Just a four-hour drive from Tucson and Phoenix, it’s no wonder that Puerto Peñasco earned the nickname “Arizona’s Beach.” The town is officially known as “Rocky Point” in English and bridges the Sonora desert to the sea. This charming resort lies a mere 60 miles from the US border and offers up golden beaches, crystal clear waters, and angling opportunities in abundance. The best way to take it all in is by fishing in Rocky Point.
Hit the numerous bays just a stone’s throw from downtown, head a little further to the productive reefs, or venture out into the Sea of Cortez – the opportunities are endless! So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and find out what fishing in Rocky Point is all about.
Best Fish to Catch in Rocky Point
First things first. When you go fishing, the first thing on your mind is what you’re going to catch. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of prized fish in and around Rocky Point. The productive waters here offer up a range of trophy-sized creatures and plenty of table fare for dinner. Here’s our pick of the bunch.
Triggerfish
A close relative of the Atlantic favorite, Finescale Triggerfish is one of the most common catches in Puerto Peñasco. Small but sweet, these creatures are ideal for beginners and children who want to get their first taste of fishing – literally! Triggerfish always make for a good meal, and we’re sure they’ll help you get hooked on fishing, too.
Whether onshore or in the bay, chances are you’ll find Triggerfish biting. Target them in the shallows as you bottom fish, and you may even attract a Rock Bass or Halibut to add to your menu. Beware, though, Triggerfish have extremely sharp teeth. Take care when unhooking them, as they could make more than just a dent in your finger!
Mackerel
If the Triggerfish didn’t whet your appetite, then this next beauty is sure to get you reaching for your rod. All around the world, different Mackerel species are revered for their quality meat. And you’ll have the chance to target not one, but two Mackerels when fishing in Rocky Point.
Sierra and Monterrey Spanish Mackerel provide fantastic light tackle action. Relatively light (they grow up to just 20 pounds), they’re fast as lightning and will rush through the water with your line to make you work hard to reel ‘em in. Surf fishing is a popular way of getting enough to fill the freezer, while bay fishing charters are also effective. Whether grilling them up on the BBQ or making ceviche, these fish won’t disappoint!
Groupers and Snappers
Leaving the bays behind, there’s a whole other world to explore out of Puerto Peñasco. The Sea of Cortez offers up reefs galore, just a short hop from the beaches. This is where you’ll find dazzling and delicious Groupers and Snappers. These two beasts are among the best fish you can catch in the region, growing to incredible sizes. They promise to put up an almighty fight before providing ample meat as a worthy reward.
Cubera and Colorado Snappers will leave you lost for words, as their red hue shines under the desert sun. Meanwhile, Broomtail, Sawtail, and Gulf Groupers as big as 100 pounds will take your breath away for different reasons! It’s suggested that you release these Grouper species to fight another day, but Leopard Groupers and Spotted Cabrilla are excellent traditional table fare in this part of the world.
Yellowtail Amberjack
Fishing the west of Mexico is pretty much synonymous with fishing for Yellowtails. These strong, tasty creatures are abundant from Tijuana to Cabo, and all the way up to Puerto Peñasco. Targeting them in Rocky Point is as good as pretty much anywhere on the planet! Head offshore and troll to entice the bite of these beasts, and you’re in for a real treat.
These creatures show up in December and stay throughout the colder months to the end of spring. This means that you’ll have the chance to head out and get your fish on even when conditions aren’t great. It also frees up the summer months to go after Mackerel, Skipjack, and Mahi Mahi that take center stage.
How to Go Fishing in Rocky Point
Now that you know what to expect from the fish, your next step is deciding how best to fill your cooler. Puerto Peñasco was founded as a fishing village, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of ways for you to wet your line. Next, we’ll outline the pros and cons of all Puerto Peñasco’s fishing opportunities.
Puerto Peñasco Surf Fishing
Looking for a traditional fishing experience? Look no further than setting up camp on the each and casting from shore. All along the coast, you’ll find perfect spots where the fish come right up close. Enjoy the sun, sights, and even swimming and snorkeling alongside a good day’s work.
Triggerfish, Corvina, Pompano, and Mackerel are popular catches from shore, with the best results coming from wading. So even if you don’t plan on swimming, it’s worth bringing your swimsuit! Beware that you’ll need to be 250 meters (around 800 feet) from any bathers or swimmers. Head to some of the more remote spots up or down the coast and make the most of it!
Puerto Peñasco Pier Fishing
Rocky Point’s piers aren’t exactly what you may think of when you conjure up the image of a fishing pier. Rather, what you’ll find here are rocky outcroppings. Despite that, you’re in for a true Mexican experience when you engage in Puerto Peñasco pier fishing. Set up camp for the day, sit back, and cast your line, before watching the results fly in.
The two “piers” in town are at Pelican Point and in the Old Port. Here, locals and tourists alike fill the rocks to cast their lines. Get there early in the morning to find your spot, and you’re in for surefire success. Why else would the locals love it so much? Take your pick of the best inshore fish in Puerto Peñasco and enjoy the fruits of your labor after a productive day.
Rocky Point Fishing Charters
If you’re looking to get the most out of your Rocky Point fishing experience, then a charter is for you. Hit up a range of fishing grounds that no other method can offer. From the shallows to the deep, charter fishing reigns supreme. Thankfully, the harbors all around Puerto Peñasco are full of boats and captains ready to take you to sea.
In keeping with the welcoming nature of the town, Puerto Peñasco fishing charters are designed to impress. You’ll have everything you need for a productive day out, including a professional guide and maybe even a deckhand to give you some help, aboard a striking sportfishing vessel. If the fish aren’t biting, you’ll simply whizz off to a spot where they are. And, as soon as you find them, you’re in for a treat. Trolling, bottom fishing, kite fishing, and more – charter fishing is your route to success!
Puerto Peñasco Fishing Spots
With so much on offer in Puerto Peñasco, it’s time to turn our attention to the honey holes that make this town such an angler’s paradise. Whether fishing from shore, a “pier,” or on a boat, there are some spots you shouldn’t miss! Here’s our pick of where to go when fishing in Rocky Point.
- Sandy Beach “Pier”: Just west of downtown towards La Choya, the far end of the beach is a prime pier fishing sport. Muelle Oeste sticks out into the sea, giving you purchase over the fish around you.
- Old Port: Downtown’s favorite fishing spot – the rugged coastline on the other side of the harbor is a great place to set up camp for the day and get your fish on in traditional fashion.
- Cholla Bay: A few miles up the coast, La Choya’s beach looks out over the Cholla Bay where the sands stretch out for miles. This is your best bet for shore fishing and getting knee-deep in the action. Head out into the bay, and you’ll find some productive reefs, too!
- Las Conchas: This stretch of beach east of downtown is so long that you’ll have no trouble finding yourself a fishing spot. Set up a marker 250 meters away – maybe even leave the family there – and get lost in the incredible angling action.
- Sea of Cortez: You may think we’re stretching it a bit with this one, but you get the picture! Head offshore to the deep waters and get your hands on some prized specimens, such as Yellowtails and Sailfish.
When to Go Fishing in Rocky Point
Puerto Peñasco boasts a desert climate, meaning that whenever you embark on your fishing adventure, you’re in for good weather. Just 10 days of rain per year means that you’ll have to be very unlucky to catch a wet day. Even in the coldest months, you’ll find temperatures in the high 60s, so you’d think that there’s never really a bad time to come.
However, the winds that sweep out into the Sea of Cortez may disrupt your fishing trip in winter. Sand from the desert can make sight casting conditions a little tricky, with the waters becoming choppy nearshore, too. There’s no reason you can’t go offshore and get your hands on some Yellowtail, though!
Spring and summer are peak fishing times, with inshore fishing reaching its yearly heights from March through May. Some creatures stay in these waters all the way through summer, when the bigger beasts appear offshore. Summer is probably the best time to come to grab a mixed bag – Mackerel, Corvina, Mahi Mahi, Halibut, Skipjack, and even Sailfish are all possible! However, the fishing can be just as good with the return of Snappers and Groupers in fall.
Rocky Point Fishing Tournaments
If you’re looking to see Puerto Peñasco in all its glory, we recommend visiting during one of the town’s legendary fishing tournaments or fiestas. Pretty much every month of the year, the locals find a reason to celebrate something or other. Here are a few of our favorite events:
- Fishbowl Seafood Festival: It may be offseason, but there’s no better way to get ready for the return of the fish, than by chomping on delicious seafood. Fill up on fish fillets in February and enjoy Rocky Point’s rich culinary scene.
- Rocky Point Fishing Derby: Every year, Puerto Peñasco comes alive in April and May with the annual fishing derby. Test your skills in a whole range of competitions or watch on and see some trophies get hooked.
- Summer Fishing Tournaments: From the Grouper Tournament in June, through the Deep Sea Tournament in July, there’s always something going on to mark peak season. Book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment!
Rocky Point Fishing Regulations
Some more good news for anglers looking to take advantage of Puerto Peñasco’s fishing frenzy is that you’ll only need to get a license in a rare number of instances. Fishing from shore here is allowed without a permit, while most charter operators cover everyone on board. Head out on your own vessel, and you’ll need to get a Mexican sportfishing license, however.
Catch limits here are also relatively liberal, so you’re free to land plenty of meat to take back to shore and savor after a fruitful day on the water! You can keep up to 10 fish, with big game creatures counting as 5 of your limit. Just remember to cast your line at least 250 meters from swimmers, and away you go!
Get ready for some of the best fishing on offer in the west, all just a short trip south of the border. There’s plenty of culture to soak up with a dose of familiarity to make you feel right at home, making Puerto Peñasco a prime destination to get your fish on. Come and see for yourself!
We love hearing from you. Have you ever been fishing in Rocky Point? What did you make of “Arizona’s Beach”? Let us know in the comments below!
