fishing sea of cortez

FISHING IN THE SEA OF CORTEZ

a. Note reference Loreto Marine Park laws:
The laws out of Loreto for fishing or even being in the Marine Park are draconian, and were influenced heavily by Americans who wanted Mexico to apply "no use" laws in the marine park. Anyone, EVERYONE who is in the marine park needs to pay a daily fee and have a permit; anyone, EVERYONE in a boat, even if only one person is fishing, needs a Mexican fishing license, PLUS the daily marine park fee; You are not allowed to anchor your boat anywhere in the Preserve; you are not allowed to land and walk on any of the islands; you are not allowed to clean your fish on the water in the park (as if fish guts would be BAD for the ecosystem?); and the list goes on. The laws have been in effect for years and years, but they have not been able to patrol or enforce the laws to date, but it looks like they are, now. Truth be told, the old Baja is NOT the way it used to be, and in this economy, it seems like everyone down there has their hand out. Almost always, you are just fine if you are fishing with an established Mexican fleet anywhere in the Baja, and in Loreto, I know that Arturo's Sportfishing is fine. But private boaters are definitely a target. Take care everywhere down there. Bill Karr, Western Outdoor News.

b. After reading today’s posting about a sportfisher being boarded in Loreto, I thought it might be helpful to offer a little “refresher” on Mexican fishing regulations. Here is a link to Conapesca’s official fishing regulations page: http://www.conapescasandiego.org/contenido.cfm? cont=REGULATIONS. It is short and sweet and very clear. As for the incident in Loreto, the regs clearly state that “fish caught under a sportfishing license may not be filleted aboard the vessel from which it was caught.” This point is listed under “ VIOLATIONS”. I understand that a VIOLATION can result in your boat being confiscated by the government, so be sure to follow the regs! Julie

c. Mexican Sport Fishing Regulations state:
"Fish caught under a sport fishing license may not be filleted aboard the vessel from which it was caught."
Mexico’s National Aquaculture and Fishing Commission (CONAPESCA) welcomes you to practice and enjoy sport fishing in our inland and ocean waters.
Read and print all the Mexican sport fishing regulations here:
http://www.conapescasandiego.com/contenido.cfm?cont=REGULATIONS

a. ACCURATE AND UP TO DATE EAST CAPE FISHING REPORTS: http://markrayor.blogspot.com/#
Mark Rayor
www.vistaseasport.com
www.thejenwren.com

Just a note regarding the smokehouse fish reports . . . . . . our crew compiles only firsthand information on a daily basis from the docks at Palmas, Playa, Verdugos, and Rancho Leonero. Flota Verde is also included because they use the hotel docks. Our crews do not count flags as they can be deceiving for many reasons. First, the crews may not have enough flags and second they sometimes use one species flag for a different species if they don't have that particular flag. Also colors can be deceiving from a distance. And finally, you know how boat captains memories can get a bit distorted when asked to reflect upon their day on the water, i.e. how many, how big, etc. In fact, our studies indicate a direct correlation between cerveza and the tendency to either forget and/or exaggerate.
Anyhow, we have a daily form which is filled out as the charters arrive and the info includes # boats, anglers, fish counts, species, location landed, and bait vs. lures. We also take alot of pics. We are not permitted on the docks at Spa Buena Vista although we can pick up fish to process from their clients upon request. As such we do not include those fish counts in our reports. They catch plenty of fish there too but we just do not compile any hotel info that is not firsthand. I should mention that we do have a great working relationship with Hotel Spa Buena Vista and we do promote them on our website and we are permitted to promote our smoking service on site.
We do compile info from Jen Wren Sportfishing, Marlintini Sportfishing, Awesome Sportfishing, and Cuyuyo's Pangas even if we do not encounter those charters on the docks. Additionally, we appreciate any info from the "local guys and gals" that fish the waters on a regular basis. You locals can always feel free to submit any info or story related to fishin' including pics. We are glad to post this info on our weekly reports giving full faith and credit to those providing the info.
Website for fishing report: http://www.bajapapas.com/new_mainreport.php
Gracias, Smokedoggydogg bajasmokedogg@gmail.com