March heralds the start of the sport fishing season in the Mexican Caribbean and avid fishermen are preparing to go in search of the ‘big one,” a memory they will treasure for the rest of their lives.
Marlin and sailfish move through area waters following huge shoals of migrating sardines, anchovies and mackerel. Snapper; dorado, bonito and wahoo are plentiful and local fishermen will take you right to where the fish are running.
The best fishing grounds in the area lie to the east of Isla Mujeres, along the Arrowsmith Bank, around Contoy and Holbox islands, Puerto Morelos, and in the Cozumel Channel, the deep ocean trench between the Riviera Maya and the island of Cozumel.
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 Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and the Isla Blanca wetlands north of Cancun are also a good spot.
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 looking for your own unforgettable encounter with the big fish of the sea, contact Thomas More Travel for fishing trips and boat charters.
