Is There Fabulous Big Game Fishing Here In Akumal?

Charles Frederick Holder (1851–1915) was an American naturalist, conservationist, and writer who produced over 40 books and thousands of articles. He is known as a pioneer of big-game fishing, having founded and led the Tuna Club of Avalon, credited as the first game fishing organization.

But what fish are classified as big game fishing species? The billfish (swordfish, marlin, and Sailfish), larger tunas (bluefin, yellowfin, and bigeye), and sharks (mako, bull, great white, tiger, hammerhead, and other large species) are the main species recognized as big-game fish. Smaller game fish, such as mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, and barracuda, are commonly caught.

Big game fishing here is an excellent experience, even for those who aren’t avid fishers. While fishing alone is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the weather makes it even more spectacular. Calm waters, warm temperatures, and year-round sunshine make for a fabulous experience for all.

In Akumal, we are spoiled because we have so many big game fishing species making for great year-round fishing. And one of the advantages of fishing here is that you don’t have far to go off-shore to start deep-sea fishing. As the seabed drops off in places quite dramatically, you can begin your big game fishing adventure after only 10 minutes from leaving the shore. The fish you can expect to catch include the following:

SailFish

Considered by many scientists the fastest fish in the ocean. Sailfish grow quickly, reaching 1.2–1.5 m (4–5 ft) in length in a single year, and feed on the surface or at middle depths on smaller pelagic forage fish and squid. But when big game fishing for Sailfish, they’re not easy to catch as they can travel at up to 35 km/hr. Growing to over 200 lb Sailfish like continental coasts, islands, and reefs in tropical and temperate waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans. And some are reliant on coral reefs as areas for feeding and breeding. This habitat is found aplenty on the coast of the Riviera Maya, making it the #1 hotspot worldwide for Sailfish.

Blue Marlin

When it comes to big game fishing, they don’t come much larger than Blue Marlin. Weighing up to 2,000 lb with an average lifespan of over 20 years. They love tropical and temperate waters, and as one of the largest fish, blue marlin is one of the world’s most highly sought-after for big game fishing.

White Marlin

White marlin lives in the tropical and subtropical ocean and are often found in waters deeper than 100 m but tend to spend time near the surface. White marlin is found near banks, shoals, and canyons; they love the warm surface temperatures here. These are the big game fishing smaller cousins of the Blue Marlin.

Mahi-Mahi

Mahi-mahi (dolphinfish, dorado) is a surface-dwelling beautiful, and colorful ray-finned fish commonly found in off-shore tropical waters off Akumal. They spawn in warm ocean currents throughout the year, and their young are commonly found in rafts of Sargassum seaweed and often reach 30-40 lbs in size.

Albacore Tuna

Albacore tuna is another common fish on the big game fishing agenda here. They are unique among most tuna in that their primary food source are molluscs, with fish making up a much smaller portion of their diet. Loving the tropical water here, they grow to an average size of over 70 lbs.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna is among the larger tuna species, reaching weights over 400 lbs. They primarily feed on other fish in our tropical waters. Frequently found in deep off-shore waters, yellowfin tuna may approach the shore when suitable conditions exist. And yellowfin tuna are often on many anglers’ big game fishing cards.

Wahoo

Wahoo is known to sports fishers for its speed and high-quality flesh, making it prized in the big game fishing world. It can weigh over 180 lbs and is around the oceans here all year round, making it great for big-game fishing charters.

Barracuda

A barracuda is a large, predatory fish known for its fearsome appearance and ferocious behavior. It is common in the waters of Akumal. Barracudas reside near the top of the water and near coral reefs and sea grasses. Hence they love Akumal! Often targeted by sport-fishing enthusiasts to fill their big game fishing cards, they can grow to over 5 feet in length.

Bonitos

Bonitos are medium-sized, ray-finned predatory fish found year-round here. Like tunas, they are streamlined, with a narrow tail base, a forked tail, and a row of small finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins. They have striped backs and silvery bellies and grow to a length of about 75 cm (30 inches).

Kingfish

The Kingfish is a migratory mackerel species that reside here from September to March. Known to exceed 90 lb, the entire body is covered with tiny, hardly visible, loosely attached scales.

Book a big game fishing accommodation package and receive $50 USD off each fishing charter you book when you stay with us. And receive complimentary transportation to and from your accommodation to the marina.

To add on a fishing tour to your vacation accommodation rental, or to book a tour, CONTACT US NOW stating your preferred dates, and length of tour. Or contact us below to book your big game fishing charter.

WhatsApp: +1 250 538 8159

Email: info@oceanbreezeakumal.com