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OUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
All
about MEXICAN
LAKES is
here to help Bass Anglers from around the world seeking accurate information about the
trophy bass fishing in the Lakes of Mexico
and finding that information in a friendly, easy to use format. We strive to
provide honest, accurate, up to date, and hopefully, useful information to help the new
visitor as well as the seasoned Mexican traveler. If you have suggestions
to make this a better site, please submit your suggestions or comments.
Here's a list of our most frequently asked questions about Mexico bass fishing:
How do you say Bass
in Spanish?
Lobina (loh-bee-nah) or Robalo (row-bah-loh)
What is the very best single
phrase to know in Spanish?
"Por Favor"
(The English translation means "PLEASE"). This single universal
phrase-word can almost always work miracles in any situation in any country!
Use it often while in Mexico!
Did you know that the State
of Sinaloa on the West coast of Mexico is the leading State in Mexico with lakes
(lagos) used for irrigation and bass angling? Listed below are some of the major
lakes
in the State of Sinaloa.
Presa Luis Donaldo Colosio
(Lake Huites)
Presa Miguel Hidalgo (Lake Hidalgo)
Presa Josefa Ortiz (Lake Dominguez)
Presa Díaz Ordáz (Lake Baccarac)
Presa Eustaquio Buelna (Lake Balbuena)
Presa López Mateos (Lake Mateos)
Presa Sanalona (Lake Sanalona)
Presa Jose Lopez Portillo (Lake Comedero)
Presa Aurelio Benassini (Lake El Salto)
Presa El Sabinal (Lake Sabinal)
Presa Juan Guerrero Alcocer (Lake Vinoramas)
Which Lake in Mexico is the
"BEST" for bass angling?
Well, that's a really tough
question to answer unless we first define what one considers the definition of
"BEST" might be. Some bass anglers are happy with shear
numbers caught without too much regard for size and would consider this to be
the most desirable criteria for a successful trip. Then there are the true
"Trophy Bass Hunters" that will fish all day for just a few
"BIG" bites. And of course, there are those that would only
consider big numbers with the real opportunity for trophy size bass too as the
criteria for a truly successful trip South of the border! And yes,
believe it or not, there are many, many lakes and lagoons in Old Mexico that
easily fall within all of the above parameters and criteria.
One of the very best spots
in all of Mexico for shear numbers of bass is a little known east coast hideaway
at Laguna Tortuga, down by the costal city of Tampico in the State of
Tamaulipas. And every cast into these pristine waters also has a real
chance of producing a double digit bass too! The Mexican Government has
only recently within the past few years opened these "Wetland Costal
Areas" for sport angling and there are many such unexplored areas up and
down both coasts that not only offer outstanding bass angling, but the
opportunity to try your skills with some nearby great salt water angling as
well!
Since the introduction of Florida
genetics in Mexican lakes in the 70's, the numbers of huge,
giant, double digit bass that have matured in the fertile, year round, ideal growing conditions prevalent in most Mexican
lakes is truly staggering. So
yes, once again there are many lakes that the "Trophy Hunters" have
been flocking to for years. And, with phenomenal results I might
add. It is not uncommon at all for an accomplished "Big Bass
Specialist" to catch and release 100's of double digit bass in the course
of just a few seasons at some of the Mexican lakes located on both coasts.
Especially those anglers that prefer and choose to take the time and effort to
pull their own bass boats to these lakes that have been stocked with the proper
Florida genetics and have had the necessary time needed to produce these giant,
double digit GRANDE'S! lake Guerrero, Baccarac, El Salto and Comedero
certainly all fall within this category with unbelievable trophy bass angling if
one is fortunate enough to be there at the right time of the
cycle.
And then of course, there
are those new Mexican lakes that have just been opened for public sport angling. And as with almost all new bodies of water that have been
properly stocked, the angling is absolutely unbelievable the first few
years. With fishing tales that are too much for even the most seasoned
angler to comprehend..........at least until such fishing adventures are
experienced first hand at a new Mexican lake! Lake Huites and Milpa easily
fall within this category. With staggering numbers of quality bass being
caught and released daily. Along with many double digit bass already being
caught at the relatively new Presa Huites!
As far as a real sleeper
lake or two in Mexico right now, I would have to say Lake Hidalgo located just a
few miles from the town of El Fuerte, Sinaloa might just be one of the best older
lakes for numbers and double digit bass in all of Mexico. This
mature, older lake is just downstream on the Rio Fuerte from the newer lake
Huites. And in fact, all those anglers that fly into Los Mochis for a trip
to Presa Huites drive right by Presa Hidalgo. With very little fishing
pressure in the past years, this lake has produced many, many double digit
giants and if one hits it just right, the numbers of bass caught daily could be
considered by many to be as good as it gets! Another sleeping giant of a lake in the same area that has made a great come back cycle is
Presa Mateos
located several hours south of Hidalgo and only an hour or so from the
Culican, Sinaloa airport on a good paved road. There are outfitters
operating at both of these mature lakes , with several operating out of El
Fuerte that fish Presa Hidalgo. For and up to date list of lodges and outfitters at most Mexican
lakes, just spend a little time checking our lakes
and lodges page. We are constantly updating this area, so check back often
for more current information. And don't forget, we have the very best MEXICAN
LAKE MAP SELECTION available anywhere in the world............so, if you or
someone you know is planning that fishing adventure of a lifetime down south of
the border be sure and check with us for your map needs and all the current lake
conditions.
Are all Mexican Lakes open for
Sport Fishing?
Yes, and as previously
mentioned, many offer the best bass angling to be found in the world! Most Mexican
lakes have been stocked extensively with Florida genetics, some since the 70's and
they are now producing many trophy size bass for gringo bass chasers that make trips South of the
border to experience the bass fishing adventures of a lifetime!
Can you pull your own boat to
all Mexican Lakes?
Yes you can. Although,
it generally requires much more effort and planning than a fly in trip with one
of the several outfitters operating at the various Mexican Lakes. Most Lakes
in Mexico are
fairly remote and access facilities are generally somewhat primitive by American Standards.
Many of the Lakes have no facilities of any kind on the water, such as launch
ramps, marinas and or accommodations that cater to drive down customers. This is slowly changing
however, as more and more Gringos see the advantages of
having their own boats on the water while in Mexico. Generally speaking
however, one must plan on being totally self sufficient while at any Mexican
Lake after driving down. A few of the outfitters do offer special rates for room
and board if they are less than fully booked with fly-in customers. E-mail
us, as we have been driving into Mexico for 35 years and can put you in contact
with the right Mexican Nationals to help you set up an enjoyable and trouble
free trip. One word of caution, if you decide to pull your own boat.
The last few miles into most Mexican Lakes are generally never a paved road and
depending upon the season and amounts of rain since the last grading of
the dirt-gravel roads, they can all be quite rough and slow going.........so, it's always
a good idea to take and extra set of boat trailer springs along with a couple spare
tires and all the necessary tools to handle any break down scenario while
traveling on the back roads of Old Mexico. With the proper planning and a
little extra time, a drive down trip to Old Mexico can be one of the most
rewarding fishing vacations you'll ever have. E-mail
us for more info and tips if you have plans for a drive down trip
.
Will I need Mexican Automobile
and Boat Insurance while on a drive down trip?
Yes you will. Most
American Insurance Companies only offer coverage for the Mexican Towns and
Cities that border the US. Check
with your Insurance Provider first, however, we have found Sanborn's Mexican
Insurance Company to offer great service and assistance at very competitive
pricing for the Insurance Coverage needed for the duration of your stay in Mexico.
They also have great Maps and Trip Guides at no additional charge. Check Sanborns
Web Site for more information.
What about Fishing and Boat
Permits?
Fishing and Boating permits
are required at ALL Mexican fresh water lakes. These permits can be
purchased in Mexico, but it is much easier to procure these documents before
heading south. If flying down for a package trip, the outfitter supplies
all necessary permits. Mexican Permits can be purchased at this Web Site vagabundos.com by credit
card. Or, you can contact Semarnap at 619-233-6956 for a faxed or
mailed form. Return for processing to address listed on form.
What is the cost for Fishing
and Boating Permits?
The cost for Annual Bass
Boat Permits is $30.15. One year Boating Permits are all that can be
purchased. Fishing Permit costs are as follows:
1-Week $21.20
1-Month $30.40
1-Year $39.50
Where
can I purchase Mexican Lake Maps?
We have the best selection
of Mexican lake maps available. Fully laminated and water proof.
Most lake maps are 24 x 36 inches in size. E-Mail
Us or call us at 800-353-8901 for more info and or to place an order.
What can I
use as proof of citizenship to enter México?
I will let the Mexican
Consulate answer this question. Click
here. Hit the back button on your browser until you return
to our FAQ Page.
How bout the
weather?
Bring warm
clothing for the early morning and evening hours during the cooler months of the year.
Generally speaking, the days are warm and quite comfortable even during the
colder months of the year. A light jacket or sweater would be a good bet
in the fall and spring months. As in any country, altitude affects the
daily weather conditions and several of the lakes on the Mexican west coast are
in the foothills of the Sierra Madres Occidental mountain range.
Therefore, occasional cold fronts do make it that far south during the winter
months and the temperatures can be quite cool for a day or two. Mexican
Weather Forecasts.
Can I drink
the water?
The water in Mexico is
treated and purified in most of the bigger cities, but the distribution system
is not so perfect. In most hotels and restaurants, you will be
served purified water, however, if in doubt - ASK. (Aqua
purificada, por favor.) I would not drink the water from
a private home or condo, unless you know there is a purification system
installed, and working. Buy bottled water. Why not be
completely safe? Don't take the chance of ruining your vacation. If
using an outfitter and fly-in service, they all provide bottled and purified
water at their facilities and for use in the boats while on the Lake. If
driving into Mexico, purified, bottled water is available throughout all the
country in various sized containers.
Is the Ice made
with Purified Water?
Yes, Mexican ice
producers use purified water, however, prudence should be used in choosing
the ice plant where ice is purchased if you'll be driving in and taking
ice with you to the lake. Most smaller towns around the various Lakes have
an ice plant that can supply you with a purified product.
Will my
cellular phone work in México?
There is local cellular
service in the major cities of Mexico. However, very few American cellular
services will allow you to roam in México. Most cell phones will
work, but they must be reprogrammed by the local service providers in Mexico. If you
bring your own, it will need to be reprogrammed. Remember to
have your phone reprogrammed again before returning to the U.S.
If you really need cellular service while in Mexico, it might just be
easier to rent a phone. Mexico presently does not have the
extensive roaming capabilities that are available in the US. Therefore, once
one leaves the vicinity of most major cities, cellular phone service is not
available
What about the
"No-See-Ums" Biting Gnats around the Lakes I've heard so much about?
All we can
say is everything you've heard is probably true. Of course, certain times
of the year are worse than others, but the best protection is to cover all
exposed skin areas and use a good insect repellant. Look at our page "No-See-Ums"
for more information about this annoying little pest!
How do I convert Kilometers
to Miles? How bout Celsius temperatures to Fahrenheit?
Multiply the Kilometers x
.6214. To convert Celsius Temperatures to Fahrenheit, multiply x 9, divide
by 5 and add 32! Click
here, for a great conversion site for help with other types of calculations.
Mexican Lakes
The World's Best Bass
Angling!
TM
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