capn.sharky - 11-11-2011 at 05:33 PM
I know this has been discussed before, but I wanted to bring this to the forefront again. I asked a great many of the business owners what they
thought about the ramp fees---especially in view of the very few tourists that are now going to Loreto. The general feeling is that this is just
another nail in the coffin for Loreto. Between the economic crisis, the bad publicity of crime and narcos in Mexico, tourism has come to a standstill
in Loreto. Resturants and hotels are empty. The cost to fly to Loreto is outragous and now a ramp fee of 127 pesos to launch is just too much to
foster tourism. I understand the need to keep the ramp up but what do you really get for your money. There is no parking, no guards watching your
vehicle and trailer and no fish cleaning area---let alone restrooms. So what are you getting for your money? I live in Loreto half the time so I have
no choice but to pay the fee. The Ejidio launch ramp is unusable for most of us. API is only one of the many hurdles to fishing in Loreto. You have
profeppa, your license fees, boat fees, etc., which when added up amount to no small amount for those of us that are retired and on a fixed income.
And who put Arturo in charge of APPI? What is the money used for? Any of your comments would be appreciated. Sharky
Mengano - 11-11-2011 at 05:42 PM
You cannot change Mexico. Vote with your feet.
Phil S - 11-11-2011 at 05:46 PM
Dinners out. ATV payment. Car payment. House payment, etc. etc.
Pescador - 11-11-2011 at 07:11 PM
I would ramp up with all the opposition you can muster. Talk to fishermen, talk to businesses, get a letter circulated, etc., etc., I think that the
issue is very important and should be addressed with the firm belief that something can be done. Pam Bolles is usually very aware of what is going
on in terms of fisheries and may be a good contact. I heard from fairly creditible sources that Arturo had something to do with getting the process
started and if a few people can start it, then a few people could easily get it shut down.
CJ - 11-12-2011 at 08:51 PM
Sharky,
You've lived in Loreto long enough to see many things come and go, as this may come and go as well. Pam Bolles and others have written letters to
Arturo and to the new Mayor, explaining the extra cost and no services for what you pay for. And the extra cost it puts on the fisherman who come with
their boats for a vacation. Arturo and others would like to make it as hard as possible for you to use your own boat in Loreto. They think everyone
should hire a panga or a captain to drive your boat. When we have friends come and visit and we take them out in the boat, we are questioned and
accused of charging them to take them out [taking money out of the locals pockets] Most of the Gringos who live here have accepted the new ramp fee we
would just like it to apply to everyone who uses the ramp for sportfishing just like in Puerto Escondido, not just the gringos and the Canadians.
Loretanos don't pay to use the ramp. The best thing to do right now is avoid Arturo Sportfishing and hire an independent captain.
The next thing we could complain about would be the grocery store situation or the three gas stations in town who have been ripping everyone off for
years. All in all I still love it here and have no intentions of leaving.....just ignore the and they will come and go 
capn.sharky - 11-12-2011 at 10:23 PM
"You've lived in Loreto long enough"
I have only lived in Loreto for about 41 years. Yes, things come and go. Yes, I just got home and used a guide to go out with. Tony (API) still
charged me the full bore. It was my understanding the Mexicans pay 78 pesos to launch---I may have been misinformed. You are correct when you say
that when we take out our friends, some pangeros think we are getting paid. Ha---what a joke. And finally, yes, I will not recommend Arturo's
Sportfishing to my worst enemy---never will and never have. If he doesn't like it, tough chit.Pam is much better and her pangeros work harder and
stay out longer and she doesn't ever treat them wrong. I just feel badly for the business people in town trying to feed their families. Pam has done
more for Loreto than anyone there and deserves all the business she can handle. Sharky