Anglers
Marlin, sailfish and tarpon, planned around the right water at the right time.
Good fishing is about being in the right place in the right season. A place that is great for marlin in one month can be quiet the next. Our fishing picks cover deep sea fishing for billfish and tuna, and shallow flats fishing for bonefish, permit and tarpon. Some trips suit a serious angler who wants to fish every day. Others suit a family that wants one fun half day on a boat. We help you pick the place, the season and the type of fishing that fits you. We also check local rules, such as catch and release and fishing licenses, before you go.
Los Cabos
Los Cabos sits where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. Deep water comes close to shore, so boats reach good fishing grounds fast. The area is best known for striped marlin, and anglers also catch blue marlin, dorado, yellowfin tuna and wahoo. Catch and release of billfish is common here. Fall is the busiest and most famous season.
Big Island
The Kona coast on the west side of the Big Island has very deep water just a short ride from the harbor. It is one of the best known places in the world for Pacific blue marlin. Anglers also catch ahi tuna, mahi mahi, ono and spearfish. The water on this side is usually calm, which makes long days on the boat easier.
Key West
Key West gives anglers many choices in one trip. On the shallow flats you can sight fish for tarpon, permit and bonefish. On the reef you find snapper and grouper. Offshore, there are sailfish, mahi mahi and tuna. Tarpon season in spring is a big draw. It is easy to reach from anywhere in the United States, with no passport needed.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has fishing on two coasts. The Pacific side, from Guanacaste in the north to the Osa Peninsula in the south, is known for sailfish, marlin, roosterfish and tuna. The Caribbean side has tarpon and snook in its rivers and lagoons. Catch and release of sailfish is the law here. It is a good place to combine fishing with rainforest trips.
Belize
Belize has wide, clear flats inside the second longest barrier reef in the world. Anglers come here to try for a grand slam, which means catching a bonefish, a permit and a tarpon in one day. Areas near Ambergris Caye and the southern coast are well known for this. Most flats fishing is catch and release, often with a fly rod.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta sits on Banderas Bay, one of the largest bays in Mexico. Short trips inside the bay find roosterfish, jack crevalle and dorado. Longer runs to open water reach sailfish, marlin and big yellowfin tuna. The calmer water inside the bay makes it a good pick for families or for anglers who want an easy half day out.
Punta Cana
The waters off Punta Cana and the east coast of the Dominican Republic are known for blue marlin and white marlin, mostly in spring. Anglers also catch mahi mahi, wahoo and tuna. Deep water is not far from the marinas on this coast. It works well for a beach vacation with one or two serious fishing days added.
Fish move with the seasons. Billfish in Mexico and Costa Rica are strong from late fall to spring, with fall famous in Los Cabos. Kona marlin are best in summer. Florida tarpon run in spring and early summer. Flats fishing in Belize is good much of the year, with spring a favorite.
Talk to us: (888) 520-3908Most places require a license, but the rules differ. In many charter trips the license is handled for you. In some places, like Mexico, each person on the boat may need one, even if they do not fish. We check the current rules for your trip so you are ready before you go.
It depends on the place and the species. Billfish such as marlin and sailfish are usually released. Food fish like mahi mahi, tuna and snapper can often be kept within limits. Some places will cook your catch for you. We explain the local rules so you know what to expect on the boat.
Yes. The crew does most of the setup and will show you how to fight and land a fish. Beginners often start with a half day trip. If you get seasick, take medicine before you go, eat a light meal and stay in the fresh air on deck. Calmer bays are a good first choice.
Offshore fishing happens in deep water from a larger boat, often trolling for big fish like marlin and tuna. Flats fishing happens in very shallow, clear water from a small boat or on foot. You look for fish first and then cast to them. It is quieter and more about skill.