Mexico Boating and Fishing Tips

If you fish or boat in Mexico then you will have to be extremely careful with the way you go about it. Rules and regulations are a part of the game for nature enthusiasts and fishermen around the country. Obtaining a fishing license or boating permit will not only keep you on the right side of the law but give you a better peace of mind before you head out. As well, there are rules about getting to your favorite destination including having the proper Mexico insurance for your vehicle. Here are the rules, in a simple way:

If you plan on fishing in Mexico, off of a boat, the law states that you need a fishing permit for each person in the boat as well as a boat permit for the boat itself. If you decide to go boating but aren’t going to fish, then you have no need to have a boating permit. However, if there are any fish or tackle in your boat without a license then you risk getting the boat taken away and your freedoms taken away. Mexican fishing licenses and boating permits are just a normal document for those enjoying nature.

If you are looking for a fishing license or boating permit down in Mexico you should start at the tackle shops that are set up by CONAPESCA (Commission, Nacional de Acuacultura y Pesca). In order to get a fishing license you will have to already have a boating license. The prices for these documents will vary from shop to shop and area to area so make sure you call in advance to check prices.

Mexican regulations associated with Mexican fishing licenses and boating permits are pretty strict. Here are the basic restrictions that fishermen and boaters run into:

Only one fishing rod/ hook is allowed in the water per person in the boat but you can have as many ‘replacement’ rods in the boat itself while it is on the water.

Electronic fishing rods can only be used by disabled fishermen and only by written permission through the Ministry.

The basic fishing license can only be used to catch fin fish only, and is not to used for bass fishing in Mexico or other fish. All other types of fish can not be kept and a fisherman is restricted from catching marine life such as turtles or Totuava because there are rules that prohibit this.

The only way to operate a boat in Mexico is to have a boat permit and fishing licenses for everyone in the boat. If you want to be in the boat, even if you aren’t fishing, you still need a license (age is not a factor).

There are also a few other limitations when speaking of Mexican fishing licenses and boating permits. Here are a few:

Underwater fishing can only be done at the rate of five fish per day (only harpoons or white skindiving).

There isn’t a limit on catch and release fishing as long as you throw the fish back into the water in good shape.

Sport fishing cannot be done within 250 yards of swimmers for obvious safety reasons.

It is illegal to use artificial light in order to attract large quantities of fish to your boat.