Mexico Fishing License and Mexico Boat Permit Requirements

Prior to taking your boat into Mexico we recommend that you review the rules and regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines and/or confiscation of your boat. The following is some useful information to help you understand Mexico fishing regulations. Get a Quote for liability on your boat while it is afloat?

Boat Permit Fees	Fishing License Fees (individual)
Under 23 feet” $32.55	1 Week $22.90
23’ to 29’11” $65.10	1 Month $32.80
30’ and larger $97.65	1 Year $42.70

Obtaining Mexico fishing licenses and boat permits

Conapesca
Telephone: 619.233.4324
Fax: 619.233.0344
Website: www.consultasweb.com/conapesca

You may also request fishing licenses and boat permits with the Vagabundos Del Mar at 800.474.2252

MEXICO SPORT-FISHING REGULATIONS

• In order to operate a boat that carries fishing equipment in Mexico waters, it is necessary to hold a valid boat permit and personal fishing licenses 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.
• This fishing license only allows capturing fin fish. It does not allow the capture of any 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 from the Ministry before use.

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 sport-fishing.
• 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 sport-fishing 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 Mexico waters.
• Fish caught under a sport-fishing 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, California, in order to ensure the preservation of natural resources for the continued enjoyment of all fishermen.

BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS

In ocean waters and estuaries the limit is a total of ten fish per day, with no more than 5 catches of a single specie, except of the species of Marlin, Sailfish and Swordfish and Shark, of which only one specimen of either is allowed, and which counts a five toward the overall 10 fish limit, or Dorado, Roosterfish, Shad, or Tarpon, of which only two samples of each specie are allowed, and which count a 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 skindiving.

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.

RESPECT AND ALWAYS PRACTICE RESPONSIBLE SPORT-FISHING!