The capital of Baja California Sur, La Paz is a perfect place for nature lovers who wish to get away from it all. Whether you wish to go on a stroll along the waterfront Malecon, spend a day on white-sand beaches, or try seafood delicacies at modern dining establishments, a visit to La Paz promises to be a memorable experience.
La Paz is best known as an amazing fishing spot. The waters of the Sea of Cortez offer a rich environment that is home to nearly 900 species of fish including everything from tuna and Dorado to blue marlin and swordfish. Fishing season here is one of the best experiences that you can have in the Baja California Peninsula.
Want to know where to find the best fishing spots and when is the best time to go? This travel guide will tell you everything there is to know about fishing in La Paz.
Is There Good Fishing in La Paz Mexico?
La Paz is a great fishing destination, especially deep sea fishing for large species such as tuna, marlin, wahoo, and dorado. There is also lobster fishing, but we will come back to that a bit later.
With annual fishing tournaments, La Paz is actually one of the most famous destinations in Central America among anglers.
However, you don’t have to be an experienced angler to enjoy fishing in La Paz. Whether you wish to hop on a fishing charter or enjoy shore fishing, there are many ways to keep yourself entertained here.
What Kinds of Fish are in La Paz Mexico?
The list of fish that can be found in the Sea of Cortex seems to be endless. The famous French explorer, Jacques Cousteau, once said that this sea is the world’s aquarium. He was not wrong to say that. So, what kind of fish is there in La Paz? Expect to see blue marlin, swordfish, tuna, cabrilla, mackerel, dorado, wahoo, roosterfish, and many other species.
For instance, the roosterfish is without a doubt the most-prized creature in Central America among anglers. Here, it grows to incredible size. Mahi Mahi is another popular catch in La Paz. This green-yellow fish is also known as Dorado. The good news for anglers is that Mahi Mahi comes close to the shore here in La Paz.
Yellowfin Tuna is known to love warm waters, so it comes as no surprise that it comes right up close to the shore. What’s great about this fish is that you can find it pretty much year-round in the Sea of Cortex. You can also go fishing for the most sought-after big game fish in the world in La Paz. Yes, we are talking about Marlin! Want to hear more good news? La Paz is home to three different Marlin species including Striped, Black, and Blue Marlin.
Where are the Best Fishing Spots in La Paz?
Did you know that three of the most famous marine biology institutes in Central America are located right here in La Paz? Therefore, it comes as no surprise that fishing spots in La Paz can be found on every corner. It seems impossible to choose a few best places for fishing in La Paz, but we’ll give it our best shot.
Make your way to Tecolote Beach, one of the best fishing spots in the area. Located just a short drive up the coast, the beach is well-known for its fine nearshore fishing opportunities. There is also Espirito Santo Islands, an archipelago located just out from La Paz. Home to amazing beaches and deserted islands, this place boasts a wide range of marine life.
Cerralvo Island is also not-to-be-missed when talking about fishing in La Paz. Slightly further offshore, the island is without a doubt the most popular place for fishing in the Sea of Cortez.
Best Time to go Fishing in La Paz Mexico
With an average of 340 days of pleasant weather and sunshine every year, La Paz Mexico is a tropical paradise. It’s a place where it pretty much never gets cold. Therefore, there is no such thing as a bad day for going fishing in La Paz. The angling business in La Paz is open year-round.
However, the best time to go fishing in La Paz is from May to December. If you wish to catch yellowfish tuna and striped marlin, your best bet is to go fishing in winter.
Fall is the best time to enjoy inshore fishing in La Paz. As for the lobster fishing season which is one of the most popular activities, it starts in October.
Type of Fishing in La Paz Mexico
There are many ways you can enjoy fishing in La Paz. For instance, kayak fishing is quite popular here. It’s a great way to explore different fishing grounds on your own. Thanks to its incredibly calm and warm waters, the Sea of Cortez allows you to visit even offshore waters with a kayak.
If you wish to experience shore fishing in La Paz, we recommend venturing outside the city gates to quieter beaches. Keep in mind that you will have to be at least 820 feet away from anyone in the water.
There is also Panga fishing. Popular with anglers who wish to have a local experience, fishing from a traditional Mexican fishing vessel is a great way to discover the riches of the fishing scene in the Sea of Cortez.
Fishing Tournaments in La Paz Mexico
The best time to visit La Paz is during its annual fishing tournaments. Whether you fish for the thrill of the chase, out of love for fish, or just for fun, fishing tournaments in La Paz are something that definitely should not miss out on.
With about 130 teams, the annual dorado shootout is one of the largest fishing tournaments in the region. It takes place in La Paz in July and team entry will set you back about $500. Who knows, you might even win a brand new pick-up truck which is reserved for the first place winner.
Join the Bisbee East Cape International Fishing Tournament and compete for yellowfish tuna, marlin, sailfish, and spearfish. It seems that everyone receives cash prizes at this tournament, even anglers competing in the catch and release division.
