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Take the time to look into the charter company you're thinking of fishing with and you'll end up with a good day on the water like our friend and longtime client, Thomas DeJager, pictured above.Most folks that make the trip to Cabo San Lucas plan on doing a little fishing while here. Why wouldn't they? Afterall, this is one of the world's premier fishing hot-spots with more charter fishing boats than you can shake a stick at. It's the latter part of that sentence that often leads to disappointment. Having a lot of different boats to choose from is a good thing. But, it's that large number of boats that attracts some pretty shady characters... the aptly named 'coyotes' that hang around the marina looking for a few unsuspecting 'fish' to catch.
"Coyotes" earned their moniker down here in Cabo much like their counterparts up in Northern Baja border towns. Up north, they prey on poor people looking to cross into the US illegally. Pay them a hefty fee and they'll tell you how they can get you across the border and into the 'promised land' quickly and safely. Problem is, while there are some that actually do, most just take the money and run never having any intention of fulfilling their part of the bargain. Down here, they're not offering the 'promised land', they're offering the 'promised boat'.
THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING
Spend a little time on the docks and you'll hear all sorts of tales of fishing trips that never happened... but were paid for. That's the work of the 'coyote'. You'll no doubt be approached by them while walking the marina looking at all the pretty boats. "Hey Meester.... you wan't to go feeshing?" That's how it starts. Someone who looks like they must be part of a fishing operation approaches you and offers you a price so low you think you've just struck paydirt. Heck, we've even seen them wearing T-Shirts from reputable charter companies, including ours, acting as if they're actual employees of those companies. Problem is, they're not. What they are are scam artists dressed to impress... wolves in sheep's clothing.
If you fall into their trap, they'll soon have you handing over a 'deposit' to 'reserve' your boat for a day of fishing. Worse yet, they'll get you to part with the entire charter cost. They'll point out the boat.... "Yes, it is that big one over there... It's nice, no?" They'll tell you they work for the man who owns the boat. They'll tell you their uncle owns it. They'll tell you they'll be on the boat helping you catch fish. They'll tell you anything to get the cash out of your pocket and into theirs.
Come the morning of your supposed fishing trip, you find that the boat is gone or that someone else is already aboard. What you really find is that you've been ripped off, and there's not much you can do about it. Report it to the police? Sure, and they will help if they can find the culprit, but often they can't. These scammers will disappear for a few days or move to another location so you, or the police, won't be seeing them anytime soon.
WHO'S LEGIT AND WHO'S NOT?
Now, we don't want you thinking that everyone selling fishing trips on the waterfront is a looking to rip you off. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, we deal with quite a few agents who work the marina looking for charter clients. We know who the 'good' guys are and have no problem working with them. But, how can you know if you're dealing with a 'good' guy? Simple, ask them to take you to the charter office for the boats they represent. If they tell you they can't, or the office is closed, or some other lame excuse.... keep on walking. If they're legit, they'll earn a commission when they escort you to a reputable charter companies offices and will never have an excuse for not taking you there.
By far the safest way to book a fishing charter here or anywhere else is to deal directly with the charter company. You wouldn't buy a car from some guy in the parking lot of your local Wal-Mart, would you? So why risk dealing with some guy on the marina boardwalk? Do your homework. Do a little research online and you'll find plenty of legitimate charter services that have been around for years and have a bevy of repeat clients. Of course, we want you to choose Pochos Charters, but more importantly, we want you to have a pleasurable experience... one that brings you back to Cabo to fish again and again. And, should you contact us about a charter only to find that all our boats are booked for the days you want to go fishing, we'll gladly give you a couple of referrals to other trustworthy charter companies that do a good job.
We hope to see you in Cabo soon!
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