COZUMEL SPORT FISHING
Cozumel is a great fishing destination, particularly during the summer months, when sailfish, marlin, wahoo, mahi mahi, and tuna make their way into the warm Caribbean waters. The best part of fishing in Cozumel is that you can start fishing almost from the time you leave the marina! No long travel times to worry about, just fishing. The reefs act as natural barriers, and the shoreline drops off to two miles deep within just minutes of leaving port, so that is naturally where the large game fish tend to cluster. Cozumel is also famous for its bonefish, which populate Cozumel's lagoons.
Our Advice: If you're on a cruise ship, you'll want to book a 6 hour trip. These fit in perfectly with almost all the cruise schedules, and give you the best chance of catching that dream fish.
COZUMEL FISHING FAQ's
Q: I'M ON A CRUISE SHIP. DO YOU PICK UP AT THE PIER?
A: Only cruise-sponsored excursions are allowed to pick up at the pier, but our marina is only a few minutes by taxi. Taxis are readily available at the pier as you arrive, ready to take you where you want to go.
Q: I'M ON A CRUISE SHIP. WHAT LENGTH OF TRIP SHOULD I DO?
A: We recommend 6 hour trips for almost all of our cruise ship passengers. If you're in port for at least 8 hours, then a 6 hour trip will work for you. You are also free to cut your trip short at any time if you need to, just because you book 6 hours doesn't mean you have to be out for the full 6 hours. 8 hour trips should only be attempted if you're in port for at least 10 hours.
Q: WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO FISH FOR...?
A: In the spring and summer, billfish are out to play. Sailfish and Marlin, plus Mahi Mahi, Wahoo and Tuna are plentiful during these months. In the colder months, Red Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, Barracuda, and Mackerel are the best bets.
Q: CAN I TAKE MY CATCH HOME WITH ME?
A: Yes, this is still legal. However, with the new increased
security restrictions by Homeland Security, it is such a pain that we
don't recommend it. There is no dry ice or commercial
packing facilities on Cozumel. You'll find it's such a hassle and so expensive
that you will wish you'd made a different decision. Instead we
highly recommend that you let a local restaurant cook up your catch
for you. You can even take your catch to our captain's
restaurant for cooking.
Ask your hotel about using their freezer. If you are on a
cruise ship, you will not be allowed to bring your catch onto
the ship.
For more information about the customs rules regarding seafood imports into the U.S., click here and here. Make sure also to check the FDA Import Alerts List to be sure your fish isn't on there - if it is, you won't be allowed to bring it in. The packing requirements bring up another issue - there is no dry ice available on Cozumel, and there is no commercial storage facility or taxidermy.
If you're bringing frozen fish back with you, you'll want to contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at (301) 436-1576 if you have any additional questions. You can also call the Mexico Department of Fisheries with any questions - they are located in San Diego, California at (619) 233-6956.
For more information about the customs rules regarding seafood imports into the U.S., click here and here. Make sure also to check the FDA Import Alerts List to be sure your fish isn't on there - if it is, you won't be allowed to bring it in. The packing requirements bring up another issue - there is no dry ice available on Cozumel, and there is no commercial storage facility or taxidermy.
If you're bringing frozen fish back with you, you'll want to contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at (301) 436-1576 if you have any additional questions. You can also call the Mexico Department of Fisheries with any questions - they are located in San Diego, California at (619) 233-6956.
Q: DO I NEED A FISHING LICENSE?
A: Yes, but if you take one of our fishing trips, it is included in the price of the charter.
More Fishing: Cancun
Fishing - Playa del
Carmen Fishing - Costa Maya Fishing
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