Decades of first hand Mexico tourism information from me, "Mexico" Mike Nelson.
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Decades of first hand Mexico tourism information from me, "Mexico" Mike Nelson.
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Each fisherman has their own unique way of fishing. Some want to fish from the shore or bank, others may want to take a charter and go deep-sea fishing. There are many things to consider before planning your trip.
Laws, limits, seasons, licenses, and tournaments differ from place to place. Local fishermen know best on all of these topics. They are your best resource.
Fish You Will Find. Find out which types of fish you are most likely to catch.
Tips. Our best tips for fishing!
Local Charters. Advice about hiring a charter.
Tournaments. Find out what annual tournaments are hosted in each location. Of course, there are many more that aren’t named.
Other Attractions. After fishing, be sure to check out what else the city has to offer.
The most popular type of fishing in Mexico is salt water fishing. There are tons of tournaments to find trophy fish in the Pacific Ocean, Sea of Cortez, and the Caribbean Sea. There are also many ways to fish the ocean in Mexico: surf fishing, going with a charter, or taking your own watercraft to deep sea fish.
Fish You Will Find. Click on each image to learn where, when, and how to catch these incredible creatures.
Where: You can find the sailfish in tropical and subtropical waters near land masses.
When: In Baja April through November are when the sailfish thrive.
How: Using the whole mullet, ballyhoo, plastic lures, feathers, and spoons are common fishing methods. Trolling, strip baits, and kite fishing are also favorite baits to reel these in.
*It’s a sprightly fellow that puts up a hard fight for even the best fisherman. It puts on a spectacular show with its fighting and aerial acrobatics. However, it tires quickly and is a relatively easy fish to catch.
Where: Yellowfin tuna are in the deeper waters off the coast of Baja.
When: June through November.
How: Trolling or chumming with squid, small fish, or artificial lures is the top method for catching them.
Where: Found in small amounts all throughout the year; they frequent the shallow coastal waters of Baja.
When: The best time to catch rooster fish is June through October when they are around in large quantities. In fact, they are among the most popular species to fish for because they are so abundant.
How: Trolling or casting baits, lures, or live bait is the best way to catch them.
Where: Pargo are an inshore species that like to hide out in reefs, caves, and shallow waters.
When: A year-round resident of the Gulf of California.
How: The best method to catch them is with live baits, spoons, feathers, jigs, or plugs. You can also troll for them at speeds of less than 5mph.
Where: They tend to cluster wherever smaller fish gather so areas around old wrecks or reefs are great places to look.
When: October through December is the time of year that you’ll find wahoo biting in Baja Mexico.
How: Wahoo is incredibly fast, extremely tough fighters, and some of the biggest fish in the area. Trolling and live-baiting are the best ways to catch them, but remember that they’re big – you’re going to need heavy-duty equipment to reel one in.
Where: It frequents the surface of the open ocean. It is common in schools and seems to cluster around open-ocean debris such as buoys, logs, and clumps of seaweed.
When: In Baja from April to November.
How: It’s a ferocious fish – capable of tail-walking to speeds of up to 50 mph during a fight – so make sure that you bring the heaviest-duty fishing equipment that you can handle when you set out for this sucker.
Where: It frequents the surface of the open ocean. It is common in schools and seems to cluster around open-ocean debris such as buoys, logs, and clumps of seaweed.
When: In Baja from April to November.
How: It’s a ferocious fish – capable of tail-walking to speeds of up to 50 mph during a fight – so make sure that you bring the heaviest-duty fishing equipment that you can handle when you set out for this sucker.
Where: They spend most of their time towards the top of the surface.
When: The most famous sport fish in the world, the striped marlin available year-round in Baja. The blue marlin is the most frequent June through November.
How: Trolling is the most common method for catching these fish. Large live bait such as mackerel, mullet, ballyhoo, and squid are choices for catching them. Veteran fishermen know, marlin put up a spectacular fight. They run hard and long, pull viciously, dive deep, and leap high into the air.
Tips. After you figure out the general area that you will be fishing in, you’re going to want to check the fishing reports. A fishing report tells you when certain areas are “biting” and what sort of fish are doing the biting. They also usually give a list of length and weight of recent fish caught in the area. Because the weather and ocean conditions are so variable in Mexico the local fishing reports will be your best friend on your fishing trip. Better yet, they can easily be accessed online so that you know when the optimal time for your adventure is.
Charters. If you plan to go sport fishing in Mexico, you might want to consider chartering a vessel. There are many operations throughout the Baja Peninsula that specialize in boat charters whether you plan to fish in the waters of the Pacific or the Sea of Cortez. In fact, most of the tourist areas provide boat charter services. Rates are available for large groups as well as a single fisherman. There are often guides who can lead fishermen to the best fishing spots.
With mile upon mile of gorgeous coastline and more beautiful bays, coves, and inlets than you could count, Baja California is a fisherman’s paradise. Whether you plan to cast off from the shore just for fun or go on a full-blown sport fishing adventure, Baja has you covered. It’s a great place for fishermen from first-timers to world-class experts.
Fish You Will Find. Sailfish, roosterfish, and yellowfin tuna are only a few of the most common types of fish in the area. When to expect these fish:
Charters. Most of the fishing around the Baja Peninsula is best in the open waters. A number of groups offer affordable fishing tours for visitors. The tour companies are owned and operated by local fishermen, who will take you to the best spots.
Tournaments. Baja also offers countless fishing tournaments throughout the year. The tournaments include categories for beginners to experts.
The Sea of Cortez is internationally famous for its sport fishing. The annual fishing tournaments are highlights of the year. Others enjoy its Mexican culture, golf, or water sports.
Fish You Will Find. The Sea of Cortez is home to an abundance of fish that attract fishermen from all over the world. While the fishing varies from season to season—even month to month—the most popular sport fish in the waters include: Dorado, Dolphin fish (Mahi – Mahi), Sea Bass, Sea Trout, Skipjack, Grouper, Mackerel, Yellowtail, Corvina, and Red Snapper.
Sportfishing the waters around Cabo San Lucas is both enchanting and exhilarating. Sport fishermen clamor to Cabo for its immense sport fish, fabulous charters, and beautiful scenery. Fishing in Cabo San Lucas means you have a foot in both the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Cabo’s idyllic location at the tip of the Baja Peninsula makes for extraordinarily fine fishing. Cabo San Lucas is renowned as one of the world’s greatest fishing destinations and few fishermen leave its waters disappointed.Moreover, this beautiful town in Baja Sur is full of popular attractions and activities to make it your best trip ever!
Fish You Will Find. They call it the “Marlin Capital of the World”. Cabo San Lucas is famous for its blue and black marlin populations. Fishermen can also expect to hook fish like Jack Crevalle, sailfish, wahoo, snapper, roosterfish, grouper, dorado, cabrilla, yellowfin, and yellowtail. You might even hook a mako shark—fishermen in these waters frequently do!
Local Charters. Cabo San Lucas has some glamorous fleets with luxurious boats to charter. But, there are also boats to accommodate any type of party or group. Some captains can lead you to the fertile fishing areas in the Pacific or the calmer waters of the Sea of Cortez. The chartering companies of Cabo are highly skilled and professional. Fishing tournaments are popular events and you’ll have no trouble finding a crew to take you where you want to go. Most trips include fishing licenses and a mate to clean and fillet your catch.
Tournaments. There are more fishing tournaments in this area of Mexico than any other part of the country.
Other attractions. Cabo is all about the water: fishing, whale watching, scuba and snorkeling, Cabo There are also many types of accommodations from world-class, all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels and private villas.
La Paz is the capital city of the Mexican state Baja California Sur. The town boasts a magnificent bay on the Sea of Cortez. Its marine attractions and islets make it a popular vacation destination. Many consider the beach areas of La Paz to be the most beautiful on the whole Baja Peninsula. Due to its natural scenery, La Paz is an internationally acclaimed tourist destination. Water sports enthusiasts and eco-tourists love it for its proximity to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Sea of Cortez Islands.
Fish You Will Find. The seawater is full of sport fish like marlin, tuna, and sailfish.
Other attractions. Pearls still exist in the waters of La Paz, but many tourists come to enjoy the excellent scuba diving and snorkeling. Sea kayaking, swimming, sunbathing, and boating are popular, too.
Rocky Point (also known as Puerto Penasco in Mexico) is a favorite destination of northern Mexico. Fishermen from around the world come here to fish the Sea of Cortez. Under a hundred miles from the Arizona border, Rocky Point is conveniently located on the Sea of Cortez that is rich with teeming life both inshore and offshore.
Fish You Will Find. Inshore, you’re likely to catch fish like Spanish mackerel, Cortez halibut, black skipjack, Pacific porgy, Mexican barracuda, yellowtail, and leather jacket. Offshore, you find Pacific red snapper, white sea bass, dorado (mahi-mahi), orangemouth corvina, and sailfish. With its reefs and calm waters, the Sea of Cortez is famous for its bottom fishing that has produced many fine catches of grouper. The warm and clear sea water attracts various species.
Tips. By March, fishermen shouldn’t be surprised to hook grouper, triggerfish, red snapper, pinto bass, rock bass, and yellowtail. In April, expect catches of triggerfish, grouper, sea bass, rock bass, red snapper, and even sea trout. May affords plentiful catches of corvina, pompano, triggerfish, red snapper, rock bass, sea trout, yellowtail, and pinto bass. The mackerel generally doesn’t come in season until June.
Local Charters. Since fishing is a major tourist activity in Rocky Point, there are a myriad of chartering companies to choose from. Many of the city’s boats were once shrimpers. Today, many of these vessels are now part of fleets that take fishermen out to the reefs and other prime fishing grounds.
Many chartering businesses specialize in group outings and charge either by the day or half-day. All-inclusive excursions often include a mate who will clean and fillet your catches for you. Some companies can accommodate quite large fishing groups—upwards of twenty people. If you’re on your own on your fishing holiday, you can opt for a group trip which is a great way to meet other travelers while you fish.
Other Attractions. After you’ve hooked your fair share of catches, you’ll be happy to discover all the other attractions Rocky Point has to offer. Renowned for its golf, Rocky Point attracts golfers from all over the world with its great courses and sunny weather. There’s also plenty of water sports from parasailing over the beautiful sea to snorkeling and scuba diving.
Cafes and restaurants serve up Sonora specialties. Particularly delicious seafood. There are many eco-tours involving hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching. Hiking, off-roading, camping, and even skydiving are popular area pastimes. Travelers can also find a wide range of accommodations available in Rocky Point. Some visitors to the city prefer to rent condos, villas, or houses, but most frequently the hotels or travel lodges located around the city.
On the western most coast of Mexico, is the Pacific Ocean. It’s unrestricted deep waters attract some different types of fish. Even large marine mammals can be seen swimming in the Pacific waters.
Types of Fish. The most commonly caught fish in Northern Baja’s waters include: Calico Bass, Black Sea Bass, Halibut, Mahi-mahi, Bigeye Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Bluefin Tuna, Albacore, White Fish, and California Barracuda.
World-famous for its sport fishing fleets, Ensenada is just over seventy miles from the United States and is Mexico’s largest deepwater port. Anglers have been heading to this town for that “catch of a lifetime” for more than fifty years since the city became internationally renowned for its sport fishing. If you’re planning a fishing vacation, Ensenada should easily top your list of prime fishing locales.
Types of fish. Sport fishermen love Ensenada for its plethora of fish species. Short trips typically result in catches of yellowtail, bass, cod, bonita, and barracuda. If you head further out to sea, you’re reel in some bigger boys like tuna, albacore, and mahi-mahi (dorado). Snappers and marlin are also typical catches on a good day. Whether you come to Baja for bottom fish or to battle the sport fish, both types are in these waters.
Tips. Many fishermen also like to boat to the nearby Todos Santos Islands for sand bass and rock cod. With more than fifty species of bottom fish in the sea around Baja California, bottom fishing is a popular pastime.
Other Attractions. After a long day at sea, you’ll find that the small town of Ensenada has a lot of great restaurants. If you’re cooking your fish, the markets have everything you need. Prepare your seafood feast from spices to fresh vegetables. Ensenada also has many types of accommodations. You can rent a house, villa, or condo or stay in fine hotels or travel lodges. In addition to sport fishing, Ensenada is also famous for off-roading, surfing, and more. There’s likely something to suit every taste, making this a fantastic place to plan a vacation.
Other Attractions. After you’ve hooked your fair share of catches, you’ll be happy to discover all the other attractions Rocky Point has to offer. Renowned for its golf, Rocky Point attracts golfers from all over the world with its great courses and sunny weather. There’s also plenty of water sports from parasailing over the beautiful sea to snorkeling and scuba diving.
Cafes and restaurants serve up Sonora specialties. Particularly delicious seafood. There are many eco-tours involving hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching. Hiking, off-roading, camping, and even skydiving are popular area pastimes. Travelers can also find a wide range of accommodations available in Rocky Point. Some visitors to the city prefer to rent condos, villas, or houses, but most frequently the hotels or travel lodges located around the city.
This resort town is famous for sport fishing. Situated on Banderas Bay, Puerta Vallarta thrills anglers with fish-rich water. The bay is forty miles in width and reaches depths of up to two miles. As a result, it’s Mexico’s most extraordinary fishing territory. Charters ranging further into the Mexican Pacific are popular for their big catches. The town is also famous for its hospitality to tourists and its many other cultural and recreational activities.
Types of fish. There are some monster-sized fish that make their home in or around Banderas Bay. The biggest, naturally, swim further out to sea in the Mexican Pacific, but Puerto Vallarta fishermen typically reel in big prizes like blue marlin, black marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and dorado (a.k.a. mahi mahi). There are also plenty of Spanish mackerel and roosterfish to snap up as you head out of the bay. Shorter trips usually result in catches of red snapper (be sure to try the local favorite red snapper dish at one of the traditional Puerto Vallarta restaurants) and small sailfish. The sport fish species of the area have long been famous for their immense size.
Other Attractions. While your fishing experience is likely to dominate your Puerto Vallarta holiday, you’ll discover that this exciting town has so much more to offer. Whale watching tours, bay tours, and snorkeling excursions are also part of the boat charter industry of Puerto Vallarta. On land, you’ll find deluxe accommodations or charming bed and breakfasts that cater to the tourist population. Also, come hungry to Puerto Vallarta; this town’s regional favorites—lots of fresh seafood—lure the boats home every evening! You’ll find that the town’s cafes, bars, clubs, and shops also boast a welcoming atmosphere. There’s likely something for everyone in your family or group to enjoy in lovely Puerto Vallarta.
Local Charters. Because the sport fishing industry is internationally renowned in Puerto Vallarta, there are many charter businesses in the region that know how to accommodate travelers’ needs. The best fleets have proven records of substantial catches, tournament wins, and excellent customer reviews. You’ll be able to work with a charter company that suits your needs; their experienced teams can provide you an exciting short trip or a longer excursion into the Pacific blue at one of the rich fishing grounds. There are plenty of online reviews for Puerto Vallarta’s many chartering services, so it will be easy to find one that suits your group as well as your budget.
There is truly something special about the Caribbean water. The Caribbean Sea is famous for its year round warm waters; the perfect vacation spot. Tourists flock to popular destinations such as Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Isla Mujeres. Around this area are bountiful coral reefs filled with beautiful fish. The tip of the Yucatan Peninsula is home to the Great Mayan Reef system. The Great Mayan Reef system is the second largest in the entire world stretching from the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula all the way to Honduras. Needless to say, it is teeming with wildlife. The perfect place to snorkel, scuba, and of course fish!
Tips. Typically, if you fish from an ocean shore you do not need any licences. However because the Great Mayan Reef System is a protected area, often only locals or permanent/temporary residents are allowed to surf this area. It is best to go with a charter in the Caribbean Sea.
With ten municipalities and the capital city of Chetumal, the state of Quintana Roo Mexico is on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It borders the Mexican states of Yucatan and Campeche as well as the Gulf of Mexico and the Central American nation of Belize. Its most famous real estate is represented by the celebrated city of Cancun and various vacation islands like Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Holbox.
Tips. All throughout Quintana Roo, resorts own the way to the beach. If you stayed at the resort there should be no problem with you fishing there. This is not so good for the local folks or visitors not staying at a resort, because there is little beach access for the public.
A sleepy beach town, formerly a fishing village, is a wonderful place to get away from the crowds while enjoying a luxurious hotel or a private rental. Because this area is not very crowded, there is always someone willing to take you fishing, often at the last minute. Because it is not a huge tourist designation, prices are good!
Tips. Tourists cannot surf fish here, because of its proximity to the Great Mayan Reef System. Local laws require fisherman from shore be at the minimum of a temporary – resident Visa to fish the national park water. The water south of the Cancun airport to just south of Puerto Morelos is the national park. However, you can charter a small fishing boat with a crew for very cheap and it is well worth it.
Fish You Will Find. Because there is abundant wildlife near the reef, it won’t take long for you to start getting some bites. Barracuda are abundant and the head is a delicacy for the locals. There are Spanish Mackerel, Yellowtail Snapper, Red Snapper, Triggerfish, Grouper, Porgy, and many more.
Local Charters. Because this is not a major tourist location, charters are very easy to book and quite cheap. Often you can book the same day. Keep in mind this is a small town, so the charters are small fishing boats often only fit 4 fishermen and 2 crew members.
Tournaments. Cesar Martín Rosado. Don Cesar Martin Rosado hosts an annual tournament in Puerto Morelos every year. What started as a competition among friends in 1998 has become the biggest tournament in the area. This 3 day tournament is usually held in May. Fishermen seek for Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado, and others.
Other Activities. Puerto Morelos has wonderful beach front restaurants, where you can even bring your catch to be cooked by the chef. This is a popular place to snorkel with a boat or even on your own. There is an amazing feature called “Ojo de Agua” which is a freshwater sinkhole in the ocean that you can access on your own.
Although Mexico boasts many famous cities and regions, in the State of Quintana Roo the island of Cozumel is one of its most enchanting destinations. A vacationer’s paradise, the island is famous for its many adventurous or unforgettable things to do. Because there are so many reefs surrounding Cozumel, the fishing is absolutely amazing.
Types of Fish. The summer is when several species of fish migrate to the Caribbean including Marlin, Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, and Sailfish.
Local Charters. Cozumel is a town based on water activities so there are many charter options. This is a major tour destination and a cruise ship port, so book in advance so you make sure to save your spot.
Types of Fish. Bottom fishing is very popular here. In the bay you will find, Barracudas, Grouper, Snapper, Yellowtail, King Mackerel. If you want to go deep sea fishing you can catch Sailfish, White Marlin, Blue Marlin, Dorado, Tuna, King Fish, Dolphin fish, etc.
Other Activities. Rent a golf cart and zip around this lovely island or enjoy the sun at one of the public beaches. There are adorable shops and amazing restaurants.
Though Mexico’s coastal waters have incredible sport fishing, its lakes are also filled with trophy fish like bass. In fact, Mexico is a hub for bass fishing and many of its lakes boast ideal habitats for these fish. International travelers flock to various bass hot spots for incredible Mexican fishing trips that promise to be unforgettable in terms of fishing, climate, and scenic attractions. If you are a bass fishing enthusiast, you’ll want to consider visiting any of the following locations for a fishing excursion you’ll never forget.
Sinaloa, Mexico is on the northwest coast of Mexico, on the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. The state of Sinaloa is home to Mexican destinations such as Mazatlan and its nearby islands. Famous for its banda music and several thousand-year-old games known as ulama, the state is full of both cultural and historical attractions. Its position on the sea makes it popular among vacationers.
Situated in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains in the state of Sinaloa, Lake Baccarac attracts fishermen from near and far with its giant bass. The lake’s climate and rich forage allow the Bass to put on about two pounds per year. Ten to fifteen-pound trophy bass are not uncommon catches and eight-pound bass are an average catch for this lake. Many fishermen enjoy the gorgeous setting and relaxed atmosphere of this destination. In fact, plenty of anglers head here in the belief the lake harbors the next record bass!
Also located in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, Lake El Salto is an irrigation lake that is world-famous for its bass fishing. Like the trophy bass of Lake Baccarac, El Salto’s bass also can gain up to two pounds per year. The lake is generous and continually multiplies the population of forage. With its coastal marshes, this lake is also a premier bird-watching destination. For great angling and awesome scenery, this lake is an incredible destination.
Many people visit Tamaulipas for its fine sport fishing. With its seaside cities and towns, there are many places to consider. The most popular municipalities feature freshwater fishing opportunities as well as excursions out into the Gulf.
Situated in the state of Tamaulipas, Lake Guerrero is a great bass-fishing destination in northeastern Mexico. Famous for its large quantity of bass, Lake Guerrero is just over three hours from Harlingen, Texas. Aside from trophy bass, the area also boasts extraordinary quail and dove hunting. Many travelers head here for both fishing and hunting. There are also plenty of boat charters and accommodations to be found around the lake.
Situated in western Mexico, the state of Nayarit borders the Pacific Ocean as well as the Mexican states of Sinaloa, Zacatecas, Durango, and Jalisco. Nayarit also has jurisdiction over various oceanic islands. With its considerable coastline and stretches of rainforest, Nayarit is an enchanting Mexican destination.
Located in the beautiful state of Nayarit, Lake Agua Milpa is a well-known fishing destination with noted quantities of bass. Situated near the Town of Tepic in the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains, the lake is a long reservoir that is celebrated for its aggressive bass. Fishermen will love the challenge of these fish while enjoying the great scenery.
Local Charters. Be sure to double-check with your charter service about whether or not a license comes with the trip.
When in Mexico’s Waters, be sure to have:
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