Baja Fishing Regulations

[walrus]

Since many people at BWE are planning trips to Baja this year, I thought it would be a good idea to post the fishing regulations. These are quite a bit smaller than California's. Yet it is another country so non-compliance results in confiscation of your kayak, tackle, auto, or all of the above. In some cases you may be sentenced to prison.


Regulations

Sport fishing is a category of fishing practiced for recreational purposes, linking humans with nature, particularly with fish stocks.


Mexico has selected nine fish species and reserved them exclusively for the activity of sport fishing practiced in the area located within the first 50 Nautical miles measured from the sea-shore. Six of these species are commonly known as “Picudos” (Billfish), these include 4 species of Marlin, Sailfish and Swordfish, in addition to Tarpon fish, Roosterfish and Dolphin fish (also known as Mahi-Mahi or Dorado).


The rules for the operation of a boat or vessel in Mexican waters with recreational fishing equipment, states that you must have a personal fishing permit for each person over the age of 18 that are in the boat.


Only the use of a cane or line is permitted during the practice of sport fishing, per person in the boat, but there is no restriction on the number of replacement tackle items.


The permit covers sports and recreational fishing exclusively for catching fish; it does not allow the capture of mollusks and crustaceans as it is strictly prohibited. The Totuava, loggerhead sea turtles and marine mammals are under the protection of permanent closure and protected by environmental regulation, its capture at any time or form is a crime under federal law and punishable with jail.


During the practice of bottom fishing, you can use up to four hooks placed in a vertical line. (The use of spoilers, or hooks grampines of multiple death is prohibited)


The resistance of the line may not be heavier than 60 kilograms or 130 pounds.


Electric reels are used exclusively for people with physical disabilities only and after obtaining written permission by the Ministry of Fisheries.


You must enable, facilitate and let the authorities conduct inspections on board your boat in compliance with fisheries law.
Possession & Limits by Species

During the practice of recreational sport fishing in the sea, the daily maximum limit per catch and possession will be ten fish, no more than five (5) of the same species, except for Marlin, sailfish, swordfish or shark, in which a single specimen will count for the full daily allowance. Concerning Dorado, Roosterfish, Shad or Tarpon will be two specimens at most per day and will count as 5 other species. (Under no circumstances live specimens of any species can be thrown into the sea as food to attract other species, as bait without previously pinned to a hook, which constitutes a practice of priming of fishing zone)


The limit of possession for individuals in inland waters (rivers, lakes, dams, etc.) Is a maximum of five fish per day, without taking into account if they are of the same species or a combination of them.


During the practice of sub-aquatic fishing the limit per day shall be five (5) fishes and harpoons should used with rubber bands or spring, this diving activity shall be made without oxygen equipment or air supply.


There is no limitation in regards to the practice of catch and release, provided that the specimen over the limits of possession may be returned to its habitat in good shape.


When the practice of recreational sport fishing takes place in open sea for more than three days, maximum possession of specimens do not exceed three times the daily limit established in advance.
Prohibitions

1. It is prohibited to catch and keep species alive for use as ornamentals.
2. It is prohibited to receive funds or sell specimens caught during the practice of sports and recreational fishing.
3. It is prohibited to throw trash as well as substances that harm the aquatic environment in lakes, rivers, coastlines or ocean in general.
4. It is prohibited to collect shells, corals, anemones and snails as well as disturbing or altering the environment of the ecosystem.
5. Prohibited the practice of sports and recreational fishing in reef areas and seasons, and within 250 meters of boats engaged in commercial fishing.
6. It is prohibited to make the sports and recreational fishing in coastal beach and the practice of this activity must be carried out at least 250 feet away from swimmers.
7. The use of artificial lighting in order to attractlarge numbers of fish.
8. It is prohibited to fire guns or explosives in national waters.
9. It is prohibited to fillet the product of sports and recreational fishing in the boats.
10. Service providers must have on board their ships: Sport fishing permits for each individual fishermen and logbook.
11. It is necessary that any unusual activity be reported to the offices of Environment Natural Resources and Fisheries, with the mere intention to provide for the preservation of natural resources and fishing life.
12. The enforcement of this rule is for the secretary of natural resources, environmental and marine fisheries, whose staff carry out the work of inspection and supervision as necessary; violations thereof shall be censured in the terms of the fishing law and its regulations.

Application for license: http://www.conapescasandiego.org/con...ICENSE_REQUEST