Riviera Maya Mexico fishing?

[Bass Specialist]

Heading down to RM second week in May and wanted to go out fishing one day. 1/2 or 3/4 day fishing would be ideal. Has anyone ever fished down there? Any charter recommendations?

[Ductwork]

About 10 years ago I was in Puerto Aventuras, just below Playa del Carmen. I was there in August with the wife, which is considered a slow fishing period. Did a day trip....out of billfish season which is in March/April peak I belive, its mostly barracuda, Spanish mackerel, the odd mahi, sailfish and wahoo. They pretty much troll with bally. You can also bottom fish but from what I understand they are not hardcore about it and its mostly small reef species that are caught. There are several charter operations there as I remember....would be good to do a websearch as its been too long for me to give solid advice...

Phil

[Capt. JJ]

My suggestion? Bring light tackle with you.....fish any cove on the beach side south of Playa Del carmen and you will be surprised at what you can catch...also, I fished directly at Puerto Aventuras in the lagoon, after, or before business hours. Havent been there in a few years, but the place was basically a bonefish breeding hole, and you could catch all the 3-6 pound tarpon you could imagine right from the docks......an occasional 20 pounder would show interest but it was the kiddies who hit.

Trolling in peak season is great for sails, and there are excellent mahi runs in May-June, but the majority of the year its an occasional sail and lots of barracuda......captains will drop for bottom fishing if you ask but its nothing incredible.....go to Cabo around Halloween for the best yellowfin fishing anywhere and you'll really see what Mexico has to offer!

Cheers!

JJ

[bowguide]

look up Capt Roberto Navarro out of Playa... Have fun jigging and popping for whatever is in season.

[Harpoon]

went about 2 years ago and stayed in the same area. I did a charter with Capt. Ricks out of Puerto Adventuras, cool little village they have down there about 45 min south of where you will be staying. Trolled with hoos and had an ok day.

http://www.captricksfishing.com/

They had guys running 2 Panga boats out of the resort, small little boats, that run right off the beach. You will get soaked immediately but they are fun. We trolled hoos as well and got some big mahi right off the beach. Paid the guy a little extra and he anchored up on a reef for us and let us snorkel after the fishing ended. Had fresh mango's waiting for us when we got back on the boat.

Two totally different experiences but both fun.
Enjoy!

[rumster]

I too will be down in the Playa Del Carmen area from 4-14 to 4-21. Looking to wet a line from the shore. Any lure suggestions? Thinking anything with a lot flash and small popping plugs should get me into something.

[frugalfisherman]

Watch out for the ripoff's down there. They'll show you a photo of a 55 ft Viking, take your money and then stick you on a wooden skow that's about ready to sink.

[Tunarun]

Originally Posted by frugalfisherman

Watch out for the ripoff's down there. They'll show you a photo of a 55 ft Viking, take your money and then stick you on a wooden skow that's about ready to sink.

Is that what happened to you Papillon aka Bruce? LOL Dennis

[Bass Specialist]

Thanks for the info guys

[joec]

Definitely do your research before going. Was down there on my honeymoon in late August. Definitely a slower period to fish down there. It's pretty much exactly what Ductwork said!