The Bahia de Banderas (Bay of Banderas) is home to some of the best fishing on this side of Mexico. With its warm waters, stunning scenery, and diverse marine life, Sayulita offers an unforgettable fishing experience for both beginners and seasoned fishers alike. In this article, we’ll explore the main types of fish you can catch in the Sayulita area, the key factors about these fish, and the best ways to prepare them for eating.
Main Types of Fish in Sayulita
Mexican Snook Fish (Robalo)
Mexican Snooks (also called Robalo) can grow up to about 1 meter in length and up to 10kg in weight. Their flesh is white, tender, and has a slightly sweet flavor. The taste is often compared to snapper or bass, making it a prized catch for seafood lovers.
When hooked, these fish put up a spirited fight, pulling out line, and taking acrobatic leaps. It’s an exciting and adrenaline-pumping battle to land these prized catches.
Skipjack Tuna
Skipjack Tuna is another super popular fish in the Sayulita area, which can be caught either from the shore if you’re lucky, or from a boat. They are short, stouty fish, known for their speed and migratory behaviors. A Skipjack Tuna will spend time near the surface during the day, then dive as deep as 500m at night. They get to be up to 20kg (45 lbs).
Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)
Dorado fish are brilliantly colored in blue, green, and yellow, but shift to duller colors the moment they are pulled from the water. What makes them so fun is that they are stubborn acrobatic fighters and can grow to over 80 lbs. They’re also characterized by their humped nose.
Dorado is one of the best-eating fish in Mexico. Their meat is white, sweet, and similar to a sea bass or snapper. Our favorite way to prepare Dorado is as a ceviche. You can find this fish in many of the cevicherias and seafood restaurants of Sayulita!
Roosterfish (Papagallo)
This fish is fun. Roosterfish are known for strong, long runs and aggressive fighting, which is why they’ve made our list among the best sportfish. They can grow to over 100 lbs. They’re unmistakable because of their rooster “comb,” which is basically a bunch of spikes sticking out of their top fin.
Unless you like your fish strong, put your catch back in the ocean, because their meat is gamey and dark. Smaller roosterfish can be prepared as a breaded fish burger, but in general – these gorgeous creatures are better for fun.
Yellowfin Tuna
If you catch a yellowfin tuna, you’ve had a lucky day. These bad boys grow up to 450 lbs, and can reach nearly 2m (6.5 feet) in length. They’re legendary for their strength and relentless fights, which makes them challenging and rewarding when you bring them into your boat. They are highly migratory and travel in large schools of similarly-sized fish that include Skipjack Tuna, Dolphins, and large marine animals such as Whales and Whale Sharks.
Yellowfin tuna is a sushi lover’s dream. Either sear it briefly on the grill or splash with lemon, and you’ll enjoy its natural taste.
Red Snapper
The Pacific Red Snapper is found around rocky bottoms, close to caves, and in crevices at depths up to 90 m (300 feet). While not as powerful as some other species, Red Snapper still put up an enjoyable fight. Super good for eating and grows up to 1m (3 feet) in length you can grill, pan fry or serve it as ceviche to enhance its sweet flavor.
Of course, there are many other fish in the area including Wahoo, Sailfish, Marlin, and Pargo, but these are the most popular and favorite of fishermen in the area.
Book a charter or panga with our local fisherman and support one of Sayulitas oldest industries – while making memories that’ll last a lifetime.