Fishing in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo

Right at the pier, Cooperativo de Pescadores Azueta (Paseo del Pescador 81, Zihuatanejo. 755/554-2056) has a large fleet of boats with VHF radios; some have GPS. The outfit charges $150 for trips in small, fast skiffs with up to four passengers or $250 for larger, more comfortable, albeit somewhat slower craft. > Cooperativo Triángulo del Sol (Paseo del Pescador 38, Zihuatanejo. 755/554-3758) offers day trips in boats from 26 to 36 feet. Prices are in the $150 to $270 range. VIPSA (Hotel Las Brisas, Paseo Vista Hermosa, Ixtapa. 755/553-0003) is a reliable bet in the Ixtapa area, with boats that can handle four to six passengers; prices range from $300 to $450. Whiskey Water World (Paseo del Pescado 20, Zihuatanejo. 755/554-0146; 800/214-9003 toll-free from U.S. www.zihuatanejosportfishing.com) dispatches seven-hour expeditions in pangas ($190 for two people) and cruisers of 32 feet ($300 for three-four people) and 38 feet (about $400 for three-four people). It's run by Ed Garvis, an American expat in business in Zihua since 1997.

Gone Fishing

Anglers revel in the profusion of sailfish (November through March), black and blue marlin (May through January), yellowfin tuna (November through June), and mahimahi (November through January). Light-tackle fishing in the lagoons and just off the beach in pangas (skiffs) for huachinango (red snapper) is also popular.