At Fish-Nation, we’re always on the lookout for exceptional, under-the-radar destinations that offer outstanding experiences for sportsmen and sportswomen. Every now and then, we find a true gem that delivers incredible fishing at an equally incredible price. This is one of those rare opportunities: world-class Bluewater fishing close to shore, comfortable accommodations, and exceptional value. We believe this destination will be a fantastic find for our clients, and with pricing like this, it’s an opportunity worth jumping on. Discoveries like this are becoming harder to find!
Imagine you are back in the days of Ernest Hemingway, prospecting for giant fish in remote untouched areas, but doing it in comfort and with style! This place is exactly that, only it is available to you today!
Some of the best fishing is found just one mile offshore. Along Costa Grande, the Sierra Madre Mountains extend beneath the ocean before dropping sharply into deep blue water, creating ideal habitat for migratory trophy fish.
With productive offshore waters so close to shore, anglers can enjoy outstanding Bluewater fishing from traditional 22–24-foot open pangas—making this an exciting, comfortable, and remarkably affordable way to get on the fish.
Its remote location is part of what makes this fishery so special. Many larger sportfishing boats struggle to reach these grounds, leaving this remarkable stretch of water less accessible to the crowds. In fact, Sport Fishing Magazine ranked the area as the second-best sail fishing destination in the world—an impressive distinction given the many sailfish fisheries worldwide.
Beyond sailfish, these waters offer opportunities to target a variety of other species throughout the year. Seasonal availability can vary significantly with currents and weather, so the calendar below should be used as a general guide.
- Black/blue marlin (usually just a bonus while sailfishing)(April-August)
- Sailfish (March-September)
- Dorado (March-August)
- Amberjack (September-January)
- Kingfish & Sierra Mackerel (October-February)
- Roosterfish (most months)
- Snook (slowest in March-May)
The main season for migratory game fish generally runs from April through August, offering opportunities to target trophy fish throughout the year. Black marlin arrive from April through July, with fish weighing 250–500 pounds, while yellowfin tuna are around from May through August and can exceed 200 pounds. Roosterfish are at their best in July and August, with fish topping 50 pounds, and dorado offer the chance to tangle with even larger fish. For sailfish and other billfish, December and January are prime months, coinciding with peak migration, although resident fish are present year-round.
Keep in mind that summer is the rainy season, particularly in August and September, though rain can begin as early as mid-June. Seasonal timing and fish availability vary with weather and ocean currents, so these windows are best used as a general guide.
Most species can be readily caught with fly tackle (especially sailfish and dorado), but others can be very tough (especially roosterfish and snook), and will likely require you to use spinning tackle with artificials or live bait to be successful.
Despite the outstanding fishing, you may be the only boat on the water. This stretch of Costa Grande coastline is too remote for the larger charter fleets operating out of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo to visit regularly, leaving these waters largely to the handful of local fishermen in a village of just 100 people. You’ll fish from traditional pangas, the proven workhorses of the region, typically accommodating two to three anglers with folding Bimini or T-top shade. With short runs to productive fishing grounds and land in sight throughout the day, time on the water is easy and enjoyable. Don’t expect shopping centers or luxury spas. Instead, you’ll find pristine beaches, clean coastlines, and welcoming locals living at a refreshingly relaxed pace. It’s a chance to unplug, enjoy exceptional fishing, and experience coastal Mexico as it was meant to be.
LODGING & MEALS
This lodge keeps things simple, comfortable, and focused on the outdoors. Set along a private, crescent-shaped sandy beach, the adobe-style lodge features five basic oceanfront rooms, each sleeping two to three guests with a private bathroom, air conditioning, and its own entrance. The well water is unheated, so morning showers can be cool and refreshing until the afternoon sun warms things up. After a day on the water, cool off in the small outdoor pool or relax beneath the beachside palapa with a cold beer and views of the ocean and sunset.
What really sets this operation apart, beyond the fishing, is the fantastic Mexican food and genuinely friendly service. A cellular hotspot is available and works with most international plans. Since staff and guides generally speak limited English, we recommend downloading a translation app before your trip to make communication easier.
Fresh snacks and drinks are always on hand, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included throughout your stay. Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine and a variety of seafood dishes, including fresh-caught fish prepared by a talented chef. If you catch a fish you’d like to keep, the kitchen can even prepare it for you to enjoy. However, because the lodge operates on tribal lands and waters, they cannot store fish for you to take home. Leave the coolers behind and enjoy your catch fresh!
2027 PRICES (subject to change without notice until deposit received; all prices in USD)- All prices double occupancy and just add a day on each side for travel.
4 Nights, 5 Days: $1,595 per person
Includes: 3 days of guided fishing; all meals and drinks (excluding alcohol; round trip airport transfers)
5 Nights, 6 Days: $1,895 per person
Includes: 4 days of guided fishing, all meals and drinks (excluding alcohol; round trip airport transfers)
6 Nights, 7 Days: $2,195 per person
Includes: 5 days of guided fishing, all meals and drinks (excluding alcohol; round trip airport transfers)
7 Nights, 8 Days: $2,395 per person
Includes: 6 days of guided fishing, all meals and drinks (excluding alcohol; round trip airport transfers)
Or tell us your wish list and we will help create your own adventure!
Add roughly $300 per person per day for additional days. Add $400/day per boat for dedicated marlin charters, as they require travelling much farther offshore and longer days. Airport transfers are approx. $60 per person each way. Fishing license must be purchased online in advance.
A 50% deposit is required to book. Deposits are non-refundable, but can be used for up to 2 years from date of deposit for re-scheduled bookings.
GETTING THERE
You will fly into Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo airport (ZIH), typically via Mexico City, which is about halfway between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. If you arrive prior to 6:00 PM any day of the week, they will pick you up at the airport and drive you to the lodge, about an hour away. If arriving after 6:00 PM, you will have to overnight in town and they will pick you up the next morning at your hotel. Staff will be waiting to greet you with freshly-made margaritas, and the rest of the day is about helping you settle in and relax.
CLIENT COMMENTS:
This trip was outstanding. We had such a good time. We got to share the lodge with another group that had booked at the same time. We made some great friends out of this trip. The fishing was great.
We caught 9 sailfish and over 20 dorado/mahi as well as many other fish. We got to see humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles and many fantastic sunrises and sunsets. The staff at the lodge was great and kept us very comfortable.
TRAVEL INSURANCE IS STRONGLY SUGGESTED, ESPECIALLY ON INTERNATIONAL TRIPS. We regularly assist clients with purchasing this. Normally you insure the total trip cost including flights. You can go to this website for what we believe is the best insurance : https://redpointtravelprotection.com/partner/fishnation JUST CLICK ON THE LINK!