Rocky Point Fishing Calendar

Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco): Fish Chart

Facts to know about fishing in Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point)

Fishing is a very popular activity in Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point), Mexico. Many locals and tourists enjoy fishing in Rocky Point (Mexico) waters because it offers opportunities for very good catches by those that are a bit knowledgeable in this field (or not!!).  

Winter months are tough months for fishing due to the desert-style winds that sweep down the north and low water temperatures to the mid-50s. Spring and summer are great months for fishing with plenty of red snapper, whitefish, halibut, goldspotted bass and black sea bass in the beautiful Sea of Cortez.  During late summer, charter boats that travel far from shore will find dorado and marlin.

From shore or beach fishing is also very fruitful during the right months of the year. You can find an abundance of rock bass and trigger fish. You are sure to catch some, there is plenty!!  The best places to fish from shore will be ports or estuaries. In the “Old Port” in Penasco you can find many fishing places and plenty of local fishermen selling their catch of the day. It is worth the visit even if you do not fish.

There are many fishing charter boats for the aficionado fisherman or just for those that want to experience some serious fishing and adventure.  These trips are usually several hours long.

The tides are a critical component in fishing and play an important role. If you are fishing from shore (or close to it), it is best to do when the tide is either going in or going out and when the high and low tides fluctuate the most.

Below we have tides charts for Rocky Point (Penasco) provided by Tidelines online and the fishing calendar for the year.

TIDE CHARTS

Grouper:  These 1 to 6 foot plus long fish can go up to 200 lbs,have some real nasty teeth, and love  rock piles below cliffs & underwater reefs. They like to hit hard and quickly dive back inside the rocks. When they first hit try to keep them headed to the surface, not a fighter but super heavy. This fish likes jigs,lures,bait worked near the bottom. Fish in the 30 pound range can be taken by trolling slow in shallow reefs or just of shore with lures-bait. This fishes white meat is a real taste treat when baked, fried, grilled, in sandwiches,etc.

Sierra:  Mid weight surface fighter up to 15 lbs with a razor set of teeth. Prefers trolled lures,areas within 1/2 mile of the beach. Broil,grill,or fry with the skin on(also great for ceviche).

Triggerfish:  The common man’s favorite these small guys are easy to catch off piers, docks, rock jetty’s and are great little fighters & even better tasting like a cross between fish, lobster and crab. Watch it those teeth can bite the tip of a finger off in a snap.

Yellowtail:  These stubborn fighting fish ranging up to 20lbs spawn in their home waters of the Sea of Cortez preferring waters in the 67-77 degree range.As waters warm they migrate northward along the pacific coast to feed.Once very abundant,  Mexican officials granted Japanese & Korean bulk seiners unlimited fishing permits almost decimating them. Big ones are caught around reefs at 100-250 foot depths, while medium & smaller are on the surface. Use jigs,or live bait.If trolling try 6mph with deep running bait fish or lures.

Below is some additional information on permits and pricing for you reference.  Please know that prices can change and we may not be able to update the website as fast as we would like, so keep that in mind.

Boat Permit

Available in Rocky Point and San Diego, CA. Rocky Point.  They can be purchased for 1 month or up to 1 year. Prices range from $312 to $2,011 pesos and depend upon the size of your craft. You’ll need certificate of title.

In San Diego, boat licenses can be obtained from the Oficina de Pesca at (619) 233-4324. They will mail or fax you an application. Fill out the form and provide your certificate of documentation for vessel or registration, SASE and cashiers check or money order. You can also mail your request to:

Oficina De Pesca, 2550 5th Ave., Suite 15, San Diego, CA 92103. They will process it immediately and return mail your boat license which is good for one year.

Rates (approx.) in USD
Small Boat (less than 20’) – $32.50
Medium Boat (23’ to 30’) – $65.10
Large Boat (30’ and larger) – $97.69

Fishing Permits

You MUST have a fishing license for everyone onboard a boat, even if they are not fishing, permits are checked. You do not need a permit if you are fishing from the shore.

Permits can be obtained M-F, 8AM to 3PM, in Rocky Point or at the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix.

Rates (approx.) in Pesos
Daily – $106.00; Weekly – $220.00 (MXN)
Monthly – $315.00; Yearly – $410.00 (MXN)

By: Maria Isabel Hernandez

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