Mazatlan Fishing: An Expert’s Guide for Beginners for 2026 Reading Time: 7 minutes

It’s no surprise that Mexico offers some of the best fishing on earth. With access to two oceans and plenty of lakes, rivers, and streams across the country, it boasts plenty of saltwater and freshwater action. And Mazatlan has the best of both fishing worlds! This is an excellent seaside location that’s also convenient to freshwater lakes. 

Waves crash against rocky cliffs with buildings on top, while boats dot the blue ocean and a distant city skyline appears under a clear sky.

Read on to learn about the diverse species and types of fishing available in this angling paradise. I’ll take you through everything you need to know about the area’s fisheries. I’ll also let you in on some top tips from my experience here. Ready to find out about your next exotic angling destination? Here’s my guide to Mazatlan fishing. 

Types of Fishing in Mazatlan

The most difficult thing about Mazatlan is choosing the type of fishing you want to engage in. The time of your visit can help you choose, depending on the species you want to catch, but there are exciting options in fresh and saltwater throughout the year. 

For beginners, you should know that offshore trips require more capital and equipment. Oh, and you’ll also need to spend more time on the water. Nearshore saltwater fishing in Mazatlan is more convenient, while freshwater requires a plan to access productive lakes. Let me break it down further…

Mazatlan Deep Sea and Offshore Fishing

A view from the flybridge of a boat of a man holding a large Sailfish above the water, using pliers to remove a fishing hook from its mouth.
Photo courtesy of Aqua Sports 38′ – Sea Hunter I

The deep ocean is where you’ll find much of the fishing action from Mazatlan. Offshore fishing in the area is famous, especially for Marlin and Sailfish. You can also find Yellowfin Tuna alongside Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Bonito, and more. While offshore often means heading 60 miles or further out, in Mazatlan, 20 miles can lead to productive fishing grounds. This shorter drive time makes it a great place for single-day trips in the open sea.

Offshore fishing in Mazatlan typically involves trolling. You can also try bottom fishing, which will see you drop lines into deep structures. Bottom fishing yields fish like Pargo and Grouper, while trolling might hook fewer fish, but they’ll be exciting pelagic species. Both are fun ways to fish, in my opinion.

Inshore Fly and Spin Fishing

Two people sit on a small white motorboat in open water. One angler is holding two Groupers or Snappers in the distance, showcasing what successful nearshore fishing in Mazatlan looks like.
Photo courtesy of Aries Fleet – Anzuelo

Mazatlan sits at the transition from the Sea of Cortez to the Pacific Ocean. The mixing water temperatures here help draw many species inshore, and so it’s very productive throughout the year. Dorado come near, and you can also target Yellowtail (Jurel), Roosterfish, Bonito, Snapper, and other resident fish. Inshore trips often take place in sight of the shoreline aboard traditional panga vessels. 

I prefer to fish this way often because it’s a short run to the fishing spots and you can even find many pelagics close to shore in this region. I especially love a great Yellowtail bite – and Dorado are right up there for fight quality and fun, too,

While fishing from pangas is ideal, you can catch also many species off rocks and in the surf. Fly fishing is common in these areas, as is running jigs from the shore or fishing flies and topwater plugs from pangas. I suggest you try a range of techniques!

Freshwater Fly and Spin Fishing

A view from above of three people fishing from a small motorboat on greenish water, with one person standing and casting a line in Lake Picachos near Mazatlan.
Photo courtesy of Nomonday Bass Fishing – Lake Picachos Lodge

On the freshwater side of things, Mazatlan is central to world-class Largemouth Bass fishing. El Salto Lake produces behemoth Bass and it’s less than 2 hours north! Lago Picachos is even closer, at roughly a half hour from town. These are two of the biggest Bass producers but they’re far from the only ones in the area.

I’ve driven around Mazatlan a fair bit and there are many lakes in the region. Some have few fish but others are productive with plenty of small to mid-range Bass. I suggest you explore and look for lakes with access points to give the Bass fishing a try. For the world-class spots however, plan on booking time at El Salto or Pichachos Lakes. They have the best programs and the biggest Bass in my experience. 

When to Go Fishing in Mazatlan

While Mazatlan offers fishing year-round, timing is everything for certain species. In ocean environments, water temperature impacts bait fish that draw species within sight of shore. While some months are prime for the bigger pelagics, there are fish available every month of the year.

Year-Round Species

Four men stand on a dock in Mazatlan, holding various fish they caught, with boats and masts in the marina behind them under a sunny sky.
Photo courtesy of Pepe’s Fleet – Tiger Shark

Resident fish make it possible to target something any month of the year. Grouper and Snapper are two of the more prevalent resident fish. But Sharks are also available year-round. Tuna species are available in most months, as are Bonito. And you can also target Jack Crevalle and the occasional Roosterfish on nearshore excursions whenever you visit.

Marlin, Sailfish, and Dorado

Ten people pose at a marina with two large Tuna behind them. There’s a sign in front with fishing details. The blue sky and the marina’s structure are visible.
Photo courtesy of Aqua Sports – 40′ Sea Hunter IV

These species are highly prized and more seasonal. You might find Dorado (Mahi Mahi) throughout the year, but they’re more present late spring through summer. Look to April for consistent action and May through July for peak numbers, as this is when big schools are available. I’ve seen Dorado arrive early in the Sea of Cortez but they’re definitely more reliable in summer.

Sailfish taper off in the fall months and begin picking up around January. February through June are great months to chase Sailfish offshore – but you can sometimes catch them nearshore. Big Blue Marlin season, meanwhile, runs July through October, but June and November will see some early or latecomers too. 

Other Notable Species

A man arranging dozens of freshly caught Mackerel on a table by a stone wall near a dock in Mazatlan. The fish are in neat rows for display or sorting.
Photo courtesy of Bibi Fleet – 26’ Mahi Dreamer

While the latter are the big-ticket species for many anglers in Mazatlan, there are a ton of other fish to pursue. Amberjack are present throughout the year, with strong numbers in November and December. They’re the hardest fighting fish out there – pound for pound – in my opinion. Sierra Mackerel (pictured) are also a great fish to catch and eat, and they’re also caught pretty much year round – as are Barracuda and Sharks.

The list of reef-dwelling fish is too long to list. Triggerfish are a favorite for the fight and their meat quality in ceviche. If you find a productive reef, use light tackle and enjoy a variety of species. Note that you should release most of them to preserve the ecosystems around reefs whenever possible.

Freshwater Bass Fishing

An angler in a hat posing with a Bass caught fishing in Mexico with the water visible behind him.

Bass fishing is a year-round game with solid numbers being caught throughout the year. But the absolute prime months are December, January, and February, and you can expect less action during the mid-summer months. It’s worth spending a day or two trying, even when the fishing is slower. Adjust your tactics to find deeper structure and use slower retrieves when the fish are slow. Otherwise, bring your best spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics to stay busy landing fish in the prime months!

Getting There & Logistics

Getting to Mazatlan is easy via the international airport. Flights run on a regular schedule with service from the US and many other domestic and international locations. Flights are often priced affordably for North America. Due south of Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta also has a major international airport. Driving from “PV” is possible with a rental vehicle, but it’s more common to fly direct to Mazatlan.

A white open-top vehicle parked on a hilltop road, overlooking Mazatlan, with colorful flowers in front and sparkling water behind.

Taxis are abundant in town and you can have a great trip without a vehicle if you want. However, a car is useful for visiting the inland Bass fisheries. Arranging for transport is still an option without a vehicle. I enjoy riding the small Tuk-Tuk vehicles around Mazatlan. They’re cheap and easy to flag down for a ride around the area.

Saltwater fishing logistics are also simple. Most anglers will arrange a charter in advance or from the marina directly. Do your research to ensure you run with a notable and experienced outfit. The best captains have different vessels for inshore and offshore trips, along with experienced crew members. 

If you want to DIY, consider renting a car to access beaches with surf and rocks where you can cast. A surf rod and reel capable of casting jigs and poppers long distances is a must for this region.

Is Mazatlan on your fishing bucket list?

Rocky shoreline where waves are crashing, with a stone structure and white stairs atop a big rock. Islands sit in the background beneath a partly cloudy sky.

Mexico has so many fishing destinations that Mazatlan is often overshadowed. It’s a common stop for cruise lines and for beachgoing vacationers, but I hope I’ve convinced you it deserves to be fished! Bring a rod along or book a charter as part of a larger vacation. If you want to catch world-class fish in saltwater and freshwater from a single basecamp, Mazatlan is the perfect fishing destination.

Have you been fishing in Mazatlan? How did you arrange your trip and what did you catch? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!

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