OUTDOOR NOTES : Mexico May Soften Tuna Regulations

Reservation desks and ticket counters are far from buzzing as they might normally be this close to summer. Tuna fishermen have yet to dust off their tackle and gear, unsure of how the season will unfold after tough restrictions were imposed by Mexico in March.

But good news could be forthcoming, as a relaxation of the sportfishing regulations appears imminent.

Currently, recreational fishermen are allowed only two tuna per day and no more than six on trips lasting three days or longer. News of such restrictions sent the Southland sportfishing community--notably the San Diego landings--into shock.

However, Bob Fletcher, president of the Sportfishing Assn. of California, met with Mexican officials for a third time Tuesday and, unlike the previous two meetings, came away with the feeling that an acceptable amendment to the regulations is close.

“We had an exceptionally positive day,” Fletcher said from Mexico City.

Perhaps that would stem in part from the fact that Fletcher has Mexico’s tourism secretary and some Mexican hotel owners--concerned that the new regulations are responsible for slumping business--on his side.

Tourism Secretary Pedro Joaquin Coldwell reportedly sent a formal letter to Mexico’s fisheries secretary, Guillermo Jiminez Morales, expressing his concern over the issue and the importance of sportfishing “to the national industry of tourism.”

Regarding the stiff regulations announced by former fisheries secretary Maria de Los Angeles Moreno Uriagas, Coldwell wrote of the “the great concern that had been created by U.S. sportfishing organizations” and that SAC “represents a special interest for the national tourism industry since it is involved in the promotion of visits by sportfishermen to our country.”

Coldwell reportedly proposed to Morales that fishermen be allowed five of any one species--including tuna--and a total of 10 fish per day per angler, and on trips lasting four days or more that they be allowed 20 of one species and 40 total.

Addressing other restrictions imposed by former secretary Uriagas, Coldwell recommended that restrictions imposed on the use of live bait--which Uriagas limited to the catch of the first two fish only--and filleting of fish on board a vessel--disallowed by Uriagas--be lifted.

“He cuts to almost all the issues that we raised,” Fletcher said.

On his meeting with Morales, sworn into office only a week ago, Fletcher said he is impressed with the attention he received and the expediency Morales said he would deal with the matter.

“He said he wants a continuing dialogue because he believes it is extremely important that we all work together toward a mutually acceptable solution to this problem,” Fletcher said, adding that Morales, who initiated the meeting 24 hours after being sworn in, promised to respond one way or another no later than June 10.

Briefly

BAJA FISHING--Cabo San Lucas boats are averaging about three striped marlin a day to go with a steady dorado and tuna bite, according to Darrell Primrose of the Finisterra Tortuga fleet. East Cape fishermen are finding similar conditions for marlin and regularly landing dorado averaging 30-60 pounds. On the Pacific side, rockfish and ling cod are still the main fare for fishermen aboard San Diego’s medium-range boats. The American Angler returned Monday from three days off Baja’s north coast with limits of rockfish and reports of blue whales sighted off San Martin Island.

CONSERVATION--Volunteers are needed for a water development project for more than 200 bighorn sheep in the Old Dad Peak area of the Eastern Mojave Desert Saturday and Sunday. The project, based at a campsite 19.8 miles south of Baker and 1.6 miles off Kelbaker Road, is being led by the DFG and the Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep. Workers will build a dam and plumb it into existing tanks. Volunteers must provide their own supplies. Details: (213) 256-0463.

CALENDAR--The Sporting Clays Fun Shoot, to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, will be held Saturday at 9 a.m. at Moore & Moore Sporting Clays on the Angeles Shooting Range in the Angeles National Forest. Entry fee--for participation in the event and subsequent drawing--is $100. Information: (818) 890-4788. . . . Matt Rickerd, 1989 national dry fly champion, will teach beginning-intermediate casting Saturday at the East Fork Fly Fishing Store in Irvine. Cost $50. . . . At Bob Marriott’s fly-fishing store in Fullerton: fly tying, Charlene Hanson, four successive Monday nights, 7-10 p.m., starting Monday; fly fishing, Hal Patterson and Mark Walpin, 1 1/2-day classes each weekend in June, with equipment provided; rod building, Patterson and Walpin, each Thursday night in June, $100 fee for materials.

A marlin fishing seminar led by Ed Martin is scheduled on successive Wednesday nights starting next week, 7-10 p.m., at the Golden Sails Inn on Pacific Coast Highway in east Long Beach. The seminar is sponsored by the Southern California Tuna Club and the Huntington Harbour Anglers. Fee: $50. Details: (714) 891-5055. . . . Jim Ferris, a guide on the Madison River for 11 years, will present a slide show at the meeting of the South Bay Flyfishers next Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., in the Westchester Townhouse, 8501 Emerson Ave. Non-members welcome. . . . John Deinstadt, head of the DFG’s wild trout program, will be at the Deep Creek Flyfishers’ meeting at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands next Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. to show slides illustrating work on Kirmin and Crowley lakes, the East Walker and Upper Owens rivers in the Eastern Sierra and Deep and Bear creeks in Southern California. Details: (714) 793-7845.

GRUNION--Runs are scheduled four consecutive nights Thursday at 10:35, Friday at 11:10, Saturday at 11:50 and Sunday at 12:30. Fishing license required for anyone 16 or older.

FOR THE RECORD--A report last week alluding to using worms for bait at Kirman (or Carmen) Lake north of Bridgeport should have been reported as Poore Lake in the same area. Kirman is restricted to artificial flies and lures.