| From February through September, Blue and | | | | some providers encourage beginners to come |
| White Marlin, Dorado, Sailfish and Yellowfin Tuna | | | | along and even offer lessons. March, April, May, |
| are to be found in fresh runs in Playa del Carmen. | | | | and June are the best months for fishing. You can |
| Internationally known as the top sailfish hot spot | | | | expect your experienced captain to know the |
| in the world, fishermen are drawn here by the | | | | best spots for whatever fish you prefer to try to |
| thousands. If you're a serious angler, it doesn't get | | | | hook. |
| better than this. | | | | Some Suggestions for Conventional Tackle |
| It's because of the unusual topography-Playa del | | | | For the months from May to October, for |
| Carmen sits on the edge of an underwater valley. | | | | Dorado, Striped Marlin, and Sailfish, a couple of six- |
| This brings the habitat of the huge game fish right | | | | to seven-foot trolling rods are best. If you have |
| to the shore. You can look down into the darkest | | | | roller guides, fighting the fish will be easier, but |
| blue water you've ever seen. The southern | | | | they are not absolutely necessary. For trolling, 30- |
| beaches of this area with Dorado, Wahoo, | | | | to 50-pound monofilament on a Penn 4/0 (or |
| Barracuda, Jack Crevalle, Red Snapper, Grouper, | | | | equivalent) with a lever or a star drag will work |
| Spanish Mackerel, and other fish in abundance | | | | just fine. However, for bait casting, a Penn 500 |
| draw sports fishermen from all over the world. | | | | and 20-40 pound monofilament is good. You'll also |
| Some fishermen come exclusively for the | | | | want to bring a Penn 650ss or its equivalent with |
| seasonal Marlin runs. Even 500-pounders have | | | | 10-20 pound monofilament. Three-hundred yards |
| been pulled out here. Given the 500 species that | | | | of line should be sufficient for any of the reels. |
| live in these waters, everyone can fish-the pros | | | | Actually, you may be able to make do with no |
| and the amateurs and the beginners. | | | | more than 200 yards but you'll be glad for the |
| You can fish inshore if that is your preference or | | | | extra line if you have it. |
| you can fish offshore. Inshore, trophy Snapper, | | | | Rapalas size CD11 to CD14 or greater lures in |
| Grouper, Spanish Mackerel and Yellowtail Jacks are | | | | green or blue mackerel are said to work best. |
| pulled out of the water all through the year. | | | | Also iron spoon-type lures in chrome or blue |
| Offshore, Atlantic Sailfish, blue and Black Marlin, | | | | chrome have been used. Another one: Yo-Zuri |
| Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, and Wahoo are caught on | | | | crystal minnow lures in blue mackerel or pink and |
| fly rods. | | | | silver. For tackle, 80- to 120-pount monofiliament |
| You can rent a boat if you feel up to managing | | | | and Mustad 6 to 7 hooks should be adequate. If |
| one yourself or you can charter one. If you want | | | | you're experienced enough to experience with |
| to join others in a charter to reduce the cost, | | | | other tackle, your boat captain will probably go |
| those opportunities are available also. Most rentals | | | | along. You should have a hard case container for |
| assure an experienced, English-speaking captain. | | | | your rods, which you can buy or you can make |
| Soft drinks and ice and water are commonly | | | | one with PVC. |
| provided. However, if you want beer or liquor, | | | | These requirements may differ slightly if you're |
| you will need to bring it yourself. Tackle, bait, and | | | | fishing from November to April. It would be best |
| fishing licenses are also typically provided. | | | | to call your boat provider for suggestions in that |
| Some boats require some experience; however, | | | | case. |
| both men and women are welcome aboard and | | | | |