Mazatlan is still producing a better than 50% chance for a billfish and it is the time of year when they catch mostly the Pacific striped marlin in their offshore waters. However, they have also been affected by the ever changing water conditions that normally don't show up until mid-February or early March, and while they are still having a daily shot at billfish, the change is evident and almost predictable if the waters and currents continue to change. Even the inshore fishing has seen significant changes that can be related to the water temps and water clarity in the area. The offshore Aries Fleet reported 9 days fishing that resulted in 5 stripers and 1 mako shark, (mako sharks are usually indicative of cooler and greener waters, same as swordfish). The inshore super pangas reported in for 7 days fished and reflected 1 corvina, 2 jack cravelle, 8 Baquetas, 2 cabrilla, 11 pargo, 10 cochitos and 39 mojarres.

Mazatlan Climate: Partly cloudy days with cold nights, temps from 47 nights to 79 daytime highs.

Sea Conditions: Inshore waters are 64-65 degrees and mostly green, rising to 71 degrees at 14-15 miles out to the south but not cleaning to fishable clear waters until 19-20 miles or so.

Best Fishing Area: Out to the south of the Marina El Cid at about 19-20 miles, but no real concentration of fish; just scattered over a wide area.

Best Lure/Bait: The rigged baits caught all the fish offshore.

Bait Supply: A very good bait supply for Mazatlan, both live bait & rigged baits.