Updated March 1, 2009
The following information is provided as general information about Mexican Fishing License and Boat Permit Regulations. Please verify all information with the Mexico Department of Fisheries. This information was copied from the CONAPESCA website:
CONAPESCA/Oficina de Pesca
2550 Fifth Avenue, #15
San Diego, CA 92103
phone 619-233-4324 fax 619-233-0344
www.conapescasandiego.org
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2008, BOAT PERMITS ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED FOR VESSELS PRACTICING SPORTFISHING IN MEXICAN WATERS.
A representative from the Mexico Department of Fisheries will be set up on-site during registration at each event to sell Licenses and Permits.
• 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 mollusks or crustaceans, and their capture by anyone is strictly prohibited. Totuaba, 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 skin diving.
• 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 filleted 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.
1 Week: $25.80
1 Month: $37.00
1 Year: $48.20
Applications for Mexican Fishing Licenses can be obtained at the CONAPESCA office in San Diego (see address above) or printed from the CONAPESCA website at FISHING LICENSE APPLICATION.
You may also be able to purchase them through your local fishing and tackle store or Mexican insurance dealer.
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