Between Santa Rosalia and Bahia de Los Angeles we encountered and also heard accounts of several other aggressive pelicans. They are of course attracted to boats when there is fish cleaning going on, but perhaps this particular bunch just likes boats in general. We have had two different ones LAND on the boat while we are motoring along; they seem to like our stainless steel handrail to cling onto.
We have also (accidentally!) hooked pelicans twice with a fishing lure. The first time the lure broke from the line, so we were unfortunately not able to retrieve it nor detangle the pelican. The second time we were able to pull that pelican to the back of the boat and detach him/her from the lure.
Here’s a link to a short video of “hooked guy number two.” Before snaring himself on our lure he flew up right next to the boat several times and landed aboard once before going for our lure. (At the very end of the video clip the extreme close-up is when his wing is touching Julie’s forehead).
They are not at all shy, you can approach them quite closely and an excited waving of a “swim noodle” will only mildly encourage them to leave.