Mexico Fishing

[MAITOI]

I am going to Mazatlan in Feb and Cabo in April. Has anyone had any experience with charter boats in these areas? [email protected]

[Guest]

Fished out of Mazatlan many times.From my times there fishing,10-12 times,the only marina that I would use is the El-Cid Marina.There are others like Star Fleet and many small ones,but El-Cid has very seaworthy boats, very good captains and almost always has a fisrt mate the speaks some english. The fishing I have had with them has almost always given us a billfish or two(no guarentees),and you almost always get some yellowfin tuna and dolphin.Depending on the time of the year you are there will determine the type of billfish and smaller fish you get.For the time you are going I think the blue marlin and sailfish along with good yellowfinand mahi- mahi fishing should be of some interest.They also have smaller boats that go out for half day trips for fish like rooster fish and other varities that is less costly,yet can be alot of fun but these boats can give you a rough day on the ocean. If you plan on going out deep sea fishing for Marlin or Sailfish more than one time,make sure you tip the captain pretty good as that will decide how hard they will work for you the next day.Thats the way the tipping and fishing goes in Mazatlan. If you have any other questions,just ask and I should be able to help.One thing to remember is that once you catch one billfish,it will get in your blood and you will be back.Its a rush

[Tom Linderholm]

Matoi, I will be in Cabo in April as well. I went last year in February and got out on a charter for a full day. Look forward to spending about $350-$450 a day depending on the boat. There is some bargaining to be done but not much. Last year we walked the marina dock and talked to various different boat captains and salesman until we found a good boat with good equipment and a seaworthy captain. Only time out we ended up with 4 tuna and a 190 striped Marlin. These guys worked for us and I will be giving them business again in April. They have a fleet of 6 boats all 24' to 32'. The name of the fleet is Dorado Charters I believe. Best of Luck and if your in town between the 11-18 of April maybe we can meet up for some takillya and some stories.

[Z-man2002]

Hey, great topic guys nice info. I was wondering if you guys have any info on the cancun area? I will be there march 2-9, any great charters and/or shore fishing in that area? I thought about taking a day fly fishing somewhere south of cancun, and a day out on a charter boat, any ideas? Have fun on you're trips guys, be sure to post some pics when you get back!

Thanks in advance,

Z-man2002

[traveler]

Maito, You couldn't have asked a better question for me, the only 2 places I've fished in Mexico are Mazatlan and Cabo, both many times over the last 10 years. Mazatlan first; LH is right on. Aires fleet is the best outfit in Maz., boats were 385/day for a 28 last time I was down. I go every other year in late Feb. with my family, we leave the 26th this year. I won't be fishing this time around (saving my charter $$$ for a blue marlin trip to Cabo in August)! But the witer bite in Maz is usually pretty decent for striped marlin (no blues, waters too cold), with a shot at a swordfish, Maz is a rare "hotspot" for winter swords. The bread and butter is schoolie tuna, avg 10 -25 pounds. Not real exciting on Marlin gear, try to steer your Capt away from them if you really want a marlin, but if action is your goal the tuna are a kick. I landed 43 in one day a few years back, missed many more, just a hoot. An average day might be 6 or 8 fish. But I love marlin, so I try to pry them away from the tuna. They don't push C&R in Maz as much as they should, but Aires is the best fleet in that regard as well. If you plan on releaseing, let them know, at the dock and on the boat,BEFORE the action heats up. Inshore in Feb/March is pretty slow in either local, save your $$$ for cruisers. As for Cabo, well, it's probably still the best bang for the buck as far as Marlin goes. More striped marlin are caught there then anywhere. April is getting just a little late for spring stripers, I usually go in Jan., but the bite can vary a lot and April sure can be good too. Several charter websites post thier monthly/yearly catches. I don't suggest walking the docks to find a boat, though it can work out as it did for Cheffry. I've used Pisces fleet for years, they're good, reliable, and very reasonable. They know me pretty well, say hi from Terry in Duluth if you use them) 340/day for a 28 footer, can't beat it. Ask for the Karina if you rent a 28, the Tracy Ann if you have 4 guys and want to bump up to a 31 ft, 420 or so a day. Tracy Ann is a GREAT boat.I'd expect stripers in April, but you might hit Dorado, Tuna as well. Still not the best fishing month there, in my opinion, but still great fun! Gotta go, any questions, need websites, etc, just ask.

[MrSenarighi]

I am going to Cancun in 8 days, staying in Fisherman's Village. I would like to do a day of fishing somewhere within an hour of either of these places. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks, Andy.

[MAITOI]

Thanks for all the info. I will be in Cabo April 9-16. I will be going with 2 women that don't fish so I'll be looking for a share boat. I'll be in Mazatlan Feb 25- March 1 by myself so I will need a share boat there also. I have fished in PV and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo with Capt Santiago (the best). Just got back from Maui. No Marlin just Mahi and tuna but a great trip on the Rascal out of Maalea harbor.

[Guest]

If you stop in at Aries Fleet right away they will mor than likly be able to hook you up with some other fisherman.They are real helpful with doing that.

[Tom Linderholm]

I could probably split a charter on Wednesday or Thursday, however I will be going on a seperate one when my father in law shows up on Friday. As the time gets closer we'll set something up if you are game. Bring the women along, I musta saw 1000 dolphins not to mention a big sperm whale airborne over a 45' yacht. Lots of stuff to look at.

[MAITOI]

The offer sounds great. You can email me when we get closer to April. [email protected]

[traveler]

Maitio, this is a wild coincedence; You can do a split in Cabo with Cheffery and we can possibly do a split in Mazatlan, if you're game. My family and I leave the 26th of feb. for Mazatlan, we might be able to share a charter one day that week . I wasn't going to fish, actually I was going to try spearfishing for the first time, but that doesn't look like it will work out, though I'm still looking into it. I'll send you an e-mail tomorrow. Be a little careful taking extra people along on a charter, the more bodies along, the more chance of someone getting seasick and messing up a day. It really bites to watch someone suffering all day out there, and they usually don't get better till they're back on land. You could medicate for it, works most of the time. I've been lucky, so far.

[Tom Linderholm]

Truly a good point Traveler, I guess I am use to everyone with me having a bit of experience on Lake Superior waves. Crazy coincidence though. Traveler why are you wary of walking the docks?

[traveler]

Hey Cheffery, the dock thing is just the standard advice I read on a lot of salt boards. Cabo is known for aggresive "coyotes" they call them; guys selling fishing trips (among other things, nudge nudge) and then not showing, delivering much less then promised, etc...you've been there and heard them yipping at you as you walk by. Easy enough to ignore them, easy enough to find reputable outfit, many of which are right along the marina. The fleet I use, Pisces, has offices right there. Problems come, I think, when guys try to get a rock bottom price, it's buyer beware. I figure It costs me enogh to be down there, I work with an outfit I'm familar with to avoid surprises. Plus, it's more fun to fish on a boat you know and have had success with. But there ae PLENTY of good outfits there, thats for sure. I LOVE to walk the docks/marina, look at boats (teamwork, salsa, after midnight, etc, been looking at those same boats in the same slips for years!) Theres some dollars floating around in that marina, eh?

[MAITOI]

I know exactly what your talking about. I went fishing for Halibut out of Homer, Alaska last August and 2 out of 6 got sick after a 2 1/2 hour trip to the Barren Islands. I must have a good stomach cause I never got sick. I caught a 215 pound Halibut. We also got a 135-115-70+ some chicken halibut.

[Tom Linderholm]

Gotcha Traveler, I am still young and salty and my spanglish is still pretty good so I don't get much flak from the locals, Last year when I was down there after our trip out on the water the Bartender at our timeshare introduced me to a guy who won the Bigsby in 96'. The gentleman gave me his card as since he won it all he does is run charters for pretty reasonable too considering the 36' he runs. I just need to manage to find him when I am down there. I think Salsa is my favorite, at least the only name that comes to memory. Whoa Margaritaville Never been sea sick and hopefully never will. Although there have been times where I have gotten sick at the dock but I don't believe it was from the waves.

[Stoneman]

I am heading to Maz friday and trying fishing for first time, am normally a diver but getting old. I have only fished fresh water, i live around brainerd,,, thats for all the info...I am staying at El Cid and will try marina there, should i give them your name, Ha, just kidding...who should i look for for a good trip???? at a fair price

tks again

[traveler]

Stoneman, Aires flee is based out of the El Cid marina, so there you are. Not cheap@ 385/day, but you can check with them the day you arrive and see if they can find you a share in the coming days. Too bad it's not next friday, then I'd be there and Maito as well. Good luck, report back here.

[SuddenlySummer]

I've used Star charters in Mazatlan several times and have done well with them. They are located at the bottom of the lighthouse.

There are a few things you should do. First, if you want to keep some of the fish, make the arrangements with them first. They will keep most of the fish and sell it. Let them know you want the Mahi Mahi and some tuna if you get it. Have them fillet some of the Marlin if you get it. Fresh grilled Mahi Mahi cannot be beat! I'm not too sure about sailfish. Also, the crew expect you to bring the beer. They will work harder for you by doing so.

One thing that we always do is bring an empty igloo cooler with us. The second to the last day of your trip go downtown to the fish market. They sell the previous nights catch right on the street. Since Mazatlan has the largest shrimping fleet in Mexico, you can get some great deals especially on the jumbos! Take your shrimp to your resort and they will freeze it for you. Just tip them. Tape your cooler shut with some duct tape and keep the roll in a carry on bag. The best part is when you go through customs. When you fill out the declaration slip state that you brought food back with you. They will pull you out of the long line and take you to an inspectors station. They'll pop open your cooler to look at your frozen catch. As long as you have frozen meat and no fruits or vegatables you'll be fine. It gets you through customs in a fraction of the time it normally would.

[drowned minnow]

anyone have info on playa del carumen? will be down there 3/7-3/14

[Guest]

If your staying at EL-CID, do yourself a favor and go to Aries Fleet.Your motel should be able to line your fishing trip up. Dont buy a fishing trip from aaaaa street vender as you will probably not see him.Been there,done that.

[traveler]

There you go, get the crew drunk and kill the marlin. Seriously, not a good plan. Tip the captain some cash to help feed his family, let the marlin go. Nothing like watching one of those big girls swim back down ino the deep blue...

[bj1]

hey drown minn. have been to playa 2 times .both times went fishing with a guy named victor. he's just a 1 man show and charges around 100-150 dollars for 4-6hours. both times he stayed out a little longer.his boat is esteffany and is anchored out in front of the port o real hotel.i was too cheap to pay for the bigtime charters.been happy both times with victor and will definatley fish with him again when i go back.if you go and find him bring him some good sized crankbaits.seems they have a hard time getting tackle there or its just too spendy.last time in the dark and puoring rain he got me and my friend a double on horsejacks they both went around 40 lbs.will never forget that trip!

[Guest]

TRAVELER thats the way I fish in Mexico and glad to see other people also do.Catch you billfish, Have Aries fleet give you your certificate and release the fish for another great battle for someone else

[SuddenlySummer]

I don't recall suggesting that you purchase your trip from a street vendor or getting the crew drunk. Having a beer doesn't have to mean getting smashed. I just bring a six pack and offer it to the help.

When you pay $250 for your charter you can bet they are going to keep everything they catch. My tip to the captain along with the catch is how they seem to work it. Not my choice to kill billfish but is it any worse than a guide taking out two trips a day an limiting out both times up here?

I'm sure that El Cid Marina scene is classier than the outfit I'm talking about but I'd rather go out twice instead of only being able to afford one trip with the beautiful people. Star can be a bit on the surley side.

[traveler]

SS, Actually, when you pay for a charter it should be YOUR choice what happens to the catch, at least as far as marlin go. Let em' keep the tuna and mahi, but the marlin are another story. Part of the problem is the cheaper boats, and yes, 250 is cheaper, subsidize the charter rate by selling fish. I'm not gonna go long winded here, but the tide is a changin down there, slowly. A marlin released to be recaught later is worth more to the Mexican economy then one cut up at the dock. Use a top notch charter outfit, pay a little more, and YOU decide what goes under the knife, it's that simple. And on the other note, I don't want my crew drinking, too much $$$ invested to catch potentially BIG fish to have it mucked up by even a half drunk crewmember. Remember, these aren't walleyes. Guys have been seriously injured, even killed, by big fish.