MEXICAN SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS

There are always a lot of questions on Mexican Fishing Regulations / Fishing Limits. Below are the facts or you can go directly to the official Mexican Govt. Web Site to get all the details. Right now the enforcement of these regulations is non-existant in Puerto Vallarta. But I do know they are enforced in Cabo. So make sure your butts are covered. If you are anything like me, I would be the one who gets busted! Visti the web site at: http://www.conapescasandiego.org/contenido.cfm?cont=REGULATIONS

You can print the regulations or find out about getting fishing licenses from San Diego before coming to mexico. So plan ahead. Keep this information handy, it could save you some hassle and money, so be armed with this informaton below…..

SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS

When operating a boat that carries fishing equipment in Mexican waters, it is necessary to hold a valid fishing license for everybody aboard the boat, regardless of age and whether fishing or not.

A Fishing License is not required when fishing from land. Only one rod or line with hook is permitted in the water, per person, but there is no restriction regarding the number of replacement items.

 A fishing license allows to capture only fin fish. It does not allow to capture any other mollusks or crustaceans, and their capture by anyone is strictly prohibited.

Totuava, turtles and marine mammals are under protection of the Ministry and may not be captured at any time.

To capture bottom fish, up to four hooks on a vertical line may be used. The use of electric reels is restricted to disabled fishermen only, after written authorization for the Ministry before use.

BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS In ocean waters and estuaries the limit is a total of ten fish per person per day, with no more than 5 catches of a single specie, except of the species of Marlin, Sailfish, Swordfish and Shark, of which only one specimen from this group is allowed per day, and which counts a five toward the overall 10 fish limit, or Dorado, Roosterfish, Shad, or Tarpon, of which only two samples from this group are allowed, and which count as five toward the overall 10 fish limit.

Limit on inland bodies of water (rivers, lakes, dams, etc.) is five fish per day, whether of a single specie or in combination. Underwater fishing is limited to five fish per day, using rubber band or spring type harpoons, and only while skindiving. There is no limit to the practice of “catch and release”, as long as the fish that exceed the bag limit be returned to their environment in good survival condition.

Where sportfishing is conducted from boats out at sea for longer than three days, the bag limit will be the equivalent of three times the amounts mentioned above.

VIOLATIONS It is illegal to capture and maintain alive any fish for ornamental purposes. It is prohibited to receive any financial gain from the product obtained through sportfishing.

It is prohibited to dump trash, litter or substances that harm the aquatic flora or fauna, whether on lakes, river banks, shores or oceanic waters. It is prohibited to collect shells, corals, sea anemones and snails, or to disturb the original ecosystem environment.

 It is prohibited to practice sportfishing 250 meters or less from swimmers. It is prohibited to use artificial lighting to attract large quantities of fish. It is prohibited to discharge firearms in Mexican waters.

Fish caught under a sportfishing license may not be filletted aboard the vessel from which it was caught It is requested that all unusual activities, occurrences or record catches be reported to the nearest office of the Oficina de Pesca, or to its representation in San Diego, CA., in order to ensure the preservation of natural resources for the continued enjoyment of all fishermen. WE INVITE YOU TO PRACTICE RESPONSIBLE SPORTFISHING!

Wednesday, April 28 2010 You can print the License Request form in this website. Click here To print Sporfishing Regulations Click here 2550 Fifth Avenue # 15 San Diego, CA.92103 Ph: (619) 233-4324 Fax: (619) 233-0344 Copyright © 2007 A web development of Everest Software Solutions