Frequently Asked Questions

What is with the abalone? Carpe Mollusca means what, exactly?
Carpe Mollusca, means, in our version of Latin "Seize the mollusc", or Grab that Ab!!

Do I have to be a local?
No, you don’t have to be local. We encourage anyone form around the country, and around the world, to join.

Do I have to be a member?
No, you don’t have to be a member to attend a function, with the exception of the tournament in Mexico, which is limited to members only due to size restrictions. Also, if you are not a member, you are welcome to attend any event and find out if you want to join.

Where does the money go?
The money goes to the following entities, in this order: The sponsored charities, funding prizes for the events, expenses for the newsletter and the cost of the site. None of the members or the board takes any money. At all.

What does FRED mean?
We can only divulge this information to members. Seriously. Only once you have joined, will we tell you. It is not terrible, or anything, but it is a bit embarrassing…

What more can I do in the club?
Our favorite question! The best thing you can do is 1) WRITE ARTICLES for the newsletter!!! And 2) organize an event!!!

What does the tournament cost?
It varies every year, depending on the quote we get from the hotel, and the cost of the boats, etc., but GENERALLY the tournament costs about $750 dollars US, plus your airfare to San Jose del Cabo, BCS, Mexico, plus your tips, your bar bill, and your bait.

Do I need to bring an entire 4-man team?
Nope. We can set you up with a team, or, if you wish, you can pay a little extra and fish with as few other people as you wish. The price is set on an assumed 4-man team per boat, and if you fish less than four people, you have to pay the difference.

Are you guys a bunch of boneheads?
A fair question, and my answer is yes, and no. No, we are not a bunch of idiots who are disrespectful to our Mexican hosts, nor are we bigots, nor sexists, nor are we unfit to have around a gentle lady. We are, I can attest after years of doing this, a pretty good bunch of guys and gals. We will not tolerate anyone who gets belligerent when they had a few drinks in them, nor anyone who is generally deemed distasteful by the others in the group. Yes, we ARE a bunch of guys who have a cocktail or two dozen after fishing, we lie about our hunting and fishing exploits, and we generally are pretty sunburned after three days on the water.

Why have you held the tournament at Punta for 15 years?
That is simple: Close to the fishing grounds by a long shot, simple, clean fish-camp accommodations (no tennis courts here), great food, and simply the best hosts on the East Cape with the Van Wormer family, Eddie and Molly especially.

Is this a good time to go for big game fish?
We go in October because of the variety of species, the opportunity to catch a lot of billfish, and it is hot enough to remind you that you are in the Mexican desert!

What if I am a rookie? A pro?
If you are a rookie, we will set you up with others who are not, and help you before you go with what to bring, and what to do. This is a fun tournament, so never feel like you cannot participate. Most of our members ONLY fish for big game these few days a year, so you will be in good, good-hearted company. If you are a pro, HELP US, and you know that this is the place to be in the Sea of Cortez for great fish opportunities.

Can I bring my wife? My girlfriend? My wife AND my girlfriend?
Any and all are welcome—while mostly men participate, we have had women every year, and their number is growing, and we WANT that!! Kids, dads, uncles and aunts---all are welcome, and will be made to feel at home.

Can I bring my boyfriend? Even if he doesn’t fish?
Yes, but remember—non-fishermen have reduced rates, so call us---they pay only for the accommodations, not the tournament and the boats.

What do I need to get out of the US and to Ol’ Mexico? And BACK!
See our Hints for Travel in Mexico section, but mostly you need 1) a passport, OR 2) a birth certificate. If you are travelling with someone under 18, you need a letter, notarized, from the other parent granting you permission to bring the kid into Mexico.

Why should I join US Fish and Games?
Because we are trying to do a good thing here, and the more people who participate, the better off the recipients of the charitable contributions will be. Plus, it is a lot of fun.

How do you choose the charities?
We choose those particular charities in Mexico because our experience has shown us the good works that they have accomplished, and the other charities for other events are chosen by the organizing member on a case-by-case basis.