BajaNomad

Need guidance - Fishing within the Laws

Doug Landolfi - 10-17-2020 at 09:42 AM

Hi All: I leave Colorado around Nov 15 for a 30 +/- day camping, fishing, and diving trip down the Gulf coast. I will be in a pop-up camper pulled by a Tacoma Off Road. I have a 16 foot heavy duty inflatable Sea Eagle canoe. I hope to fish from the canoe, fish from shore, spearfish while snorkeling, and collect shellfish. I will eat everything I catch, or will release it.
Some questions: Will I need a Mexican fishing license for the above list of activities? If "yes", can I get one in advance? Are there species that are off limits to non-Mexican citizens? Any other "heads-ups" about which I should be aware? I want to be a thoughtful, law-abiding tourist/visitor. Thank you!

JZ - 10-17-2020 at 10:30 AM

Sounds like a blast. Where do you plan on going?

Yes, you'll need a license. You can get one for a week, month, or year.

Gringos aren't technically allowed to catch shell fish.

John Harper - 10-17-2020 at 10:34 AM

Shore surf fishing, no license.

All of other fishing, need a license.

Check all current regulations.

You may be able to get license online, not sure currently. You can call one of the landings in San Diego, they would know.

Good fishing.

John

David K - 10-17-2020 at 10:36 AM

Surf fishing needs no license, but any craft on the water requires everyone onboard to have one. Absolutely no shellfish collecting by non-Mexicans (clams, scallops, lobsters, etc).

Doug Landolfi - 10-17-2020 at 10:55 AM

Thank you all

RnR - 10-17-2020 at 01:25 PM

Everything mentioned above about fishing is accurate.

Now, about your Sea Eagle canoe -

November is the start of the windy season. The north wind blows most everyday from Nov through March. That is the reason that windsurfers and kiteboarders flock to Baja in the winter. Mornings tend to be calm and afternoons are usually very windy.

I am a kiteboarder and a fisherman and have made the trip and activities that you are planning on every year for the past 24 years. I have a 16 ft hard shell kayak that I use for fishing. The kayak is probably much easier to handle in the wind than an inflatable (and therefore lightweight) canoe. The higher profile of the canoe may add to the difficulty. It can be done but choose your days carefully.

Be very cautious about going south (downwind) in the morning and fishing in the lee of a headland or point. The wind will come up without you realizing it and you may not be able to return north around the point until after dark.

Graham Mcintosh has done a few kayak trips on the gulf side in the winter. His travel reports are very informative on wind and wave conditions. Search this board for his posts.

As I said, we have done your exact trip for 24 years. And we are leaving for #25 in a few weeks. We are kiteboarders so we look forward to the windy afternoons.

Baja is a blast - you will have a great time.

[Edited on 10-17-2020 by RnR]

mtgoat666 - 10-17-2020 at 03:17 PM

If you have a choice, take a kayak instead of a canoe.
Canoes are not good in wind and seas, and wind comes up almost every day... also easier to self-rescue with a kayak.

David K - 10-17-2020 at 03:21 PM

To use the Nomad search, and find adventure author Graham Mackintosh posts, simply type in Graham (his username here)in the second box: by (username):

You may enjoy his website, too? www.grahammackintosh.com

His kayaking page: https://grahammackintosh.com/kayaking-sea-of-cortez

[Edited on 10-17-2020 by David K]

Doug Landolfi - 10-18-2020 at 08:32 AM

Wow - thank you so much!! I will be learning a lot on this first driving + camping adventure. My last experiences in Baja were 32 years ago in Cabo San Lucas - obviously, things down there have changed markedly. Won't be visiting Cabo ....

I really appreciate all of the great advice and guidance.

JZ - 10-18-2020 at 08:46 AM

Going to a protected bay like Agua Verde or San Basilio would be good way to get your feet wet. Concepcion as well.

Whiskey Witch - 10-18-2020 at 12:02 PM

We have obtained our fishing licenses online for the past several years. Here is one site https://www.sportfishingbcs.gob.mx

Mother of Dragons - 10-18-2020 at 06:07 PM

Graham is a great resource. He chose to boat over to his latest adventure out of BOLA. I’m guessing because of the weather? My roadie friend I met last Feb went with him to help him set up camp and then he took her back.

I would love to meet him and yes, as everyone said Doug, he’s worth facebooking with.


[Edited on 10-26-2020 by Mother of Dragons]

David K - 10-19-2020 at 08:09 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Mother of Dragons  
Graham is a great resource. He chose to boat over to his latest adventure out of BOLA. I’m guessing because of the weather? My friend roadie I’ve with him to help him set up camp and then he took her back.

I would love to meet him and yes, as everyone said Doug, he’s worth facebooking with.


I usually hear from Graham before he does one of his solo adventures. Not this time, but he is sending me Spot location pings daily and yes, he is on the island. He typically hires a panga to take him and his kayak to the island (Angel de la Guarda) as it is too far or dangerous to be too distant from the coast in a kayak. He apparently enjoys being 'marooned with very little beer'!

Doug Landolfi - 10-20-2020 at 06:32 AM

Another big "thank you" to everyone who has responded. I plan to follow all of the advice above.

For those of you who are interested, below is a link to the description of the Sea Eagle inflatable canoe that I have purchased. It appears to be a well-designed product with some interesting and attractive characteristics. The higher-than-kayak sidewalls are certainly something that I will have to experience. My plans have been/are to fish within sheltered bays and coves.

https://www.seaeagle.com/TravelCanoe/TC16

Doug Landolfi - 10-20-2020 at 11:10 AM

I just received my Baja Sur fishing license, using the website provided above by Whisky Witch. Printed it out on my home printer. Thank you!! - I will buy you a whiskey if we cross paths in Baja :)

bkbend - 10-20-2020 at 03:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Doug Landolfi  
I just received my Baja Sur fishing license, using the website provided above by Whisky Witch. Printed it out on my home printer. Thank you!! - I will buy you a whiskey if we cross paths in Baja :)


If you are using an inkjet printer the ink will run if it gets wet. Print two or three more and keep them in baggies for protection.

Doug Landolfi - 10-24-2020 at 06:25 AM

Thanks to bkbend. That is a great - and practical - suggestion! Will do.

Thanks again to all who have responded. Departure date is getting closer - excitement level is high

Mother of Dragons - 10-24-2020 at 06:40 PM

Sounds like it’s going I be an exciting trip for a first timer.

Does. Anyone have suggestions he should see between Mexicali crossing to San Felipe?

Doug Landolfi - 10-25-2020 at 11:17 AM

... and, following onto Mother of Dragons point above, I add the following:

I spent 9 months traveling around the earth - west to east, primarily in 3rd world countries, without a single advance hotel reservation. So, I am comfortable with adventure travel. With that in mind, between San Felipe and Cabo Pulmo - beyond the obvious sites and logical waterfront locations - what are the three things way off the beaten track that I should not miss? Doug

JZ - 10-25-2020 at 05:30 PM

Off road tails are the most see and do.

Particularly the canyon drives from MX 1 to the Sea of Cortez South of Loreto.

Agua Verde is the easiest, but none are very difficult. The trail from Cuidad Constitucion to San Evaristo (and then on to La Paz) is probably the one I'd suggest the most.

Also, Constitucion to Puerto El Gato is special. The bay there is incredible.

The other must do is seeing the islands around La Paz.



[Edited on 10-26-2020 by JZ]

JZ - 10-25-2020 at 06:32 PM

Here is a thread on Puerto Los Gatos and Timbabichi. Gatos is about 3 miles North of Timbabichi.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=92621

mtgoat666 - 10-25-2020 at 06:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Doug Landolfi  
what are the three things way off the beaten track that I should not miss?


Sierra san francisco cave paintings, do a multi-day trip by mule.
Remote Rancho life in the sierras, see it before it is gone.
Sail or sea kayak the sea of Cortez, islands between BOLA and La Paz.
Kayak and fish the mangroves at San Ignacio or Magdalena.




Doug Landolfi - 10-26-2020 at 08:17 AM

Thank you! I will do as many of those things as possible.

Mother of Dragons - 10-26-2020 at 11:58 AM

Nomads is so great with threads like this,
No one being mean..just helpful info and shares of Baja are awesome.

thebajarunner - 10-26-2020 at 12:47 PM

Catavina is the "heart of Baja" for me
We always camp there at least one night on our annual trek.

Set up camp early and just go out walking through the cirio, cholla, and an infinite variety of other things. Plus birds and signs of critters.

I always take my camera, and take way too many pics!!
It is so gorgeous you just cannot help snapping away.
The hour before sunset and the hour after sunrise are best for color and contrast.

U2U me and I will give you a great campong spot.....

Another great off road outing is from LABay down to San Francisquito, then across to El Arco.
Don't miss Santa Gertrudis not far south from El Arco

In Guerroro Negro ask around and see if someone will take yo toe visit the salt plant.
Couple years ago the owner of the Cowboy Motel took us there for a small extra fee. It was sure worth seeing.

Skipjack Joe - 10-26-2020 at 01:11 PM

I checked out the link to your canoe. You could get in serious trouble with that thing in Baja. Heed the advice given here by Nomads. I wouldn’t venture out more than a couple of hundred yards into the Cortez with it. I would absolutely not use it on the Pacific side other than in the lagoons. Be careful ... and have a great time.

You could launch it within Puerto Escondido and be safe. The same with San Lucas Cove. Basically, stay within enclosed bodies of water. San Fracisquito has a baylet that’s probably doable as well.

JZ - 10-26-2020 at 04:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Skipjack Joe  
I checked out the link to your canoe. You could get in serious trouble with that thing in Baja. Heed the advice given here by Nomads. I wouldn’t venture out more than a couple of hundred yards into the Cortez with it. I would absolutely not use it on the Pacific side other than in the lagoons. Be careful ... and have a great time.

You could launch it within Puerto Escondido and be safe. The same with San Lucas Cove. Basically, stay within enclosed bodies of water. San Fracisquito has a baylet that’s probably doable as well.


The key is to use it w/o well protected bays. Like Agua Verde.

Or take it out on a panga to some place like Isla Coronado or Isla Danzante. Or the mangroves on Isla San Jose.


[Edited on 10-27-2020 by JZ]

JZ - 10-26-2020 at 04:26 PM

Here are the tracks into San Evarsito and Puerto Los Gatos. Once you hit San Evaristo, you can drive down to La Paz in 2-3 hours.

In San Evaristo, you can have a panga take you, your canoe, and the dog out to the islands. There are some very well protected areas to explore, sheltered from the wind.






[Edited on 10-26-2020 by JZ]

JZ - 10-26-2020 at 09:13 PM

Zoomed out a bit.



Doug Landolfi - 10-27-2020 at 04:45 AM

Wow! I am so appreciative of all of this great information. I appreciate the guidance and warnings regarding the inflatable canoe. I will be VERY thoughtful and cautious where and how I use it. I will also keep my eyes open for any opportunities to rent a hard sided fishing kayak.

mtgoat666 - 10-27-2020 at 05:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Doug Landolfi  
Wow! I am so appreciative of all of this great information. I appreciate the guidance and warnings regarding the inflatable canoe. I will be VERY thoughtful and cautious where and how I use it. I will also keep my eyes open for any opportunities to rent a hard sided fishing kayak.


SOT kayaks are a dime a dozen on Craigslist. Ditch the blow-up canoe, and take a SOT kayak.
Have you ever been on a kayak or canoe?
Wear a PFD. Dress for immersion.
If windy, use A paddle,leash, and leash your body to boat. Wind can blow a kayak away faster than you can swim.

thebajarunner - 10-27-2020 at 07:35 AM

OP is asking me if you can drive on from San Francisquito to Santa Rosallia.
I told him he would be the first one in history.
Then I got to thinking that maybe someone knows more about that area than I
Last time there the road ended at the fish camps less than ten miles south of SF.
Pretty rugged terrain from there on south

David K - 10-27-2020 at 08:15 AM

Quote: Originally posted by thebajarunner  
OP is asking me if you can drive on from San Francisquito to Santa Rosallia.
I told him he would be the first one in history.
Then I got to thinking that maybe someone knows more about that area than I
Last time there the road ended at the fish camps less than ten miles south of SF.
Pretty rugged terrain from there on south


Search "No Wimps" it is a combo road/ off-road (beach) and arroyo trail route from Rancho La Ilusión (near El Barril) to Rancho Trinidad to El Gato to El Rosarito to Santa Marta. You can read about it and see photos and maps (from TMW, 4x4abc, and others).

I don't think you can go that way any longer... gates installed may block the route near the state border. A big power line is crossing the gulf from Sonora to near El Barril then south to Santa Rosalia.

defrag4 - 10-27-2020 at 12:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Mother of Dragons  
Nomads is so great with threads like this,
No one being mean..just helpful info and shares of Baja are awesome.


shhhh we keep it civil down here in the fishing section, dont tell the rest of them! ;)

[Edited on 10-27-2020 by defrag4]

JZ - 10-27-2020 at 01:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by thebajarunner  
OP is asking me if you can drive on from San Francisquito to Santa Rosallia.
I told him he would be the first one in history.
Then I got to thinking that maybe someone knows more about that area than I
Last time there the road ended at the fish camps less than ten miles south of SF.
Pretty rugged terrain from there on south


Here is the No Wimps trail that goes from San Francisquito and comes out on MX 1 just North of Santa Rosalia.




Don Jorge - 10-27-2020 at 04:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by defrag4  
Quote: Originally posted by Mother of Dragons  
Nomads is so great with threads like this,
No one being mean..just helpful info and shares of Baja are awesome.

shhhh we keep it civil down here in the fishing section, dont tell the rest of them! ;)[Edited on 10-27-2020 by defrag4]

Orale! We appreciate fishing reports of any type also.
Hopefully the OP will give us a report on the great time he is certain to have and enjoy after he gets back.

Have a wonderful, exciting, relaxing fishing trip Doug Landolfi!

[Edited on 10-27-2020 by Don Jorge]

Allwaters - 10-30-2020 at 07:47 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Doug Landolfi  
Wow - thank you so much!! I will be learning a lot on this first driving + camping adventure. My last experiences in Baja were 32 years ago in Cabo San Lucas - obviously, things down there have changed markedly. Won't be visiting Cabo ....

I really appreciate all of the great advice and guidance.

I concurr with all these guyz, they know their chit... Ditch the inflatable canoe, get a hard kayak and by all means carry a small anchor in case you need it safetywise or while diving, DO NOT LOSE YOUR PADDLE! You can get a small boogie board or surfboard leash for it, Take everything you can think of you may need, I take all my drinking water, meds I may need (Ibuprofen mostly but its good to get some general antibiotic in case you get some infection from a cut or something), and everything else you are used to finding easily at home. Markets and American product availability down there have improved immensely in the last 25-30 years but until you are down there you won't know exactly what is available. For instance, I had difficulty finding white gas down there for my stoves so next time I will take two extra gallons, I am a coffee snob so I take my own, altho u can find some fishing gear it is easier to bring everything you may need including spare line, spare reels, spare rods, dive stuff etc. Oh yeah, take all automotive tools you own and have some spare parts for your ri. Be as self sufficient as you can. 😃

Doug Landolfi - 11-2-2020 at 07:28 AM

Once again, THANK YOU to everyone who has shared information, and has offered advice. I plan to follow all of the guidance within this thread. Regarding the inflatable canoe - I contacted Sea Eagle and shared the points and concerns that have been raised. They are willing to take it back, and return my money. They have been great. I was hoping to take an inflatable to save rack space on top of my Tacoma and on my topper racks. I leave Colorado to head towards Mexicali on November 15th. I will post trip reports. Thank you all!!! I feel like I have made some great new friends. Doug