Mazatlan, Mexico

Fishing & Travel Destination

Mazatlan is the northernmost city along the Mexican Riviera, the gorgeous stretch of resort cities and town along Mexico’s Pacific Coast.  Located on the Pacific coast just across from the tip of Baja California Peninsula, Mazatlan is Mexico’s largest port, boasting a large commercial shrimp fleet and the largest commercial fishing fleet in Mexico. The charter fishing industry in Mazatlan is also large and fishing vacations are a top reason to come to Mazatlan.  Zona Dorada, or “the Golden Zone”, is the tourist section of Mazatlan located at the northernmost part of the city where all the resorts, hotels and nightclubs reside. Mazatlan is famous for its nightlife, and numerous bars, dance clubs, and restaurants are all within walking distance in the Zona Dorada.  Stroll down the Malecon, a scenic beachfront promenade from the Zona to downtown Mazatlan to shop in the large open air marketplace. Another unique shopping adventure is the “Sea Shell Supermarket” featuring all things seashell. Mazatlan has many attractions including horseback riding on Stone Island, Mexico’s largest aquarium, 2 championship golf courses, a water park and, of course, fabulous beaches offering all kinds of water sports.  Parasailing, windsurfing, surfing, sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, scuba, snorkeling and sea kayaking are widely available on Mazatlan’s beaches.  Seafood is the premier dining experience with restaurants ranging from beach side stands, to upscale dining.

In mid to late February every year, Mazatlan hosts Mexico’s largest party, Carnaval, the third largest Carnival in the world with dancing, music, parades, and reveling day and night for 5 days.  Anglers have been flocking to Mazatlan for years because its fishing can’t be beat, but its hospitality is top notch, too! Mazatlan International Airport is serviced by Mexicana, Alaska Airlines, America West Airlines, and Continental.  There is also a ferry that departs from La Paz on Baja California, and buses from Nogales, Mexico just south of Tucson, Arizona are a very affordable option for reaching Mazatlan. However you choose to get there, Mazatlan’s excellent sport fishing and friendly resort atmosphere make it a trip worth taking.       

The variety and sheer numbers of fish in Mazatlan makes for great fishing any time.  Deep shore species include striped marlin, blue marlin, black marlin, yellowfin tuna, dorado, mako shark, wahoo, and sailfish.  Inshore species include pompano, snook, triggerfish, sierra, grouper, roosterfish, red snapper, corvina, jack Crevalle, amberjack, pargo, Spanish mackerel, and more.  Fresh water bass fishing is also available at Comedero and El Salto lakes.

The charter sport fishing industry in Mazatlan is one of Mexico’s oldest and most revered.  Options range from small beach launch pangas to huge luxury yachts.  Charters can be booked through almost every hotel and several booking agents throughout town.  The weather in Mazatlan is fantastic year round with temperatures ranging from the high 60’s in winter to low to mid 80’s in summer.  Fishing is good year round for many species including yellowfin tuna, striped marlin, and dorado.  The cooler months of November through March favor striped marlin, wahoo, and sierra while the warmer months of summer, May through September are better for sailfish, black and blue marlin, and dorado.   The warm summer months are also fantastic for beach and inshore fishing for roosterfish.  With the warm waters moving up the Pacific to Mazatlan, any time of year is a great time for fishing Mazatlan.

Mazatlan is known as the “Pearl of the Pacific” and for good reason.  Beautiful temperatures year round, glistening beaches, friendly people, vibrant nightlife, and unbelievably good year round fishing both offshore and inshore make Mazatlan a true treasure and a great charter fishing destination.