Best Times & Seasons to Fish Tulum & Ascension Bay, Mexico
Tulum and the surrounding Ascension Bay coastal waters are one of the best fishing destinations that most vacationers don’t even consider. Knowing the best times and seasons to fish these rich waters can lead to even better fishing success than other anglers could dream of.
The best time to fish in Tulum & Ascension Bay is from May through September for bonefish, mahi mahi, marlin, red snapper, permit, and tarpon. The best time for sailfish and swordfish is September into the winter months.
So let’s break down some of these species and when the best time to target them is.
| Fish Species | Best Fishing Seasons in Tulum & Ascension Bay |
| Bonefish | Fishing is best May through September for bonefish near Tulum. |
| Mahi Mahi | April through July is the peak, but good fishing can still be found into September |
| Marlin | Sailfish fishing is best March through October; Marlin fishing best May through July |
| Swordfish | Best fishing is September & October in Tulum-area waters. |
| Red Snapper | Fishing is best March through May & September through the end of October. |
| Sailfish | Best fishing is November through March in Tulum-area waters. |
| Permit | The fishing peak is March through July. |
| Tarpon | March through July is the best time for coastal tarpon fishing. |
Tulum is a very popular fishing destination in Mexico and all over the world. It’s worth noting that the town has something to offer to every angling enthusiast. Here, it’s possible to fish from shore or on a boat. There are great opportunities for shore/surf fishing and deep-sea fishing.
Best Time to Fish Tulum & Ascension Bay
A high fishing season in Tulum starts in December and lasts until February. Keep in mind that many different species of fish are active during the winter months. That means that winter fishing in the region is very productive.
Fishing in Tulum is always great. It’s possible to fish the area at any time of the year. However, anglers should aim to select the best time to fish Tulum & Ascension Bay. Their choice depends a lot on target fish species.
The area of Tulum & Ascension Bay impresses with its abundance of fish species. Here, anglers can catch species of fish that are active all year round. There are also the seasonal species of fish that bite well only during certain periods of the year.
It’s also important to note that Tulum is an ideal fishing destination for anglers, who would like to go away from the cold weather during the winter months. It makes a lot of sense to visit the town in the winter.
Anglers need to decide what species of fish they are going to target during their trips and study bite times carefully. After that, they need to plan their fishing adventures accordingly.
Recommended Fishing Charters in Tulum
These Tulum-area charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Type of Fishing Offered |
| Balihoo Boat | Inshore, Nearshore, & Offshore |
| Tulúm Sport Fishing – Wahoo | Reef, Nearshore, & Offshore |
| Knotty Hooker Charters – Reel Hooker | Reef, Nearshore, & Offshore |
| Wasabi Loco Sportfishing | Reef & Offshore |
| The Rusty Hook | Reef, Nearshore, & Inshore |
| La Reina Sport Fishing Riviera Maya | Wreck, Nearshore, & Inshore |
Tulum & Ascension Bay Species Breakdown: Best Fishing Times
It’s widely known that every fishing trip requires meticulous planning. It’s crucial for anglers to prepare for a fishing trip properly. They have to start planning fishing adventures in advance.
It’s crucial for anglers to understand what species they will target during their Tulum fishing trips. Fishermen can catch many species during their Tulum fishing adventures. Now, we’ll provide the list of fish species that you can target in the area.
Barracuda
Tulum gives anglers an opportunity to enjoy barracuda fishing. Both beginners and experienced anglers can enjoy catching barracuda. It would be great to fish for barracuda near the Mesoamerican Reef.
Fishermen should aim to target barracuda during the winter months. The fish is the most active either in the early morning or in the late evening.
Bonefish
Bonefish is an easy-to-catch fish. So, even beginners can fish for bonefish successfully. Anglers in Tulum can fish for bonefish all year round. However, bonefish actively feed when the weather is warm.
So, it’s recommended to fish for bonefish between the late spring and until the early fall. The best time of the day to fish for bonefish is either the early morning or the late evening.
Billfish
Billfish is another fish that anglers catch during their fishing adventures in Tulum. The best way to catch billfish is trolling.
Both beginners and highly experienced fishermen can target billfish. It’s possible to fish for billfish all year round. However, anglers usually get the best results during the hot summer months.
Mahi Mahi
Mahi mahi fishing is popular in Tulum as well. A lot of anglers are interested in targeting mahi mahi in the region. Mahi mahi is the most active between April and June. Anglers should go fishing either in the early morning or late in the evening.
Marlin
Anglers in Tulum have a chance to catch marlin during their fishing trips. It’s important to note that both blue marlin and white marlin are found in the area.
Marlin can be caught in a deep underwater canyon. Marlin fishing is very emotional. Anglers can target marlin all year round. However, the season to fish for marlin is high between May and October.
Permit
Permit is a strong fish and it’s a really good fighter. So, many anglers find it challenging to catch it. Catching permit requires certain skills, knowledge as well as experience. However, fishing for permit is always interesting and exciting.
Fly fishing is a technique that works well for permit. Anglers usually need to make a lot of experiments to find the best way to fish for permit. It’s recommended to target permit in the shallow waters of Ascension Bay. Permit is the most active in the spring.
Swordfish
Fishermen can also target swordfish in Tulum. The Riviera Maya’s coastline is a good place to target swordfish in the Tulum area. It’s important to know that the fish is the most active in the early fall.
Sailfish
Sailfish is also one of the most common species of fish in Tulum. It’s fair to say that catching sailfish is challenging. Sailfish is known as one of the hardest-fighting fish.
The fish gets active during the cold months. So, the season to fish for sailfish starts in November and lasts till March. It would be great to target sailfish near a deep underwater canyon in Tulum.
Tarpon
Tulum & Ascension Bay is the right place to fish for tarpon. The season to catch tarpon starts in March and lasts until July. If you would like to catch tarpon during your trip to Tulum, then go fishing either in the early morning or in the late afternoon.
Snapper
Book a fishing tour to catch snapper in the waters of Tulum. Snapper bites well in the early morning and in the evening. Snapper fishing is the most productive between March and May and between September and November.
I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.
Best Time of Day to Fish Tulum & Ascension Bay
The success of anglers depends a lot on the time of day when they choose to go fishing. It’s possible to fish Tulum & Ascension Bay either in the morning or in the evening.
Generally speaking, fishing in the region is more productive during morning hours. That’s the reason why the vast majority of anglers give a preference to the early morning fishing time.
Tulum & Ascension Bay Fishing & Tidal Impacts
Anglers should always study tide times before going fishing. It’s recommended to fish the Tulum & Ascension Bay area during an incoming tide. It’s important to know that great conditions are created for fishing during rising tides.
An incoming tide means the movement of water. The activity of fish increases during water movement. Fish begin to feed more actively during rising tides. As a result, anglers find it easy to catch it.
Storms & Tulum & Ascension Bay Fishing
Angling enthusiasts should always study the weather forecast when planning Tulum fishing adventures. It goes without saying that fishing in storms should be avoided. Storms are a big challenge for fishermen. High waves and strong winds make fishing dangerous.
Also, it doesn’t make sense to fish during the storms. Fish go deeper and become inactive during rainy and windy weather. Nevertheless, it makes a lot of sense to go fishing after storms. Fish actively feed after storms, so anglers find it easy to catch it.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Cancun, please check out this helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Cozumel, please check out this helpful article.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Puerto Vallarta, please check out this helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Belize, please check out this helpful article I wrote.
Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Tulum & Ascension Bay?
As we have already said, it’s possible to fish the Tulum & Ascension Bay area all year round. Fishing in the area is excellent during the winter months.
Winter is a great time to target many species of fish including barracudas, bonefish, jacks, ladyfish, snapper, snook, permit, and tarpon. So, anglers usually get great results in the winter.
Night Fishing in Tulum & Ascension Bay
It’s no surprise that some anglers choose to fish at night. Keep in mind that night fishing is comfortable during hot summer months. It’s also important to note that night offers great opportunities for anglers.
Oftentimes, anglers catch a trophy fish at night. Night fishing trips are also available in the Tulum & Ascension Bay area. Among species of fish that you can catch during nighttime are swordfish, tarpon, permit, and others.
Shore/Surf Fishing: Best Times & Seasons
Anglers would like to do shore fishing in the Tulum & Ascension Bay area. It’s possible to surf fish on beaches and shorelines. There are also piers where anglers can enjoy surf fishing in the area.
Among the piers where anglers can do shore/surf fishing are the wooden pier on the Sian Kaan lagoon, Playa Del Carmen Ferry Pier, Yucatan Peninsula pier, WS PAN Pier on the lake at Punta Laguna, and Old Rustic Pier. There is no doubt that all these places are great for surf fishing.
Top 5 Fishing Spots in Tulum & Ascension Bay
When planning fishing trips, anglers need to decide where to go fishing as well. Fishermen should select the right place for fishing in the area.
And of course, anglers should fish Ascension Bay during their trip to Tulum. It’s worth noting that fishing in the bay is very interesting and productive.
When fishing Tulum & Ascension Bay, an angler has to purchase a license and follow the Mexican regulations.
It’s also important to note that a lot of fishermen in Tulum choose to follow the catch and release rule. Following this rule helps maximize fish survival in the region.
Now, we’ll talk you through the best fishing spots that anglers prefer to visit during their trips to Tulum & Ascension Bay.
We will give you more details on species of fish that you can target during your trips and explain when it’s the best time to fish in these spots.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Playa del Carmen, please check out this helpful article I wrote.
Northwest Ascension Bay
It would be great to fish in the northwest area of the bay. This fishing spot offers excellent fishing opportunities to anglers. Northwest Ascension Bay is the ideal place to target barracuda, bonefish, permit, tarpon, and many other species of fish.
Here, anglers always have a chance to catch a trophy fish. The fishing season starts in March and lasts until July. Fishing is very productive during these months.
Boca Paila
Boca Paila is another popular fishing spot in the region. Boca Paila is close to Ascension Bay. Among the species of fish that anglers can target in this place are bonefish, tarpon, permit, jack crevalle, snappers, snook, and others. Spring is the best time of the year to fish in the Boca Paila area.
Punta Allen
Many anglers visit Punta Allen during their Tulum fishing trips. This popular fishing destination is well-known for its fishing club. Punta Allen is a fishing village like no other. The village is surrounded by water and impresses fishermen with the diversity of angling opportunities.
Here, anglers can enjoy fishing in the lagoons and in the sea. Punta Allen is an ideal place to target barracudas, bonefish, jacks, ladyfish, sailfish, snapper, snook, permit, mahi mahi, marlin, tarpon, and wahoo.
It’s possible to fish Punta Allen through the year. However, fishing is the most productive in July. The vast majority of fish species get active during this time of the year.
Playa el Mariachi
There are a lot of beaches in Tulum and its surrounding areas. Playa el Mariachi is a beach that attracts so many anglers. Playa el Mariachi is also known as a departure point. People, who would like to visit and see the Mesoamerican Reef, usually prefer to depart from this place.
Anglers, who give a preference to deep-sea fishing, often start their adventures on the beach as well. Here, you can catch many different species of fish including barracuda, kingfish, grouper, tuna, snapper, and many others. It’s possible to fish in this area at any time of the year.
The Bridge at Sian Ka’an
It’s a great idea to fish near the Bridge at Sian Ka’an. This fishing spot is very popular among fly fishers. There are a lot of saltwater lagoons in the area of Bridge at Sian Ka’an.
Also, anglers can enjoy fishing in the ocean. Here, anglers can target such fish species as bonefish, tarpon, permit, and snook.
When fishing in the area, anglers usually get the best results from April until July. The chance to catch a trophy fish is high during these months.
Booking Charters in Tulum & Ascension Bay
Angling enthusiasts like exploring the bays and fishing in the local waters. In fact, there are different ways to fish in Tulum. Select a fishing method that’s more to your liking.
Fishermen can always book a charter to explore the local waters of Tulum. Highly experienced and friendly captains will take you to the most productive fishing spots and help you get the best possible angling experience.
Best season to go
It’s important to know that the waters of Tulum are available for fishing all year round. However, a lot of anglers come to Tulum in the summer.
That’s why the area is busy and demand for fishing is high during the summer months. Therefore, fishing in Tulum can be expensive during this time of the year.
Nevertheless, it would be great to visit the area in winter. As we have already said, winter provides anglers with great fishing opportunities. Fishing is still successful during the winter months, but the prices on charters are much lower.
Morning vs. afternoon
Anglers in Tulum can go fishing either in the morning or afternoon. Your choice mainly depends on such factors as fish species that you are targeting, weather conditions, and your preferences.
1/2 day, full-day, multi-day charters
Different types of fishing trips are available for anglers in the Tulum area. Anglers can book 1/2 day, full-day, or multi-day charters.
Are you looking for cheap fishing options? Or, maybe, your time on fishing is limited? If so, you need to book the so-called half-day fishing trip.
If you would like to spend a day of fishing in Tulum, then book a full day trip. However, you must be prepared that such a fishing trip is more expensive.
Those anglers, who want to get the most out of fishing in Tulum, can consider booking multi-day charters. Such trips provide anglers with more time and give a better chance to catch a trophy fish.
During multi-day fishing trips, fishermen get meals as well as beverages. However, multi-day charters are more expensive than full-day fishing trips.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Mexico, please check out this helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Puerto Aventuras, please check out this helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Akumal, please check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best times time catch dolphin in Cancun, check out this guide.
