Mazatlan’s Sizzling Hot Sailfish Action

By Marc Malkin

Take a look at the nostalgic photos on the walls at Bill Heimpel’s Star Fleet charter boat office in Mazatlan, and you’ll be immediately transported back to this Mexican sportfishing mecca’s golden era. Framed black and whites of actor Lee Marvin and other old-time actors posing proudly with their catches of Pacific sailfish, or “pez vela,” adorn the walls. In those days, Mazatlan was best known as an angling hot-spot. The town played host to many avid anglers from the states, including a number of celebrity sportsmen, all seeking to battle billfish. Over the years, however, this fisherman’s paradise gradually became more famous for its nightlife and beaches than for its fishing. Once dubbed “Sailfish Capitol of the World,” Mazatlan soon found itself playing second fiddle to Baja sportfishing areas like Cabo San Lucas, the East Cape and La Paz. But don’t be so quick to cross Mazatlan off your list of “must fish” destinations. Like an aging ex-champ that refuses to retire from the ring, Mazatlan continues to offer exceptional angling action, especially for big Pacific sails.

While the Baja peninsula now attracts more attention than Mexico’s mainland when it comes to sportfishing, more and more anglers are re-discovering Mazatlan as a prime angling location. The sailfish population off Mazatlan continues to flourish, and the offshore waters are yielding impressive marlin and swordfish catches as well. In fact, Mazatlan is rapidly becoming known as a top broadbill destination, especially during the months of January through April. This area is still most famous, however, for its huge numbers of sailfish. While they can be taken year round, the most productive period for sails is typically May through October, when the action is often “wide-open.” This area is still most famous, however, for its huge numbers of sailfish. ” During this period, single boat catches of six or more sails per day are not uncommon. In addition to offering great big-game fishing action, Mazatlan is a real value when compared to many other angling destinations. While the cost of lodging and charter boats in renowned billfish spots like Cabo and Kona continue to rise, fishing in Mazatlan represents a relative bargain.

As far as charter boat operations are concerned, there are a few to choose from, including the Star Fleet (Tel: 888-882-9614) and the Aries Fleet (Tel: 619-469-4255). Depending upon the number of anglers in your group, you can choose from a variety of available cruisers ranging from 28 to 43 feet (approximately $260 to $400 per day, depending upon the particular boat). If you are traveling alone or with just one other angler, these fleets can also make arrangements for you to share a cruiser with other anglers, to lower the per-person cost.

Most of the fleet skippers in Mazatlan are extremely experienced, having grown up fishing these very same waters. They are accomplished at guiding visiting anglers to the most productive fishing grounds, and assisting them in landing a variety of Pacific pelagics. Most plentiful, of course, are the sails, which are often in the 100-pound class or larger. These powerful fish put up a spirited fight – even more so on lighter gear. Some light-tackle enthusiasts battle Mazatlan sails on medium-action saltwater outfits and line as light as 20-pound test (in combination with a 80- to 120-pound test leader. The oversized sails are capable of acrobatic leaps and sizzling runs, so a smooth, fully-functioning and properly-set drag system is a must, especially when lighter line and tackle are used.

While the angling action off Mazatlan may not be quite as sensational as it was during the town’s glory days due to the effects of increased fishing pressure, the fishing for sails can still be nothing short of spectacular. Typically, just a half hour run from the marina is all that’s required to get into the deeper waters where the sailfish congregate. The shelf ends here, and the water quickly turns from a jade green to a deep, dark cobalt blue.

With live bait sometimes hard to come by, the standard method of operation on the Mazatlan charter boats is rigging two trolling set-ups with dead mullet, along with a couple of lures and teaser set-ups. The mullet, trolled on 9/0 hooks attached to 100-pound test leader, are usually set long, while the artificials are dragged short to draw in curious billfish attracted by the surface commotion. A variety of trolling lure colors will fool the sails, but hot pink Konas or Hex-heads seem to work best. While jig strikes are common, most of the Mazatlan sails are taken on bait, either slow-trolled or dropped back after a “follow-up” or strike. When dead mullet are used on the troll, great care is taken by the crew in rigging each bait up properly to create a life-like presentation.

As we trolled off Mazatlan, we noticed that the both the water and sky were teeming with life. Frigate birds hovered close to the surface, diving occasionally to pick off baitfish near the surface. Our skipper reminded us to keep a close watch off the stern so we could quickly spot any billfish coming up on our trolled baits. Sailfish are notorious for suddenly appearing, seemingly out of nowhere, behind the boat. A sail usually comes up on a trolled offering rapidly, slashing at the lure or bait wildly with its intended prey wildly before engulfing it. When a strike like this occurs, ample time (a good five-second count) should be allowed for the fish to swallow its meal before attempting to set the hook.

Anticipation was heavy in the air as we trolled along a temperature break with some diving birds in the area. We scanned the surface all around the boat for any tailing billfish, while also monitoring the trolled lures skipping just beyond our wake. All of a sudden, the dull drone of our boats twin diesels was interrupted by the high-pitch screaming of one of our Penn trolling reels. A hungry, oversized sailfish had pounced on one of our slow-trolled mullet and immediately began to tear off line. I grabbed the rod and let out some line in free spool as the fish moved off with the bait. As I set the hook, the hefty sail took to the air, making a series of vertical leaps and twists that even Michael Jordon would envy.

For what they give up on overall brute strength to their larger cousins – marlin and swordfish – sailfish more than make up for with their spectacular aerial acrobatics when hooked. Sails also “light up” during a fight, adding an amazing display of fluorescent blue and purple to the awesome show of power and agility.

“Reel, reel, reel,” yelled our skipper, reminding me to keep a tight line as the sail turned and began swimming toward our stern. I cranked rapidly, knowing that the slightest amount of slack line could easily result in a “thrown” hook. After battling the oversized sail (we estimated the fish at about 120 pounds) for about 20 minutes on 30-pound test line, I was finally able to gain back some line. We eventually leadered and released the exhausted sail after an impressive series of runs and jumps.

The day’s angling action was far from over, however. Our group of four anglers continued on to hook another six Pacific sails – all in the 110- to 125-pound class. When the time arrived to return to the docks, we were all tired yet jubilant. We began the run back to the El Cid Resort, each of us thoroughly convinced that Mazatlan still deserves to be included among the world’s finest angling destinations.

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