FISHING CALENDAR - COZUMEL FISHING SEASONS
What type of fish can I expect to catch while fishing in Cozumel? Everyone wants to know that, so we created this handy fishing calendar to show you what fish are in season at what time of the year. Keep in mind that fish don't have calendars, so these are just general guidelines, every year is different, but it gives you a good idea.
Cozumel Fishing Seasons - Deep Sea Fishing
In Cozumel, we don't have regulated fishing seasons like in other countries - you can try to fish for whatever species you like any time of the year, but many species are migratory and follow the water temperatures, only passing Cozumel certain times of the year. Generally speaking, March thru August is considered "high season" for deep sea fishing, with peak season being March through June. That is when you'll see marlin, sailfish, and mahi mahi enter our waters. However even in winter, there are plenty of year round species to catch like wahoo, barracuda, tuna, bonita and amberjack.
Tip: If you are fishing Cozumel in the winter, we recommend a deep sea and bottom fishing combo so that if you're not having luck trolling then you have the option to drop back and try to catch some good eating reef fish that you can have cooked up at Margaritaville with our special offer.
Cozumel Bottom Fishing Seasons
Bottom fishing in Cozumel is a year round activity, that yields grouper, yellowtail snapper, triggerfish, jack, grunts, red hinds, cabrilla and other mostly good eating reef fish. These fish are present around the reefs all year, so we often recommend to include some bottom fishing in your schedule, particularly in the shoulder season and for families where it is more important to catch some fish for lunch and have fun than it is to land a big game fish like a marlin or wahoo.
Cozumel Fly Fishing Seasons / Flats Fishing Seasons
In Cozumel, the primary target for most fly fishermen is bonefish. Cozumel is known worldwide for having some of the best bonefishing in the world. But fly fishing in Cozumel isn't all about bonefishing, there are plenty of other species to go after too - both on the fly and spin casting. Snook and permit are available year round, but strongest during the summer months of March through August. Cozumel is not known for its tarpon fishing, but especially for baby tarpon you can find some but not in the quantities you may find in other area locations like Cancun. In addition, you can fish for several other species year round such as triggerfish, barracuda, yellow jack and snapper, even small sharks.
* Other flats fishing species include triggerfish, jack, snapper, barracuda and small sharks. These are often caught with spinning gear but also fun to fly fish for. If the bonefish are not biting, something almost always is.