Outside of the protected areas that contain Cozumel’s world famous dive sites, there is great sport fishing in Cozumel. Sport fishing charters are readily available; most diving operators offer them. Operators offer fishing packages for both full and half-day excursions.
They provide purified water, soft drinks, fruit, light snack, beer and lunch depending on the package you purchased and the length of the trip. All fishing gear needed is usually included, but you are welcome to bring your own. Your catch can be yours to eat, give away, or packed professionally to take with you.
Sport fishing in the Cozumel area is primarily a technique called trolling using outriggers and downriggers. Since the drop off for deep fishing is so close to the shore, travel time to begin good trolling is nearly non-existent. Many factors come into play to make a fishing trip a success.
An operation with a captain and crew that are experienced anglers and seasoned fishing guides will surely guarantee your success. Most of these fellows were born and raised on the island and know where to find “the big ones”. There are fishing tournaments in Cozumel every year; some have become a tradition on the island.
The two main fishing events are the International Fishing Tournament and the Mexican Boat Rodeo. In the International Fishing Tournament boats come from all over the world to compete. In The Mexican Boat Rodeo, only Mexican boats can enter the competition. Both tournaments take place in the first half of May. The number of participants keeps growing each year making these fishing tournaments some of the most prestigious in the Caribbean.
