How to Fish in the Playa Del Carmen

Catch sailfish near Playa del Carmen.

The city of Playa del Carmen lies on Mexico's east coast in the state of Quintana Roo, with Cancun 40 miles to the north. The city is a popular stopping point for travelers heading to or coming back from the nearby island of Cozumel. The waters around Playa del Carmen offer some excellent fishing opportunities. However, while Cozumel has some productive flats and lagoons for shore fishing, Playa del Carmen is not a great location for fishing the surf.

Instructions

1. Take a cab down to Peurto Aventuras, about 20 minutes outside central Playa Del Carmen. Most of the local charter fishing boats leave from here. Speak to local operators to hire a boat or join a fishing party for the day.

2. Try and book ahead to reserve your spot on a sports fishing boat from the Peurto Adventuras Marina. Playa del Carmen is a popular tourist location and many charters sell out in advance. Bring your own heavy-duty fishing kit, or ask to hire an outfit when booking your boat.

3. Target billfish such as marlin and sailfish in the spring and summer using trolling lures. Ask to fish the Cozumel channel for your best chance of landing a billfish.

4. Fish from a panga boat. Panga boats are 25-foot long open barges that leave directly from the Playa del Carmen beach. Find captains for hire in travel shops on the main streets of Playa del Carmen, or on the beach itself. Not the best option for specimen hunting in the deep ocean.

5. Take a fly-fishing rod or a beach pole to the quieter areas of the beach in the early mornings. Use spinners or plastic lures fished close to piers or jetties. A license isn't required for shore fishing.

References

• About Playa del Carmen: Fishing in Playa del Carmen
• Playa: Playa del Carmen Fishing
• Fly Fishing Forums: Mexico Playa del Carmen Fishing Spots

Resources

• Playa: Playa del Carmen Deep Sea Fishing Boats and Reservations