From my direct experiences of being approached, threatened, followed and shot at, then "poking the bear" for a few days after to see their responses and movements, here is what I have learned:
1) The local Cartel moves drugs from their labs and drop points on the North side of the Salinias (currently an Island) across the mouth of the Cove to the South side Netters launch point near town (red line on map).
2) Their main concern is that you could be a rival gang member trying to steal their drugs or interrupt their operations. The faster you can convince them you are an American fisherman, the better.
3) Ignoring them or attempting to flee once they are close is ill advised because it just fuels their suspicions.
4) Dropping your rod, removing your hat, face mask and sunglasses then pulling up your shirt and sleeves to show no weapons or tattoos while they approach will calm the situation substantially.
5) Ignore their guns because any fear response or yelling will provoke them, act like you are not a threat or a victim.
6) Even if the guys in the boat say it is OK to keep fishing, leave immediately because the guys on the shore may not agree and they will let you know by shooting over your head.
7) Here are some tell tale signs to look for before entering the Cove:
a) Any vehicles parked on South side Netters launch point that do not have trailers.
b) An absence of Netter boats or netting activities on the water.
c) Any camps or individuals on the North side Island.
d) Netter boats milling around with no nets in the water, these are lookouts and they will alert the Cartel of your presence.
e) The Cartel's primary boat lately is a ProCraft Fish and Ski with no windshield or trolling motor and four seats / riders, top speed is around 60 mph, but you will not outrun their bullets. They usually approach from the North and you can see them coming straight at you from a pretty fair distance. If I am leery of the situation I will linger just outside of the Cove and watch for them to start coming and leave quickly before they get too close. If you are already past the mouth it is too late and you should not flee.
f) Operations can last for a week or two and it seems to cycle on a 3 to 4 month schedule.
All of the above is from my experiences in the Salinias ONLY. The further North locations like Coyote and the Salado are a lot different and more dangerous as well, especially if the Salinias is hot.
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