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Recently Booked Fishing Charters In Cancún, Mexico
Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Cancún
Nichupte Lagoon - 18’ Hell’s Bay
Deep Sea, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Cancún
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Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Cancún
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Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Cancún
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Target Species in Cancún
- Get it while it's HOT!
- This species is in play.
- You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
- Couldn't tell ya! (no data)
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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Cancún
What are the best fishing charters in Cancún?
The best fishing charters in Cancún are:
Why should I book a fishing charter in Cancún with Captain Experiences?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 12 trips in Cancún, and the most popular trips in the area are Cancun Smash guided by Rene, Nichupte Lagoon - 18’ Hell’s Bay guided by Travis, and Fishing Charter in Cancun 35ft for 9px guided by Arturo.
Our guides in Cancún are rated a 4.83 out of 5 based on 3568 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.
All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.
Looking for kid friendly charters / fishing lessons in Cancún? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Cancún.
What types of fishing charters are common in Cancún?
Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing in Cancún as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.
The most commonly sought after species in Cancún are: 1. barracuda, 2. mahi mahi, 3. sailfish, 4. red snapper, and 5. white marlin.
The most common fishing techniques in Cancún are trolling, bottom fishing, and jigging but heavy tackle fishing and live bait fishing are popular as well.
How much do Cancún fishing charters cost?
Prices in Cancún can range anywhere from about $405 to $2,700, but the average price for a half day trip in Cancún is $910. The average price for a full day trip in Cancún is $1,621.
Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?
Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.
Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.
Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.
What month is best for fishing in Cancún?
The most popular season for fishing in Cancún is spring, and most anglers book their trips 14 days in advance.
Do I need a Cancún fishing license and what are the bag limits in Cancún?
See here for more information on fishing licenses in Cancún, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Cancún. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Cancún.
What is fishing in Cancún all about?
Fishing in Cancún is a popular activity, offering a range of opportunities for anglers looking to experience the rich marine life of the Caribbean. The region's location along the turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean makes it an ideal spot for both inshore and offshore fishing. Whether you're interested in catching tropical fish in the shallow waters near the shore or pursuing larger game fish in deeper waters, Cancún provides a variety of options to suit different fishing preferences.
Inshore fishing around Cancún offers excellent opportunities to target species such as snook, grouper, and barracuda. The area's coastal reefs and mangrove areas create ideal habitats for these fish, and many local charters provide guided trips to these productive spots. Light tackle and live bait are commonly used for inshore fishing, with early mornings and late afternoons being the best times to catch fish. The warm, clear waters also make it a great location for fly fishing and casting for species like bonefish and permit.
Offshore fishing in Cancún is renowned for its exciting big-game opportunities. The waters off Cancún are home to species such as sailfish, marlin, and tuna, attracting anglers from around the world. Deep-sea fishing charters are available for those looking to venture further out to sea, where the chances of hooking into a large pelagic fish are high. Many charters offer amenities and experienced crews, making it possible to enjoy a day of fishing in comfort. Overall, Cancún's diverse fishing opportunities, combined with its stunning natural beauty, make it a top destination for fishing enthusiasts.
What are the most popular months to go fishing in Cancún?
Fishing in Cancún is enjoyable year-round, with different seasons offering unique opportunities and varying conditions. Spring, from March to May, is an excellent time for both inshore and offshore fishing. The warmer waters attract a variety of species, and anglers can target snook, barracuda, and grouper inshore, while offshore fishing for sailfish and marlin becomes particularly productive. The pleasant weather and moderate sea conditions make spring an ideal time to explore the diverse fishing options available in Cancún.
Summer, from June to August, is known for its hot and humid weather, but it also brings some of the best fishing opportunities of the year. Offshore, this season is prime for catching large pelagic species such as tuna and marlin, as they are more active and closer to the surface. Inshore fishing remains productive, with opportunities to catch species like snapper and permit. However, the summer months can also bring occasional storms, so it's important to keep an eye on the weather and plan trips accordingly.
Fall, from September to November, offers favorable conditions for fishing in Cancún. The water temperatures begin to cool slightly, which can stimulate fish activity and make for excellent fishing. This is a great time for targeting species like sailfish and marlin offshore, as they become more active in preparation for their migration. Inshore, the fall season is good for catching grouper and snapper, and the overall fishing conditions are generally favorable with calmer seas and pleasant weather. Overall, Cancún provides a range of fishing opportunities across all seasons, ensuring a rewarding experience for anglers throughout the year.
What types of fishing are popular in Cancún?
Fishing in Cancún offers a range of techniques and styles suited to the diverse marine environment of the region. Inshore fishing is particularly popular, with anglers targeting species such as snook, grouper, and barracuda. Techniques for inshore fishing include using live bait like shrimp or small fish, as well as artificial lures such as soft plastics and jigs. Casting near mangroves, reefs, and coastal structures can yield productive results, with many local charters providing guided trips to these prime spots.
Offshore fishing in Cancún is renowned for its big-game opportunities, and several techniques are employed to target larger species like sailfish, marlin, and tuna. Trolling is a common method, involving the use of multiple lines with lures or baited hooks dragged behind the boat at various speeds. This technique is effective for attracting pelagic fish that are active in the deeper waters off Cancún. Additionally, deep-dropping with heavy tackle can be used to reach deeper depths for species like grouper and snapper, which can provide a thrilling challenge.
Fly fishing is another popular method in Cancún, especially for targeting species like bonefish and permit in the shallow flats and mangrove areas. This technique requires specialized gear and skills to present artificial flies that mimic the natural prey of these fish. The clear waters of Cancún make it ideal for sight fishing, where anglers can spot fish and cast their flies in a natural and enticing manner. Whether you prefer the excitement of big-game fishing or the finesse of fly fishing, Cancún offers a variety of techniques to suit different angling preferences and ensure a rewarding fishing experience.
What species are popular for fishing in Cancún?
Fishing in Cancún provides access to a diverse range of fish species, making it an attractive destination for anglers. Inshore, you can target species such as snook, which are known for their strong fights and are commonly found around mangroves and reefs. Another popular catch inshore is the barracuda, recognized for its speed and aggressive strikes. Grouper is also a favored species, often found near rocky structures and reefs, and they offer a robust challenge for anglers using live bait or jigs.
Offshore fishing in Cancún is renowned for its opportunities to catch larger pelagic species. Sailfish and marlin are among the top targets, drawing anglers from around the world with their impressive size and thrilling battles. The warm waters of the Caribbean make this an ideal location for these game fish, especially during peak seasons. Tuna, particularly yellowfin and blackfin, are also prevalent in offshore waters and are sought after for their powerful runs and excellent table fare.
In addition to these, Cancún’s waters are home to other notable species. The area is known for its productive flats, where anglers can pursue bonefish and permit. These species are prized for their challenging fights and require specialized techniques like fly fishing to catch. Each type of fishing in Cancún offers unique experiences and rewards, whether you're seeking the thrill of big-game fishing or the finesse required for shallow-water species.
What are the best places to fish in Cancún?
Cancún offers several excellent fishing spots, each catering to different preferences and types of fishing. One of the top locations is the Nichupte Lagoon, which is ideal for inshore fishing. The lagoon's mangroves and shallow waters provide excellent habitats for species like snook, tarpon, and bonefish. Anglers can enjoy a mix of fly fishing and light tackle fishing in these protected waters, making it a great spot for both novice and experienced fishermen.
For those interested in offshore fishing, the waters around Isla Mujeres are a prime destination. This island, located just a short distance from Cancún, is renowned for its productive fishing grounds. The deeper waters here are excellent for targeting big-game species such as sailfish, marlin, and tuna. Charter boats often head to these waters to take advantage of the abundant pelagic fish, providing anglers with thrilling opportunities to hook into some impressive catches.
Another notable fishing location is the Cancun Underwater Museum area, which features submerged sculptures and artificial reefs. These man-made structures attract a variety of marine life, creating a unique fishing experience. Anglers can target species like grouper, snapper, and barracuda around these reefs. The underwater museum not only offers a chance for productive fishing but also provides a scenic backdrop, making it a memorable spot for both fishing and sightseeing. Each of these locations in Cancún offers distinct opportunities and experiences for anglers looking to enjoy the region's rich marine environment.
Does Cancún have good fishing?
Cancún is widely regarded as a fantastic destination for fishing, offering a range of opportunities that cater to different angling preferences. Its location along the Mexican Caribbean provides access to both inshore and offshore fishing, making it suitable for a variety of fishing styles. The area's warm, clear waters and diverse marine life ensure that anglers have ample chances to catch a wide range of species, from small inshore fish to large pelagic game fish.
Inshore fishing in Cancún is particularly popular due to the rich ecosystems found in areas like Nichupte Lagoon and the nearby mangroves. These environments are home to species such as snook, tarpon, and bonefish, providing a rewarding experience for anglers who enjoy light tackle and fly fishing. The calm and relatively shallow waters of these inshore areas make them accessible and enjoyable for both beginners and seasoned fishermen.
Offshore fishing around Cancún is equally impressive, with the region renowned for its big-game opportunities. The waters off Isla Mujeres and the surrounding areas are known for their productive fishing grounds, where anglers can target species like sailfish, marlin, and tuna. The combination of abundant fish populations and experienced local charters ensures that anglers can have a successful and exciting offshore fishing experience. Overall, Cancún's diverse fishing opportunities, coupled with its stunning natural beauty, make it an excellent destination for fishing enthusiasts.
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Top Targeted Fishing Species in Cancún
- African Pompano
- Amberjack
- Barracuda
- Black Grouper
- Blackfin Tuna
- Blue Marlin
- Bluefin Tuna
- Bonefish
- Bonito
- Cero Mackerel
- Cobia
- Cubera Snapper
- Gag Grouper
- Goliath Grouper
- Kingfish
- Ladyfish
- Mahi Mahi
- Mako Shark
- Mangrove Snapper
- Mutton Snapper
- Red Grouper
- Red Snapper
- Sailfish
- Snook
- Snowy Grouper
- Spanish Mackerel
- Strawberry Grouper
- Swordfish
- Tarpon
- Tilefish
- Triggerfish
- Wahoo
- White Marlin
- Yellowfin Tuna
Top Fishing Techniques in Cancún
- Artificial Lure Fishing
- Bottom Fishing
- Cut Bait Fishing
- Deep Dropping
- Fly Fishing
- Heavy Tackle Fishing
- Jigging
- Light Tackle Fishing
- Live Bait Fishing
- Trolling
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