I guess to me it’s really simple and there’s (to me) obvious solutions, but I’m asked about it often enough that it’s worth a column.

There’s several options.

First, feed yourself! You’d be surprised when I tell people they can take fish to any local restaurant and have the eatery cook up fresh fish. You should see the quizzical looks when I make the suggestion. Really? You can? They will?

I mostly get this reaction from first-timers, who sometimes have a hard time wrapping their minds around the idea that you can just bring a bag of fish into a restaurant and have them cook it up. When it hits them, they bust out the big smiles. And the smiles get even bigger AFTER dinner when I ask them how it tasted. It’s like an epicurean epiphany of sorts!

It’s just so uncommon to do that in the states, but here in Mexico, it’s pretty much given that some of the BEST meals you can have is taking your own fish to a restaurant to have it cooked up. Baja veterans look forward to it as one of the highlights of their trip. It doesn’t even have to be a fancy restaurant.

We do it daily in our own Tailhunter restaurant here in La Paz with our own clients. As I often tell our diners “nothing will ever taste better than fish that was swimming around that morning. That fish’s bad day will be YOUR great dinner!”

Secondly, remember. Nothing gets wasted.

If you visit the touristy cities, or never leave the tourist areas, it’s hard to conceive that many many people in Mexico virtually live on beans, tortillas and rice. If that.

Sadly, that well-dressed waiter serving you that lobster dinner on the white table cloth has never actually eaten lobster or a piece of fresh tuna or dorado. How would he ever afford it? Believe it or not, most folks have never been fishing. That’s what gringos do.

Or the smiling senora who diligently cleans your hotel room every day, probably goes home to a houseful of kids each night. She makes-do with some dried machaca meat and beans or cup-o-noodles made with boiled water for dinner and some cans of Coke.

That great taxi driver who shuttles you all around town, earns 20 bucks a day after a 12 hour day. On a good day. He goes home to a 2 BR apartment with a wife, 3 grown kids and 2 grandkids all living there and somehow that 20 bucks has to stretch.

Even in the pueblos, scarcity is even a bigger part of life. Commercial and sportfishing captains and crews eat OK, but well…

Donations of fish are welcome, but most don’t have big refrigerators or freezers. I know some that literally have the size-refrigerators kids put in their dorm rooms. So, there’s not a lot of space for fish. But, they have the means to catch food to eat.

However, friends and neighbors often do not have that ability. So donations of fish to any of these folks will usually be greeted with a huge grateful smile. Gifts to captains and crews get spread to the neighbors.

Even heads and carcasses that fishermen usually just toss into the garbage have huge amounts of meat on them and make great soup. Nothing gets wasted.

As a third alternative, most established fishing operations have charitable connections. Be it a church, senior home or orphanage or the like. If you leave fish with them, they’ll be sure to get it to folks who need it.

Bottom line is that never ever dump your fish. There’s always someone who will be grateful for it! Your accidental “oops” can be turned into grins.

That’s our story!

Jonathan

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Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

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

U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, P.O. Box 1149, Alpine CA 91903-1149

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

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

Tailhunter YouTube Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate

“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.”