Costa de Cocos - Fishing

Typical for this part of the world, Costa de Cocos has all of the "Grand Slam" saltwater flats species virtually at its doorstep. Bonefish, permit, tarpon and snook can be found oceanside or in the backcountry maze of fingerlike waters in Chetumal Bay, a mere 15-minute boat ride away. Bonefish are the staple of the Costa de Cocos fishery and they defy the common perception that sizable bonefish cannot be found in the Yucatan. Though the bonefish average in the 3-pound range, chances at 5-7 pound fish are not uncommon.

For permit enthusiasts, Chetumal Bay offers great fishing both in terms of numbers and size. Anglers have  shots at many fish during the height of the season (February-July). The snook fishing can be outstanding as well. The bay and adjoining lagoons support a resident population of 3-7 pound snook, while the fall run (October and November) can at times load the bay with 10-20 pound fish, sometimes offering opportunities to sight cast for snook on the flats. Rounding out the slam species, baby tarpon (5-20 pounds) can be found in the back channels and lagoons year round, and the May-June tarpon run brings larger fish through the area (40-80 pounds). If these flats options are not enough, you can head out to the reef to troll for dorado (mahi mahi), wahoo, jacks, barracuda, tuna and a multitude of other species.