You won't need a boat permit in Mexico if you just want to go on boating without any desire for fishing. But if you go fishing on a boat in Mexico, you will have to procure a fishing license for all members who will be present in the boat and a permit for the boat as well. In any case, many boat owners obtain one just to be on the right side of the law. If the Mexican authorities suspect there is something fishy, and find even small amounts of tackle or fish on board, you run the risk of getting the boat confiscated or paying a hefty fine. A fishing license is not needed if you prefer fishing from land.

If you are interested in getting fishing licenses and boat permits, you can have them from some local tackle shops or from the Mexican government's CONAPESCA (Comisión Nacional de Acuacultura y Pesca) office in San Diego. For obtaining a boat permit, you will need a copy of your valid boat registration. The CONAPESCA office in San Diego will issue you a license and permit regardless of whether you live in the San Diego area or not. You can call them for current rates and they will send you an application. When you mail your application to them with your payment, your valid registration and a self-addressed stamped envelope, they will send you your documents by mail. They usually accept only money orders or cashiers' checks in the correct amount and made out to Oficina de Pesca.

This fishing license allows you to catch only fin fish. Capturing any mollusks or crustaceans is strictly prohibited. Totuava, turtles and marine mammals are under protection of the ministry and may not be captured at any time. Only physically handicapped fishermen can use electric reels, after written authorization from the ministry before use. In ocean waters and estuaries the limit is a total of ten fish per day, with no more than 5 catches of a single species (there are exceptions for some species); the limit on inland bodies of water (rivers, lakes, dams, etc.) is five fish per day, and underwater fishing is limited to five fish per day. There is no restriction on 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.

It is better if you get a prior idea of the Mexican sportfishing rules as there are several prohibitions and you can land in trouble if you violate them unknowingly.

If you are driving through Mexico or a resident of San Diego, the Fisherman's Landing located in Shelter Island makes it convenient to obtain a fishing license and boat permit in a matter of minutes. It has a great selection of tackle as well as a friendly staff.

Fishing license prices are usually $22.90 (one week), $32.80 (one month) and $42.70 (one year). Boat permit prices are usually $32.55 for Small (17' - 22' 11"), $65.10 for
Medium (23' - 29' 11") and $97.65 for Large (30'+). All these prices, however, are subject to change.