Damn Good Flats Fishing Charters In Cancún

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Recently Booked Flats Fishing Charters In Cancún, Mexico

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Cancún

Nichupte Lagoon - 18’ Hell’s Bay

100% (5)
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $345
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Cancún

25' Panga - Nearshore Or Offshore

100% (5)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $330
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Cancún

Fly Fishing Cancun

100% (2)
23 ft 1 - 2 People From $350

Top Species for Flats Fishing in Cancún

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Target Species in Cancún

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • 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)

Other Trips in Cancún

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Cancún

Cancun Big Game - 25' Panga

100% (5)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $365
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Cancún

Cancun Inshore Trip - 25' Argos

100% (5)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Cancún

VIP Sportsfishing Experience

100% (5)
40 ft 1 - 10 People From $1,050
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Cancún

Fishing Charter 35ft A/C OnBoard

NEW
35 ft 1 - 9 People From $690
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Cancún

27 Ft Offshore

100% (5)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $677
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Cancún

Trolling + Snorkel Or Sunset Cruise

100% (2)
32 ft 1 - 6 People From $530
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Cancún

Cancun Smash

NEW
27 ft 1 - 4 People From $225
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Cancún

Deep Sea Cancun

100% (5)
34 ft 1 - 7 People From $880
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Cancún

Fishing Charter 41ft A/C OnBoard

NEW
41 ft 1 - 22 People From $830

Need a Place to Stay?

Everything to Know About Booking a Cancún flats fishing charter

What are the best flats fishing charters in Cancún?

Why should I book a flats fishing charter in Cancún with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 3 flats trips in Cancún, and the most popular trips in the area are Nichupte Lagoon - 18’ Hell’s Bay guided by Travis, 25' Panga - Nearshore or Offshore guided by Alberto, and Fly Fishing Cancun guided by Orlando.

Our guides in Cancún are rated a 4.83 out of 5 based on 3784 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 flats guides / fishing lessons in Cancún? Check out our beginner and family friendly flats guides in Cancún.

What types of flats fishing charters are common in Cancún?

The most commonly sought after species for flats fishing are: 1. barracuda, 2. tarpon, 3. snook, 4. white marlin, and 5. bonefish.

The most common fishing techniques in Cancún are fly fishing, light tackle fishing, and trolling but jigging and heavy tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much do Cancún flats fishing charters cost?

Prices for flats fishing in Cancún can range anywhere from about $345 to $500, but the average price for a half day trip for flats fishing in Cancún is $355. The average price for a full day trip for flats fishing in Cancún is $466.

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 flats fishing in Cancún?

The most popular season for flats fishing in Cancún is spring, and most anglers book their trips 21 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 flats fishing in Cancún all about?

Flats fishing in Cancún, Mexico, offers anglers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich and vibrant waters of the Caribbean Sea. Situated along the Yucatán Peninsula, Cancún boasts an abundance of shallow flats, mangrove-lined channels, and pristine coral reefs that provide habitat for a diverse range of inshore species. Anglers flock to these waters for the chance to target iconic gamefish such as bonefish, tarpon, permit, and snook, as well as a variety of reef species including snapper, grouper, and barracuda, making it a premier destination for flats fishing enthusiasts from around the world.

One of the primary draws of flats fishing in Cancún is the opportunity to target elusive and challenging species such as bonefish and permit. Bonefish, known for their blistering runs and keen eyesight, inhabit the shallow flats and sandy bottoms of the area's coastal lagoons and estuaries. Anglers often use stealthy approaches and delicate presentations to entice strikes from these wary fish, employing techniques such as sight fishing with small shrimp or crab patterns, or casting lightweight flies to mimic their natural prey. Permit, prized for their beauty and tenacity, are also a popular target for anglers in Cancún, with opportunities to catch them on the flats, around coral reefs, and along channel edges. Anglers pursue permit using a variety of methods including sight casting with live crabs or shrimp, as well as casting crab or shrimp imitations on light spinning or fly tackle.

In addition to bonefish and permit, Cancún's flats offer opportunities to target a variety of other species that inhabit these productive waters. Tarpon, known for their acrobatic leaps and brute strength, can be found in the area's coastal lagoons, mangrove channels, and along sandy flats. Anglers target tarpon using techniques such as casting live bait like mullet or pilchards, as well as artificial lures such as swimbaits or topwater plugs. Snook, another prized gamefish, are also abundant in Cancún's flats and mangrove-lined estuaries, providing thrilling fishing opportunities for anglers using live bait, artificial lures, or flies. With its stunning natural beauty and world-class fishing opportunities, flats fishing in Cancún, Mexico, offers an unforgettable angling experience for all who venture into its pristine waters.

What are the most popular months to go flats fishing in Cancún?

Flats fishing in Cancún, Mexico, follows distinct seasonal patterns that influence the behavior and availability of various target species throughout the year. Spring marks the onset of an active fishing season as temperatures rise and fish become more active after the cooler winter months. This season is particularly favorable for targeting species such as bonefish, permit, and tarpon, which migrate into shallower waters to feed and spawn. Anglers often find success using live bait such as shrimp or crabs, as well as artificial lures like flies or small jigs, to entice strikes from these prized gamefish.

Summer in Cancún brings warmer temperatures and longer days, influencing fish behavior and angling strategies. This season offers abundant opportunities to target a variety of inshore species, including bonefish, permit, and snook, as well as reef species like snapper and grouper. Anglers can explore the extensive flats, mangrove channels, and coral reefs that surround Cancún, employing a range of techniques such as sight fishing, drift fishing, and casting to actively feeding fish. Summer's favorable weather conditions and diverse fishing opportunities make it a popular time for anglers to experience the thrill of flats fishing in Cancún.

Fall marks another peak season for flats fishing in Cancún, characterized by cooler temperatures and the return of migrating species. This season sees an increase in activity among species such as bonefish, permit, and tarpon, as well as reef species like barracuda and king mackerel. Anglers commonly use live bait such as shrimp or crabs, as well as artificial lures like flies or small jigs, to target these species effectively. Fall's mild weather and productive fishing opportunities make it an ideal time for anglers seeking to experience the excitement and diversity of flats fishing in Cancún, Mexico.

What techniques are popular for flats fishing in Cancún?

Flats fishing in Cancún, Mexico, offers anglers a variety of techniques tailored to the area's diverse coastal habitats and the range of species that inhabit its shallow waters. One popular method is sight fishing, which involves scanning the crystal-clear flats for signs of cruising or tailing fish such as bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Anglers often use polarized sunglasses to enhance visibility and carefully present live bait such as shrimp or crabs, or cast artificial lures like flies or small jigs, to entice strikes. Sight fishing requires patience, keen observation skills, and precise casting to capitalize on the behavior and movements of the fish in Cancún's dynamic coastal environment.

Another effective technique for flats fishing in Cancún is drift fishing, particularly when targeting species like bonefish, permit, and snook. This method involves drifting with the current or wind across shallow flats or along mangrove-lined channels while presenting baits or lures to actively feeding fish. Anglers commonly use live bait such as shrimp or mullet, as well as artificial lures like flies or small jigs, to entice strikes from these prized gamefish. Drift fishing allows anglers to cover expansive areas of water effectively while adapting their techniques based on tidal movements and water conditions for optimal success.

Wade fishing is also highly favored in Cancún, providing anglers with the opportunity to wade into shallow waters along flats, mangrove shorelines, and tidal creeks. This technique allows anglers to access remote areas and stealthily approach fish in their natural habitat, enhancing the angling experience. Anglers can employ a variety of techniques while wading, including casting topwater lures for tarpon, bouncing jigs along the bottom for snook, or drifting live bait in current-swept channels for bonefish. Wade fishing offers anglers the chance to immerse themselves in the serene coastal surroundings of Cancún while targeting a variety of inshore species, making it a favored choice for flats fishing enthusiasts seeking memorable angling adventures in Mexico.

What species are popular for flats fishing in Cancún?

Flats fishing in Cancún, Mexico, offers anglers the opportunity to target a diverse range of species that inhabit its pristine coastal waters. One of the most coveted species by anglers is the bonefish, known for its elusive nature and blistering runs. These silver torpedoes are abundant in Cancún's shallow flats and sandy bottoms, where they feed on crustaceans and small baitfish. Anglers often use light tackle and delicate presentations to entice strikes from bonefish, employing techniques such as sight fishing with small shrimp or crab patterns, or casting lightweight flies to mimic their natural prey.

Permit are another prized species for flats fishing enthusiasts in Cancún. These elusive fish are highly prized for their beauty and challenging fights, making them a sought-after target for anglers. Permit can be found on the flats, around coral reefs, and along channel edges, where they feed on crustaceans and small baitfish. Anglers pursue permit using a variety of methods including sight casting with live crabs or shrimp, as well as casting crab or shrimp imitations on light spinning or fly tackle. Permit provide thrilling angling experiences and are highly prized by anglers seeking a memorable challenge in the waters of Cancún.

In addition to bonefish and permit, Cancún's flats offer opportunities to target a variety of other species that inhabit these productive waters. Tarpon, known for their acrobatic leaps and brute strength, can be found in the area's coastal lagoons, mangrove channels, and along sandy flats. Anglers target tarpon using techniques such as casting live bait like mullet or pilchards, as well as artificial lures such as swimbaits or topwater plugs. Snook, another prized gamefish, are also abundant in Cancún's flats and mangrove-lined estuaries, providing thrilling fishing opportunities for anglers using live bait, artificial lures, or flies. With its stunning natural beauty and world-class fishing opportunities, flats fishing in Cancún, Mexico, offers an unforgettable angling experience for all who venture into its pristine waters.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    This was an absolutely amazing trip! The crew was very friendly and entertained all our questions. When we were done, they cleaned the fish, took it to the restaurant and suggested how to best have it prepared. I've never had such fresh fish before. I highly recommend anyone to book with Captain experiences!

    Michael N. | June 11, 2024

    Trip: 25' Panga - Nearshore or Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Easily one of the best days ever! Always wanted to catch a mahi mahi and captain Alberto made it happen. Great day on the water. Him and his deckhand Elesio were on top of everything all day and made it amazing. Definitely went above and beyond.Great service great people great times!

    Jayden L. | July 12, 2023

    Trip: 25' Panga - Nearshore or Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    We 3 guys really enjoyed our fishing with Captain Alberto. He was very helpful and knowledgable. Picked us up on time, was very pleasant. Would definitely recommend this trip!

    Theresa A. | April 26, 2023

    Trip: 25' Panga - Nearshore or Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    I’ve always wanted to catch a tarpon on the fly. It’s been on my bucket list for years, so when we planned our trip to Cancun, I look for an opportunity after booking the trip I was obviously excited to get the chance to fill one of the things on my bucket list, however, when I didn’t plan on, was getting very sick, just a few hours before Orlando, my guide was picking me up. As bad as I felt, I went and waited in the lobby for him to arrive. He had to go through a lot of trouble to get through security, but when I met him, he was all smiles. As we rode through the city to his boat I didn’t say a word, because I felt so ill, and after loading the boat and headed out under the water, it was only a matter of moments before he put me on fish, in my weakened state, I could barely throw the fly. However, he kept pointing out fish after fish, and after a few times resting, I finally filled that bucket list. Orlando was so patient with me and very generous. Not only was he an excellent guide he was a very, very good guy. I hope one day I can go back and fish with him again when I feel better Orlando worked very hard to get me on fish , and if I felt better, I’m sure I would’ve caught several more. We did catch more than that one but because I was so sick I laid in the bottom of the boat mostly. It wouldn’t have mattered if we didn’t catch fish I think I would’ve enjoyed spending the time on the water with Orlando. he genuinely wants you to catch fish. In my second state, he couldn’t tell how excited I was but I could sure tell how excited he was. Thanks again Orlando!! Tight lines!!!

    Matthew O. | April 12, 2023

    Trip: Fly Fishing Cancun

  • ★★★★★
    I highly recommend Orlando. The communication before the trip was great and he went the extra miles (literally) to pick me and drop me off at my hotel so I didn't have to mess around with early morning taxi or Uber. Fishing was tough but we got some baby tarpon on fly and when conditions weren't suitable for fly rod we switches to spinning rod and caught more. Also got to see some remote backwater and the resident crocodiles. Made you think twice before putting hand in water to retrieve a snagged fly!

    Simon S. | March 16, 2023

    Trip: Fly Fishing Cancun

Other Types of Fishing in Cancún

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