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

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!

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.

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!

With the conditions at our trip (windy, rain in the night and a bit chilly) - the fishing trip is a nonsense - not only according to us but also from the info received from other boats. Can imagine that if the conditions were better this could have worked out.

Expect to enjoy bottom fishing for trigger fish. Be prepared to catch barracuda while trolling and amberjack fish a number of different ways. You are more than welcome to bring and use your own equipment. It is a beach entry into the boat so be prepared to get your feet wet.

The water may be rough out at sea. Dramamine is a safe better to ensure a good time. I didn't barf but there were times I wanted to. The boats are easy to get to and everyone is very friendly. The sun will also get you if you're not careful

You have to understand what type of species are offered during the appropriate times of year. We knew what the potential was before we booked. We did see a boat while at sea that landed a sailfish, but understood its extemely unlikely during this time of year. We enjoyed our time.

Deficient experience was great two people plenty on the boat three people OK four people might get a little crowded but I think two people on this size boat is perfect drinks snacks water everything was provided. The only thing we had to do was Raul in the fish

From what we heard, mahi season is almost over. We were lucky enough to have an amazing captain and get on more mahi than we could handle. For what could have been a bust on mahi, our captain and mate killed it!!! So my opinion is skewed, but I'd rate it a five if they told me our trip was daily.

Maybe a bigger boat if it’s first time fishing and ask if you will be managing your own Rod. . That’s the only think lacking for me- I wanted a fishing rod of my own. The Captain was responsible for all of them. We just waited for a bite.

Capt Alfonso and his crew were excellent, but we ended up trolling back and forth a half mile offshore, caught nothing and had no options. They did not provide any bottom fishing tackle or lighter rods to allow us to fish the bottom after the trolling didn’t work. Needless to say we were disappointed, and will move sure to request a bottom fishing trip next time.

I would definanlty tru out the gardi crew, do not go through the resorts. Book your own trip on fishing Booker. Weve done the resort booking in the past and never even got a bite and it seemed like the crews never tried.

Find a charter with a large enough boat to deal with rough seas. Do not go on a small vessel. The water can be rough and it makes for a bad experience if you don't have a vessel that can handle the waves.

I would suggest waiting til May or early June when the fishing is a little better. It was tough fishing but the crew will take care of you and try to give you the best experience. I wouldn't take real young kinds as even on the calmest days you are going out on the ocean it gets rocking out there. If you are a fisherman who loves being on the water you are going to love it no matter when you go.