In case you haven’t noticed the scent of diesel fumes in the morning air or the flashing 20 mile per hour school zone warnings then let me be the first to remind you that another school year has begun.  This year my family has the unenviable pleasure of having two children attending schools in different districts.  Recently I watched as my wife, ever the model of maternal efficiency, was laboring through the task of combining two school calendars into one organized agenda of teacher planning days, national holidays and seasonal breaks.  Breaks…whether they be to celebrate winter, spring, summer or some other random Pagan based holiday are a part of life that fades away with pencil boxes and recess.  As I lamented this truth I took a closer look at the school calendar and right there, nestled between the weeks off for parent teacher conferences and Harvest Break (the holiday formerly known as Thanksgiving) highlighted in green and blue was the entry “FISHING TRIP TO MEXICO!!!”  So there it was, showcased with neon markers, wrapped up in a cocoa butter scented package, marinated in Dos Equis for 12 months and served on a bed of steaming Mexican beach sand…the adult equivalent of Winter Break. 

Each November for the past three years John Keizer and I have hosted the Salt Patrol Billfish tournament on the East Cape in Las Barilles Mexico.  Originally intended as a small excursion for our friends in the Gig Harbor Puget Sound Anglers Chapter, the event quickly surpassed the original goal of 20 participants as the Palmas De Cortez Resort played host to 84 Northwest fishermen.  The following year saw that number increase to over 140 guests as wives, girlfriends and old fishing buddies were made aware of the beautiful resort, the incredible fishing and the surprisingly low cost.  This year’s tournament promises more of the same with participants from nearly every PSA chapter in the state as well as the same great prices we’ve come to expect from VanWormer Resorts, the owners of Palmas De Cortez. 

The 3 day tournament is conducted by the resort with winners competing for prizes ranging from a free return trip to cold hard cash.  G-Loomis, Lowrance Electronics, 4 Wheel Parts, and Silver Horde among others, make generous contributions to the dozens of door prizes awarded at the tournament awards fiesta.  Cash prizes for the top 3 crews are provided to ensure maximum effort on their behalf. 

Swapping rain gear for t-shirts and shorts is a welcome change for all as the boats pursue black, blue and striped marlin as well as sailfish, Dorado (Mahi-mahi) and Yellowfin Tuna.  All of these species earn points in the tournament.  Except for billfish which our tournament rules require you to release your catch can be retained to be packaged, frozen and taken home as checked baggage.  There are no charges or percentage of your catch that is retained by the crew.  If you catch it, you keep it.  Sending your catch to be prepared at the resort, turned into ceviche at the snack bar or prepared as sushi at the resort sushi is also a great option.  Your boats captain will turn in your score sheet upon returning to the dock each day by 4:00 pm.  Standings by boat and/or team name are displayed each night for review.   Prizes are awarded during the fiesta on the final night of the tournament.  

While the tournament remains the main attraction of the event it is only one facet of this great trip.  Fly fishing, quad rentals, ziplines and shopping excursions all contribute to the total vacation experience.

Each year an increasing number of participants stay for extra days after the event.  This allows them to pursue specific species or participate in some non fishing activities.  The resorts tournament special of every 4^th night free makes this a no brainer for most travelers.  John and I traditionally spend at least one day targeting yellowfin tuna and dorado for the freezer.  We also enjoy spending at least one day fishing inshore for roosterfish and wahoo.  Any other extra days are spent riding quads and assisting John with finding a suitable retirement home in the area. 

That’s right; Las Barilles is no seedy border town.  It’s a beautiful haven which in addition to the resort boasts restaurants, a modern grocery store and a world class smoke house.  Though it doesn’t have the raucous nightlife of Cabo, it also doesn’t have the high prices, pollution or rowdy American teenagers.  The small community of retired U.S. citizens can’t be wrong.   Palmas De Cortez has beautiful rooms, most of which have an incredible ocean view and spa inspired bathrooms.  Three pools and a gigantic hot tub grace the property along with a newly completed sportsman’s lounge and a popular swim up bar in the main pool.  Include the driving range, the full service spa and the American trained on site doctor and you and your companions will feel pampered, safe and comfortable. 

So if you’re looking for your own version of Winter Break, then pencil it in on the calendar.  The Salt Patrol Billfish Tournament, November 8^th – ^12th.  Check out SaltPatrol.com for prices and booking information.  Once you find yourself relaxing on a chaise lounge staring out at the emerald green waters and contemplating a week of warm weather and fishing you’ll be glad that you did.