Fishing in Acapulco

Fishing

Fishing is what originally drew many of the early tourists to Acapulco, and it is still an abundant area. Billfish, striped marlin, pompano, bonito, red snapper, and tuna can be found in the ocean year-round; and carp, mullet, and catfish swim in the freshwater lagoons. You can arrange fishing trips through your hotel or at the Pesca Deportiva near the muelle (dock) across from the zócalo. We recommend Fish-R-Us (Av. Costera Miguel Alemán 100, Fracc. Las Playas, Old Acapulco. 744/482-8282. www.fish-r-us.com), which offers charter service for sailfish, tuna, and dorado fishing. Boats depart at 6 AM. You can share a boat for $70 per person, with a maximun of six people, or rent a private yacht for $370 to $440 per day. Acapulco Scuba Center (Paseo del Pescador 13 y 14, near the zócalo, Old Acapulco. 744/482-9474. www.acapulcoscuba.com) is also an excellent place to sign up for deep-sea fishing excursions. The center's 40-foot boats accommodate up to eight passengers. Trips depart at 7 AM, return at 2 PM, and cost $250 per person.

For freshwater trips try the companies along Laguna Coyuca. Boats accommodating 4-10 people cost $250-$500 a day, $45-$60 by chair. Excursions leave about 7 AM and return at 1 PM or 2 PM. At the docks you can hire a boat for $40 a day (two lines). You must get a license ($12, depending on the season) from the Secretaría de Pesca; there's a representative at the dock, but note that the office is closed during siesta, between 2 and 4.