That&#039;s My Story

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:

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.”

“BAJA FAQ 2013”

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, dorado, Fishing, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tournaments, flyfishing, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, Leisure, Living in Mexico, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, Mexico, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, sierra, Tailhunter International, Travel, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged advice, charter, culture, FAQ, fish, fishing instruction, fishing reports, fishing video, general questions, Joanthan Roldan, Leisure, light tackle, mexican, mexico, outfitter, panga, safety, sportfish, sportfishing, Tailhunter International, travel, vacation on February 11, 2013| Leave a Comment »

From January to March of each year for almost 20 years, we criss-cross the western U.S. promoting our fishing operation in La Paz and often become an impromptu clearing-house of many general questions about travel to Baja and Mexico in general.

“BAJA FAQ 2013”

Originally Published the Week of Feb. 13, 2013 in Western Outdoor News

As I’m writing this, we’re just wrapping up our 3rd day here at the Pacific Northwest Sportsmens Show here in Portland, Oregon. We’ve been on the road now for more than a month as we do our annual show-hopping promo tour across the country.

So far, we’ve done fishing/ hunting shows in Sacramento, Denver, Seattle before this one. Only 2 more months to go and about 12,000 more miles of driving.

As we stand here in our booth, promoting our La Paz fishing operation for 8, 10…12 hours a day, we talk to hundreds of people a show. We often hear many of the same questions. Year-after-year. Although the questions might be the same, very often the answers might change based on changing conditions in Baja.

I thought I’d share some of the most common questions. Some might seem pretty simple…or silly…or obvious…but as mentioned, sometimes answers might surprise you. Also, we get asked these questions ALOT so obviously, alot of folks don’t know these answers!

Q: Where is Baja, Mexico?

A: It’s the 1000 mile-long-peninsula extending from the border at San Diego/ Tijuana and going south to lands-end at Cabo San Lucas. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the West and is separated from the Mexican mainland to the east by the Sea of Cortez.

Q: Is it safe?

A: The VERY short answer. Yes. Mexico is a huge country. Generally as safe as most cities in the U.S. and in some respects even safer. Yes, there are serious problems, but much of that is only in certain areas and in border areas and tourists are not generally targeted anymore than tourists are targeted by crime in the U.S. In any given city, just like most U.S. cities, there are good and bad parts of town. Stay out’ve the bad parts.

Q: Is it OK to drive?

A: On any given day, there are thousands of tourists on Baja roads having un-eventful drives. Thousands cross the border daily and routinely. Observe the laws. Make sure you have insurance. Drive with care and common sense as you would anywhere.

Q: Can we buy property?

Yes, you can. Who do you think is buying all these parcels, condos, houses and lots along the beachfronts! Sometimes it seems that Americans are buying up all of Baja.

Q: Is it always good fishing?

A: Historically, Baja is one of the most famous fishing areas in the world. But…Baja is 1000 miles long. It has over 2000 miles of coastline. It has incredible fishing and over 700 identified species of fish in the Sea of Cortez. That being said, fishing is as different as the species, location and variables such as season, weather, current, bait, etc. Every places is not great 100% of the time. There’s such a thing as a bad day of fishing.

Q: Can we bring our fish home?

A: As long as you’re within limits and observe regulations, it would be a shame if you didn’t.

Q: Is the water safe to drink?

Most places very much so! But, like many places in the U.S., municipal water tastes bad. Everyone drinks bottled water which is readily available.

Q: Can we use American money?

A: In Baja, American dollars are very welcome, but with new banking laws, making it harder for Mexican vendors to change dollars into pesos, it makes it harder for the vendors to accept pesos…especially large denominations. Rarely, will a vendor turn down a payment in dollars…a sale is a sale! But increasingly, more can’t accept large denominations. So, it’s a good idea to use smaller bills or get pesos exchanged before you come over or at an exchange house. Many Mexican banks will not change dollars to pesos unless you have an account and, even then, only small amounts.

If you can avoid it, don’t use credit cards. But, many places won’t accept them because of high surcharges to the vendor.

Q: What happens if we need medical help or what happens if I have special medical needs?

If it’s your medication, bring what you need and extra dosage. Bring a copy of your prescription. If it’s emergency medical care, most large Baja cities actually have pretty good first response and emergency care. Enough to get you home after most emergencies so that your own doctor can treat you. Credit cards are usually welcome in lieu of insurance. Generally, emergency care is much cheaper also.

Q: What happens if we don’t speak Spanish

English is growing. Span-glish is universal, especially in the tourist areas. Keep it simple and eliminate slang and most folks will understand and everyone gets along just fine. But, everyone appreciates any attempt to speak Spanish!

Q: Do we need a passport?

Yes! Don’t wait until the last minute to get one.

Q: Can we still get prescription drugs there with no prescription?

Generally no. Not like in the old days. Generally speaking, if you need a prescription for it in the U.S., you’ll need it for most things in Mexico.

Q: How is it to retire there?

It’s one of the fastest and most sought-after places for gringos to retire and an excellent place to make dollars stretch with a high standard of living. You get more bang for the buck.

______________

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: 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:

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:

DEAFENING SILENCE

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, cabrilla, dorado, Fishing, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tournaments, flyfishing, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, sierra, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, yellowtail, tagged baja, charter, fish, Fishing, fishing reports, holiday, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, mexican, mexico, outfitter, Tailhunter International, travel, vacation, western outdoor news, western outdoor publications on January 28, 2013| Leave a Comment »

DEAFENING SILENCE

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of Jan. 31, 2013

Have you ever had something happen so quickly that you ask yourself, “Did that really happen?” You shake your head. You blink your eyes.

You look at others to see if they saw what you saw. Heard what you heard.

It can be as benign as seeing a shooting star across the evening horizon or a fish jump in the distance. Did you see that?

We’ve been on the road now for almost a month. We’re doing our annual “road tour” with our booth and flyers and DVD’s promoting and marketing our fishing operation as well as the City of La Paz in Baja where we’ve been at it now for some 20 years.

It’s a fun three-month rollicking drive of 15,000 miles back and forth across the western U.S. hitting a new fishing/ hunting show with all the hundreds of other vendors. Modern day “carnival workers and gypsies!”

On this particular day, we had just driven about 600 long miles. Through the snows and cold, we were tired and road-weary with at least 200 more to go before dark.

We pulled off the highway into a little faceless convenience store in a small town at the foot of a mountain range. We walked to the counter with a few items. The young clerk, stringy-haired under a wool hat and trying unsuccessfully to grow a whisp of a blonde beard, helped the folks in line ahead of us.

We moved up. We were looked at and ignored. The clerk went to someone else at the other end of the counter.

Then someone else. The clerk looked at us. Then helped someone else again.

We asked if we were going to get served. All we got was barely a look of annoyment by the clerk. And he went to help someone else.

My wife and I looked at each other. Eyebrows raised. She said, “Let’s go.” We left our items on the counter and walked out.

Jill was tight-lipped and had a slow simmer going on. Had that really happened?

I had that “funny feeling” again. It made me mad and saddened me at the same time. I wasn’t quite sure it had happened. My wife quietly confirmed that surely it had.

We climbed into our cargo van and drove off.

Several seasons ago, not far from this same town, we had pulled off the road for the evening after another long drive. We found a little hole-in-the-wall motel and dumped our gear.

We found an old brick and stone building in the historic part of town with a neon sign advertising “Famous Fried Chicken since 1962.” We parked and walked in.

It was more like a saloon. Tables full of folks having a good time. Clanking dishes and laughs. Cowboy rodeo photos all over the wall. Western memorabilia everywhere in the low light.

A good looking bar lined with beer taps and guys in John Deere hats and working-Stetsons. No Levis. This was a Wrangler jeans crowd. No posers here.

Scuffed Roper boots and workman steel-toed leathers on feet. Guys and gals in loose Pendletons and faded denim jackets. Frankly, we weren’t dressed much differently.

We bee-lined and deposited our tired selves in a a cozy-looking booth. Having lived in many rural areas, I loved a good cowboy bar. I’ve had some of my best meals in down-home places like that! Good buzz and vibe.

Only problem is…the place went rather quiet as we walked in. Perceptibly. I would swear even the volume of the juke box dropped a few notches. Maybe it was because we let in the cold rainy air from outside.

It picked up again a bit but as we waited for service, nothing happened. We sat. And we sat. No water. No menus. The waitress saw us. But nothing.

Jill said, “I have funny feeling about this place. “

My perceptive skills aren’t so articulated. I’m not paranoid. But, Jill’s got a better radar than me.

“I don’t think we’re wanted here.”

“Nah,” I responded. “You’re just imagining it.”

But I’ve been in a few dark bars in my time and now my own radar was humming. Senses ramped up a tetch like the hairs on my neck.

As we faced each other in the booth, I watched behind Jill’s back. She watched over mine.

People were watching us. Glances that were held a fraction too long before turning away. The waitress would cast an eye at us, but not make eye-contact. Other people were getting waited on. But not us.

Jill used to live in Mississippi. She went to Ole’ Miss University back-in-the-day and was the only Caucasion gal in an all-black sorority. Being from California, she didn’t think anything of it, but was warned by some debutantes that “ ‘proper’ girls just don’t do thing like that!”

So, she’s tuned a little better to this stuff than this Hawaiian-island boy who never ran into stuff like this before. But, I have spent some time in dark bars. I’ve seen trouble. This was different. It was eerie.

Too late to go anywhere else and (maybe stupidly trying to make a point), we finally got our waitress to come over and grudgingly take our order.

She delivered it wordlessly. And she never came back except to put a bill on the table. No queries about how it was or whether we wanted to order anything else.

We ate our fried chicken huddled over our plates while the eyes watched. We ate. Quickly, quietly and got out. Backing out actually.

With an ugly feeling we walked rapidly back to our van in the darkened street half looking over our shoulders. Expectantly. Anxiously.

I still wasn’t quite sure it had even happened, but we mentioned it to one of our colleagues. He’s American of Japanese ancestry from S. California and is a famous international outfitter and guide.

He said it was only our imagination, but he passed through the same town a few weeks later. Like us, he pulled over for the night after a long drive at a little motel.

He was told, “We’re full.” He pointed out that couldn’t be possible since the parking lot was almost empty. He was grudgingly given a key to the room. When he went to a coffee shop to eat, he encountered similar unspoken hostility.

Another colleague of ours is a famous Baja flyfishing guide. He passed through several months later a few towns over. He encountered similar resistance and quickly left the area. He’s of Japanese-American ancestry. Born in Hawaii. A three-tour decorated Vietnam war veteran. “I will never ever go back into that area,” he told me.

As I write this, it’s been five days since our incident at the convenience store, I still roll back the mental video tape. Trying to find a loophole. An escape. A way to convince myself that it didn’t happen.

Was I really refused service because of what I looked like? Was my wife refused service because she was with me? Or because we’re married? Because I’m brown and dark? I look Asian or Latino? She’s white with red hair? Really? Are you kidding me?

This isn’t the south. It’s not 1930…or 40…or even 1968.

As I lay in bed that evening many miles down the road…in another motel…in another town, I realized. It was Monday, January 21, 2013…Martin Luther King day. Ironic.

Silence can be deafening and I had trouble sleeping.

________________________

______________

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: 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:

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.”

“LIFE’s POST-IT NOTES”

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Fishing, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, flyfishing, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, tagged baja, charters, Espiritu Santo Island, expatriates in mexico, fish, Fishing, fishing blog, fishing report, fishing stories, gringos in mexico, guide, guides, holidays, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, life, light tackle, mexican, mexican culture, mexican life, mexico, outfitters, panga, sea of cortez, Tailhunter International, vacations, western outdoor publications, western outoor news on January 14, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Like any job, sometimes things get lost in the hustle an bustle and you can’t see the forest for the trees…even when running a fishing business. But, every now and then, life sends little reminders that open your eyes.

LIFE’S POST-IT NOTES

Originally Published the Week of January 17, 2013 in Western Outdoor News

STORIES

At a recent fishing and hunting expo we were in our booth “meeting and greeting” the public and talking about fishing in La Paz with our fleet.

Two of our long-time clients, Rick and Harvey walked up to talk about their upcoming trip. They quietly mentioned that Larry, one of the regulars in the fishing group had suddenly passed away the previous month.

“He was already not feeling quite right and had a biopsy just before the trip to La Paz. The doctors told him he probably shouldn’t go on the trip,” said Rick.

“We didn’t know anything about it,” said Harvey. “But in hindsight we think he must’ve known something was really bad and decided to make the trip anyway. Boy, he sure had fun and enjoyed himself fishing with you guys.”

“Sadly, it was his last trip,” reflected Rick. “None of us knew…”

________________

At another public appearance, I was approached by 3 gentleman. One was obviously, much older than the others. He was walking slightly bent, but had a firm handshake and a ready smile! He also had a small oxygen tank attached. His name was Paul.

“I’m 98 years old!” he proudly announced to me with a grin. “Do you know why I still love to fish at 98 years old?”

“Why? we said in unison.

“For the Hal-i-but!” he laughed aloud tickled to have caught us in his playfulness.

“Wanna see my big fish?” he said opening his wallet.

“Sure,” I said warily. Half-thinking here-we-go. This is gonna be a long-winded fish story.

Paul proceeds to pull out a photo of a big 125 -pound yellowfin tuna being held up by a struggling fisherman.

“Caught that in La Paz when I was ONLY 89-years old!” he beamed. I could have sworn he pushed out his chest when he said that obviously pleased at the attention of the small crowd that had gathered.

One of his friends leaned over to me and whispered, “That’s the only photo he carries in his wallet. He’s a war vet. He’s been all over the world. No photos of wife. Or kids. Or grandkids. Or travel. Only that tuna photo. And he’ll show it off anytime he gets a chance. “

________________

Son, Ron, did a knuckle-bump with me as he hoisted himself into our shuttle van to take he and dad back to the airport. Big smiles. “Great time!” said Ron. “What a blast. Best fishing ever!”

I helped toss in some of the smaller luggage in to the back.

Bob, the dad, grasped my hand in his big paw. A two-handed handshake. “Can’t tell ya how much this trip meant. Thanks again.”

He handed me a note as the van pulled away from the hotel and I watched it nose out of the driveway and out onto the highway.

I opened the note handwritten on some of the hotel stationery.

“Jonathan…just wanted to tell you and your wife, what a great time we had. I never did mention to you how important this trip was for me. My son, Ron, is actually in the military and has just been notified he’s headed to Iraq. You and your staff made this a trip to remember and hold onto. Thanks for everything. Bob”

_________________

I had been guiding that day and sharing a panga with Greg and Annie, a young couple from Washington. We had a fun day. Got some fish. Saw whales and dolphin. Lots of laughs and “Kodak moments” all the way around.

It was fun to watch these two. They shined. They really enjoyed each other’s company. It was obvious that Annie was the apple of Greg’s eye. It was just fun to be around them.

Towards the end of the day, another dorado came aboard.

“This is the last one!” laughed Greg. “No more! We’ve got our limits and it’s getting late. Let me just get the hook out’ve this fish.”

As I watched from the stern, Greg reached into the fish’s mouth with his pliers. Annie wasn’t paying much attention.

“What’s this?” I heard Greg say with a laugh.

Removing his hand from the fish, he produced…a ring…a tiny shiny gold ring !

Annie and I both looked on. Astonished yet not quite sure what Greg had found. The little diamond gleamed in the sun.

Greg took a knee to the deck in front of Annie as the sun started to set behind him. He held out the ring.

“Annie…I love you. Would you like to live happily ever after?”

_______________

I’m often told that I’m “living the dream” down here working in Baja. But often times, it’s a job like any job, no matter how much I love it.

Especially when the season is in full swing. It can be a blur of customers and friends. Sunshine and fish. Luggage and equipment. One day sometimes seems like the 10 others before it. Frantic at times. Boring and routine at others. Stressful and mundane and then panic and tension in a wink.

But, every now and then, an unexpected bit of reality smacks you in the head and heart. There are amazing moments of clarity when someone says or does something and I realize how truly blessed to be able to do what we do.

We are witness to the special moments in the lives of our customers and friends. Every day.

It’s the biggest fish. It’s the great laughs. It’s the family times. It’s the first time. It’s the only time.

It’s the last time.

Sometimes life drops these little reality checks on those of us who get to do jobs like this. And it reminds us that we truly are privileged and honored to be asked to spend this time with you “livin’ the dream.”

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: 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:

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.”

“PLAYING ROUGH!”

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, cabrilla, dorado, Fishing, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tournaments, flyfishing, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, marlin, Mexican, Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, sierra, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, yellowtail, tagged baja, billfish, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charters, fish, Fishing, fishing outfitters, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing vacations, fishing videos, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, largo, marlin, mexican, mexico, outfitters, rough water, sailfish, salt water fishing, saltwater, sea of cortez, seasick, sierra, storms, Tailhunter International, trolling, tuna, waves, western outdoor publications, western outdoors. western outdoor news, winter fishing, yellowtail on December 30, 2012| Leave a Comment »

There are times when it's just better and safe to hang by the pool for the day, but if you're headed out, there's a few things you can do to make it easier to fish in rough water!

There are times when it’s just better and safer to hang by the pool for the day, but if you’re headed out, there’s a few things you can do to make it easier to fish in rough water!

PLAYING ROUGH!

Originally Published the Week of January 3, 2012 in Western Outdoor News

Memories of those calm balmy days fishing the Sea of Cortez definitely weren’t going through my brain this afternoon. On the contrary.

Although the sun was out, I was relatively “bundled” for Baja fishing. I was still customarily barefoot, but my fishing wardrobe long loose sweat pants and a layering of t-shirt; long sleeve Pendleton and waterproof windbreaker with hood over my head. It hardly sounded like Baja fishing couture!

But, that being said. I was chilly. It was blustery and spray from the wave-tossed northern winds that sweep the Cortez had my clothes damp and my panga captain and I fishing with our hoods pulled way down! Out of the corner of my mouth, I said in Spanish, “This is why we get paid the big money!”

He grinned and wiped the seawater that was splashing his face and he held onto the tiller!

It was choppy. White caps tipped the waves even though we weren’t far from shore. Brrrrr…

My client, a great guy from Oregon, used to fishing the dangerous mouth of the Columbia River was having a great time in his shorts and t-shirt! “Heck, this is nothing… it’s cold and raining back home!” he laughed.

Well…yay. Winter is still not my favorite time to fish, but when you gotta work, you gotta work. Often fishing in winter in the Sea of Cortez or any of Baja waters can be a challenge. Forget all the fancy brochures. Weather is still weather and there are some times of the year that are better than others to fish!

That doesn’t mean there’s no fish, but you have to change your tactics a bit when playing in rougher water.

For one, there’s a good chance you might be doing more trolling than normal. When waters are rough or when it’s off-season, it’s often difficult to purchase bait because either the bait guys aren’t working. Or, it’s sometimes too rough to net or hook sardines, mackerel or other baitfish.

So, be prepared to troll.

If you have a water temperature gauge, at least try to find the warmer temperature breaks to work.

Also, given the turbulence on the surface, certain lures work better. I put away all the “bullet” headed trolling lures and reach for lures with heads that are heavier to dive beneath the chop. I like using heads that have slanted or flat heads or have “jet holes” that will also create more action as they are pulled through the waters.

You have to be careful about your lure speeds. It’s not like you can put it on auto pilot on the console or in your brain. If you’re in waves and swell, your boat speed will vary constantly depending if you’re going upswell or surfing downswell or getting hit sideways.

Which brings up another point.

In heavy weather, use fewer lines. And run them equidistant from the transom. Some guys like to run them close. Others far from the prop wash. But either way, fewer lines and keeping them equidistant reduces the frequency of tangled lines, especially if you’re doing “S” patterns or the chop is really pushing the boat and the lines around. Personally, I like running the lines a bit closer than normal. Don’t worry about the fish. Believe me, most fish out there can swim faster than the boat can move so if they’re inclined, they’ll hit your lures even if you’re having to run a little faster or slower than normal.

Finally…

It should go without saying to use common sense at all times. If it’s too rough, no fishing is ever worth jeopardizing anyone’s safety. Keep it fun! Either stay onshore or know when to head for the beach and call it a day!

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

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.”

“BECAUSE WE CAN!”

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, cabrilla, dorado, Fishing, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, flyfishing, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, pargo, pompano, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, sierra, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, baja, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, dorado, fish, Fishing, fishing charters, fishing outfitters, fishing reports, fishing reports fishing holidays, fishing videos, flyfishing, inshore fishing, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, la ventana, light tackle, live bait fishing, marlin, mexican, mexico, panga, pargo, pompano, roosterfish, sailfish, sea of corrtez, sierra, Tailhunter International, tuna, yellowtail on December 17, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Winter is a great time in Baja and a great time to bring the family! As the our amigos, the Schearer family, from Montana found out with us, Baja is alot warmer than Montana and you don’t have to go out very far to get fish like this!

BECAUSE WE CAN!

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of Dec. 20, 2012

I’m often asked why we would fish in the winter time?

I guess the quick and wise-guy answer and knee-jerk response is “Because we can!”

But there’s more to it than that.

During the winter time, the complexion of our Baja vistors changes. During the regular season, the majority of our folks are generally fishers. Or at least have a general focus of getting on or under the water during our warmer months.

During the colder times of the year, I think we see more “escapees.” These are folks just trying to get away from the chill, ice and wet of home. “Just lookin’ for some sunshine…any sunshine!” is what I often hear.

While us locals are bundled up in long pants, shoes, and down vests against the “chilly” 60-70 degree weather, folks from Vancouver, Canada…Bozeman, Montana…Portland, Oregon. …happily stroll through town in tank-tops and cargo shorts. God bless ‘em, they are in sunshine Nirvana!

But, they are often discouraged from fishing when they find out that so many places are rough, windy, or certain “glamour” species like marlin and tuna just aren’t biting in the winter. Or, if they are biting, heading off-shore to catch them can be a long rolling bumpy wet adventure more akin to the very conditions they left back home!

It’s much simplier to park it on a bar stool with a cold umbrella drink and gaze out over the sand and water or take the glass bottom boat ride in the harbor. Yawn. Right up there with going to listen to a time-share presentation so you can get the free lunch and discount shopping coupons.

But, they shouldn’t let winter discourage time on the water.

One of the great things about fishing in Baja and Mexico is that there is always SOMETHING to catch!

Frankly, the further south you go, the warmer it will be and the better the chances of catching a glamour fish, but even then, remember that it’s still winter and most of Mexico and Baja’s Pacific coast faces the open ocean (which is why winter surfing in Hawaii is so great!). There’s big waves and there’s big winds.

It’s no fun being wet and cold and bounced around.

So…

Consider fishing inshore. So few folks ask for it and so few of the outfitters or charter operators offer it, especially for someone who just walks in or walks up to sign on for a day of fishing. Which is what so many winter visitors do. They go fishing on a whim.

“Honey, instead of visiting the Mayan pottery store, let’s go ‘deep sea’ fishin’ tomorrow!”

But, chances are you’ll light up a big smile if you ask for inshore fishing. For the captain our agent or outfitter, it’s a lot more economical since they won’t be burning up a lot of gas.

Secondly, there’s a lot more inshore fish than offshore blue-water fish . Therefore, the chances or success are much greater for them to have smiling anglers at the end of the day. Finally, believe me. They don’t want to get beat up out there on the big water any more than you!

From the anglers perspective, waters will probably be calmer. You’ll have more action with rods in your hands rather than long days of trolling offshore. Pragmatically, you don’t need a big expensive sportfishing cruiser either. You can downgrade of fish from pangas since most of the action will be closer to the shores, beaches and reefs. So, it’s less expensive!

In fact, often you’ll just be yards from the shore. You will often see the bottom and, very often you’ll actually see the fish as they bite.

And there’s so much variety and action to be had. Exotic roosterfish…giant pargo…tough jack crevalle…sierra…cabrilla…pompano…are just some of the species available inshore.

And don’t think these fish are any less tough or formidable just because they inhabit the inner waters. Pargo can be 30-50 pounds with sharp teeth and gillplates as they attack from the rocks. Roosterfish can swarm in schools or be the big trophy sluggers between 30 and 100 pounds that have made them famous in Baja and the world. Catch 20 five-pound sierra or a half-dozen 30 pound jack crevalle and I can guarantee your arms will still be sore!

Another bonus is that this is very pro-active fishing. Since you’re not simply dragging lures offshore waiting for hits, you’ll have a rod in your hand most of the time. This is a great plus if you’re fishing with first-timers, family members or the kids! Everyone participates. Everyone has fun.

And, at the end or the day, inshore fish is among the best eating! So, don’t let winter deter some great fishing fun!

That’s our story!

Jonathan and Jill

__________________

______________

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.”

“BUCKET LISTS”

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, 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, Mexican culture, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, tagged baja, blog, bucket list, culture, fish, Fishing, fishing charters, fishing reports, holidays, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz, life, mexican, mexico, outdoors, outfitters, sea of cortez, Tailhunter International, vacations, western outdoor news, western outdoor publications on December 3, 2012| Leave a Comment »

BUCKET LISTS

Originally Published the Week of December 6, 2012 in Western Outdoor News Publications

“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.”

Ever since the 2007 movie of the same name with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, the term “Bucket List” has become part of our lexicon. Jack and Morgan played two escapees from the cancer ward and set off to do all the things in life they always wanted before they “kicked the proverbial bucket.”

I seem to hear that so often from friends and clients who visit us in Mexico. I think some days hardly go by where someone doesn’t happily tell me…

“That was a great roosterfish. Been trying for years! Cross that one off the bucket list!”

“What a great time! Always wanted to go fishing with my son and grandson! It was on my bucket list.”

“Bucket list just got shorter. Me and my wife just snorkeled with whale sharks this afternoon!”

Sometimes, it’s not even that complicated.

“We’ve lived our whole lives in Indiana. We wanted to visit the ocean just once! Yessiree. It was on the bucket list.”

When I hear something like that I realize how often I take stuff for granted. Having grown up always outdoors in the mountains; on an island; in the water or under the water, I just don’t think twice about so many things. Many of those things might seem dangerous or daring…or plain stupid and reckless, I suppose to some folks!

But believe me, I’m no daredevil. I’m not crazy nor do I have a deathwish nor am I an adrenaline junkie. There’s a difference between an “e-ticket ride” that’s a bit scary but always ends and with you steppping \ off the ride laughing…and the real Evel Kneivel stuff where you can get hurt and you’d better have you medical insurance card handy.

But, it’s all relative. My e-ticket ride is someone else’s mad crazy adventure.

Dive with sharks. No problem.

Live off the land in a cave. Sure.

Hang glide. Sign me up.

Jump out of an airplane. Safer than crossing the street.

Ride a manta ray. In an instant.

Run through Central Park New York at midnight on a dare. I was young and stupid. Draw the line at that one! Not recommended.

But…

My personal bucket list continuously keeps getting longer and longer. Not shorter. The more I do and see, the more I add things to the list. This past week, I just crossed-off zip-lining through a rain forest and looking for crocodiles while I paddled through jungle mangroves off the list. (Topics for another column!)

And, I keep hearing more and more people discuss their own personal bucket lists. More than ever before. Maybe, it’s just the age group I’m in.

We’re the baby boomers. We’re not 30 or 40 anymore. Look around and oops…how the time flew! We’re 50-plus and edging up and over 60-years-old. Many of my friends have grown grandkids already. Many retired or close to it.

Fifty-years-old is the new 30-years-old! Retirement or older age doesn’t mean shopping for a rocking chair anymore. More often, it means a new kind of freedom. What do you do with your second wind?

I think many of us are finding Mexico. Despite what you might hear on the news, about the violence and other problems, tourism has been on a steady rise in Mexico. In fact ,it’s one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world.

For many Americans, especially, Mexico is pretty much an easy airflight from most big U.S. cities. It’s economic. It’s close. It’s filled with culture and history and pretty much any “diversion” that would fill anyone’s bucket list. There’s still so much adventure to be had. And the dollar goes far!

I think the only real shame is that as we grow older, we start looking at our personal bucket lists. And then there’s a rush to get to it!

More than 20 years ago, a retired friend pulled me aside and said , “Don’t ever get to my age and say ‘What if?’ We always says ‘Someday I’m gonna do this or that.” Well, ‘someday’ is already here and if you have opportunities, take them!”

At the time he said this he was a “young” 62, but knew he was sick. He passed away about a year after he said this.

“What if…?”

Start that bucket list early. Someday, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never tried. Step onto the ride. Exit laughing!

That’s our story

Jonathan and Jilly

____________________________

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

.
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.”

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?”

Posted in Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, Mexico, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Sea of Cortez, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, yellowtail, tagged charters, fish, Fishing, holidays, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, mexican, mexico, outfitters, panga, sea of cortez, Tailhunter International, trips, vacations, western outdoor news, western outdoors on September 23, 2012| 2 Comments »

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

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of Sept. 25, 2012

Most of you reading this column are most likely outdoor folks. I mean, you most likely fish, hunt, camp and do other outdoors type stuff. Right?

This could be my easiest column ever.

I hear a lot of stuff over the 17 years I’ve been in Baja. Every now and then, something slams my ears that leaves me with my mouth open, not because I have nothing to say. It’s because I have too much to say and it all wants to come flying out of my piehole in a gush! Ever have one of those moments?

So much wants to be said that my brain goes into momentary lockdown freeze. And short of some profanity coming out, all I can say is, “Are you kidding me?”

I was talking to some parents about fishing and the parents were showing some interest in “trying fishing” but weren’t sure if it would be a good activity for their kids unless…

“. . .I could GUARANTEE fish because otherwise it might be bad for their kid’s ‘self-esteem’ if they didn’t catch fish.”

Open mouth.

Raised eyebrow.

Profane thought passing briefly through my grey brain matter

And all I could say was, “Are you kidding me?”

The scary part was they weren’t kidding. If their kids didn’t catch fish, the aspect of “failure” might somehow irreparably damage junior’s self esteem that he’d require serious couch time with the therapist.

I exaggerate a tad, but there was genuine concern for the young-uns self-worth. Can’t let the kids feel like a failure if he doesn’t catch a fish.

I probably did not do the right thing, but I didn’t feel like sitting down and having a lengthy philosophical discussion on child-rearing with them. Furthermore, I’m too smart to ever GUARANTEE that someone is going to catch a fish.

The wise-guy in me wanted to really tell them to put their kids in insulated bubbles.

Don’t let them walk down the street. They might trip. FAIL

Don’t let them play catch with a ball and drop it. FAIL.

Don’t let them tie their own shoes. Might come untied. FAIL

Oh, the things that flew threw my cockeyed brain. But, I bit my tongue.

So, I gave them some perfunctory response and let it go at that.

I mean, if they even have to ask, then the last thing I need is to find out now junior’s psyche is permanently scarred because he didn’t catch a fish! Oh the guilt. I might not be able to live with myself…or something.

But, at the beginning of this, I mentioned this might be my easiest column. I could end this by saying,
What would YOU say to them? And leave the rest blank…Let you fill in the rest.

How many of you have ever “failed” at fishing? How many of you are fishing BECAUSE a parent or older adult took the time to take you to wet a line. “Failure” per se really wasn’t part of the equation. It IS the equation! We lose fish. We get skunked. The fish win…most of the time!

I imagine if you’re reading this, you’ve probably come out on the short-end more often than not and still had a ball. You kept at it simply BECAUSE that darned fish kept fooling you. Failure motivated you to try it again…and again…and again. And you somehow managed to have fun!

And along the way, you accumulated a lifetime of memories. Life works like that. Funny how that happens. All that psycho-babble stuff about the “journey” being more important than the “destination.”

Personally, I think of my father. We don’t talk much anymore and I miss him. And I think of all those times he took me fishing. I didn’t know it then, but dad was a terrible fisherman. Great dad, but I never realized until I was older that we NEVER caught fish!

But, I was always eager to go and he was always eager to take me. A lot of our failure might have been my fault. I have zero patience and a narrow attention span.

It often wasn’t long before I was throwing rocks in the water (“Jon, you’re scaring the fish!) or eating all the Velveeta cheese (“You ate all the bait?” or “You fed all the anchovies to the seagulls?”) or doing something detrimental to our success (“Why didn’t you go to the bathroom BEFORE we rowed out here?”)

So, by self-esteem standards, I was a failure. And it was dad’s fault. He set me up for failure..and ultimately success. And I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Obviously, given my career path, the fact that we were big fat losers, didn’t deter my enthusiasm for the sport or the outdoors. Self-esteem? I usually couldn’t wait to swagger up to my school chums to tell ‘em, “My dad took me fishing this weekend!” Neener neener. Yea, I swaggered. Didn’t catch a fish, but I swaggered. And I was proud of having a dad who took me fishing too!

My wife, Jilly, tells me of similar circumstances as well. Although she comes from a long line of San Diego fishermen who really DID know now to fish!

The men in her family were insightful enough to take her fishing. Yup, take the little girl out in the woods; out on the pier; and out on the sportboats. And it took awhile for her to catch her first fish. But, she proudly still tells stories about being the little girl out there fishing with the boys and holding her own. Backing down from no one!

And when she finally caught that first fish…well, it went straight into the freezer. For six months. And became her show-and-tell story for anyone who would listen.

Proudly.

I’m grateful our parents weren’t so worried about our self-esteem. They let us fail. Proudly. With swagger! Neener neener.

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

.
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.”