Well, reservations made, flights booked!!! At least one question remains -to take my own rods, or use theirs? Reels are easy, but rods pose a bigger problem. I have rod tubes, and usually will ship rods vis UPS. Different story with customs in the way.

Those of you who have been -what did you do about rods?

Depends on how fanatical you are. We take our own but most of the lodges have good MH rods you can use. The question would be how well it pairs with your girl's reels.

P.S. Customs isn't a problem.... They see rod tubes all day long. I'm assuming you have an Airliner or Jumbo Airliner or equivalent?

Never been to Salto but shipped rods many times UPS. Get a piece of PVC pipe about 6" longer than the rods. Make sure you tape or tie the rods handles securely to the end of the pipe so they can't slide forward inside the tube. If the UPS driver throws the tube out and it lands on the end of the pipe with the rod tips and the handles are not secured, the rods will slide forward and crush the tips. Hope that makes sense.

good morning,

glad you are going, i've carried my rods before and also used their rods.......if you are going with doug king, they have shimano crucils (sp) and temple fork and some others.........AA charged me 65 for my bazooka rod case........

i caught a lot of fish with their rods.....just saying....be sure to pack your reels both ways....its just easier.......

i caught this one on one of their rods.....10.5.....



have safe travels and keep us posted...........

good luck,
PURA VIDA,
bluebonnet2

Thanks again guys,
Have booked with Anglers Inn - they offer a "Platinum Couples Package" which is 3 days fishing El Salto, then 3 days at the Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort. Pretty nice place by the looks of it.
As far as rods, I like mine, and I have the PVC tube all set to go. My Sweetie's reels fit my baitcaster rods just fine. Hopefully I can speak to someone at the lodge, to sort this rod thing out.
My girl IS a fisherman, and has fished for Crappie, Catfish, etc.a bunch. BUT, says she doesn't like Bass fishing -because it boring.

LMAO, hope to fix that at El Salto - can't wait to watch her hook into a few 6-8 pounders, then ask her how boring it is.

There is no problem getting through customs with a rod holder. I've had as many as ten in mine, a Plano. Airlines will check it as regular baggage. If asked, tell them you are a fisherman, and those are your "tools". Pack light, Anglers Inn has excellent laundry service. You put it in a basket in the morning and it will be clean and folded on your bed that afternoon.
You are doing something most fishermen don't, spending three days in Mazatlan. Take advantage of it, and see the "old" Mazatlan, with it's market, history, and beautiful views of the Sea Of Cortez.

I envy you. Hope you have a great trip. Share some pics when you get back.

Who is the outfitter. I've been to Ron Speed's places on Salto and Picachos and used their TFO rods and they have been fine. Not worth the hassle and cost to take your own. Carry your reels in a carry on!

Here's the "Outfitter":

Angler's Inn

I've had the tips broke off even taking precautions, they must have Monkeys handling those rod tubes...
Dobyns sells their rods with a little foam tip cover, last trip to mexico I did like Ken said above. I secured BOTH ends of the rods with tape and the foam thingies and no issues finally..

If they can supply the rods, I think I'll go the direction next time and just carry my reels, line, and lures..
Less hassle..

Yup,
That's certainly what I'm leaning towards. At some point I'm sure I'll be able to speak to someone "in the know" at the lodge, just to see what they've got. NOT carrying or shipping rods is A LOT less hassle.

Pretty sure they'll have rods adequate for the job, LOL

PS, I hope to take LOTS of pictures of this trip, hope the bigguns cooperate!!!!

who is the BEST outfitter for El Salto ?

which lake is (your opinion) the best to fish ?

Tips for 1st timer ?

Pueblo Bonito is a very nice property. Beach isn't Cancun by any means, but I'm not a beach guy anyway...I'm a sit-in-the-pool at the bar and drink guy, and there are plenty to choose from there. Quite a few choices of food to pick from on the property, and the showers (when I went) are strong enough to drown you. Amazing.

Angler's Inn website says you must bring your own rods
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