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Posts Tagged ‘Cabo San Lucas’

“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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 2, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Diane on rod

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 2nd 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

_______________

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

______________

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

 

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

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:

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.”

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“OOPS! Now What?”

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, 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 19, 2013| Leave a Comment »

problem

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

_______________

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

______________

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, 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.”

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“COVERING THE SPREAD”

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo, charters, dorado, espirito santo, fish, Fishing, 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, 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, Tailhunter International, techniques, tourism, tours, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, Western Outdoor News, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 5, 2013| Leave a Comment »

“COVERING THE SPREAD”

Originally Published the Week of Aug. 8, 2013 in Western Outdoor News

Lately, at least here in Southern Baja, there seems to be a dearth of live, or even dead bait.  It happens.  You still have to do your best to raise fish.  I mean, you’re already here.  It’s no one’s fault that the bait gods just didn’t happen to smile on your particular vacation dates.  So be it.

Be prepared.  Get ready to troll.  Cover some water.  I get asked all the time what would I recommend.

I usually don’t get hung up on having every color in the rainbow.  The days when I neede  two kinds of every conceivable lure is long gone and disappeared with the days of cheap airline tickets.  Besides, I’m too lazy and too old to carry that much gear anymore.

Now, I bring one dark and one light colored trolling feather in small, medium and large.  That’s it.  If my fishing partner or partners is bringing gear, I cut it back even further.   Let them carry the extra and pay for it!

But, honestly, agree among yourselves who is bringing what.  Gear can be shared as can the weight and the cost.

No sense in duplicating efforts and, given the penchance for airlines to charge for every extra bit of weight, it’s ridiculous to bring tons of stuff that will never get used.  Besides, you can only troll a limited number of lures at a time.  There’s no logic in bringing 20 or 30 lures!  Fight the urge.  You can do it!

Once you’re on the water, there’s a number of schools of thought on how to drag your lures and presenting a spread to the fish.  Veterans have their own multitude of theories and mine is just one guy’s opinion.

I used to subscribe to the technique of running light-colored lures during the brighter hours and the darker lures in the darker hours. Lots of fishermen do well with that.  But, for many years, now, I’ve been most productive with staggering my lure colors.

I run my brighter lures further back in the pattern.  I run my darker lures closer to the white prop wash.  If I have the ability to run more than 2 lures, I stagger them where one dark lure is right in the wash.  Another dark one on the edge of the wash and then two brighter ones staggered further back beyond says the 3rd and 5th wave behind the boat.

I believe the darker lures have a better presentation in the white water or near the white water where they create a more visible silhouette to the fish.

Regarding trolling speed, my general rule of thumb is somewhere in the neighborhood of 6-8 knots.  But I vary that.  The important thing is how the lures are swimming behind the boat.

I want the most action I can get from them so they create some kind of commotion.  I am also often reminding folks that pretty much any fish that has the ability to bite one of these feathers has the ability to swim way faster than the boat.  So goosing the throttle a few nudges to get the lures swimming correctly is a no-brainer.

That brings up another important variable.  Not all lures are created equal.  There are pusher heads (flat faced/ concave faced) .  Bullet heads (shaped like bullets natch).  Bubble/Jet heads (drilled with holes to make “smoke” bubble trails).  Slant heads (cut on an angle to dart back and forth or jump).  And others.

All of them have different characteristics.  Some work better at different times than others.

My general rule is the rougher the water, the more action I want from my lure to cut through all the surface disturbance on top of the water.  I want them to stand out as something “different” up there to potential predators.

To that end, again, trying to save space and weight is to pack bubble/jet heads or pusher head designs.  I like dragging them behind the boat so that they come jumping out of the face of trailing waves then dive back into the water with lots of splash and action.

Several stray suggestions:

If you only have small feathers or lures, consider making larger lures simply by sticking one inside of another.  Also, if you want to get down deeper, especially when nothing is close to the surface, either stick a torpedo sinker or egg sinker behind the head of the lure or simply tie a torpedo sinker to a leader ahead of the lure to make it swim deeper.

Give it a try!

That’s our story!

Jonathan

_______________

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

______________

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

 

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

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:

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.”

Read Full Post »

“Ouch That’s Gotta Hurt!”

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo, charters, dorado, espirito santo, fish, Fishing, 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, Living in Mexico, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, Mexico, Mexico life, outfitters, packages, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, Tailhunter International, techniques, tourism, tours, Travel, tuna, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 21, 2013| Leave a Comment »

mexican-fishing-license-291x300

If only it was as easy as finding a KINKO’s to print them out!

OUCH THAT’S GOTTA HURT! (..again)

Originally Published the Week of July 23, 2013 in Western Outdoor News

So, often we hear the phrase “shot itself in the foot.”  So-and-so screwed up again and “shot itself in the foot.”  Sadly, when it comes to Mexico, you have to scratch your head.  Give it a shake and wonder, if it has as many feet as a centipede.   How many times can it cap a round into it’s own tootsies and keep walking?

Maybe you’ve already heard the latest.

You can’t get a Mexican fishing license in Mexico.  Chew on that for a minute.  Mexico has no fishing licenses.

You must still have a Mexican fishing license.  They inspectors are still out there.  But, you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone that will be able to sell you one down here.

Here in La Paz, at our Tailhunter operations, we normally have licenses to sell.  We sell a heap of licenses every year to our clients; our competitors clients as well as walk-in anglers.  We don’t make anything on them.  It’s a nice convenience for everyone and we’re happy to do it.

Previously, getting a fishing license was a 2-3 day ordeal and test of stamina and resilience, even here in big La Paz.  You filled out several forms.  You had to go to the CONAPESCA office.  Then off to the bank to pay the fee.  Then bring your bank receipt back to CONAPESCA.  Big difference from buying things over-the-counter at Walmart!

So, being one of the few places allowed to sell the fishing permits in 10 minutes is a wonderful convenience for everyone involved.

Several weeks ago, we were informed by CONAPESCA (Mexican Fish and Game) that they didn’t have any more licenses this year.  Not just us.  Everyone!

Loreto.  East Cape.  Cabo.  And not just us in S. Baja.  It was the WHOLE of Mexico.

We spoke with Tracy Ehrenberg from the Pisces Fleet in Cabo San Lucas and she phoned the main offices of CONAPESCA in Mazatalan.  Here’s their “We-shot-ourselves-in-the-foot” story.

Try to follow this.  According to Tracy, the new head of CONAPESCA simply “didn’t budget” for the printing of enough of the paper licenses to sell for the WHOLE COUNTRY.  Think about that one.  What no KINKO’s?

So, while some smaller outfits or out-of-the-way places might still have a stash of permits, they government is counting on YOU to purchase your fishing licenses online before you come down to Mexico!

There’s a few problems with that.   First, not everyone has computers.  Second, not everyone has printers.  Third, not everyone is computer savvy enough to navigate the Mexican website that sells the permits.  And…

Fourth, the website is about as primeval like it was built by a first-year intern as a school project.  It’s difficult to figure.  It makes mistakes.  It crashes all the time.  It sometimes takes your credit card, but gives you nothing to print out.   It’s very frustrating.

Several weeks ago when I notified our own clients about the situation, and posted the problem on our fishing reports, I must have gotten 20 phone calls and e-mails a day from livid, confused and frustrated anglers.

In fairness, eventually, with enough persistence, everyone got their licenses.  It eventually works and it seems that someone there at CONAPESCA has put the website on a larger server.  It doesn’t crash as often.

But, Mexico tourism didn’t need another SNAFU like this.  It’s supposed to be making it easier and more stress-free to visit, not throw another hurdle in the way of a vacation! How many times can it fire a round into it’s foot again?

Can you imagine the outcry if all the Fish and Wildlife operations in the U.S. “forgot” to print up enough fishing licenses or hunting tags…and yet still enforced them with inspectors out there in the field and on the water?

If you’re coming down, just make a note about the licenses and bear through it.  Here’s how to do it:

Here is the website:  https://www2.ebajacalifornia.gob.mx/Pesca/

 

•    Click the American flag and it will be in English

•    You want to purchase the fishing license for the “FEDERAL ZONE.”

•    Do not be alarmed at the price…it’s in pesos!!!  So just divide by 11 or 12 and that’s the rate in dollars and it will show up on your credit card statement in dollars.

•    If it’s slow or doesn’t work at first, try again later.  With this announcement, everyone in southern Baja has to purchase their licenses this way! 

There is also some other alternatives:

You can also get them from CONAPESCA San Diego, but must send a cashier’s check.  They also process the paperwork the same day and will mail you your permits.   Here’s the link:  http://www.conapescasandiego.org/.  Their phone number is: 619-233-4324

There’s a third option as well.

In Southern California, a number of well-known fishing tackle stores sell them and, if you can’t go to visit, they will take your information over the phone or via e-mail.  They will process the form for you and mail you out your fishing fishing licenses.  It’s fast, it’s easy.  But they have limited amounts as well, and after they sell their stash, they’ll be having trouble getting licenses as well.

Also many of the sportfishing landings in Southern California, especially in San Diego all have fishing licenses to sell.  That’s another alternative.

Most of the time, the website works fine these days.  Just persevere if it doesn’t work the first time.  There’s also the other aforementioned ways to get your license.

Don’t cancel your trip.  Just take a breath and know that it’s as frustrating for us down here as well and we don’t want you being surprised when you get down here and there’s no fishing licenses.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

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

______________

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, 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.”

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“A Gathering of Tribes”

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Cabo San Lucas, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tournaments, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, Tailhunter International, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 5, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Nothing like being front-and-center in the middle of a huge Cabo San Lucas Tournament and the Western Outdoor News Tuna Jackpot is one of the funnest tournaments to be part of.

AND THE FINAL WINNING WEIGHT IS…..!!!!!!

A GATHERING OF TRIBES

Originally Published the Week of Nov. 7, 2012 in Western Outdoor News

This has got to be one of my favorite times of the year.  By the time you’re reading this, we’ll be in the middle of the 2012 Western Outdoor News Tuna Jackpot Tournament in Cabo San Lucas.  This is maybe the 10th year that we’ve worked at the tournament.

The Western Outdoor News Tuna Jackpot Tournament has a special place for me.  With more than 120 teams possibly this year, if it’s not the largest of the big Cabo San Lucas fishing tournaments, then it’s the “funnest” of the tournaments.

It’s hard to dislike a tournament with the motto of “ Fish Hard. Party Harder.”

It’s the “everyman’s tournament”.  Everyone plays. You don’t have to mortage the house or be a millionaire.   Everyone passes “GO!”  Everyone participates.

You’re more likely to run into your neighbor down the street or  Joe the Mechanic and his wife  from Riverville, Oregon.   Probably  Rob and Chuck two carpenters from  Moscow, Idaho or the retired couple from Riverside CA and their sons.

Basically, if it floats it fishes.  Three men in a tub?  Yea, they’re probably team number 63 from New Mexico.  I’ve seen pangas do as well as mega-sportfishers.  Folks with little or no experience and not much more than department-store-fishing gear have as much fun as professional teams.

Heck, last year, the tournament was won by a great guy from the mid-west who had NEVER fished in the ocean.   In fact, he beat the field using a single-speed off-the-shelf-reel and a rental rod!  You gotta love that.

It’s not that hard to win money in the various categories and, even if they don’t get a big check, they still go home with all kinds of gear, swag and giveways not to mention big smiles!

The really neat thing is that we see the same folks year-after-year.  It’s much like a gathering of tribes!  And everyone knows each other.  There’s only about 10 of our Western Outdoor New staff members and then there’s the great group of regular sponsors that just jump right in and  party and hang with everyone.

There are very few strangers and no one stays an outsider for long!

Everyone knows the “Redneck Hillbilly” fishing team and the “Borracho Lizards” and “Shut-Up-And-Fish” team.

I can always tell the cowboy team from Wyoming when they start yelling.  The “San Diego Blasters” have their own set of cheers and there’s another team that will take any opportunity to start singing “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynrd Skynard at the top of their lungs.  Even tho’ they’re from Arizona.  Go figure.

In some ways, the actual fishing tournament seems to just be a vehicle by which we throw this huge 5-day party for 1000 people. It’s an excuse for a kick up their heels…or flip-flops! It’s like letting the  “Gypsies in the Palace!” Yea, lock the liquor cabinet and don’t expect the lawn to get mowed.

I sometimes think the tuna fishing is “something to do in the daytime” and that more people look forward to the huge fiestas we throw each night for the tournament with live music; great food;  gear giveaways; contests; and copious consumption of massive amounts of adult beverages…all under the fall skies of great Cabo San Lucas evenings.

But, yes, there’s still the matter of fishing!

Yea, we just happen to catch a “few” fish. Hehehehe…

This is the time of year when many of the “Big Mo’” cow tuna take up residence around Cabo San Lucas.  We’re talking the 100-300 pound beasts that prowl the sea where the land ends and can bust up tackle and anglers in quick succession.

At last year’s tournament, I could not remember a year when we weighed so many fish over 100 pounds.  And with each “oooh” and “ahhhh”  and click of camera shutters, the excitement builds as each fish is hoisted and charted and each team poses with the Corona Girls.  When you’re up at the scales, everyone is a winner.

And in the last few years, it often seems that the big fish isn’t locked up until the last hour of the last day.  That makes for some good sport fishing drama as some battle-weary team pulls up in the dark and the buzz starts that “They have a big fish!”

And there’s is  an electricity as the big fish is put into a cart and hauled to the weigh station.  And there’s a hush and the anticipation grows heavy.

And the silence as the fish it pulled up.  And…and…and…tension…the rope groans beneath the monster tuna.  And the  weight is announced.

Then a yell!  Cheers erupt!    Victorious fists pump the air!   High-fives! Back slapping! Cameras flash!

The tribes go wild.  It’s pandemonium on the docks.   It’s pretty special.  Wish you were here!

That’s our story

Jonathan

_____________

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

_______________

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


 
Website: www.tailhunter-international.com
U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Drive, Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745
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:
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.”

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“SOMEDAY IS ALREADY HERE!”

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tournaments, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexican, Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, Tailhunter International, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 13, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Five hours...214 pounds on 60 pound test line...one leg...alot of heart!

Big check aside, there was a larger story behind the win at the Western Outdoor News Tuna Jackpot Tournament in Cabo San Lucas

SOMEDAY IS ALREADY HERE

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of Nov. 17, 2011

If you’re in the travel / fishing business like we are, you get alot of ” We’ll get out your way someday!”  or “One of these days, we have to try doing something like that!”

 

You smile.  You nod.  That’s great. Sure thing. 

 

This past week, my wife, Jill and I spent a great time working with the wacky crazy fun crew of Western Outdoor News at the 13th Annual Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot.  Imagine throwing a five -day  party for about 600 of your best friends. 

 

It’s alot of work, but far outweighed by the smiles and fun.   With over 100 teams from around world participating, how can you go wrong with a tournament that has the motto, “FISH HARD!  PARTY HARDER!”

 

Ringmaster and WON Editor Pat McDonell pulls out all the stops as tournament director to make sure everyone has a good time.  The best thing is that you see so many of the same faces every year.  Many participants tell us this is sometimes the ONLY fishing they do all year and look forward to ONLY fishing in this event…because it’s such a kick.

 

This year, Jill worked the papers and stats helping to  keep the tournament central booth manned and everyone straight.  I thought I had the “easy” job of working the weigh scale with Pat. 

 

Not so.  There were alot of fish to weigh!  It was pretty crazy.  Drama right to the end.  As it turned out, it was historic!   More fish were weighed than ever.  There were so many fish over 100 pounds, let alone the bigger slugs.  (23 fish over 100 pounds and 3 over 200 pounds).   I was pretty much covered with fish goo by the end of the day. 

 

And there was the winner…214 pounds of tuna muscle.  And it was worth almost 37 grand in prize money.  Yay! 

 

It’s quite a story.

 

Oroville Henseler fought this thug fish for almost FIVE hours.  He was a FIRST TIME angler.  When we saw his rod and reel, it almost looked like a rental rod.  No fancy upgrades.  No two-speed gears.  No aircraft precision.  It was a simple out-of-the-box Penn 6/0 reel.  His rod…I dunno…a no-name-brand from what I can tell.  Better suited for 20-pound dorado than 200- pound gorilla tuna.  Granted, he had 150-pound Seagaur leader, but his mainline… only 60 -pound mono! 

He refused to pass off the rod for all five hours.  He wouldn’t hear of it.  Imagine dangling a 200-pound refrigerator over the side of a building on a string and hanging onto it…for five grueling hours in the Baja sun on a rolling boat.  That’s manning-up on a fish!

 

But that’s not the story…the real story.  The winning story.

 

See, Oroville Henseler came all the way out from Springtown, Pennsylvania.  Yes, THAT  hotbed of ocean-fishing.  Oroville had never fished in a big-time tournament.  Heck, he hadn’t even been ocean fishing before. 

 

Six months ago, he never imagined himself standing on the winner stage with a big fat check in one hand and his wife, Cindy, holding his other hand and holding back tears of her own.

 

You see, about 6 months ago, Oroville Henseler from Springtown was more concerned with staying alive and maybe walking again.  He had lost his leg in an industrial accident when his shoelace got entangled in a machine.  Surgery was unable to save his leg. 

 

Fitted with a prosthetic leg, he had one of those life-changing experiences you hear about.

 

As the story is told, just two weeks before the tournament, he decided to go.  A big -time tournament was on his new “bucket list” and he said no more “what if…” moments in his life.  He plopped down the credit card and stepped up. 

 

As he stood up there in the lights accepting  the roaring congratulations and applause from more than 600 people, politicians and dignitaries at the awards banquet at the Cabo marina, he was choked up.  I could see his eyes tearing up. His metal bionic leg sticking out from a pair of jeans shorts.   A Kodak moment of moments.  

 

Winning.  It’s not about the money. It’s about saying “No more somedays.” There might not be time for “someday.”  Someday is already here.

 

That’s our story!

Jonathan

 

______________________________________________________

 

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

 

 

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

 
Website: www.tailhunter-international.com
U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Drive, Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745
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:
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.”

Read Full Post »

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