Fishing

FISHING IN MEXICO

WITH 6,213 MILES OF COASTLINE, AS WELL AS RIVERS, LAKES AND RESERVOIRS DAPPLING THE COUNTRY’S INLAND, IT IS NO WONDER THAT MEXICO HAS EMERGED AS A PRIME DESTINATION FOR SPORT FISHING

Whether you’re heading out on to the Sea of Cortez, or braving the Pacific Ocean; whether exploring the salty depths of the Gulf of Mexico or the freshwater wonders of Lake Baccarac, you will find superb conditions, easy-to-follow regulations and plenty of marlin, bass, sailfish, tuna and numerous other species.

By far the easiest way for visitors to begin fishing in Mexico is to charter a boat in whichever destination you find yourself. Local captains and crew will know precisely how to help you make the most of a trip on the water and can provide equipment, permissions and their unique insider’s expertise. They can tailor trips to suit particular desires and give you the best chance of returning from Mexico with some wonderful tales of the sea and some photographs for the mantelpiece.

Dorado fish in Bahia San Carlos, Sonora ©CPTM/Foto: Ricardo Espinosa-reo

The short version of Mexican fishing regulations is that no license is required to fish on land (i.e. from a riverbank, beach or pier), but you’ll need to get a permit to fish from a boat. There are also limits to the number of fish you can catch to keep, and some species that are off limits entirely. But with hundreds of charter companies across the country, you can allow them to do all the organising and keep you within the law, and leave you to simply get on with the fun part.

Here are just a few examples of what’s possible:

Nowhere better than Los Cabos: Located at the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula, visitors to Los Cabos are overwhelmed with fishing options. A left turn heads into the Gulf of California and right is the expanse of the Pacific Ocean. There are thought to be around 800 species of fish living here, where the waters mix. Although some of the biggest yellowfin tuna ever caught were found around Los Cabos, by far the most popular fish is the marlin—black, blue and striped—and Los Cabos is known as the “marlin capital of the world”. Many charter-fishing companies are located in the area, and day-long tours, including lunch, can be arranged to suit any needs. It’s also possible to arrange with local restaurants to prepare and serve your haul when you’re back on dry land, providing the perfect way to round off the day.

Fish from El Eden restaurant ©CPTM/Foto: Ricardo Espinosa-reo

Year-round along the Pacific coast: Around 600 miles of Pacific coast separates Ixtapa, in the state of Guerrero, from Mazatlan, in Sinaloa, but the two destinations share a similar boast: exceptional fishing conditions 12 months of the year. Black and blue marlin weigh in up to 500 pounds off the coast of Ixtapa, or you might choose to chase wahoo, barracuda or dorado. Mazatlan, meanwhile, is known as one of the best places to find sea bass or corvina. Half-way between the two is Manzanillo, where it is all about the sailfish. This predator, whose name comes from the long dorsal fin that stretches all the way along its back, inhabits the nearby waters overlooked by a huge 30-metre sculpture that recognises its magnificence.

Fish with the family in Río Del Milagro: One of the main attractions of Río Del Milagro, which runs close to the El Chico National Park in Hidalgo, is its accessibility to visitors of all ages. It means that all the family will be able to sample the joys of fishing, and hone their skills on the banks of the river. This is an extraordinary spot of great beauty and tranquillity—even as zip lines run through one part of the forest canopy, for visitors hoping for an adrenalin hit. The river is shallow in plenty of places, providing great paddling conditions, and dramatic in others, with wonderful waterfalls tumbling over rocks. There are also a number of outdoor kitchens along the riverside, where the day’s haul can be roasted over coals as the sun sets.

Tick bass fishing off the bucket list: Fisherman the world over have long been obsessed with fishing for bass, particularly the freshwater largemouth bass, which can sometimes grow to up to 20 lbs. A number of lakes in Mexico offer perfect conditions for bass fishing, including Baccarac, which is located in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains, and El Salto, near Mazatlan. Both are regularly listed among the best trophy-fishing lakes in the world, with visitors frequently catching huge specimens, known as “grandes”. Both lakes are well preserved and regulated, ensuring optimal conditions, and there are lodging options in the area to allow visitors to maximise their time with rod in hand. Some experts think the world record for the biggest bass ever caught could be broken in one of Mexico’s lakes. Might it be you?

Huge variety in Cancun: The varied landscape of the Yucatan peninsula offers numerous fishing options in a relatively small space. From Cancun, for example, it’s possible to arrange trips to try bait fishing, fly fishing, shallow fishing, or deep sea fishing, heading through lagoons, around beautiful small islands, or out into the wide open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This is also a terrific place to try night fishing. Various companies offer excursions that head out at around 7pm, with visitors given the chance to catch their own dinner. The staff will prepare and serve whatever you reel in, and the rest of the n ight turns into a feast followed by a party on board.