What should I bring on the fishing trip?
Cancun fishing trips are best enjoyed when you bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, rain gear, insect repellent, long and short sleeve shirt and of course a camera.
Do I need wading gear for fishing in Cancun?
No wading gear is not needed for fly fishing in Cancun, we fish off the boat which has a large casting platform and goes through very shallow waters. If there are opportunities to go wading it will be on hard sandy bottoms but most of the times you’ll fish off the boat.
Can I bring my own equipment to fish in Cancun?
Of course, bring what ever you can, anything else that’s missing, we’ll have it for you. Fly or spinning, lures or flies, we’ve got everything you need at no extra cost.
Can we keep the fish we catch?
We practice only catch and release fishing for Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit, however if you want to take some Snappers or a medium size Snook to your hotel for lunch that’s ok with us.
Is it going to be rough out there?
We always have sheltered areas we can fish so the wind is not a serious issue, only on a strong north/western wind we might have to postpone your trip but this doesn’t happen often.
Can we get our catch mounted?
Yes, we do have this service available, we measure your catch and take photos and use a professional company to make a replica of it.
Our Cancun fishing staff is always available to help with any of your fishing or tropical clothing needs. Here is a series of Frequently Asked Questions about Cancun and about fishing on the flats and lagoons of Cancun and Isla Blanca. Or call toll free from the USA and Canada 1-866-607-2246
Where are you located?
Please view our location page for more details on how to get here.
How do I book a Cancun fishing trip ?
Call us so we can get all the necessary information to find the right captain for you and get all of your contact information. We will also email you a confirmation as well as an equipment list.
How do I pay for a Cancun Mexico fishing trip?
Call, email, or book online to reserve your trip. We will charge 20% to your credit card to reserve your guide. The balance you pay directly to the guide at the end of the trip in cash.
Do I need to bring my own equipment ?
Our guides will provide all the equipment necessary including flies, leaders, etc. to fish. But if you have your own, then I would recommend you bring it. You are familiar with it. You know how it behaves under different conditions, and that can make all the difference. You should also practice your accuracy and distance before coming.
What size / weight rod should I use for bonefish in Cancun or Isla Blanca?
The average bonefish in the Cancun and Isla Blanca area weighs around 3 pounds, with many over 5 lbs. Most people use a 9, 8 or 9 weight fly rod depending on the weather conditions. An 8 wt. is ideal, especially for the calmer days. For the windy days a 9 wt. helps cut the wind better and put the fly where it needs to be.
What size / weight rod should I use for permit in Cancun or Isla Blanca?
The ideal rod for permit is a 9’ 9 wt. It is easier to turn over the weighted grab patterns one throws with a 9 wt. than a lighter rod. A 9 wt. rod handles the wind better, and believe me, when fishing for permit, you want a good breeze blowing...5 - 10 mph is perfect…15 mph is not bad.
What size / weight rod should I use for tarpon in Cancun or Isla Blanca?
The rod you choose depends on the size of tarpon you are targeting. For “baby tarpon” in the 5 - 20 pound range a 8 wt. rod will do.
What type of reel do you recommend for fishing the saltwater flats?
Fly fishing in saltwater is very hard on your equipment, therefore I would start with a reel that is machined from solid bar stock aluminum. Most manufacturers use aircraft grade aluminum. Next, I would recommend that the reel be a large arbor reel. I recommend this for two reasons. One, with a large arbor reel you have faster line retrieval when fighting bigger fish; two, with a large arbor reel the fly line will have less memory than with a small arbor, and your line will not look like a spring laying on the deck of the boat. Next, the reel needs to hold at least 200 yards of backing for bonefish and permit and for those bigger more determined fish that you might encounter, 300 yards is the minimum.
How long of a leader do I need to use?
The length and pound test of the leader varies with the wind. On calm days I would recommend that you start out using a 9’ leader for bonefish and tarpon. If these fish seem to be spooking very easily, I would go to 10 to 12’ leader to get more separation between the fly line and fly. On permit you need at least a 12’ leader due to how easy these fish spook. On windier days you can shorten the leader depending on how much chop and surface disturbance there is.
How far do I need to cast to get a chance at catching these fish?
You need to at least cast 50’ quickly and accurately. If you can reach 65-75’ you chances for success increase exponentially. Just remember, the wind will more than likely be blowing 10-15 mph, so it helps to be able to double haul. Another helpful tip to increase your chances, is to be able to cast the same distances just as accurately on your back cast.
What is the best way to clean my equipment?
I would suggest that every time you go out for a day in saltwater to clean your equipment. Start by soaking your reels in warm soapy water. Do not use pressure because all this will do is force salt and sand into places you cannot clean. Afterwards rinse with clean water. I would also wipe down the fly line with warm soapy water for better casting the next day. Do the same with your rod.
How long are your trips and when do they leave the dock?
Each trip is personalized for the angler, so the departure time is left to you and the guide to decide. Generally, a full day trip is 8 hrs. and a half day trip is 4. We also have 6 hour trips available.
Do I need a fishing license in Cancun?
Not when you are fishing with one of our licensed guides.
What is your cancellation policy ?
If your plans change, and you are not able to make it, you will lose you deposit unless we are able to reschedule your guide for the time of your trip. Normally we need at least a 24 hour notice to receive a full refund.
What about bad weather?
If your trip is canceled due to bad weather then you will be refunded your deposit.
How much do I tip my Cancun fishing guide?
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is greatly appreciated.
15 - 20% would probably be the norm.
