Mazatlan is quite possibly one of the best fishing locations in the world. Year round, the fish are abundant. Shore fishing, deep-sea expeditions, and “Panga” boat fishing are all very popular. Depending on the season, look forward to catching Sailfish, Blue, Black or Striped Marlin, Swordfish, Dorado, Rooster fish, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Stripe, Mahi Mahi and Shark.

Across the Sea of Cortez from and slightly south of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan may receive less attention, but can offer world-class billfishing — and at bargain-basement prices.

Shots per day (prime season): **
You could figure on a half-dozen shots on average during the sailfish season, and you wouldn’t be far off most days.

Size of fish: ***
Pacific sails in this area average 70 pounds. They do get a good bit larger, however — witness the 198-pound monster taken here in 1954, still the men’s 80-pound line-class world record.

Release: *
Some Mazatlan charter fleets release all billfish. While not all charters automatically release sails, most will comply with anglers who request release.

Distance to fish: ***
A run of 15 or so miles will put you in prime sailfish grounds.

Length of prime season: ***
While in most areas, sailfish season runs for several months continuously. Prime months are split here, with May-June and November-December the best bets.

Ocean conditions/weather: ***
Rough weather’s the exception here; most often, the ocean varies from calm to a light sea.

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Mazatlan: Mexican Tropics

Mazatlan spreads for 15 sun-splashed miles along a thumb of land that extends southward into the Pacific just below the Tropic of Cancer. Mazatlan thus marks the beginning of the Mexican tropics: a palmy land of perpetual summer and a refuge from winter cold for growing numbers of international vacationers. Mazatlan’s beauty is renowned. Its coast sprinkled with beckoning islands and miles of golden beaches and blue lagoons, it aptly deserves its title as “Pearl of the Pacific”.

Mazatlan, meaning “land of the deer” in the ancient Nahuatl language offers 10 miles of inviting sandy beaches. It’s no wonder Mazatlan plays host to more than one million visitors per year.
Plan your Mexico Vacation to come and frolic on the beach beside their “ Golden Zone” hotels, while in the old town at the tip of the peninsula, life goes on in the old-Mexico style: in the markets, the churches, and the shady plazas scattered throughout the traditional neighborhoods.

Mazatlan is one of the most important ports on the Pacific coast. The climate is warm with an average year-round temperature of 25º C (77º F). Known as the Pearl of the Pacific because of its beautiful beaches and its abundant marine life, it has become an important site for international fishing tournaments such as the Bisbee’s Billfish Classic.

Mazatlan, Mexico combines traditional architecture in its Historic Center, known as Old Mazatlan, with modern hotels and restaurants in the Zona Dorada, a 10 km (6 mi) strip with beautiful beaches such as Playa Norte, Playa Gaviotas and Playa Venados. These areas are ideal for surfing, jet skiing, snorkeling, diving and sailfish or marlin fishing. In Old Mazatlan, you can visit la Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion (The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception) and walk down beautiful streets lined with 19th-century constructions.

Natural treasures abound in the area such as el Cerro del Creston, where you can do ecotourism outings and go rock climbing. At Creston’s peak you will find a lighthouse, which is the worlds second tallest (only the one at the Rock of Gibraltar is taller).

You will also find fantastic golf courses with ocean views. For boating enthusiasts, Mazatlan has two marinas that offer docking and maintenance service for all kinds of boats. Among the cultural and sports events that you can enjoy in the port town are: The Jesus Arnoldo Millan International Golf Tournament, the Grand International Tennis Tournament, the Mazatlan Cultural Festival, the Sinaloa Arts Festival and the world famous Mazatlan Carnival, a weeklong celebration that takes place in February. During this event, floats pass by the main avenues and plazas. What’s more, you can dance in the streets to the beat of drums and other local musicians.

Local cuisine is to divine. Local restaurants serving some of the freshest shrimp call out to travelers from around the world. At night, enjoy tasty meals at a local restaurant and live music for dancing as well as a beating discotheque parting into the wee hours of the morning.

Mazatlan is a paradisetropical vacation!

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