Mazatlan is quite possibly one of the best fishing locations in the world. Year round, the fish are abundant. Shore fishing, deep-sea expeditions, and "Panga" boat fishing are all very popular. Depending on the season, look forward to catching Sailfish, Blue, Black or Striped Marlin, Swordfish, Dorado, Rooster fish, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Stripe, Mahi Mahi and Shark.
Across the Sea of Cortez from and slightly south of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan may receive less attention, but can offer world-class billfishing -- and at bargain-basement prices.
Shots per day (prime season): **
You could figure on a half-dozen shots on average during the sailfish season, and you wouldn't be far off most days.
Size of fish: ***
Pacific sails in this area average 70 pounds. They do get a good bit larger, however -- witness the 198-pound monster taken here in 1954, still the men's 80-pound line-class world record.
Release: *
Some Mazatlan charter fleets release all billfish. While not all charters automatically release sails, most will comply with anglers who request release.
Distance to fish: ***
A run of 15 or so miles will put you in prime sailfish grounds.
Length of prime season: ***
While in most areas, sailfish season runs for several months continuously. Prime months are split here, with May-June and November-December the best bets.
Ocean conditions/weather: ***
Rough weather's the exception here; most often, the ocean varies from calm to a light sea.
Charter boats, availability/quality/crews: ** Convertibles in the 24- to 34-foot range have generally very experienced crews
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Mazatlan Fish Gallery
Mazatlan Offshore Sportfish
