Mazatlán has been considered one of Mexico’s most popular fishing destinations for many years. It is a place that has something for everyone, from exclusive hotels and clubs famous for their parties to motorbike rides on  the malecón (seaside promenade) and beach.

Mazatlán has been the center of attention of the fishing world for years. Way before other Mexican tourism destinations began to be noticed, Mazatlán, which is the second largest port on the Mexican Pacific, was already attracting fishing enthusiasts from all over.

 

 

Mazatlán, together with Cabo San Lucas, in Baja California, offers first-rate waters for reeling in large species and deep-sea fishing. With an exceptional location on the Sea of Cortez, it hosts a great variety of species all year long making it a paradise for anglers.

Large species like marlin, sailfish, swordfish, wahoo and dorado are quite common and abundant in the seas of Mazatlán as are smaller species like the porgy, sea bass, snook and roosterfish, among others. 

Because it is so difficult to spot, the swordfish is considered the new great sports fishing challenge.  Beginning in March, you will find many swimming in Mazatlán’s waters. Another very important feature is that this is the only place in the world where you can catch a swordfish in broad daylight, which makes it a real spectacle. This is why Mazatlán has been dubbed the “Swordfish Capital of the World” and hundreds of anglers from all over the world come here.

 

 

 

Sports fishing fleets are everywhere. Some boats are in the old port, close to the lighthouse, and many are in Marina El Cid and Marina Mazatlán, both located in the city’s Zona Dorada (Golden Zone). Their experienced crews practice conservationist fishing and their primary concern is offering their clients a great experience. The boats are in excellent condition and range from 28 to 36 feet, the ideal size for these waters.      

In Mazatlán, fishing is in the air from early morning —when you hear the sound of running engines waiting on the dock and when the sports fishing fleets sail off for a pleasant adventure.     

 


When and what to fish in Mazatlán
Especie Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Blcak marlin - **  **  ** 
Blue marlin  -  -  **  **  **  **  **  **
Steaked marlin  **  **  **  **  *
Sailfish **  **  **  ** **  **  ** 
Swordfish * ** ** * - - - - - - - -
Dorado  **  **  **  **  **  **  ** 
Tuna **  **  **  ** 
Wahoo  **  **  ** 
Rooseterfish **  **  **  **  **  ** 
Shark **  **  **  **  ** 
Sea bass **  **  ** 
Snook **  **  ** 
Yellow Tail - **  ** 

 

- Out of season
* Good month
** Excellent month 

 

Text: Germán Nájera ± Photo: Felipe "Vikingo" Gutiérrez