Guide to Fishing in Mexico

Fish You Will Find. Click on each image to learn where, when, and how to catch these incredible creatures.

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.

Tips. Many fishermen recommend heading down to Baja at least one day in advance. This will give you time to go to a local fishing supply store. Talk to the proprietor of the store when you stop in. They will likely have knowledge of the fishing conditions and will recommend the right tackle for an enjoyable trip.

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:

• Sailfish – April through November are when the sailfish thrive.
• Rooster Fish – the best time to catch is June through October when they are around in large quantities.
• Yellowfin Tuna – are in the deeper waters off the coast of Baja June through November.
• Wahoo – visit baja October through December.
• Mahi Mahi – it frequents the surface of the open ocean, in Baja from April to November.
• Yellow Tail – they are available in the Baja area from January to April.
• Marlin – the blue marlin is the most frequent June through November.

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 Mexico also offers countless fishing tournaments throughout the year. The tournaments include categories for beginners to experts.

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.

Other Attractions. Whales visit the Sea of Cortez in winter—usually mid-February, but they hang out until sometime in May. So, fishing during the spring is always exciting as it may offer glimpses of gray whales.

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.

• Bisbees Tournaments – Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournaments are among the most popular in Baja Mexico. There are currently three tournaments that take place annually. One off of the coast of Buenavista which takes place in July. Another off the coast of Cabo San Lucas in late October. Finally, the world-famous Black & Blue Marlin Tournament. This epic tournament takes place just a few days after the one in Cabo San Lucas. All of the tournaments offer enormous prizes, with the Black & Blue offering the largest, one million dollars in total.
  The Bisbee tournaments are the most well-known and best for non-participants to watch. Check out this year’s schedule here so you don’t miss out.
• The Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – This tournament is usually mid october. Check here for this year’s schedule.There is an average of 55 teams with each team allowed up to 6 Anglers. Besides the grand prize there are additional daily jackpots to win including the Marlin Jackpot, Tuna/Wahoo/Dorado Daily Jackpot, and the Daily Billfish Release Jackpot.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Local Charters. With such a thriving tourism industry, Ensenada has many excellent chartering companies with top-notch captains. Many—maybe even most—chartering businesses offer all-inclusive services. The cost of your trip should include fishing licenses and a skilled mate who will clean and fillet your catches. Companies will usually book trips that range between a half-day and full day. Charges vary, but you can research in advance the best charter for your group.

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.

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.

Tournaments. International Marlin and Sailfish Fishing Tournament Puerto Vallarta. This 3 day tournament is held annually in mid November. Teams, consisting up to 4 people, are in search of Marlin, Sailfish and Mahi-Mahi. There is the grand prize as well as prizes for each category of fish as well as a catch and release category. Check the schedule for the next tournament.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tournaments. Rodeo De Lanches Mexicana. This internationally recognized tournament is hosted annually in Cozumel. Check out their Facebook for when the next tournament is. This is mostly a catch and release tournament as the tournament is a proponent of cerserving the fish and their environments that make Cozumel so amazing! The fisherman are in search of many different species including marlin, wahoo, dorado, tuna, and others. The cost to enter is 3,000 pesos (about $150USD) and there are 3 winners.

Other Activities. There are so many amazing activities in Cozumel. There are luxurious spas, chocolate making classes, ancient Mayan ruins, and of course snorkeling and scuba diving. Check out the top things to do in Cozumel.

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.

Tournaments. Island Time Music and Fishing Tournament. This annual tournament coincides with a music festival; Island Time Music and Fishing Festival. The proceeds of the festival go to a local school in Isla Mujeres, the Little Yellow Schoolhouse, which provides services for children with developmental disabilities. This is a sailfish release tournament with 3 categories: Boat, Angler, and Junior Angler. See more details here.

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.

Tips. There are so many fresh water locations in Tamaulipas, so If you are heading that way, check out these other locations.