🔎 TL;DR
- Sport fishing from Progreso targets dorado, wahoo, kingfish, blue marlin, sailfish depending on season.
- Peak dorado: May–Aug. Peak wahoo: Nov–Mar. Blue marlin: Jun–Sep.
- Licenses required: CONAPESCA sport fishing permit (~$15 USD/day per angler), captain carries.
- Half-day charter $350–600 USD; full-day $600–1,200 USD; boat + captain + mate + bait + gear.
Why the Yucatán shelf produces fish
The Yucatán continental shelf is broad and shallow (avg 50–100 m) dropping to deep water 30 km offshore. That dropoff — the Campeche Bank edge — concentrates pelagic fish as they track bait against the current. Combined with the Loop Current's thermal fronts, it is one of the Gulf's productive sport-fishing zones.
Species calendar
| Species | Peak season | Typical size |
|---|---|---|
| Dorado (mahi-mahi) | May–Aug | 5–15 kg |
| Wahoo | Nov–Mar | 10–30 kg |
| King mackerel | Year-round | 5–15 kg |
| Blue marlin | Jun–Sep | 100+ kg trophy |
| White marlin | Apr–Jul | 30–60 kg |
| Sailfish | Dec–Apr | 25–50 kg |
| Yellowfin tuna | Jun–Sep | 15–50 kg |
Permits and regulations
- Sport fishing license issued by CONAPESCA. Captain normally includes it in the charter price.
- Catch limits per angler per day: 10 fish max, 5 of one species. Billfish strict catch-and-release.
- Prohibited: tuna from purse-seines, any commercial rigging, nets, spearguns.
Book a sport-fishing morning. Progreso fishing charters →
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my catch?
Yes on most species within limits. The operator will clean and vacuum-pack at the dock. Billfish catch-and-release only.
Best for first-time sport fishing?
Half-day trolling, May–Aug targeting dorado. Fast action, beginner-friendly.
Tournament season?
Summer international billfish tournaments occur; check with operators 2 months ahead.
Plan your fishing day
Target species + skill level — we match boat and captain.