Fish Mexico's Marlin Madness

Marlin Magazine has ranked Mexico's Yucatan peninsula one of its Top 20 Billfishing Destinations, both for the light tackle fishing and the variety of species. For this reason hundreds of fishermen converge on the Yucatan each spring. Cozumel offers great open water fishing opportunities as well as Cancun. Both have numerous marinas and all the perks needed for those fun-loving sports fishermen who travel from Texas, Florida and the East coast of the United States. For those serious fishermen who do not need the discos and large restaurants of Cancun and Cozumel, Puerto Aventuras is the place to be. By mid April all slips are full and the party has begun. Located about 60 miles south of Cancun, Puerto Aventuras has the only full service harbor south of Cancun. The Dorado, Tuna and Marlin run thick just 200 meters from the shore here.

Mexico Means Marlin (and other billfish too)

You can expect to see tons of Atlantic sailfish with good numbers of white marlin mixed in from late March through June or even July. The prime months are April and May. The area of the Yucatan is similar to Venezuela's in its reliable production of billfish grand slams (one each of sailfish, white marlin, blue marlin). In addition to the good runs of sailfish and white marlin in the spring, blue marlin make a good showing from late April through June. Sail down and hook-up or fly into Cancun . There are numerous charter fishing boats available with salty captains who know these waters well. Contact the experienced captains of Puerto Aventuras Fishing or Tequila Sunrise to find the best places to go any time of the year.

What is swimmin' in them thar waters?

Sailfish, white and blue marlin, slammer dolphins, blackfin, skipjack, yellowfin tuna, kingfish and wahoo are abundant in the waters near Puerto Aventuras, depending on the time of year. Atlantic sailfish migrate from late March to June or July. White marlin in May. June for blue marlin. Dorado (mahi mahi), snapper, tuna, kingfish and wahoo can be caught year round. Non migratory sailfish live close by throughout the year. Occasionally we see broadbill swordfish or spearfish. Most of the billfish are average size, but world records are set nearly every year so come try your luck!

	JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC
Blue Marlin
White Marlin
Sailfish
Dolphin
Wahoo
Tuna
Kingfish
Bottomfish
Key	Excel- lent	Excel- lent		Good	Good		Fair	Fair		Poor	Poor

Tropical Mexico: The Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guide A guide to the flora and fauna of Southern Mexico