my two cents....
Recently went to Mexico and stayed at the Barcelo Maya Palace all inclusive resort in mid-May. This is a little south of Playa del Carmen. The Palace is a brand new resort and was very nice. We traveled with four other couples and we all had a great experience there. Puerto Adventuras is the fishing port which is less than ten minutes away from the resort. I booked a day on a 31 Bertram (Reel Screamer) with Capt Rick?s fleet. It was just my wife and I fishing and we landed one white marlin, raised several others, and landed two sailfish (~80# fish). Plenty of big mahi to play with and several cudas. Captain and mate both worked hard to get us on the fish. After the white and sailfish they tried hard to raise a blue marlin for the billfish slam. What was really nice to see is there dedication to catch and release and ensuring the billfish fish were released healthy. I couldn?t find a tournament style charter so I went with Capt Rick?s fleet. Boat/crew and gear were good. Trolled five lines and dragged two teasers. All dead bait but very good quality. I brought some of my own skirts for the hoo. Everyday had steady 15+ knot breeze. While nice by the pool, it kicked up the seas a bit. The nice thing is fishing is five minutes out of the slip and a couple miles off the beaches. Seas were typical of a day in the NE. The mate said it is flat ass calm in mid-summer, but as you would expect, the fishing is no were near as productive, plus you start getting into peak hurricane season!
Isle Mujeres would be the best fishing location on the Yucatan side. Obviously the fishing is going to depend on the time of the year you go.
We stayed at the resort most of the time. No need to leave the pool, beach and swim up bar. We did go into Playa del Carmen one day. It was hot and nothing but junk vendors trying to get you into their stores.
I would go back to this resort and fish with Capt. Ricks again. Hope this helps!
