Mexican Sportsfishing Regulations

MEXICAN SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS

On the Road in has Mexican Sportsfishing Regulations here. Be safe and practice safe practices. Mexican Sportsfishing Regulations change from time to time. To get the most up to date information Go here

For information about Boat Permits and Licences go here

• 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 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 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.

•  Sport fishermen in marine waters can use all the rods and reels they want. In inland waters, only one rod must be kept in operation per fisherman. In both cases, the established catch limits must be strictly observed.

• To catch bottom fish, up to four hooks can be used in a vertical line.

• Electric reels are for the exclusive use of disabled people, and written authorization from the Ministry is required for their use.

 

BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS

• In oceanic waters and estuaries the daily limit is ten catches, with a maximum of five catches of the same species.

• In the case of Marlin, Sailfish, Swordfish, Shark and fish (Stereolepis gigas), the limit will be one specimen, which will be equivalent to five specimens of other species.

• In the case of Dorado, Bantamfish or Chad, berry (Mycteroperca jordani) or Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus orientalis), the limit will be two specimens, which will be equivalent to five specimens of other species.

• In the case of squid, the catch limit will be five fish per fisherman per day.

• In the case of freshwater bodies, the maximum limit will be five specimens, either of the same species or in combination.

• Underwater fishing will have a limit of five specimens per fisherman per day, using garter, spring or pneumatic harpoons, and only when diving with the lung.

• There is no limit to the practice of “catch and release“on the condition that the specimens that exceed the aforementioned quotas are returned to their natural environment in good survival conditions.

• When sport fishing is practiced from vessels whose trip lasts more than three days, the maximum number of catch that can be accumulated by the fisherman will be three times the daily limit, as mentioned above.

Limit on inland bodies of water (rivers, lakes, dams, etc.) is five fish per day, whether of a single specie or in combination.

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 of Mexican Sportsfishing Regulations

It is illegal to catch and keep any fish alive for decoration purposes.

It is prohibited to practice sport fishing within 250 meters of fixed or floating structures, or boats, that are dedicated to commercial activities.

It is prohibited to commercialize the catch obtained under a Sport Fishing license.

It is forbidden to throw garbage or any substance that damages aquatic flora or fauna, whether in lakes, rivers, beaches or ocean waters.

It is forbidden to collect shells, corals, anemones or snails, or disturb the environment or natural ecosystem.

Sport fishing is prohibited at 250 meters or less from beaches frequented by bathers.

The use of artificial lighting to attract massive amounts of fish is prohibited.

It is prohibited to transport or shoot firearms in Mexican waters.

Fish caught under a Sport Fishing license may not be filleted on board the vessels used for their capture.

Any unusual activity is requested to be reported to the nearest Fisheries Office or Representative Office in San Diego, CA., to ensure the preservation of natural resources for the enjoyment of all sport fishermen.