The closeness with the Mexican Caribbean and the richness of its waters attracted these peculiar visitors in longer stays every year. They taught their techniques to traditional fishermen in Boca Paila who became the first Sport Fishing guides when Cancun was founded in 1970.

In the last years, fishing in Riviera Maya has reached its highest peak. Anglers from all different parts of the world come year after year to practice this amusing sport.

Types of Fishing in Cancun

There are several types of fishing in Cancun, from fly fishing to deep sea fishing. Types of fishing include different styles for the beginner or the experienced fishermen. Fly Fishing.- It consists in using artificial bait called fly, made out of animal feathers or hair. This type of fishing is done in shallow clear waters, reaching even 1 foot deep. Light graphite rods and boats specially modified for shallow waters are used. This kind of fishing can be done in sea, lakes, lagoons or rivers. Spinning or Light Tackle.- It is done in waters with an average depth of 9 feet. Very resistant graphite or polycarbonate rods are required. Lures and baits tend to be bigger and brighter. Reels contain up to 300 yards of line. This type of fishing can be done in the sea, lakes, lagoon and rivers. Bottom Fishing.- Bottom fishing is done in deep waters where the boat anchors. An extra weight is added to the hook so it descends without problems. Lures are usually small fish imitations. A lot of patience is required to catch a good size fish. Deep Sea Fishing. - In this type of fishing more equipment is required, including some devices to facilitate the fish schools location, different resistance and flexibility rods and, of course, a larger amount of line. Lures are the biggest among all types of fishing and they are displayed in multiple hooks so they look like a fish school. Sometimes real bait is used instead of lures. For deep sea are two types of fishing techniques, and one or the other is chosen according to the fish school location: Trolling consists in keeping the boat at constant 6 knots speed. Lines are carried not very deep. Bottom Fishing is when the boat stops in deep waters. Hooks are charged with downriggers, lead lures that make the line go down 200 feet quickly.   Sport Fishing in Cancun, Mexico   You don't require previous training to practice sport fishing in Cancun. If you are a beginner, a basic instruction in the marina where you hire the trip will be enough to start. We recommend you to start with Light Tackle since the line casting techniques are simpler than those in fly fishing, for example. For fishing in Mexico is required a special license issued by the Mexican Ministry of Natural Resources, however, the marina where you hire your trip will do the paperwork for you and it should be included in the price of the tour. There is no age limit. The ability has direct relation to the resistance an angler can support when lifting the fish. Sport fishing in Cancun is not recommended for people with high blood pressure or other heart diseases, epileptics or pregnant women. We highly recommend practicing sport fishing in Mexico accompanied by your loved ones. Traditionally it is a family ties reinforcing activity.   What you can fish in Cancun   The most popular Cancun fish species are Sawfish, Bonito, Snapper, Grupper, Kingfish, Roosterfish, Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, Snook and Sea Trout. Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Barracuda, Catfish and Tuna are species that you can find in deep waters mainly, therefore it is most likely to not catch one if you're practicing fly fishing or light tackle fishing. Each species has a season and it is determined by a number of facts. The temperature of the water can reveal abundance of one or another species while some endangered species are protected by law. The two kinds of Marlin and Sailfish are protected, so if you catch one it will be weighed, measured and photographed for record effects, and immediately released. Other Cancun fish species go through close seasons for reproductive or sanitary alert reasons. In lagoon areas mollusks, not fish are often prone to go through these close seasons. However, if you catch a fish in these conditions it has to go back to the sea dead or alive. Your guide can tell you in case this happens. If the fish you catch is not in close season and it is edible, you can take it. There is a number of fish you're allowed to take with you for personal consumption. Again, your guide can assist in telling you which ones are better and the recommended quantity. At the marina they can cut the fish in filets. Most hotels will accept to cook the fish your way for lunch or dinner. Talk to the hotel Concierge, Maître or Chef about it.