Latin America has some of the best fishing in the world. Countries like Mexico and Costa Rica are famous for their monster Marlin and hard-fighting Roosterfish. If you’re not great with languages, fishing in Spanish can sound a little tricky, but don’t let the language barrier put you off. The fishing is way too good to miss!
Even without speaking a word of Spanish, hand gestures and scribbled drawings can get you a long way. However, learning a few phrases will really help you get the most out of your trip. With that in mind, here are some essential words and phrases for fishing in Spanish-speaking countries.
Meeting the Captain
Key Terms
- Captain – Capitán.
- Mate – Marinero.
- Dock – Muelle.
- Marina – Marina.
- Boat – Barco.
Useful Spanish Phrases
Where/when should we meet? – ¿Dónde/cuándo nos vemos?
Can we meet at (the marina)? – ¿Podemos encontrarnos en (la marina)?
Is the weather ok today? – ¿Hace buen tiempo hoy?
Good morning, Captain – Buenos días, Capitán.
What is your name? – ¿Como se llama?
My name is (Chuck) – Me llamo (Chuck).
Let’s go! – ¡Vámonos!
Boat Amenities and Equipment
Key Terms
- Air conditioning – Aire
acondicionado . - Bathroom – Baño.
- Cooler/ice box – Nevera.
- Refrigerator – Frigo.
- Life preserver – Chaleco
salvavidas . - Snorkeling equipment – Equipo de esnórquel.
Useful Boat Phrases
Does it have (air conditioning)? – ¿Tiene (aire acondicionado)?
Is there (a bathroom)? – ¿Hay (baño)?
Where is/are (the life preservers)? – ¿Dónde está/están (los chalecos salvavidas)?
How many people can go on this boat? – ¿Cuánta gente puede ir en este barco?
Fishing and Tackle
Key Terms
- (Fishing) Rod – Caña (de
pesca ). - Reel – Carrete.
- Hook – Anzuelo.
- Bait –
Carnada . - Lure – Señuelo.
- Fishing line – Línea de
pesca .
Useful Fishing Phrases
Go fishing – Ir de pesca.
Trolling – Troleo.
Bottom fishing – Pesca de fondo.
Fly fishing – Pesca con mosca.
Live bait fishing – Pesca con carnada viva.
Can we try (trolling)? – ¿Podemos hacer (troleo)?
We want to (troll) – Queremos hacer (troleo).
We don’t want to (troll) – No queremos hacer (troleo).
Food and Drink
Key Terms
- Drinks – Bebidas.
- Water – Agua.
- Beer – Cerveza.
- Food – Comida.
- Sandwich(es) – Torta(s)/Bocadillo(s)/Sanduche(s).
- Breakfast – Desayuno.
- Lunch – Almuerzo.
- BBQ – Barbacoa.
Useful Food and Drink Phrases
I don’t eat (meat/dairy/gluten) – No como (carne/lácteo/gluten).
How much beer is there? – ¿Cuánta cerveza hay?
We’re hungry/thirsty – Tenemos hambre/sed.
Other Activities
Key Terms
- Snorkel – Esnórquel.
- Swim – Nadar.
- Scuba dive – Bucear.
- Beach – Playa.
- Island – Isla.
Useful Activity Phrases
Can we go swimming? – ¿Podemos nadar?
Can we go to a (private) beach? – ¿Podemos ir a una playa (privada)?
Can we stop at that island? – ¿Podemos parar en esa isla?
Problems Onboard
Key Terms
- Seasickness –
Mareo . - Waves – Ondas.
- Sunburn – Quemadura del
sol . - Sunstroke – Insolación.
Useful Phrases for Problems Onboard
I feel sick/tired/seasick – Estoy enfermo/cansado/mareado.
I am very cold/hot – Tengo mucho frío/calor.
My friend/partner/kid doesn’t feel good – Mi amigo/pareja/niño se siente mal.
The sea is too rough – El mar está demasiado agitado.
Can we go back? – ¿Podemos volver?
We need to go back – Tenemos que volver.
A sea lion stole my sandwich! – ¡Un lobo marino me robo mi bocadillo!
Keeping or Releasing the Catch
Key Terms
- The catch – La
pesca . - Catch and release – Captura y suelta.
- Fish cleaning/filleting – Limpiar/
filetear /faenar elpescado .
Useful Fish Phrases
We want to release the fish – Queremos liberar la pesca.
We want to keep the fish – Queremos mantener la pesca.
How much fish can we keep? – ¿Cuánto pescado podemos mantener?
Where can I get my catch cooked? – ¿Dónde se puede cocinar mi pescado?
Paying
Key Terms
- Gratuity/tip – Propina.
- Credit card – Tarjeta de crédito.
Useful Phrases for Paying
Is (beer/tip) included? – ¿Está incluido (cerveza/propina)?
How much does (lunch) cost? – ¿Cuánto cuesta (almuerzo)?
What is included (in the price)? – ¿Qué está incluido (en el precio)?
What is the total price – ¿Cuál es el precio final?
Can I pay by credit card? – ¿Se puede pagar con tarjeta de crédito?
Do card payments cost extra? – ¿Los pagos con tarjeta cuestan extra?
Saying Goodbye
Key Terms
- Good – Bueno.
- Amazing – Increíble.
- Thank you – Grácias.
- Goodbye – Adiós.
Useful Phrases for Saying Goodbye
We had a great time – Nos lo pasamos muy bien.
Thanks for everything – Grácias por todo.
Until next time – Hasta la próxima.
Tight lines! – ¡Buen pique!
Fish and Wildlife
Useful Phrases for Talking About Fish
A huge fish – Un pez gigante.
Lots of fish – Muchos peces.
The one that got away – El que se me escapó.
Inshore Fish Names in Spanish
- Roosterfish – Pez Gallo.
- Snook – Robalo.
- Tarpon – Sábalo.
- Bonefish – Macabí.
- Permit – Palometa.
- Jack Crevalle – Jurel Toro.
Reef Fish Names in Spanish
- Snapper – Pargo.
- Grouper – Mero.
- Amberjack – Pez Limón.
Big Game Fish Names in Spanish
- Shark – Tiburón.
- Tuna – Atún.
- Marlin – Marlín.
- Sailfish – Pez Vela.
- Swordfish – Pez Espada.
Names for Marine Life in Spanish
- Whale – Ballena.
- Dolphin – Delfín.
- Seal – Foca.
- Sea lion – Lobo marino.
- Turtle – Tortuga.
- Bird – Pájaro.
- Seagull – Gaviota.
- Seaweed – Alga.
- Sea monster – Monstruo marino.
Fishing in Spanish: Easier Than You Might Think
We’ve tried to cover everything you’ll need to go fishing in with a Spanish-speaking crew. Whether it’s a spring break trip in Cancún or a sportfishing adventure in Nicaragua, print these phrases out or write a few down and you should be set for a great day on the water. ¡Buen pique!
Did these expressions come in handy on a Spanish-speaking fishing charter? Are there any important Spanish fishing terms we missed? Let us know in the comments, we love talking fish in any language!
