Ecuador is well known as one of the best sports fishing locations in the world, with record-breaking Marlin, Tuna and Wahoo coming from its waters. The region between Cabo Blanco in Peru and southern Colombia, sometimes referred to as Marlin Boulevard, has a long history of Marlin fishing. It was made famous by Ernest Hemingway, Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe and other Hollywood stars who fished out of Cabo Blanco and elsewhere in Peru in the 1950s.
In Ecuador, Salinas, Puerto Lopez and Manta are the most popular mainland locations for launching a sports fishing trip. From Puerto Lopez the primary destination is around Isla de La Plata, which is good for striped Marlin and Tuna. Isla de la Plata, also known as the poor man’s Galapagos, is the best know mainland diving destination to see turtles, manta rays and many varieties of shark. Further north up the coast, the best place for Tuna fishing is near Manta. Manta is the self-proclaimed Tuna capital of the world, and if not the largest, it is certainly among the world’s top five tuna producers.
With sunny skies, and surrounded by majestic islands, the Galapagos also offers spectacular Marlin fishing. Striped Marlin in the 150-250 lbs range and abundant, and with some luck you might catch a 400-500 lb Blue Marlin or Black Marlin. Marlin fishing in the Galapagos is tightly regulated, and is permitted strictly on a catch and release basis.
Sports Fishing SeasonAll year round Ecuador’s game fish are available year round, however the best time of year with the most availability is from August through December. |
A full day boat charter for up to 5 anglers will cost $1500-1800, including lunch and all equipment. Many operators will provide a complete service for you with airport pickup, luxury hotels and fishing charter, so you don’t need to worry about a thing. But if you’re on a tight budget, organize your own travel, and save your money for an unforgettable day of sport fishing.
Seasonal availability chart:
Species availability chart courtesy of: Blue Marlin Lodge
/0.png)
/1.png)
/2.png)
/3.png)
/4.png)
/5.png)
/7.png)
