Best Times & Seasons to Fish Playa Del Carmen (Mexico)
Playa del Carmen is 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 Playa del Carmen is from March to November. The offseason is wintertime with January typically being the slowest fishing month.
So let’s break down some of these species and when the best time to target them is.
| Fish Species | Best Times & Peak Fishing Seasons in Playa del Carmen |
| Bonefish | Fishing is best May through August |
| Mahi Mahi | May through July is the peak, but good fishing can still be found into September |
| Billfish | Sailfish fishing is best March through July; Marlin fishing best May through July |
| Grouper | Best fishing is September through December |
| Snapper | Fishing is best October through December |
| King Mackerel | 2 peak seasons in Playa del Carmen: Feb to April as well as September & October |
| Permit | Fishing peak is March through August |
Playa del Carmen is known as a tourist town and a very popular fishing destination. There are all-inclusive resorts in the area. But most importantly, the location offers endless fishing opportunities. Fishing in the area is very productive. However, it’s necessary to plan a fishing trip beforehand.
Best Time to Fish Playa Del Carmen
It’s important to know that fish is biting well in Playa del Carmen all year round. Keep in mind that there is no bedtime to fish Playa del Carmen.
That means that it’s possible to come to the area to enjoy fishing at any time of the year. However, it would be better to come to the area between April and July if you want to get the most effective results.
The reality is, the vast majority of fish species begin to feed actively in the spring and in the summer. So, fishing is the most productive during these months.
And of course, fishing adventures require meticulous planning. Anglers have to take into account many important factors in order to decide when to go to Playa del Carmen.
The area impresses anglers with a great diversity of fish species. Each fish is active during different seasons in the year. So, you have to select the time of the year when your target fish species are the most active. It all depends on the angler’s preferences.
It’s necessary for anglers to decide what species of fish they are eager to target in the region and study their bite times carefully.
Recommended Fishing Charters near Playa Del Carmen
These Playa del Carmen-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 |
| La Chulada Tours | Reef, Inshore, Nearshore, & Offshore |
| Gardi Crew Fishing | Reef, Nearshore, & Offshore |
| Fishing Al Gusto | Nearshore & Reef |
| 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 |
Playa Del Carmen Species Breakdown: Best Times & Seasons
Playa del Carmen is the area where anglers can try different fishing techniques and catch many different species.
However, it’s incredibly important for anglers to know when and where to target fish species in the region. Now, we’ll share the list of the most common species of fish that can be found in the Playa del Carmen area.
Amberjack
While fishing in Playa del Carmen, anglers can catch amberjack. You need to know that amberjack actively feeds during the cold months.
So, the season to fish for amberjack starts in October and lasts until March. Anglers, who would like to catch amberjack during their fishing trips, should explore the waters near the Great Mayan Reef.
Bonefish
Fishermen, who would like to catch bonefish, will have no regrets about visiting Playa del Carmen. Bonefish becomes active in the spring.
Anglers should aim to target bonefish between March and July. Cozumel’s northern coast is the place where anglers often catch bonefish successfully.
Mahi mahi
Mahi mahi fishing brings a lot of joy and positive emotions to anglers. Mahi mahi is the main target of so many fishing trips in Playa del Carmen.
Fishing for mahi mahi is the most productive between May and July. Cozumel’s northern coast is the right place to target mahi mahi in Playa del Carmen and its surrounding areas.
Kingfish
Kingfish can be also found in the waters of Playa del Carmen. It’s possible to fish for kingfish at any time of the year. However, anglers usually get the best results during the summer months. If you are interested in targeting kingfish, then go to Calle 14 pier.
Snapper
Anglers can also catch snapper during their Playa del Carmen fishing adventures. Snapper is active throughout the year. Nevertheless, fishermen get the best results in the warm months.
The season to fish for snapper starts in the late spring and lasts until the early fall. It’s recommended to visit Puerto Aventuras if you would like to catch snapper during a fishing trip.
Grouper
Oftentimes, fishermen catch grouper during their fishing trips. It’s important to note that fishing for grouper is very interesting. This strong fish is a good fighter.
So, battling grouper is not easy. It’s possible to fish for grouper all year long. The season to catch grouper is high between May and October. Calle 14 pier offers anglers a good chance to catch grouper.
Barracuda
Barracuda is another fish that anglers can target during their Playa del Carmen fishing adventures. The fish is active all year long. So, you can fish for barracuda at any time of the year. The Great Mayan Reef is an ideal place to fish for barracuda in the area.
Trevally
Fishermen in Playa del Carmen often get trevally bites as well. So, think about targeting this fish during your fishing adventures. Trevally actively feeds during cooler months.
The season to target trevally starts in the late winter and lasts until the early spring. Trevally can be targeted near Puerto Aventuras.
Sailfish
Fishermen can also target sailfish in the Playa del Carmen area. It’s worth noting that catching sailfish is always interesting and exciting. It would be great to target sailfish between May and June. Cozumel’s northern coast is the perfect place to target sailfish in the region.
Wahoo
On top of that, fishermen can target wahoo in Playa del Carmen. Keep in mind that wahoo are the most active in the winter months. That’s why anglers need to fish for wahoo between October and February.
Those anglers, who are interested in catching wahoo, should give a preference to fishing in depths between 180 and 500 feet. Visit the Great Mayan Reef if you would like to catch wahoo during your Playa del Carmen fishing trip.
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.
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 Tulum, please check out this helpful article.
Best Time of Day to Fish Playa Del Carmen
Anglers in Playa del Carmen can go fishing either in the morning or in the afternoon. It’s necessary to select the best time of day to fish Playa del Carmen depending on the time of the year, target fish species, and angler’s preferences.
Would you like to fish Playa del Carmen in the summer or during the cold months? When do your favorite species of fish feed in the morning or in the evening? Are you ready to wake up early in the morning? Finding the answers to these questions will help you find out the best time of day to go fishing in the area.
Morning fishing is more productive in the summer. Water cools down in the morning and this has a positive impact on the activity of fish.
On the other hand, it would be better to go fishing in the afternoon during the colder months. And of course, anglers should always study the bite times of target fish species carefully before going fishing.
Playa Del Carmen Fishing & Tidal Impacts
There is a direct link between tide times and fishing times. It’s incredibly important for fishermen to study tide times in the Playa del Carmen area.
Fishermen should know when the tides are low and when tides are high in the region. It would be great to fish the area during rising tides.
The reality is, incoming tides bring oxygen-rich waters to the area. As a result, fish begin to feed actively and anglers find it easy to catch it. That’s why fishermen usually get the best results during rising tides.
Storms & Playa Del Carmen Fishing
Storms and rains coming to the Caribbean sea of Playa del Carmen have an impact on fishing in the region. High waves and strong winds pose a risk to fishermen in Playa del Carmen.
That’s why fishing during storms should be avoided. It’s also important to note that stormy weather affects the activity of fish. Fish go to the deep places and don’t bite during the storms. Nevertheless, fishing can be very productive before and after storms.
Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Playa Del Carmen?
Winter provides fishermen in Playa del Carmen with great opportunities. Keep in mind that fishing can be very productive in the area during the winter months.
Among fish species that get active in Playa del Carmen in the winter are amberjack, barracuda, bonito, and others.
Night Fishing in Playa Del Carmen
Night fishing tours are also available in Playa del Carmen. The reality is, some species actively feed at night. During the night fishing trips, anglers can fish for barracuda, mahi mahi, marlin, sailfish, snapper, and other species of fish.
Shore/Surf Fishing: Best Times & Seasons
Playa del Carmen is the ideal destination for anglers, who would like to fish from shore. There are many spots where anglers can do shore fishing throughout the year.
It’s possible to surf fish on beaches, marinas, and piers. It goes without saying that Playa del Carmen provides shore fishing enthusiasts with the best possible experience.
Top 5 Fishing Spots in Playa Del Carmen
There are many fishing spots in Playa del Carmen and its surrounding areas. Fishing in the region is possible all year long. There is no bad time to fish in Playa del Carmen.
That means that anglers can visit these places whenever they want. Here, we’ll review some of the best fishing spots in the area. So, you’ll know where to go during your fishing trip to Playa del Carmen.
Cozumel’s Northern Coast
Cozumel’s Northern Coast is one of the hottest places to target mahi mahi and other fish species in the region. There are saltwater lagoons in the area.
Here, anglers can enjoy fishing at any time of the year. Among the species of fish that you can target on the coast are bonefish, permit, mahi mahi, sailfish, etc.
Great Mayan Reef
It always makes a lot of sense to fish near the Great Mayan Reef. Fishing near the reef is always interesting and exciting. The reef offers a versatile type of fishing. Here, anglers can fish by trolling or try bottom fishing.
The reef attracts different species of fish including amberjack, barracuda, mahi mahi, and wahoo. The best time of the year to fish near the Great Mayan Reef is between September and March.
Playa Paraiso
Anglers can also enjoy fishing in Playa Paraiso and in its surrounding areas. It would be great to book a boat to enjoy fishing in the waters of Playa Paraiso. Here, fishing is possible all year round.
Playa Paraiso is a fishing spot where anglers can catch a great variety of fish species such as barracuda, bonito, grouper, jack crevalle, king mackerel, mahi mahi as well as blue and white marlin.
Calle 14 pier
We all know that piers are suitable for fishing. Is fishing from pier more to your liking? If so, you should visit Calle 14 pier. It’s worth noting that Calle 14 pier is one of the most popular piers in the Playa del Carmen area.
The fishing spot impresses anglers with its variety of fish species. Calle 14 pier allows fishermen to target grouper, kingfish, snapper as well as trevally.
Puerto Aventuras
Puerto Aventuras is another good fishing spot in the Playa del Carmen area. It’s the perfect place to fish from shore. Anglers can fish Puerto Aventuras all year round.
However, fishing is the most productive between October and December. Puerto Aventuras is a fishing spot where anglers usually catch trevally, grouper as well as snapper.
Booking Charters in Playa Del Carmen
Booking a charter is a great way to fish in the Playa del Carmen area. Fishing charters are widely available in the region.
When booking a fishing charter, anglers have to be very selective. Fishermen have to explore all of their options carefully and make the best possible choice.
Book a trip with your fishing needs in mind. It’s also important to note that many captains will agree to adjust a fishing trip to the angler’s preferences.
– Best season to go
What is the best season to fish Playa del Carmen? Of course, fishermen have to answer this question when planning fishing adventures. First of all, anglers need to decide what fish species they are planning to target during their trips. After that, they have to find out when these fish species become active.
As we have already said, the fishing season in Playa del Carmen is high between April and July. However, you must be prepared that the area can be busy between June and July. The demand for fishing is high and charters are expensive during these months.
It’s a good idea to plan fishing adventures for April. The demand for fishing is lower in the spring, but anglers can achieve effective results. So, a fishing trip will provide the best value for money.
– Morning vs. afternoon
Anglers can go fishing either in the morning or in the afternoon. It all depends on the season of the year. Morning is the best time of the day to fish Playa del Carmen during the summer months. Afternoon fishing is more productive in the spring, in the fall, or in the winter.
– 1/2 day, full-day, multi-day charters
Anglers also need to decide how much time they would like to spend on fishing during their trips. Would you like to spend half-day, full-day, or several days on fishing? It’s necessary to get familiar with pros and cons of each option to find the answer.
The so-called half-day fishing trips are more suitable for a newbie, who is trying to fish the area for the first time in his/her life.
If you are just taking the first steps on the way of mastering the fishing art, then 1/2 day trips are worth considering. It’s also important to note that half-day fishing trips are the cheapest option.
Let’s say that you are an experienced angler, who wants to spend a day on fishing. In this case, it would be better to book a full-day fishing trip. A trip of this type gives anglers more time, but it’s more expensive than a half-day fishing trip.
There are anglers, who are interested in catching a trophy fish. Such fishermen should consider multi-day charters. Booking such a charter increases anglers’ chances for success. During multi-day fishing trips, anglers get meals as well as beverages each day. Keep in mind that multi-day charters are the most expensive option.
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 Penasco, please check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Puerto Aventuras, please check out this helpful article.
