Many larger hotels, like the Solmar, have their own fleets. To make your own arrangements, go to the town marina on the south side of the harbor, where you'll find several fleet operators with offices near the docks. Panga fleets offer the best deals; 5 hours of fishing for two or three people costs $200 to $450. But stroll around the marina and talk with the captains -- you may make a better deal. Try ABY Charters (tel. 624/143-0831; abcabo@prodigy.net.mx; 10% surcharge for paying with MC, V), or the Picante/Blue Water Sportfishing Fleet (tel. 624/143-2474; daily 6:30am-8pm; AE, MC, V). Both have booths (with bathrooms) at the sportfishing dock at the far south end of the marina. A day on a fully equipped cruiser with captain and guide starts at around $700 for up to four people. For deluxe trips with everything included aboard a 40-foot boat, you'll have to budget $1,400. If you've traveled in your own vessel, you'll need a fishing permit. Depending on the size of the boat, it will cost $15 to $45 per month. Daily permits ($4-$10) and annual permits are also available.

The fishing here lives up to its reputation: Bringing in a 100-pound marlin is routine. Angling is good all year, though the catch varies with the season. Sailfish and wahoo are best from June through November; yellowfin tuna, May through December; yellowtail, January through April; black and blue marlin, July through December. Striped marlin are prevalent year-round.