Ixtapa Zihuatanejo - Mexico's hottest new fishing destination
Published in the Amura Mexico Nautico Magazine in April 2003 – by Bleu & Blanc
Text by Stan Lushisnky / Photos by Ricardo Galan - Versión en Español

In recent years the sleepy fishing village of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo , has come alive with a new breath of sport fishing community Ixtapa Zihuatanejo has become one the of the most popular fishing destinations in Mexico for many good reasons.

First and foremost are the schools of abundant game fish, which inhabit these waters. The most prolific species in the acrobatic Pacific Sailfish which is available all year long and who's numbers can rival those found anywhere else in the world. During peak moths anglers can expect to have more than a dozen opportunities per day with these hard fighting billfish. Less prevalent but attaining much larger sizes are Blue and Black Marlin, which come into the area from January through July. These giants of the billfish family average 300-400 lbs, but marlin over 1000 lbs have been landed. The gamut of offshore species also includes the delicious and beautiful Dorado (mahi-mahi) as well as yellow fin tuna whose sizes can exceed 300 pounds. Many local restaurants are willing to prepare an angler's catch of the day in many authentic

Mexican dishes. Although offshore finish has been getting most of the attention, inshore enthusiasts will find Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo just as inviting. Roosterfish reaching world records proportions prowl the beaches and nearby rocky lairs. Anglers finish inshore can also expect to catch snook, pompano, rainbow runners, bonito, snapper, grouper as well as a host of other fish.

Unlike many other sport fishing destinations, Ixtapa Zihuatanejo is blessed with deep ocean water just minutes from the bay. Favorable currents allow larger numbers of game fish to migrate along these waters throughout the year. Coupled with the nutrient rich inshore water that carry huge amounts of baitfish, this area teems, with marine life and anglers can expect good sport fishing action shortly after leaving the dock.

Gentle seas are also the norm for this area and are truly representative of the “ Pacific” Ocean, making in perfect for first time anglers as well as for families and smaller children. A wide range of boats are available with the most popular being the sleek 25 foot super-pangas to the high-teach 35 foot Cabo yacht the El Soltar charter prices range from 210.00 USD per day for a “super-panga” to a high range of 700 USD per day for the top of the line luxury Yachts.

With the arrival of serious sport fishing enthusiasts, some of the finest tackle in the world was introduced. Most captains and crews have upgraded their equipment to include Pen international and shimano reels and rods along with Ande premium line which has been used to land over 1000 world records. Global positioning system (GPS) VHF radios as well as safety equipment is a standard to many of the boats. When compared to many other highly publicized sport fishing destinations, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo offers one of the very best values interns if service and equipment.

Protecting the abundant game fish stock has been an on going issue. In 1994 the concepts of “tag & release” was introduced to the captains and crews. Each year higher and higher percentages of “tag & release” methods have been reported and several of the local crews have been internationally recognized for their efforts.

Additionally, these waters host the “ Ixtapa Zihuatanejo total Tag & Release tournament” which is designed to draw more attention to the conservation effort of marine life of the area and to help the promotion of this most important concept. The Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo total tag & release tournament consist of both an inshore and an offshore division- both being recognized as qualifying events for the international Game fish Associations Invitational Tournaments worldwide receive this recognition.

Incredibly beautiful weather, calm seas, huge populations of game fish, experienced captains, well equipped boats, internationally recognized sport fishing tournaments, and value driven pricing Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo deserves its reputation as being “Twice as Pleasing”.

Amura Mexico Naútico Edited by Bleu & Blanc