Fishing in Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo is a Mexican state located on the eastern side of the Yucatán Peninsula, and offers some of the most stunningly clear waters and diverse marine habitats in Mexico. The imaginary line that joins the tip of the Yucatán with Cuba and serves as the border between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea passes through Quintana Roo, and the charters based in and around Cancun can explore both great bodies of water. Big game fish is easily accessible due to the close proximity of deep waters to the coast. The deep seas alone would make Quintana Roo a magnet for anglers, but there’s much more to the province. Nearshore, you can fish the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. A visitor who ventures inshore can find, hidden in the mangroves, inland lakes that are part of the unique karstic system of underground rivers, sinkholes (“cenotes”) and lakes. Some of these lakes are freshwater, others are connected with the sea, and inhabited by saltwater species such as tarpon. Quintana Roo offers a unique blend of tropical fishing experiences. From the solitude of backcountry lagoons to the excitement of the open Caribbean Sea, it's an angler’s paradise rich in both species and scenery. The area's commitment to sustainable fishing practices, including catch-and-release in many flats fishing areas, ensures that it remains a vibrant and healthy ecosystem for future generations of fishermen to enjoy. Always remember to respect the local regulations and consider hiring local guides not only to improve your success but also to support the regional fishing communities. Quintana Roo is not as famous as other vacation destinations in the Caribic, but has some excellent beach resorts. This makes it a great place for a combination family and fishing trip, intermixed with trips to ancient Maya sites.

Quintana Roo is famous as a hotspot for deep sea fishing, however, other fishing types are practiced there as well. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef provides ample opportunities for reefs fishing. Anglers who don't like it deep can indulge in flats fishing opportunities in areas like Ascension Bay and Boca Paila, that are world-renowned for fly fishing and light tackle angling. Last but not least, numerous lagoons and inlets on the peninsula offer a quieter, more secluded backcountry fishing experience.

Warm waters of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico are home to an array of numerous fish species, great and small. Bonefish, permit, and tarpon, known as the "Big Three" of flats fishing, are abundant in Quintana Roo. Grouper and snapper are common catches when fishing around the reef systems. Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) and wahoo, fast and delicious, are favorites for offshore anglers, and the deep seas around Quintana Roo are a playground for highly sought-after billfish including sailfish and marlin, especially during the peak seasons. Isla de Mujeres, one of the most famous sailfish hotspots in the world, is also located in Quintana Roo. King mackerel, scup, bonito, great barracuda, amberjack, blackfin tuna, African pompano jack are also found among the catch of recreational anglers in Quintana Roo.

Saltwater fly fishing in Quintana Roo leaves nothing to the more famous locations like Beliz, with clear, calm flats perfect for targeting bonefish, permit, and tarpon with a fly rod. Trolling is effective for catching marlin, sailfish, and wahoo in deeper waters, and bottom fishing is ideal around the reefs for snappers and groupers. With clear waters and abundant reefs, spearfishing is a popular and thrilling way to fish in Quintana Roo (where permitted).