cancun flats fishing

[plankton]

Hey guys, I'm going to Cancun at the end of next month and was wondering if anyone here has ever taken a charter down that way and could pass along any recommendations. From what I've read, it's a good time of year for tarpon and snook, not so good for bones and permit, so if anyone has some tips for snook or tarpon as far as tackle and technique that would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks.

[ridler72]

I never got a guide or charter when I was down there but did find fish at Isla Mujuieres, which means the Island of Women. I saw some women but it was more cancun's dumping ground when I was there. If your at the hotel strip you can hop the ferry and head over to the island. If your at a resort or hotel they may have free coupons for the ferry with buffet on the island.

The opposite side of the ferry landing is where I did my fishing. It kinda looks like the rocky shoreline at Brenton Point. I would swear Stripers would be there. It's best if you rent a scooter or bicycle to access the back shoreline. It's a bit of a walk. I was there alone and felt pretty safe, never had any issues. The only shady area was on the North side of the island with huts, away from the tourists. I think that last hurricane wiped out those stick houses.

I found Snappers and Snook when I was there, all were under 10lbs. 40-50lb flouro leader is needed to land those snook. Razor sharp gill plates will cut through the leader. It wouldn't hurt to bring 14lb-20lb leader in case other types of fish get line shy. Crystal clear water there. You can fish from the rocks and hop. I wouldn't recommend wading there, you never know what can be lurking in waist deep water or worse what you can step on.

I used Spooks, Jumping Minnow, DOA Shrimp in Rootbeer, and 3" Storm Mullet's with the red eyes. St. Croix Tidemaster 3 piece 1/2 to 2oz with Stradic 5000 and 20lb Power Pro.

Show us some fish porn when you get back.

[EarnedStripes44]

yes, please me mindful of those Snook gill plates. AND DO NOT WADE AT NIGHT

[tynan19]

I went to the Riviera Maya on my Honeymoon a few years ago. Most of the time we were about an hour South of Cancun. My wife and I did a charter out of Puerta Aventura. We caught Wahoo, Mahi, Barracuda and ground fish. The charter we used was http://www.tequilasunrisefishing.com/index.html. Great Times.

http://www.pescamaya.com/cancun-fly-fishing.html
http://www.cancunvista.com/travel/cancun_fishing.htm

[WoodyCT]

http://www.flyfishingheaven.com/Can%$%$%$%$rips.htm

http://www.tarponcancun.com/

Never been to either, but researched them before a trip I took last summer. Wanted to fish, but the ever present dinero shortage screwed that to hell. Good luck!

[plankton]

Thanks for all the replies. I've been doing some research and I'm leaning towards doing a four hour charter in the lagoon area that's behind the barrier island of Cancun. From what I've read there are better places to go nearby when the permit and bonefish are in season, but that's unfortunately not when I'll be there. So the Cancun fishing grounds seem to be the best and most cost effective place to go for snook and little tarpon, plus it only takes 10 - 15 minutes to get to where you fish, so I can save some money by taking a four hour trip instead of six. I'm only there for four days so I'll need time to check out some ruins and lay by the pool/beach and drink fruity cocktails out of hollowed out pineapples. Looking around online for companies that run these kind of trips I found these guys, father and son locals, sounds like a good operation.

http://www.unomassportfishing.com/index.html