Bottom Fishing Trip in Cozumel, Mexico
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private bottom fishing charter with Captain Manny Pool aboard Prowler 22'All gear, bait, drinks included plus meals on 8hour tripsExplore Punta Sur, Punta Molas waters with hotel pickup service
Captain Manny Pool knows Cozumel's bottom fishing spots like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. Whether you're looking for a quick 4-hour morning bite or want to spend a full 8 hours working the depths, this private charter delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back to Mexico's Caribbean coast. You'll be fishing aboard his well-equipped Prowler 22', hitting productive spots around Punta Sur, Punta Molas, and even venturing toward Playa del Carmen when conditions are right. This isn't your typical crowded party boat – it's just you, your crew of up to 6 people, and some of the most consistent bottom fishing in the Yucatan.
Captain Manny runs a tight ship that's all about putting fish in the boat. Your day starts with hotel pickup, so you won't need to worry about finding the marina or dealing with parking. Once you're aboard the Prowler 22', you'll notice this boat was built for fishing – plenty of rod holders, a solid fish box, and all the space you need to fight fish without getting in each other's way. The captain provides all your tackle, fresh bait, and keeps the drinks flowing throughout the trip. We're talking cold beer, sodas, and plenty of water to keep you hydrated under that Caribbean sun. If you book the 8-hour charter, you'll get fed too – fresh ceviche made from your catch and hearty sandwiches to keep your energy up for the afternoon bite. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility; if the fish are biting in one spot, you stay put. If they're not, Captain Manny moves until he finds them.
Bottom fishing in Cozumel means dropping baited rigs down to structure where fish like to hang out – rocky ledges, coral formations, and deeper drop-offs that hold baitfish. Captain Manny rigs you up with circle hooks and fresh cut bait, sometimes live bait when it's available. You're typically fishing in 30 to 100 feet of water, using enough weight to get your bait down and keep it in the strike zone. The technique is straightforward but effective – let your bait hit bottom, reel up a couple cranks, and wait for that telltale thump. When fish are feeding, you'll know it immediately. The captain reads his electronics to find fish-holding structure, then positions the boat so your baits drift naturally with the current. It's not about fancy lures or complicated presentations – it's about being in the right spot with the right bait at the right time.
Cozumel's bottom fishing produces a mixed bag that keeps every drop interesting. Yellowtail snapper are the bread and butter here, schooling over rocky bottom in 40-80 feet of water. These fish average 1-3 pounds but fight hard for their size, and they're absolutely delicious. They're most active during moving water, so Captain Manny times the trips around tidal flow when possible. You'll also tangle with mutton snapper, which can push 5-10 pounds and give you a real battle on medium tackle. These guys are smart and structure-oriented, so expect some break-offs if you can't turn them away from the rocks quickly.
Grouper fishing adds some serious muscle to the mix. Red grouper, black grouper, and the occasional gag grouper call Cozumel's deeper ledges home. These fish can range from 3-15 pounds on average, though bigger ones lurk in the depths. They hit hard and immediately try to get back to their holes, so you need to horse them up fast. The thrill of a big grouper grab never gets old – one second you're sitting there enjoying a beer, the next your rod is doubled over and line is screaming off the reel.
Triggerfish round out the regular catches, and while some anglers consider them a nuisance, they're actually great eating and surprisingly strong fighters. Queen triggerfish and gray triggerfish are common, known for their ability to steal bait and their powerful jaws that can cut through lighter leaders. Captain Manny knows how to rig for these bait thieves, and catching a cooler full makes for excellent table fare back at your resort.
Bottom fishing with Captain Manny Pool offers the perfect blend of action, relaxation, and genuine Caribbean fishing culture. You're not just paying for a boat ride – you're getting a local expert who's spent years learning where fish live and when they feed. The private charter setup means no crowding, no rushing, and no dealing with other people's drama. Whether you're a serious angler looking to put meat in the cooler or a family wanting to experience authentic Mexican fishing, this trip delivers. The included hotel pickup eliminates logistics hassles, the provided gear means you can fly light, and the captain's local knowledge puts you on fish that visiting anglers often miss. Book your dates early, especially during peak season, because word travels fast about captains who consistently produce fish.
Captain Manny's custom 22' Prowler catamaran is built for serious bottom fishing around Cozumel's productive waters. Twin Yanmar engines deliver 350HP to get you out to the fishing grounds fast, hitting 28 knots when you need to chase the bite. The catamaran design keeps things stable when you're fighting fish or moving around the deck. The boat's rigged with everything you need - GPS and fish finder to locate structure and mark productive spots, plus VHF radio for safety. There's even a marine toilet onboard for those longer 8-hour trips. The wide deck gives your group of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work without getting tangled up. Whether you're targeting grouper, snapper, or whatever's biting on the reefs around Punta Sur and Punta Molas, this Prowler handles Cozumel's inshore waters like a champ. Perfect setup for families or experienced anglers looking to explore Mexico's Caribbean fishing grounds in comfort.
Cozumel