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MEXICAN SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
In order to operate a boat that carries fishing
equipment in Mexican waters, it is necessary to hold a valid boat permit
and personal fishing licenses for everybody aboard the boat, regardless
of age and whether fishing or not. 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. This fishing license allows you to capture only fin
fish. It does not allow you to capture any 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 electrical reels is restricted to disabled fishermen
only, after written authorization from the Ministry before use.
BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS
In ocean waters and estuaries the limit is
a total of ten fish per day, with no more than 5 catches of a single species,
except of the species of Marlin, Sailfish, Swordfish and Shark, of which
only one specimen of either is allowed and which count as five of any other
species, or Dorado, Roosterfish, Shad or Tarpon of which only two samples
of each species are allowed and which also count as five of any other species.
Limit on inland bodies of water (rivers, lakes, dams, etc.) is five fish
per day, whether of a single species or in combination. Underwater fishing
is limited to five fish per day, using rubber band or spring type harpoons,
and only while skin diving. There is no limit to the practice of "catch
and release", as long as the fish that exceeds 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, riverbanks, or shores of 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. It is required that all unusual activities, occurrences or record
catches be reported to the nearest office of the ministry of the Environment-Natural
Resources and Fisheries, or to its representation in San Diego, CA., in
order to ensure the preservation of natural resources for the continued
enjoyment of all fishermen.
Fish caught under a sportfishing license may
not be filleted aboard the vessel which it was caught.
There have been some substantial increases
announced for Mexican Fishing Licenses and Boat Permits that all should
be aware of. There is also a new requirement that the term of the license
start on the day it is purchased rather that the time of the anticipated
trip. The new prices are as follows:
Fishing License Prices
1 Week - $18.75
1 Month - $24.00
1 Year - $31.25
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