in the last few years, I'd like to hear your opinion on SAFETY; specifically, bandit avoidance. I was there years ago when there were few issues with bandits or drug cartels. Now- it seems like they are everywhere. But I suspect most of that is hype. More recently, I've heard of 3 incidents of robberies on the water (Comedero) or on the road to one of the fishing camps. I realize Mexico is essentially a failed, lawless state in some respects. And I believe it's risky travelling anywhere when there is no due-process of law. But I'm feeling the urge to go again with one of the big operations on the lake. I don't mind living a little dangerously. But I don't want to be stupid about it.

So.. if you have first-hand or reliable second-hand knowledge, what have you experienced or heard about all this? Would you go? Would you let your kids go?

Thanks.

I haven't been but I can tell you that 200,000 people have lost their lives in drug related violence in Mexico in the last ten years or so. And it seems that the problem is actually getting worse in many areas.

Just went end of June, got a 10 2nd cast, lots of fish, water was down. After this rainy season, I suspect the lake is way up. Saw heavily armed guys from Mazatlan down the highway to the lake. Helicopters with 50 cal on sides. Day before we left July 1, 19 bad guys tried some shenanigans with the Federales, they all got shot. I felt okay at the camp but in Mazatlan it was a little sketchy. It is in the middle of drug kingpin and wannabe kingpin land.. I am going to wait and see, in my opinion, its getting volitile Depends on how old the kids are

I'm going next week the 27th--Oct 1
Angler's Inn
I'll let you know
if I don't report back you'll know I got shot & then you'll have to make up your mind without info from me.
I don't expect an issues.

I have been twice with Ron Speed's camp. Never an issue and did not feel unsafe at the camp. The camps and the locals want to make sure your safety is cared for to keep the US dollars coming in. Mazatlan is a big resort city and you can find trouble if you are looking for it. After last day of fishing, we were dropped off late at hotel and got up early to fly out. No time for issues. You will be fine.

I've been to Anglers Inn nine times (mostly El Salto but also Picachos) and never felt the slightest worry. We leave our doors unlocked and never look over our shoulders while fishing. My brother came last year and was hesitant but is now planning to come back with his nine year old son.

Nothing is 100%, but this is as safe as any other place you'd choose to vacation.

Years ago, we went to Mateos (flying into Culiacan) and that felt less safe, but we had no problems.

Feel free to email me at pete_robbins AT hotmail DOT come if you want to discuss further.

I'd like to go down to El Salto or Guerrero, but I too have thoughts about my safety.

I went down to San Miguel de Allende last year for two weeks, not a fishing trip however. It's in the mountains east of Leon and there's a lot of gringo expats living there. The feeling there is that most of the problems with the cartels are at the border, and in resort cities with money, involve competition within the drug trade and that if you're not in the cocaine business or looking for trouble you likely won't find any. However, don't make yourself a target... don't wear jewelry like big rings, bracelets and chains, flash big rolls of cash, don't get drunk in bars and try to walk back to the hotel at 3am. Stuff you shouldn't do in strange situations here in the States as well as in foreign lands.

That said, things might/could change in an instant, and there are also the small-time rogue banditos who care little about how safe the gringos feel, and might see Norteamericanos who can afford a fishing trip there as a probable source of efectivo (cash). So, mucho cuidado, amigos.

Wife and I went to the beach in Quintana Roo last year. I speak Spanish so I chated up the locals quite a bit just to get a feel for how the safety was. There were several that I talked to that said they would not go to Mazatlan or that had moved their families from that area because of the cartels. Having said that I have not been fishing at El Salto but it is definitely bucket list and I will probably take the risk.

Been to Ron Speeds lodges on El Salto and Piccachos and felt perfectly safe at the lodge and on the water. Spent tome in Mazatlan after and the same holds true. Been to Lake Huites the last 2 years and felt very safe, going again in February.

Guerrero, we drive over to camp 4 or 5 times a year, no problems at all, we go to fish only.

been to both el salto and picachos last two years with ron speed......spent weekend and never felt unsafe in matzalan...caught the hell of the bass both places.....8.8 oz was my biggest but had ahold of couple that dived down in the flooded trees and broke me off......

I was in Mazatlan this past May as a day port while on a Carnival cruise.
I never thought for an instance about mine or my wife's safety.
stay in the tourist areas and you will be fine (99%)

Been to Oviachic two years in a row. We drive down from Nogales Az 7 hours to the lake with boats in tow there and back. Stay 7 days and fish like hell at Marina Del Ray. No problems. Guys' I've been going with have been doing it for over 25 years now. It's not a 5 star resort like at El Salto, more of a red neck's fish camp and I've already booked my trip for next spring.

Was supposed to go to Salto this May... Cancer and back surgery stopped that... buddies went, Anglers inn is the only place to go, the older guy who I fish with has been with them all and comes back to Anglers Inn.

They never had ANY issue. But they go straight to camp and straight home, only drink at camp

good morning,

been to el salto 5 times with probassadventures,,,,,doug king on here,,,,,,,never an issue at all, he alsohas a lodge at baccarac....no issues that I know of....

the media only reports the bad stuff, many americans are retiring to mexico in complete safety.....look for trouble and you will find it

BTW, doug has the best camp on the lake with great food and great guides.....these people are very warm and friendly, I have also been to sugar, and guerroro 6 times ....no issues...

you can contact me if you like...BTW non stop out of dfw on AA..........kids and ladies are welcome...

good luck.
PURA VIDA,
bluebonnet2