The Texas Heat of July and August provides families with a great excuse to take a last chance water bound vacation before school starts back up. The Mexican/Mayan Riviera is a great place to go. With a variety of vacation packages to suit most families’ needs and budgets, Cancun and destinations further south are becoming increasingly popular and convenient. For a fishing family, the value and opportunities of a vacation down south are even better.

Top quality fishing opportunities abound on the Mexican Riviera. In spring and early summer, White and Blue Marlin as well as Sailfish, run the channel between Mainland Mexico and the Island of Cozumel, with blue water being under ¼ mile away in areas South of Cancun near Playa Del Carmen. Fishing does not have to be from large offshore water boats that are more costly to run, and maintain. Smaller boats known as “Pangas” can be seen dotting the shorelines of the Caribbean Gulf in sizes that run in the 20-foot median range. With a 60 horsepower motor to push them, they have plenty of power to troll with the big boys, but at a much more affordable rate. Quality blue water fishing is only minutes from the beach, instead of the hours away most Texans are accustomed to.

  Prices range depending on the amount of time and type of vessel chartered. Typical Prices will go from $150 for a half day fishing trip on a Panga (an open type fishing boat, some have sun shades), with a fishing party up to 5, a Captain, First mate, bait, tackle and refreshments included to $450 for a half day trip on a larger boat with the same amenities. The bonus of chartering a large boat is naturally more room, and the convenience of a bathroom or place to lay down if needed.

I have always been one to try to wring all the bang out of my fishing bucks, So I start by talking to the locals, getting names, references, prices, and negotiate exactly what I expect and the fair price. Competition is always a great thing, and July and August are the end of the fishing season, so boat captains are usually more willing to negotiate price. You may even consider a “package price” as we did on our vacation by hiring our captain for a half day fishing trip and a family snorkeling trip, we were able to reduce the price of each. We were even able to negotiate to have the boat pick us up on the beach in front of our hotel, saving us the taxi fare into town and back.

Ask what types of fishing they can provide and what type of fishing would be better for that time of year, Trolling or Bottom fishing the Reefs. It does no good to troll for billfish, if the chances are very few of catching any. Bottom fishing may be a more productive and exciting trip, especially if you have the kids fishing with you. Those short productive fishing trips are a great way to get the kids hooked on blue water fishing too.

After you and the family have had a fun day fishing on the water, there are plenty of restaurants ready to prepare and cook your catch to order for you at a modest fee. This is a great way to enjoy a first class meal gulf side, at a family budget price. What a great way to cap off a fun day with the family.

Late summer fishing vacations are a great way to end the summer, and for the fishing family, an affordable and exciting way to fish the big blue water.

Below are a few quick bonus videos from our trip

Kingfish video

Alex's First Tuna

Capt. Alberto rigging a ballyhoo trolling bait

 

By Victor Delgado

Aka “Whopper”

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