What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo for the first time?

Book this trip. It is a lot of money, but sooo worth it. I considered cancelling after I booked due to the price, but am glad we followed through, because it was awesome. For kids, it might be a little hard to reel in the catch, because ti was a lot of work for those of us not doing it on a regular basis, but kids would still have a great time trying their hand...the crew will help if needed.

Bring long sleeved sun shirt, buff (to cover your neck). It was quite choppy when we were motoring into the waves, and a couple waves splashed over the bow. It might've been too rough for little kids, probably not enjoyable if you get sea sick

First, the Captain informed us that he would pick us at our hotels beach. He was over an hour late because he went to the wrong hotel at first and had to back track to us. We booked a six-hour trip and being an hour late made us lose time that we were not refunded for. Second, I booked, requested, confirmed, and even messaged the guide about taking a spearfishing trip which he confirmed multiple times before we arrived for the trip. When the guide showed up, he did not bring free diving fins, a speargun, weight belts, floats, or any other equipment required for spearfishing. He claimed he wasn't informed of my request for spearfishing, but we had multiple conversations about the trip before we arrived. We were forced to take the trip as trolling or leave the trip and not go at all. We were also not refunded for this mistake. Third, the boat was dirty from the day before and had fish parts and guts all around the seats of the boat that smelled like it had been sitting out in the sun for days. Fourth, the drinks were kept in an ice chest that had fish residue and smelled like rotten fish. Fifth, when we did catch the four fish we did, we were not given the opportunity to fillet the fish or given any of the fish that we paid to catch. The description of the trip said we would be able to keep our catch, and again, we were not. My family and I spent months training and getting ready for a spearfishing trip that was going to be the highlight of our vacation just to be let down 100%. We were extremely disappointed, and the captain and crew made very little effort to make things right. Once we were on the boat, they knew we had very little recourse to get what we had paid for. The only thing they did was give me $20 off the price which was almost more of a slap in the face. I would not recommend booking with this captain and/company. Extremely disappointing and frustrating.

Be prepared for an invasion of seaweed. consitions were tough trolling due to floating masses of seaweed. Snorkeling was awesome. we went ti a beach to flyfish flats and hooked uo on multiple smaller fish flyfishing.

If you get sea sick or are not sure that you do, make sure you bring stuff for that. Also if you need snacks bring them unless you are going longer than 4 hours! Fun tip: Morning fishing is the best!

Close toed water shoes to make everything easier on everyone Wading out to the boat in less than 2ft of water but it's the ocean and there's some occasional rough rocks /little mossy. They know what they are doing so have fun and take their advice

If it’s your first time fishing in Playa del Carmen, my biggest recommendation is to just relax and enjoy the experience. You don’t need to be an expert, just trust your guides, soak in the beautiful ocean views, and have fun. Go in with no pressure, be open to learning, and enjoy every moment.

Buscar una tripulacion experimentada y amigable como esta, ser claro con las expectativas, si prefieres buscar alguna especie en particular o algun tamaño en particular, en nuestro caso les comente que era el primer viaje de pesca de los niños y queria que trataramos de asegurar pesca, y ellos en base a eso y su experiencia escogieron lugares y especies adecuados, y con paciencia y dejandonos guiar por ellos resulto increible

Bring cash ? to finish the payment and tip for the captain and mate. The credit card machine wasn’t working. Don’t forget your sunscreen ?. Be prepared for quick fish on having to switch poles once you pull each fish in…Ask to snorkel ?. They will take closer to shore and you’ll see some amazing fish. We caught fish before and after snorkeling. Ask your captain about having your catch prepared by a close by restaurant or just have him clean it how you prefer to take with you. Again bring cash for payment and tip, either usd or pesos…

Just be aware of the sargassum. It’s really bad getting on the boat. But once you’re on the boat they wash your feet and legs off with water. No big deal for my wife and I. The experience was top notch and we caught so many fish

In June, expect onshore winds and choppy seas about 3 foot and sargasso weed which attracts mahi mahi and billfish. Arranging a crew that will work hard to clear the lines of seaweed is critical, including thelpibg out yourself to ensure clean baits in the trolling spread. That will greatly enhance your catch rate. Working hard produced a two sailfish at the same time for us and double Mahi, mahi

Consider the weather conditions and the time you will spend fishing,next time i will take the six hours tour to spend more hours fishing and snorkeling. I had the opportunity to hone my fishing techniques, but I also had the pleasure of spending a beautiful day with my family. While they enjoyed snorkeling in the beauty of the sea, I relished in the thrill of the catch. It was a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Book directly to the boat skipper. My trip was a family Xmas present as I mentioned that was booked up at home. Once at the hotel resort you’ll get lads selling all manor of days out. I enquired about fishing, the costs were 2-3 times the price booking directly to the likes of Alfonso! And that’s a cost that I couldn’t afford. If Alfonso hadn’t of been booked up for the rest of my trip I’d have hired him again!!

Before we start, I am from Holland, so I am use to other fishing that What we do in Mexico. It was fr@#king fabulous. The boat was smaller than a boat on a canal but you get an experience that is not for sale anywhere alse on the hole planet. Yes it's small, yes it's poor man's life, yes it's basic. But if you want to experience the true life of an Mexican Fisherman than you get to do this. Ut does has an port to get on the boat It self. But if you get the chance and you are a real sea-loving man take this trip. It wil not disappoint you. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Cheers to captain Benjamin and Carlos.

Go out early in the morning, when the water is calm and still. We didn't--our trip was after lunch, and the wind was up and the seas were rough. We had to troll, and did not get one bit or fish on the line, which is very disappointing. Our trip probably should have been cancelled by the captain, but so it goes. If you are a party of more than three people, make sure you opt for a larger boat, or you will feel cramped. Make sure you rent a boat with some shade/a cover, and wear your sunshirt. Also, please make sure your captain has a credit card reader, or you may be expected to pay in all cash--which could be US Dollars, instead of MEX pesos.

I wouldn't suggest ever taking small children on a private fishing charter and thats why I opted for not good for children. Teens who are familiar with fishing and respect the sport yes that would be fine. I would recommend Alfonso regardless of the time of year. Knowledge has no time limits

Wait until late April or even May if fishing for Mahi or marlin is your priority. This was a great family trip with snorkeling and thrill of fishing for big fish for our kids. It’s all about luck this time of year.

Of course kids could be on the boat they might get bored, I wouldn't bring little ones on board, but that may just be me. Just remember that there are no guarantees ? I think we were one of the only boats that caught something today, there is some luck involved. Sometimes the fish just aren't there.

Go for a3/4 or full day. This will give you opportunity to try a few different types of fishing. While some people enjoy trolling for the bigger fish, there might not be enough time for everyone to catch a large fish, so split your day up a bit. spend part of the of the day bottom fishing so that everyone can catch lots of fish of all sizes.

Be patient it’s called fishing for a reason. If you have a great captain like I did he will make it happen. Also know the odds of catching the type of fish you want to catch that way you won’t be disappointed if you don’t catch it. Timing is everything. But as fishing goes a catch is a catch. Now let’s go fishing!!!

Having fished in Playa Del Carmen twice once in beginning of June second mid December. The conditions of the summer season are much better. The tide being up in the winter makes for large waves and less variety of fish available to catch

Use a hat and sunglasses, sunscreen is a must or bring a long sleeve shirt. No flip flops and if you want to snorkel buy your own equipment at a local store, especially the mouth piece. A water proof bag is a good idea if you’re going to be out all day.

November is wahoo season anything else go during the summer months for the big ones! And remember they call it fishing and not catching for a reason so don’t be discouraged it’s all about the memories and friends you make!

Be patient and have realistic expectations. September is one of the slower months for fishing so don't expect to catch fish one after another. It could be an hour or two between fish. That is fishing! Just enjoy the ride, enjoy the scenery, and be ready for when the bite is on.

Choose a reputable charter with experienced captains and crew. In my personal experience ocal knowledge is invaluable, as they know the best fishing spots and techniques to maximize your chances of a successful catch.

The captain was very responsive and easy to work with from time of booking to cleaning the fish! I would recommend the charter as they know the waters and seasonal fishing in July. We caught fish on the 1st cast and hit until the bite was done, all the other boats followed our lead this day!

When you’re in the water by the beach, cannot say I ever saw a single fish or any form of life that was not the seaweed. But there’s reefs super close by, and there were lots of fish and rays there. We had several bites while out in the charter. The waters are rich. The waves can be a bit

The only thing about these boats is that they're smaller than the big fishing charters. If it's windy (but not so windy that the trip needs to be cancelled), the boat can rock a bit if you stop/slow down to do bottom fishing. That might affect people who are prone to motion sickness.

Don’t go in thinking you’re gonna catch fish right away. Sometimes it can take a while. For us it was 2hrs until we caught the white Marlin. But it was worth the wait. I’ll take the quality over the quantity.

As a former guide I always recommend to anyone booking any kind of guided fishing or hunting trip not to expect everything you see in all the photos. Go with an open mind. Go enjoy the experience. Talk lots. Have a beer!