What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo for the first time?

The only thing about these boats is that they're smaller than the big fishing charters. If it's windy (but not so windy that the trip needs to be cancelled), the boat can rock a bit if you stop/slow down to do bottom fishing. That might affect people who are prone to motion sickness.

Don’t go in thinking you’re gonna catch fish right away. Sometimes it can take a while. For us it was 2hrs until we caught the white Marlin. But it was worth the wait. I’ll take the quality over the quantity.

As a former guide I always recommend to anyone booking any kind of guided fishing or hunting trip not to expect everything you see in all the photos. Go with an open mind. Go enjoy the experience. Talk lots. Have a beer!

Book directly to the boat skipper. My trip was a family Xmas present as I mentioned that was booked up at home. Once at the hotel resort you’ll get lads selling all manor of days out. I enquired about fishing, the costs were 2-3 times the price booking directly to the likes of Alfonso! And that’s a cost that I couldn’t afford. If Alfonso hadn’t of been booked up for the rest of my trip I’d have hired him again!!

With the conditions at our trip (windy, rain in the night and a bit chilly) - the fishing trip is a nonsense - not only according to us but also from the info received from other boats. Can imagine that if the conditions were better this could have worked out.

Expect to enjoy bottom fishing for trigger fish. Be prepared to catch barracuda while trolling and amberjack fish a number of different ways. You are more than welcome to bring and use your own equipment. It is a beach entry into the boat so be prepared to get your feet wet.

Before we start, I am from Holland, so I am use to other fishing that What we do in Mexico. It was fr@#king fabulous. The boat was smaller than a boat on a canal but you get an experience that is not for sale anywhere alse on the hole planet. Yes it's small, yes it's poor man's life, yes it's basic. But if you want to experience the true life of an Mexican Fisherman than you get to do this. Ut does has an port to get on the boat It self. But if you get the chance and you are a real sea-loving man take this trip. It wil not disappoint you. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Cheers to captain Benjamin and Carlos.

The water may be rough out at sea. Dramamine is a safe better to ensure a good time. I didn't barf but there were times I wanted to. The boats are easy to get to and everyone is very friendly. The sun will also get you if you're not careful

You have to understand what type of species are offered during the appropriate times of year. We knew what the potential was before we booked. We did see a boat while at sea that landed a sailfish, but understood its extemely unlikely during this time of year. We enjoyed our time.

Deficient experience was great two people plenty on the boat three people OK four people might get a little crowded but I think two people on this size boat is perfect drinks snacks water everything was provided. The only thing we had to do was Raul in the fish

From what we heard, mahi season is almost over. We were lucky enough to have an amazing captain and get on more mahi than we could handle. For what could have been a bust on mahi, our captain and mate killed it!!! So my opinion is skewed, but I'd rate it a five if they told me our trip was daily.

Maybe a bigger boat if it’s first time fishing and ask if you will be managing your own Rod. . That’s the only think lacking for me- I wanted a fishing rod of my own. The Captain was responsible for all of them. We just waited for a bite.

Capt Alfonso and his crew were excellent, but we ended up trolling back and forth a half mile offshore, caught nothing and had no options. They did not provide any bottom fishing tackle or lighter rods to allow us to fish the bottom after the trolling didn’t work. Needless to say we were disappointed, and will move sure to request a bottom fishing trip next time.

Go out early in the morning, when the water is calm and still. We didn't--our trip was after lunch, and the wind was up and the seas were rough. We had to troll, and did not get one bit or fish on the line, which is very disappointing. Our trip probably should have been cancelled by the captain, but so it goes. If you are a party of more than three people, make sure you opt for a larger boat, or you will feel cramped. Make sure you rent a boat with some shade/a cover, and wear your sunshirt. Also, please make sure your captain has a credit card reader, or you may be expected to pay in all cash--which could be US Dollars, instead of MEX pesos.

I would definanlty tru out the gardi crew, do not go through the resorts. Book your own trip on fishing Booker. Weve done the resort booking in the past and never even got a bite and it seemed like the crews never tried.

Find a charter with a large enough boat to deal with rough seas. Do not go on a small vessel. The water can be rough and it makes for a bad experience if you don't have a vessel that can handle the waves.

I would suggest waiting til May or early June when the fishing is a little better. It was tough fishing but the crew will take care of you and try to give you the best experience. I wouldn't take real young kinds as even on the calmest days you are going out on the ocean it gets rocking out there. If you are a fisherman who loves being on the water you are going to love it no matter when you go.

Keep an open mind. Wether you catch fish or not, you are in a beautiful place with amazing people so enjoy!

The hardest part of the trip was finding boat. The location on this app is incorrect. He is located on coco beach

The crew does a lot for you so it's very easy fishing. They almost catch the fish and let you pull it up. That was very different than what I am used to but it was cool.

If you ever fished b4 ya know dress for the experience... if your comfortable you'll have a great trip

Call captain Gerardo Ramirez at Balihoo he is great to deal with and so are his men. Fantastic people.

Somewhat disappointed that fishing was not more productive, but this was nothing to do with Captain Alfonso, I thought he tried very hard to get both of us a fish.

Weather was sunny. The waves were rolling. And the catching was not so great in the afternoon.

Do not expect any numbers of decent size fish. Lots of small fish. You’d be lucky if you caught 1 decent size one in a day.

If you can plan a time for fishing. It’s May as I hear. around here for more high quality species.

Be prepared for great time waters are usually calm and beautiful. Been three times and was great and caught fish every time

Yes, I recommend. Apparently January is not mahi mahi season so I would love to come again in the right season for that fish

Be patient and understanding. If the fish aren’t biting it’s not the crews fault. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

I would suggest to go in June through August as the Captain suggested but we were glad we fished while we were here regardless.