Mexican Sport-Fishing Regulations!
If you are going to be fishing in Mexico we have gathered some helpful tips to keep in mind! Mexico has very strict regulations and laws for fishing!
- When operating a vessel in Mexican waters that has fishing equipment in it, Mexico requires that you hold a fishing license for everybody aboard the boat, regardless of age and whether they are fishing or not. A fishing license is not required if fishing by land.
- Only one rod or line with hook is permitted in the water, per person, however there is no restriction regarding the number of replacement items.
- A fishing license allows you to capture only fin fish. A fishing license does NOT allow you 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 anytime, at all. This is illegal.
- If capturing 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 from the Ministry.
There are also Daily Bag Limits and other regulations for Fishing in Mexican Water
- Each fisherman is permitted to catch up to ten (10) fish per day, with no more than five (5) fish of any one species. In addition, anglers are subject to the following limits: No more than one (1) billfish. No more than two (2) tarpon, dorado or roosterfish. Fish that are in the one fish or two fish categories count as five fish of the total ten fish daily bag limit. The maximum daily bag limit for underwater marine or freshwater fishing is five (5) fish. In fresh waters, anglers are permitted to take up to five (5) fish per day.
- The limit on inland bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, dams and so on, is five (5) fish per day, whether of a single species or in combination.
- The limit for underwater fishing is limited to five (5) per day, using rubber band or spring type harpoons, and only while skin diving.
- There is no limit to the “catch and release” practice as long as the fish that exceed the bag limit be returned to their environment in good survival condition!! Remember! GOOD SURVIVAL CONDITION.
- Where sport fishing is conducted from boats out at sea for longer that three days, the bag limit will be the equivalent of three times the amounts mentioned above.
- Mexican law prohibits the taking of abalone, lobster, shrimp, pismo clams, cabrilla, totuava, oysters, and sea turtles. Anyone wishing to purchase any of these species to take into the United States must first obtain a form from the Mexican Government Fish Commission; only the Oficinas de Pesca located within Mexico provides this form. All purchases of these species must be made at designated public markets or fishing cooperatives.
Watch out for some of these Mexico Fishing Violations!
- It is illegal to capture and maintain alive any fish for ornamental purposes.
- It is prohibited to receive any financial gain from the fish/product obtained through sport-fishing.
- It is prohibited to dump litter, trash or substances that harm the aquatic lora or fauna, whether it is on lakes, river banks, shores or any oceanic waters.
- It is prohibited to collect shells, corals, sea anemones and snails, or to disturb the original ecosystem environment.
- It is prohibited to use artificial lighting to attract large quantities of fish.
- It is prohibited to discharge any kind of firearms in Mexican waters.
- Fish that are caught under a sport-fishing license may not be filleted aboard the vessel from which it was caught.
This is to serve as helpful tips and information! Laws & Regulation are subject to change without notice! We do recommend that you contact Mexico’s National Aquaculture and Fishing Commission (CONAPESCA) for up to date information! www.conapescasandiego.org
We, along with many boaters and Mexican Officials strongly recommend Mexican Boat Insurance to protect you against the unforeseen and avoid any problems with Mexican Officials that might ask for Fishing License and Mexican Insurance for your Vessel.
Purchase your Mexican Watercraft Insurance at www.InsureMeWC.com and give your crew and yourself peace of mind!