Papa Hogs – San Miguel On a spring day off the island coast of Cozumel in the Mexican Caribbean, all of Papa Hogs’ crews are in the water angling for billfish, dorado, wahoo, tuna, barracuda—the list goes on! During April and May the fishing “high season” begins to liven up and hundreds of boats compete in two legendary tournaments—the International Sport Fishing Rodeo Tournament and the International Billfish Tournament—where trophies, cash, and even vehicles are...
Papa Hogs – San Miguel
On a spring day off the island coast of Cozumel in the Mexican Caribbean, all of Papa Hogs’ crews are in the water angling for billfish, dorado, wahoo, tuna, barracuda—the list goes on! During April and May the fishing “high season” begins to liven up and hundreds of boats compete in two legendary tournaments—the International Sport Fishing Rodeo Tournament and the International Billfish Tournament—where trophies, cash, and even vehicles are the prizes for winning catches. Cozumel’s lone city, San Miguel, hosts the tournament and is absolutely brimming with energy. Not to mention that when your off the sea, San Miguel’s bars, restaurants, and clubs are perfect for swapping fish stories.
A guided excursion with Papa Hogs includes all fishing tackle, bait, beer, soft drinks, and snacks. The company offers half day or full day fishing trips, and can mix in some scuba diving and snorkeling if desired. Lunches are provided on full day jaunts, and the accommodating vessels can handle a group size of up to six. Cozumel’s weather is balmy year round, with the temperature rarely dipping below 70° Fahrenheit (21°C), but use caution if you’re planning a holiday to the Caribbean islands during the August to November hurricane season.
In order to have a chance in the famed tournaments of Cozumel, an experienced guide is essential, and Papa Hogs is a worthy choice. Consistently performing in various competitions, the charter’s most notable success to date came in 2000, when the company placed first in the national billfish tournament by landing a 150-pound marlin. The company charters three boats—the Chris Nelly, a 29-foot Bayliner; the Buena Vida, a 43-foot luxury motor boat made by Chriscraft; and La Victoria, a 36-foot custom fishing boat—and each is captained and crewed by experienced fishing guides whose enthusiasm for the sport is as palpable as the trophies they’ve won.
Compared to what Cozumel offers, the passionate sport fisherman could hardly expect a better vacation: days filled with competitive deep sea fishing, nights crammed with fine dining and entertaining bars. With so much to do, you practically have to remind yourself to take a break during your off-time!
Price Range and Season Dates – from $420 half day, $500 three-quarter day, $575 full day
