Looking to take my son on a all inclusive Mexico fishing trip as a college graduation gift in February or March and am looking for some advise as this will be our first time down there.

Which month is better February or March and is weather a factor during these months?
Which outfitter would you recommend Ron Speed Adventures or Anglers Inn?
Would you choose one of the 2 lakes, if so which one?
Is the combo package worth it to fish both lakes each for a couple of days?
What is appropriate tip amounts for the guides and do you tip in dollars or Pesos?
Is there any safety concerns when on a trip like this?
How many reels would you take and what line types and sizes are best for these lakes?

I know I have a lot of questions but I figure it's best to ask people with the most experience and knowledge. Any advise is well appreciated!!

Pete & Hanna Robbins at Half Past First Cast have a fantastic website that you need to visit.

Find a comfortable spot and check out the Ultimate Guide to El Salto & Picachos

I’d do 2 El Salto and 3 Picachos with Ron Speed, amazing service.
Stay an extra night at El CID Castillo Beach and have dinner at the oceanfront restaurant at El Moro(next door).
I take 4 reel, 2 with 15# fluro, 1 with 12# fluro and one with 12# mono.
Been many times and both locations are very safe.
Last trip, guides a mini of $25 a day.
Staff $20 a day.
Dollars work fine!
Contact Bill Mullins at Ron’s office and he can send you all the info you need.
Both are good and weather should not be a factor. The rainy season is June to September

we have done 3 1/2 days at picachos and 3 days at el salto with ron speed last several years....fantastic fishing and great food,accomodations and guide service....couldn't ask for better experience.....
here is link to story and pics i did after our trip in March..
https://texasfishingforum.com/forum...s-unbelievable-el-salto-too#Post14315619

https://texasfishingforum.com/forum...l-salto-on-your-bucket-list#Post14315680

I have been going to El Salto since 2002 and I have used Anglers inn. My wife goes sometimes, and she stays at the lodge in the mornings and fishes in the afternoon. we have never had any issues. When my wife goes, we take 4 reels a piece. I did get stopped one time for having 9 reels and had to pay a tax on one of them. great food and accommodations. I personally like Dec and June

I'm planning on my 3rd trip to El Salto the first week of March. Have never been to Lake Picachos. Let me just say that unless something incredibly bad happens to my financial situation, I will be back atleast once a year until the fishing falls off or I die, lol. My recommendation on rods and reels is much the same as "Half Past First Cast", one hack that I use is to bring multiple reels in the boat with me so that I can just swap reels instead of having to respool if I want to change from let's say topwater to jerkbait etc.

I guess I'd have to ask if your son is an accomplished angler and is looking for big fish, or is he a fishing novice and just wants to catch a lot of fish.

If he has fished a lot and wants to catch some bigguns, but most likely fewer fish, then I'd go to El Salto.

If he just likes to catch fish, with the possibilities of a biggun or two, then I'd go to Picachos.

The numbers legends for Picachos are not exaggerated.. It is stupid.. Always..

El Salto can be some stingier with the numbers, but when it is "on" it can also be a big numbers lake..

And you will likely catch a few fish over seven or eight pounds. With the possibility of a giant.

I have been to Picachos six or seven times, Salto three or four times, and Commedero once, all with Ron Speed..

Can't beat the service..

Ron Speed is a local Guide, go with him

I remember him guiding behind Lake Texoma back when they had 30 to 40 lb stripers behind the damn back in the day....

Would just go to Salto. Was not a fan of Picachos. Nothing I could narrow down to a verbalized reason though. Now if they have split trips between Salto and Comedero I would be all in.

Go to Baccarac. I’ve spent a month down there over the past 2 years. Closest thing to falcon prime.

highly recommend doing a split trip especially with a young fisherman......both of you will have great time catching 100+ a day hard pulling 2-4lb fish at Picachos for 3 days ...that will satisfy your urge to catch a lot of fish then go fish 3 days at El salto where you only catch 50-70 bass a day but a lot of 6-9lb fish....and you got a good chance of catching one over 10lbs....

Hi, I'm Hanna from Half Past First Cast

I saw your post about El Salto and Picachos on TFF.
Between the two lakes, I've been around 20 times and I'm happy to answer any questions you might have.
I can also help you book if you choose Anglers Inn, but either way I'd love to share some info to get you headed down to my happy place.
Can we set up a call?

Please reach out to me at fishmore@halfpastfirstcast.com with your contact information and let's talk.

Hanna Robbins

Thanks to everyone for your responses, much appreciated information!!

Me and my son are both experienced fisherman. I have had him fishing his whole life and he is in his 30's now. He is a late engineering graduate because he was in the Army for 6 years before getting his degree.

Hanna, I will try and reach out to you later this week.

Ken

Look forward to speaking with you.

Thank you
Hanna
Half Past First Cast