By Robert L. Deen

Fish on! The fall weather may be hot in Mazatlán, but fortunately so is the fishing – some of the best of the year. So now is a good time to think about a trolling trip for blue water big game. Marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna and dorado (mahi-mahi) will reward deep-sea anglers venturing out with one of the city’s many sportfishing fleets. Closer inshore fishermen will reap snapper, triggerfish, sea bass and the much sought after roosterfish. Or, for a freshwater outing, the famous El Salto Lake, just 50 miles north of Mazatlán, provides world-class action for black bass. Although only average for sailfish or striped marlin, fall is tops for the much sought after black marlin and blue marlin. An average catch with both these species will run from 125 to 250 pounds, and can go much bigger. This is the major league of deep-sea fishing. Swordfish averaging 200-500 pounds are also a real possibility, as well as mako and hammerhead sharks. Mazatlán offers many choices for those wishing to try their luck. At the new Marina Mazatlán, the Viking and Escualo fleets offer both super panga and cruiser outings. At the nearby El Cid Marina, The Aries Fleet has a similar offering. The older fleets, which have somewhat lower prices, operate from the Flotilla Docks at the south end of town (on the narrow stretch of land connecting the main peninsula with the lighthouse). You have two choices for boats. A cabin cruiser is most often used for the larger, deep-sea fish. It will have an enclosed cabin with restroom facilities and is generally much roomier and more comfortable than the smaller panga (or super panga). The open boat panga is ideally