Is There Fabulous Big Game Fishing Here In Akumal?

Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, Akumal has beautiful beaches, many cenotes, and is near lots of Mayan Ruins, but how is the big game fishing here?  Find out below about Akumal as a destination for big game fishing, what big game fish you can hit, and how to add a fishing excursion to your beach vacation.

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What Is Big Game Fishing?

Charles Frederick Holder (1851–1915) was an American naturalist, conservationist, and writer who produced over 40 books and thousands of articles. He is known as a pioneer of big-game fishing, having founded and led the Tuna Club of Avalon, credited as the first game fishing organization.

But what fish are classified as big game fishing species? The billfish (swordfish, marlin, and Sailfish), larger tunas (bluefin, yellowfin, and bigeye), and sharks (mako, bull, great white, tiger, hammerhead, and other large species) are the main species recognized as big-game fish. Smaller game fish, such as mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, and barracuda, are commonly caught.

Big Game Fishing in Akumal

In the Riviera Maya, Akumal has a pre-eminent reputation worldwide for big game fishing. It has an excellent line-up for big game fishing with many big game fish species. And it is the world’s #1 hotspot for Sailfish. The distinctive topography of the ocean floor makes it a one-off location for big game fishing. Large portions of the coastline sit above a deep underwater valley where the sea bed plunges. Sailfish, White Marlin, Blue Marlin, Wahoo, Tuna, Barracuda, Grouper, Red Snapper, Spanish Mackeral, and Mahi Mahi thrive in this deep darkness.

Deep sea fishing image

Fabulous Weather For Big Game Fishing

Big game fishing here is an excellent experience, even for those who aren’t avid fishers. While fishing alone is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the weather makes it even more spectacular. Calm waters, warm temperatures, and year-round sunshine make for a fabulous experience for all.

Big Game Fish Species In Akumal

In Akumal, we are spoiled because we have so many big game fishing species making for great year-round fishing. And one of the advantages of fishing here is that you don’t have far to go off-shore to start deep-sea fishing. As the seabed drops off in places quite dramatically, you can begin your big game fishing adventure after only 10 minutes from leaving the shore. The fish you can expect to catch include the following:

SailFish

Considered by many scientists the fastest fish in the ocean. Sailfish grow quickly, reaching 1.2–1.5 m (4–5 ft) in length in a single year, and feed on the surface or at middle depths on smaller pelagic forage fish and squid. But when big game fishing for Sailfish, they’re not easy to catch as they can travel at up to 35 km/hr. Growing to over 200 lb Sailfish like continental coasts, islands, and reefs in tropical and temperate waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans. And some are reliant on coral reefs as areas for feeding and breeding. This habitat is found aplenty on the coast of the Riviera Maya, making it the #1 hotspot worldwide for Sailfish.

Blue Marlin

When it comes to big game fishing, they don’t come much larger than Blue Marlin. Weighing up to 2,000 lb with an average lifespan of over 20 years. They love tropical and temperate waters, and as one of the largest fish, blue marlin is one of the world’s most highly sought-after for big game fishing.

White Marlin

White marlin lives in the tropical and subtropical ocean and are often found in waters deeper than 100 m but tend to spend time near the surface. White marlin is found near banks, shoals, and canyons; they love the warm surface temperatures here. These are the big game fishing smaller cousins of the Blue Marlin.

Mahi-Mahi

Mahi-mahi (dolphinfish, dorado) is a surface-dwelling beautiful, and colorful ray-finned fish commonly found in off-shore tropical waters off Akumal. They spawn in warm ocean currents throughout the year, and their young are commonly found in rafts of Sargassum seaweed and often reach 30-40 lbs in size.

Sailfish caught big game fishing
Blue marlin out the water
mahi mahi

Albacore Tuna

Albacore tuna is another common fish on the big game fishing agenda here. They are unique among most tuna in that their primary food source are molluscs, with fish making up a much smaller portion of their diet. Loving the tropical water here, they grow to an average size of over 70 lbs.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna is among the larger tuna species, reaching weights over 400 lbs. They primarily feed on other fish in our tropical waters. Frequently found in deep off-shore waters, yellowfin tuna may approach the shore when suitable conditions exist. And yellowfin tuna are often on many anglers’ big game fishing cards.

Wahoo

Wahoo is known to sports fishers for its speed and high-quality flesh, making it prized in the big game fishing world. It can weigh over 180 lbs and is around the oceans here all year round, making it great for big-game fishing charters.

Barracuda

A barracuda is a large, predatory fish known for its fearsome appearance and ferocious behavior. It is common in the waters of Akumal. Barracudas reside near the top of the water and near coral reefs and sea grasses. Hence they love Akumal! Often targeted by sport-fishing enthusiasts to fill their big game fishing cards, they can grow to over 5 feet in length.

Bonitos

Bonitos are medium-sized, ray-finned predatory fish found year-round here. Like tunas, they are streamlined, with a narrow tail base, a forked tail, and a row of small finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins. They have striped backs and silvery bellies and grow to a length of about 75 cm (30 inches).

Kingfish

The Kingfish is a migratory mackerel species that reside here from September to March. Known to exceed 90 lb, the entire body is covered with tiny, hardly visible, loosely attached scales.

tuna
wahoo
barracuda caught big game fishing

Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing trips are great for family trips or to add on after your deep-sea fishing. And you’ll often find you can add to your big game fishing card, Snapper, Grouper, Sea Bream, Cabrilla, Red Hind, Jack, or Triggerfish. While they won’t be the size of the those you caught deep sea fishing you’ll make up for it with larger catch numbers.

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Book Your Big Game Fishing Charter

The incredible line-up and the fabulous weather make for excellent big-game fishing. Enhance your vacation experience by adding an affordable fishing tour to your accommodation package.

Fishing Tours include:

  • All fishing licenses
  • All equipment & bait
  • Deep-Sea Trolling
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Beverages
  • Ceviche or Sashimi (6 and 8 hrs tours only)
  • Cleaning and filleting of your catch (if desired)
  • A break for a snorkeling excursion (if desired)
  • All-day charters also include lunch

Big Game Fishing Charter Rates

4-Hour Fishing Tour $500 USD

6-Hour Fishing Tour $650 USD

8 Hour Fishing Tour $760 USD

Prices are per trip and can include up to 4 adults.

Big Game Fishing And Accommodation Packages

Book a big game fishing accommodation package and receive $50 USD off each fishing charter you book when you stay with us. And receive complimentary transportation to and from your accommodation to the marina.

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Learn More

To add on a fishing tour to your vacation accommodation rental, or to book a tour, CONTACT US NOW stating your preferred dates, and length of tour. Or contact us below to book your big game fishing charter.

WhatsApp: +1 250 538 8159

Email: info@oceanbreezeakumal.com