Charter fishing Mexico

Question
As a US Citizen I am 56 years old and I am going to buy a 38' to 44' sportfishing boat and cruise the west coast of Mexico. I would like any information on what is required to do charter fishing south of the boarder. If you could just point me in the right direction I would be very grateful.

Answer
Good morning Billy,
    I wish I new more about setting up a charter service in Mexico...I just don't. But I do have a few ideas or thoughts on the subject.
   For fishing Mexican waters from your vessel in general, you will need to obtain an annual permit from the "Secretaria De Pesca"... the equivalent of our federal Department of Fisheries. In addition, each angler on the boat is required to have a license as well. The prices are reasonable but that's where reason with the Government of Mexico pretty well stops. The system is a bit corrupted (many would say that is the understatement of the year!).
   Bribery is common and if you don't know the ropes, one day you may arrive at your dock to find a "Hefe"...a police officer, an officer from the "Federales" or worse, has decided to take you vessel for his own...a customer of mine back when I had my tackle shop lost a beautiful home, motorhome, personal water crafts and the entire contents of the home to just a situation in Baja. So learn everything you can and find a good lawyer from both the U.S. that specializes in Mexican law as well as a reputable one in Mexico to advise you.
   One VERY important thing to remember...while in Mexican Waters, ALWAYS fly the MEXICAN flag along with the Stars and Stripes...at the same level and at all times! This has gotten many people out of binds with the Mexican Navy/ Coast Guard or anyone that tries to represent them to harrass you.
  If you are patient and thorough, you should be able to get some sort of operation going in the ports of Baja and perhaps even on the mainland...please do your homework!
  The more successful operations I am slightly familiar with promoted themselves AFTER fishing and often winning major tournaments...Bisbees Black and Blue etc...Get popular as a topnotch skipper that knows the waters and the quarry very well (if you don't already) and hone up your customer service skills...the operations in Cabo and the East Cape that I have fished with go above and beyond the call for their customers to get that repeat business!
  
   Billy, I hope that's a bit of a start for you...
I'd like to be the first to wish you best of luck in your new venture!   Thanks again for the question...
           Mark Rimmer- AllExperts.com
           [email protected]