March heralds the start of the sport fishing season in the Mexican Caribbean and avid fishermen who dream of catching the elusive ‘big one” of legend and lore are getting ready to set sail in search of their prize.
In the spring and summer, marlin and sailfish move through area waters following huge shoals of migrating sardines, anchovies and mackerel. Snapper; dorado, bonito and wahoo are plentiful and knowledgeable local fishermen will take you right to where the fish are running.
With two major fishing tournaments at the end of April and May, Puerto Morelos is one of the most popular spots in the Mexican Caribbean for sport fishing. The port is just a short boat ride away from the rich fishing grounds along the deep ocean trench between the Riviera Maya coast and the island of Cozumel known as the Cozumel Channel.
Other good fishing grounds in the area lie to the east of Isla Mujeres, along the Arrowsmith Bank, Punta Allen and around Contoy and Holbox islands. Further south along the Costa Maya, the fishing villages of Mahahual and Xcalak also attract sport fishermen.
The lagoons along the Quintana Roo coast offer a different challenge – they are rich in bonefish such as tarpon, permit and snook and attract fly fishermen from all over the world. There are fishing lodges in the Boca Paila area and Punta Allen in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve; Holbox and the wetlands north of Cancun are also good spots.
Local marinas adhere to the catch and release policy to help conserve fish stocks and we urge you to join their campaign. The thrill of being out on the waves in pursuit of sleek marlin and sailfish should be enough and we hope that you will liberate any game fish you catch.
If you enjoy fishing and are planning a day out on the high seas or want to go bone fishing, the Concierge will help you organize fishing trips and boat charters.
