BajaNomad

Mexico is out of paper fishing licenses!!!

woody with a view - 7-21-2013 at 02:58 PM

http://jonathanroldan.com/2013/07/21/ouch-thats-gotta-hurt/
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.”

willardguy - 7-21-2013 at 03:19 PM

im glad we bought ours in rosarito a couple weeks ago!

DENNIS - 7-21-2013 at 03:22 PM

Just another day at the office called Mañanalandia. :lol:

woody with a view - 7-21-2013 at 03:29 PM

another Mexicoism.

Hook - 7-21-2013 at 03:47 PM

Ours have been gone over here for several weeks.

So, the local tourism office is issuing a copy of the application form (guess who pays for the copy; you and me, of course!) and writes the bank account number for CONAPESCA on the copy. Then, off to the bank where you pay and staple the full-sized 8 1/2 x 11 receipt to your 8 1/2 x 11 application copy. THAT'S what you fish with. LOL!!!!!

At least in the US, the guy who forgot to order the licenses would lose his job in a flurry of media indignation. This guy will probably be praised by his superiors for finding an inventive way to save CONAPESCA money..........money that can disappear when the superiors leave office in the next administration change. :lol:

Osprey - 7-21-2013 at 06:01 PM

Old news about an old problem. Some time ago they ran out of "paper" licenses for over 2 years. As all the Baja on site vendors run out, everybody scurries to the web, jambs that up as always.

Since the U.S. travel clubs buy in bulk, as many as CONAPESCA will sell, when they have them, they can Email sale while they last while Mexico may not have the capability.

Nothing to see here folks, move along.

woody with a view - 7-21-2013 at 06:12 PM

i don't get it. it's like going to the DMV and finding they ran out of driving permits. this is the 21st century, remember? you can'y tell me that 99% of the places selling permits can't go online and PRINT out a piece of paper.

i know, it's a novel concept.....

DENNIS - 7-21-2013 at 06:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
can'y tell me that 99% of the places selling permits can't go online and PRINT out a piece of paper.

i know, it's a novel concept.....



I think this is why we all have copiers and printers. Make your own fishing license.

Hook - 7-21-2013 at 08:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS

I think this is why we all have copiers and printers. Make your own fishing license.


Yeah, well what do the Mexicans do?

Oh, that's right, they dont buy fishing licenses. That's only for Gullible Gringos..............like you and me.

But, you bring up a good point. Time to scan my old license and make it "legal" all over again. :lol:


[Edited on 7-22-2013 by Hook]

DENNIS - 7-21-2013 at 08:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook


But, you bring up a good point. Time to scan my old license and make it "legal" all over again. :lol:




I got to be an expert making my own bank statements for INM.
Since tourism offices are making substitutes for licenses, and God only knows who else is being creative, the game warden won't have a clue as to what's right or wrong when he sees your fine effort. :lol:

Hook - 7-21-2013 at 08:53 PM

Creativity in vehicle documents is also a plus at the border. :saint:

Hook - 7-21-2013 at 09:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Osprey
Old news about an old problem. Some time ago they ran out of "paper" licenses for over 2 years. As all the Baja on site vendors run out, everybody scurries to the web, jambs that up as always.

Since the U.S. travel clubs buy in bulk, as many as CONAPESCA will sell, when they have them, they can Email sale while they last while Mexico may not have the capability.

Nothing to see here folks, move along.


Yet another ex-pat apologist for Mexican incompetence. :rolleyes:

"We've all seen this incompetence, folks, move on!! Let's find some NEW incompetence, please; preferably something NEW that we can also blame on gringos!!!"

Osprey - 7-22-2013 at 05:55 AM

No apologies from me. I like it this way -- the challenge to stay legal keeps me alert (I'm almost inert). Not quite as much fun as the time our Gov stole the money for license plates (we went 2.5 years with paper plates). Hectic times here because anybody with metal Mexican plates was pulled over and hassled.

Pescador - 7-22-2013 at 06:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Osprey
Old news about an old problem. Some time ago they ran out of "paper" licenses for over 2 years. As all the Baja on site vendors run out, everybody scurries to the web, jambs that up as always.

Since the U.S. travel clubs buy in bulk, as many as CONAPESCA will sell, when they have them, they can Email sale while they last while Mexico may not have the capability.

Nothing to see here folks, move along.


Isn't it amazing. We come down here because it is different and then spend much of our time complaining about the difference.
You are right, it is the challenge of trying to use the system and then seeing if you can actually do that. I spent 3 hours online paying my electric bill because I did not want to spend the 1/2 hour to go to town. But by Golly, I finally got it done on the second try. (Just before they cut my lights off)

monoloco - 7-22-2013 at 06:50 AM

The only problem I have is that every time I go to use the damn printer, the ink is dried up.