Mexico or Bust — An All-Female Perspective
"You're going to Mexico?" my friends and family asked. "Don't you know how dangerous it is?"
Despite their concerns, I continue to go to Mexico. I feel every bit as safe on our visits as I do anywhere in the United States. Nevertheless, I know that international travel is scary for many people, and it may be especially nerve-wracking for many women.
I want everyone – and especially women – to be cautious, but I also want them to have a chance to experience the great fishing at Lake El Salto and Lake Picachos. I’ve been visiting Anglers Inn properties since 2009, and while there have been a few women in our groups, historically they were mostly or entirely male, except for me. Back in June of 2017 I decided that listening to all the men jibber jabber about all the fish they caught, how they caught them and how many beers they drank was getting old -- we needed some more lady anglers in the mix.
I’ll admit it: I needed girl talk, pretty faces and good sticks out on the water to show up all these blabbermouths.
I contacted every women’s fishing group I could find – through Facebook, websites and cold calls -- with a dynamite deal to come fish with other ladies at Anglers Inn El Salto. I tempted them with pictures of big bass and big margaritas.
The number one reply was: “I would love to go but Mexico is dangerous. Sorry, no.”
Fortunately, I did find some women who wanted to experience fishing south of the border at a substantial discount. My final group consisted of a number of awesome anglers. They came home with some great memories and most have rebooked at least once since then. Even Pete said it was one of the most enjoyable trips we’ve ever taken.
So rather than subject you to what you might consider a sales pitch from me, I went back to all of those ladies (and a few others) to get their thoughts, in their own words. Not surprisingly, all of them would go back in a heartbeat.
Samantha Sukupcak – Certified Internal Auditor; upper Midwest tournament angler; Wisconsin Women Fish Instructor; Wisconsin B.A.S.S. Nation state team qualifier.
HPFC: What, if any, inhibitions did you have before your decision to book a reservation with Anglers Inn?
Samantha Sukupcak: Price was the biggest factor. I wasn’t entirely sure that it would be “worth it.” Also, my first time going, I was traveling solo, so there was a tiny bit of safety concern before traveling.
HPFC: How did you make your decision to go to Anglers Inn?
Samantha Sukupcak: Hanna’s reassurances that it would be amazing, and feedback from Sarah Englebert that it really was “worth it.” Of course, the amazing pictures of big bass helped too!
HPFC: What would you tell someone on the fence?
Samantha Sukupcak: Do it. Book that trip. You only live once and have a limited amount of time to spend on things you enjoy, so just do it. The staff, guides, food, and fishing are amazing – you will be surprised how much you’ll love it (and I’m saying this after one trip where the bite was just “ok” and another trip with an exceedingly tough bite).
HPFC: How smooth was your first visit?
Samantha Sukupcak: It was perfect. Not a hiccup at all. The Anglers Inn staff was great from pick up at the airport through drop off. At the resort, I did not have to lift a finger, if I chose not to. If I needed to make a small adjustment to my meal, it was accommodated. The guide was great at telling us what was working best, and where to cast, and provided an interesting history of how the lake was made.
HPFC: Would you rebook?
Samantha Sukupcak: I rebooked for me and my plus one (now fiancé)!
HPFC: Which guide did you fish with and what did you like about them?
Samantha Sukupcak: My first time at El Salto I fished with Loreto. He was a fun guide and helped me get rigged up when I arrived. As noted in my previous response, he was very knowledgeable about what was working, and took us to good fishing spots.
HPFC: Which property did you fish?
Samantha Sukupcak: Anglers Inn El Salto.
HPFC: Have you been to both locations (El Salto and Picachos)?
Samantha Sukupcak: No, but that will be in the plans in the coming year or two.
HPFC: What was your favorite meal?
Samantha Sukupcak: Admittedly I am not much of a breakfast person, but one of my favorite things was the morning coffee. Made just how you want it. My favorite lunch was the fried fish, and my favorite dinner was the Mexican buffet.
HPFC: What was your favorite dessert?
Samantha Sukupcak: I don’t know the exact name, but the Bananas Foster dish is hands down my favorite.
HPFC: How was the fishing?
Samantha Sukupcak: My first trip down, the fishing was good. I caught a lot of fish, but no “grande” bass. I think my biggest was 5-6 pounds. But there was one afternoon where I wailed on a school of 3-5 pounders with a lipless crankbait. I think I caught 70 or 80 fish – it was insane! On my second trip, I started off with my personal best fish, but the fishing was tough. We managed to get on a decent jerkbait bite and had one day where we caught about 100 fish.
HPFC: Did you learn a new technique?
Samantha Sukupcak: I have become more well-versed with the Carolina rig and crankbaits in my time fishing at Anglers Inn. I haven’t learned a new technique, but I have been able to get practice with techniques that I can’t/don’t use frequently back home.
HPFC: Did you fish a lure you never used before?
Samantha Sukupcak: Yes, a Strike King 6XD.
HPFC: Did lures you used at your home lake have different results at Anglers Inn?
Samantha Sukupcak: They caught bigger fish. 😊
HPFC: What was your personal best at Anglers Inn?
Samantha Sukupcak: 8.25 lbs.
HPFC: Did you get a Betty message and how was it?
Samantha Sukupcak: I had one my first time down, and it was great. I forgot to get one scheduled on my second trip but won’t let that happen again.
HPFC: Tell me a story or an experience that you would like, or you feel should be shared with others.
Samantha Sukupcak: I don’t have one specific experience or story to share, as there are too many. I would say as a solo female traveler, from the ease of booking with Hanna, to the final drop-off at the airport, the Anglers Inn staff will take care of you, and your experience will be well beyond your expectations.
Sarah Englebert received my information from another Wisconsin Women’s Fishing member and contacted me as she was ready to get out of the Wisconsin winters. She was super-excited but a little weary as she would be traveling alone and had many questions, which I of course answered. All she asked for in return was for a copy of the Spanish fishing terms. Sarah was learning Spanish to help her career in agriculture and dairy farming and figured when else would she be able to say, “set the hook” (“poner el gancho”), in Spanish.
HPFC: What, if any, inhibitions did you have before your decision to book a reservation with Anglers Inn?
Sarah Englebert: Price and not sure what to expect.
HPFC: How did you make your decision to go to Anglers Inn?
Sarah Englebert: It was a ladies group (for me number one) and this helped because I was traveling by myself and I knew women would help other women.
HPFC: What would you tell someone on the fence?
Sarah Englebert: Just do it. You won’t regret it.
HPFC: How smooth was your first visit?
Sarah Englebert: Smooth. From the moment we landed to every boat ride, and every fishing day. They think of everything! Snacks in the boat, airport logistics, everything!
HPFC: Would you, did you, rebook?
Sarah Englebert: I will someday. I can’t wait to get back!
HPFC: Which guide did you fish with and what did you like about them?
Sarah Englebert: I fished with Eduardo and had the chance to fish with others as well. They were all good as they all adapted to me and were flexible. I really wanted to handle my own fish and lures and they let me. While the other lady in my boat preferred that the guides do all the fish handling and we both really appreciated that.
HPFC: Which property did you fish?
Sarah Englebert: El Salto.
HPFC: Have you been to both locations (El Salto and Picachos)?
Sarah Englebert: No.
HPFC: What was your favorite meal?
Sarah Englebert: All of them but the crazy seafood tower is still in my mind.
HPFC: What was your favorite dessert?
Sarah Englebert: Again, I have to say all of them. And you can’t forget the 7 oz Pacificos. Uno mas, por favor!
HPFC: How was the fishing?
Sarah Englebert: Fishing was amazing. Most fish I ever caught and biggest as well. Never a dull moment.
HPFC: Did you learn a new technique and/or fish a lure you never fished before?
Sarah Englebert: Yes, and added lots of cool new lures to my tackle box after that trip. Side note, I was using a spinning rod with much success, I may add, for the whole trip. I did learn how to use a baitcaster during this trip, thank you Pete and Hanna, and have been working on it ever since. Women always like to learn so a little after siesta workshop was had, down by the water, with Pete and Hanna on how to get started with a baitcaster.
HPFC: What was your personal best at Anglers Inn?
Sarah Englebert: 9 pounds.
HPFC: Tell me a story or an experience that you would like, or you feel should be shared with others.
Sarah Englebert: Can I say catching more fish than Pete our first afternoon out!?!
You can make the trip what you need to make it. I needed downtime and relaxing in addition to my fishing piece. I was able to choose when I wanted to fish and when I wanted to sit on the shore or in the boat and just enjoy the beauty and find me again.
You may know the last name COMBS, as in Keith Combs (best stick in Texas), but his better half Jennifer is quite a good angler herself. I’ve been lucky enough to fish with her in Mexico and Texas and we’vve become fishing buddies. Keith went to Alaska with Pete in 2019 for a BROcation, without their ladies, so I decided to invite Jennifer to Mexico in return.
HPFC: What, if any, inhibitions did you have before your decision to book a reservation with Anglers Inn?
Jennifer Combs: I’m not an experienced traveler so I’d say my biggest fear was traveling to Mexico alone. It honestly was so easy. I realize now I had nothing to worry about, Thanks Hanna and the Anglers Inn Staff.
HPFC: How did you make your decision to go to Anglers Inn?
Jennifer Combs: I’m a fishing junky, so twisting my arm to go wasn’t too hard. Knowing how much fun my friends have had at Anglers Inn helped me decide.
HPFC: What would you tell someone on the fence?
Jennifer Combs: DO IT! Seriously, anyone that loves fishing should make this a bucket list trip. The fishing is fantastic and the accommodations are second to none.
HPFC: How smooth was your first visit?
Jennifer Combs: It was perfect. They really run a top-notch facility. They greet you when you get off the plane and guide you through every step of the process.
HPFC: Would you, did you, rebook?
Jennifer Combs: Yes and yes! I can’t wait for November.
HPFC: Which guide did you fish with and what did you like about them?
Jennifer Combs: I fished with Chichi and what’s not to love? He is talented, knowledgeable, and an all-around fun person to be around. I was completely blown away by his knowledge, especially with no electronics.
HPFC: Which property did you fish?
Jennifer Combs: El Salto
HPFC: Have you been to both locations (El Salto and Picachos)?
Jennifer Combs: No but plan to fish both and continue to go back again and again.
HPFC: What was your favorite meal?
Jennifer Combs: Oh my, how can you pick just one? Everything was amazing! The steak was great, and even better having leftovers in a breakfast taco the next morning! I also loved the seafood and GUACAMOLE!
HPFC: What was your favorite dessert?
Jennifer Combs: I can’t pick one. Seriously, I’m a dessert junkie and they were all so good.
HPFC: How was the fishing?
Jennifer Combs: Fishing was great. I’ll admit I was a little frustrated to not catch a fish over 8 pounds but how can you complain when you are catching fish all day. And they fight! I can’t say how many times I thought I had a big one only to see a 3 pounder.
HPFC: Did lures you used at your home lake have different results at Anglers Inn?
Jennifer Combs: No, I live at Lake Sam Rayburn and we catch them on crankbaits, worms, jigs and spinnerbaits and those same things worked at El Salto.
HPFC: What was your personal best at Anglers Inn?
Jennifer Combs: 7 pounds.
HPFC: Did you get a Betty message and how was it?
Jennifer Combs: No, but I’d like to! Definitely will the minute I get off the van ride, they book up quickly.
HPFC: Tell me a story or an experience that you would like, or you feel should be shared with others.
Jennifer Combs: I don’t really have a specific story. I just want to express to everyone how wonderful it is at Anglers Inn. The fishing is great, although, it’s really not the best part. The staff is so attentive and everyone makes you feel like family, they treat you like royalty from start to finish. The overall experience is one that I would recommend to anyone, no matter your fishing skill level.
Gail Milbrath, retired Milwaukee Public School educator, named Midwest PE Teacher of the Year 2015, political advocate and member of Wisconsin Women’s Fishing.
HPFC: What, if any, inhibitions did you have before your decision to book a reservation with Anglers Inn?
Gail Milbrath: I was worried about bringing my reels through customs and getting them taken. Figured out that most of the passengers on the plane to Mazatlan were carrying reels as they were all going fishing as well.
HPFC: How did you make your decision to go to Anglers Inn?
Gail Milbrath: Got a roommate and had been working hard and felt I deserved an exotic trip.
HPFC: What would you tell someone on the fence?
Gail Milbrath: That the fishing was incredible and I felt safe with the travel arrangements and lodging.
HPFC: How smooth was your first visit?
Gail Milbrath: Had no major issues, everything was well planned. Ladies t-shirts at their shop had a limited selection with mostly smaller sizes. I'm a 2x gal.
HPFC: Would you, did you, rebook?
Gail Milbrath: I would but my friends do not fish or cannot take a trip without their husbands so that creates a roommate problem.
HPFC: Which guide did you fish with and what did you like about them?
Gail Milbrath: Eduardo was his name and we had a blast with our poor Spanish and his passable English. No matter where he guided us on the lake, we caught fish.
HPFC: Which property did you fish?
Gail Milbrath: El Salto.
HPFC: What was your favorite dessert?
Gail Milbrath: Key lime pie.
HPFC: How was the fishing?
Gail Milbrath: Unbelievably great!
HPFC: Did you learn a new technique?
Gail Milbrath: Senkos.
HPFC: Did you fish a lure you never used before?
Gail Milbrath: Senkos.
HPFC: Did lures you used at your home lake have different results at Anglers Inn?
Gail Milbrath: Only used the recommended lures that were new to me.
HPFC: What was your personal best at Anglers Inn?
Gail Milbrath: Over 8lb.
HPFC: Did you get a Betty message and how was it?
Gail Milbrath: Yes, wanted it to last a few more hours!
[Editor’s note: I remember seeing Gail, as she walked back to her room, after her massage and thought she isn’t going to make it. I think she may pass out right in front of me from being so relaxed. Betty really does have magic hands.]
HPFC: Tell me a story or an experience that you would like, or you feel should be shared with others.
Gail Milbrath: At the end of one of our days and time to head back, I said, one more cast and caught a bass. Said it again and another beautiful bass. Then another. . . until I started to laugh and couldn't stop laughing. It felt like I couldn't NOT catch a bass. It was a happy, tickled, joyful moment. I think I was still smiling when I went to sleep that night.
Barbara Ferge, retired EMT and former competitor on the Women’s Bassmaster Tour.
HPFC: What, if any, inhibitions did you have before your decision to book a reservation with Anglers Inn?
Barbara Ferge: I didn’t really have any inhibitions about going as I was given all the information prior to our trip, almost as if I had been there before.
HPFC: How did you make your decision to go to Anglers Inn?
Barbara Ferge: Read great things about El Salto which helped with my decision to go.
HPFC: What would you tell someone on the fence?
Barbara Ferge: I would tell anyone this is a trip of a lifetime, GO!!
HPFC: How smooth was your first visit?
Barbara Ferge: Our trip was very smooth and exceeded my expectations.
HPFC: Would you, did you, rebook?
Barbara Ferge: Yes, I rebooked and I would love to go again!!
HPFC: Which guide did you fish with and what did you like about them?
Barbara Ferge: Javier, he was an older gentleman, very nice, very helpful at getting us unhung and baiting our hook if needed. Our motor quit on the way in one afternoon, he knew what to do to get it going, really enjoyed his company.
HPFC: Which property did you fish?
Barbara Ferge: El Salto was our lake of choice.
HPFC: Have you been to both locations (El Salto and Picachos)?
Barbara Ferge: I would like to fish Picachos to check out the differences, that day will come soon.
HPFC: What was your favorite meal?
Barbara Ferge: Can’t remember a favorite meal as they were all fantastic.
HPFC: How was the fishing?
Barbara Ferge: Fishing was great, I don’t remember having a bad day, we caught fish every day.
HPFC: What was your personal best at Anglers Inn?
Barbara Ferge: My personal best was an 8+ pounder caught on a Rapala Chartreuse frog pattern popper, which happened to be my first time using it.
HPFC: Did you get a Betty message and how was it?
Barbara Ferge: The Betty massage was great, another first for me and would definitely recommend it!!
Holly Blandford, FLW co-angler and co-owner of Secret Lures Custom Fishing Lures.
HPFC: What, if any, inhibitions did you have before your decision to book a reservation with Anglers Inn?
Holly Blandford: The travel aspect of crossing the country and into Mexico with fishing gear was a little concerning, but it actually went fine and we were glad we made the decision and took our own equipment.
HPFC: How did you make your decision to go to Anglers Inn?
Holly Blandford: I always wanted to go fishing "somewhere good" and had heard great things about El Salto and Anglers Inn in particular. Seeing the pictures Hanna and Pete post, sealed the deal.
HPFC: What would you tell someone on the fence?
Holly Blandford: It felt like a true vacation and if you love fishing, you have to go at least once.
HPFC: How smooth was your first visit?
Holly Blandford: Very smooth. Got off the plane, got our stuff, got picked up and delivered to the door of Anglers Inn. Can’t forget I was greeted with a welcome to El Salto margarita as I stepped out of the van.
HPFC: Would you, did you, rebook?
Holly Blandford: Haven’t yet but only because I haven't had the time to get away from our work.
HPFC: Which guide did you fish with and what did you like about them?
Holly Blandford: German and he was great. Kept us around fish and was willing to help with anything we needed from beer to backlashes!
HPFC: Which property did you fish?
Holly Blandford: El Salto only.
HPFC: What was your favorite meal?
Holly Blandford: Steak night and Mexican night were great and margaritas on demand was a huge plus!
HPFC: What was your favorite dessert?
Holly Blandford: I don't recall eating one I didn't like.
HPFC: How was the fishing?
Holly Blandford: Didn't catch any giants but never caught so many bass in such a short amount of time. It was the best fishing I've ever experienced.
HPFC: Did you learn a new technique?
Holly Blandford: I didn't try anything I hadn't fished before but that was the most topwater action I've ever gotten in on and the most fish I've ever caught on swimbaits.
HPFC: Did you fish a lure you never used before?
Holly Blandford: I had never fished a big lizard prior to going and I used it quite a bit with great success.
HPFC: Did lures you used at your home lake have different results at Anglers Inn?
Holly Blandford: Home for me is the Ohio River, so although we didn't use new stuff, I'd never had so much success on the same lures.
HPFC: What was your personal best at Anglers Inn?
Holly Blandford: I had a few fish over 6 pounds. Other than El Salto I haven't caught very many bass over 6 pounds!
HPFC: Did you get a Betty message and how was it?
Holly Blandford: OMG YES! Best massage I have ever had -- before or after El Salto. I wish Betty lived nearby! Slept like a baby and actually felt a little tipsy after it was over!
HPFC: Tell me a story or an experience that you would like, or you feel should be shared with others.
Holly Blandford: No one particular thing stuck with me other than the overall "vibe" of the trip. I felt like I was on a nice vacation at a nice place that just happened to have some of the best bass fishing I have ever experienced. I think I came back home with a better understanding of bass fishing and I want to go back! Book more days than you think you'd want because leaving is the only difficult thing about going!
Every trip to Anglers Inn El Salto, or Picachos, is spectacular and more often than not exceeds expectations.
Just make sure you have enough room in your friend book. All of these women have become friends. We not only contact each other through email, Facebook and texts, but we have traveled to other locations to fish with each other to make new fishing memories.
The best part for me is that I now have my own fishing buddies and don’t have to always fish with Pete and his gang!
Feel free to contact me at ladyangler@anglersinn.com for more information or to book a trip.
