“I didn’t think a place like this existed anymore!”

That’s what Matt Eastman, host of Wanna Go Fishing? on the Outdoor Channel, said after visiting the village of Puerto Vicente. This authentic Mexican fishing community is tucked along the Costa Grande, a 150-mile stretch of pristine pacific coastline. It’s also where you’ll find the Bahia la Tortuga Fishing Lodge.

Matt Eastman certainly isn’t the only traveler who’s been impressed by the unspoiled beauty of this area. Resting 50 nautical miles south of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Puerto Vicente is hidden away from the crowds and traffic of Mexico’s booming tourist destinations.

Don’t expect strip malls or luxury spas here – instead, you’ll get pristine beaches, litter-free coastlines and friendly, welcoming people who aren’t caught up in the hustle of daily city life.

But of course, the main attraction is the fish.

Ranked No.2 In The World For Sailfishing

Productive fishing is found only 1 mile off the shore from the lodge. This is because the Sierra Madre Mountains that run along Costa Grande extend into the ocean and then immediately drop off, creating deep waters that provide the perfect habitat for migratory trophy fish.

It’s one of the reasons why Sport Fishing Magazine ranked this as the second-best area in the world for sailfishing. Other species found in these waters include:

• Black marlin
• Dorado
• Yellowfin Tuna
• Wahoo
• Jacks
• Spanish Mackeral
• Roosterfish
• Snook

So how big do these fish get? Black marlin show up in the spring and can weigh anywhere from 250 to 500 pounds. The yellowfin, which are around from May until August, can tip the scale past the 200-pound mark.

But despite all this great angling, you’ll probably be the only boat on the water when you fish with us. This section of the Costa Grande coastline is too far away for the big chartered fishing vessels from Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo to travel to on a regular basis. And without the crowds, you’ll have a much more relaxed fishing vacation.

Relax in an authentic fishing village

This area is what places like Ixtapa were like before they became tourist hot spots.

Tucked away at the end of a rugged dirt road, Puerto Vicente offers a refuge from the high-rises, blaring music and cruise ships found in Mexico’s most well-known cities. Only about 100 people live in this friendly community, which is set along one of the few sheltered harbors along the Costa Grande.

It’s a place where fishing is done the old fashioned way. Most villagers pilot small, outboard-powered pangas when they head out onto the ocean for the day. A giant commercial vessel is a rare sight out here.

So if you’re looking for an alternative to Mexico’s behemoth resorts, and you love to fish, then the Bahia La Tortuga Fishing Lodge might be the perfect place for you. If you have any questions about this area, feel free to get in touch.