How to Plan a Deep Sea Fishing Trip to Mexico

Mexico is one of the premiere areas for deep sea fishing in the world. The waters off of Cancun in the east and Baja California in the west teem with sea bass, marlins and other exotic fish, and day charters are available in nearly every coastal town. If you want to plan to go deep sea fishing in Mexico, proper preparation will ensure that you have a good time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Think about the kind of fishing you would like to do and the type of fish you'd like to catch on your trip. Species vary from place to place and can change with the seasons, but the most common include marlin, sailfish, snapper and tuna. Casual fishermen may prefer places like Cancun, which offers fine restaurants and nightlife for periods off the boat, while serious fishermen may want to look for quieter locales.

2. Prepare your paperwork and take care of any health considerations you may require. You'll need a passport to travel to Mexico and you'll want to get your shots up to date to be inoculated against any tropical diseases. While many Mexicans speak English, Spanish is the native language and it couldn't hurt to study it in anticipation of your trip.

3. Study Mexican fishing laws and learn about any licenses you may need. Mexico requires a fishing license for anyone with tackle on a boat and has guidelines about the type and number of fish you can catch. Most good fishing charters can take care of that for you, but you may still want to familiarize yourself with the statutes in case there is any problem.

4. Contact a reputable local charter and secure a trip for the time you want to travel there. Some charters are available through local hotels, while others offer independent services reliant upon word of mouth. It's a good idea to make reservations beforehand (especially during the peak of the season) and to make sure that either the charter captain speaks English or that someone in your party is fluent in Spanish.

5. Make reservations in a nearby hotel or find a local campground where you can sleep. Some charters offer overnight expeditions, but otherwise you'll need to make accommodations for the night. It's always preferable to have reservations ready before you leave, rather than trying to find a place once you arrive.

6. Plan to purchase any gear you may need. Charters usually provide tackle for their customers, but a few may require you to purchase your own. In addition, you should have sunscreen, motion-sickness medication and appropriate clothes ready for your trip. The heat on the open water can catch some people by surprise, and staying hydrated and comfortable is of prime concern on a deep sea fishing trip.

Tips & Warnings

• Tensions sometimes flare up between local fisherman, who may view certain patches of water as "theirs" or be concerned about over-fishing in a given area. It's not a huge problem, but be aware of any disagreements among the locals and plan to steer clear of trouble if there's a potential issue.
• Always follow any safety instructions your charter captain gives you and adhere to any guidelines while on the boat during a deep sea fishing trip to Mexico.

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