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Whether it's reeling in a prized striped marlin off Los Cabos, hooking mahi-mahi in the Yucatan, or trying to eclipse the record 988-pound black marlin caught off the waters of Mazatlan, visitors are sure to be lured by thousands of species of fish in one of the world's top destinations for sportfishing. So get ready to bring in the catch of a lifetime rather than bringing home tales of the proverbial big one that got away.

FISHING HOTSPOTS

Affordability and charm make Mazatlan a prime starting point for fishermen of all levels; from the aficionado to the amateur. With approximately 10,000 sailfish and marlin brought in annually, it's obvious why Sport Fishing magazine named Mazatlan one of the top 20 sport fishing destinations in the world. Thousands of anglers visit each year and try to break the 1980 record by reeling in a catch bigger than the 988-pound, 12-foot black marlin that was caught off Mazatlan's shores.

A 407-mile seacoast makes the western state of Sinaloa a leading region for commercial and sport fishing. Straddling the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, the state and its popular city, Mazatlan, were discovered by the Spanish explorers in the 1500s and became a bustling port for Galleons returning from Asia in the 17th century.

A large part of Sinaloa remains unexplored by tourists, although enthusiastic bass fishermen often visit the central zone to fish the many wetlands and reservoirs. Today, Mazatlan, the largest port on Mexico's western coast, is a highly visited beach resort and home to one of Mexico's most vibrant carnaval celebrations. The modern Marina El Cid was completed in 1995 and includes a 90-slip marina and a deluxe hotel. A second marina is currently being developed in Estero del Sábalo, a salt-water estuary. Called Isla Mazatlan, this project will feature lodging, an 18-hole golf course, a tennis center and yacht moorings.

Fishing seasons are as follows: sailfish and dorado (dolphin) from March to December; swordfish and striped marlin from December to April. Tuna can be fished year around. Charter boat prices range from $350 to $400 per day. Two of the eight full-time fleets offering chartered fishing excursions are:

The Star Fleet is the largest sport fishing fleet on the Pacific Coast with more than 40 years of experience in Mazatlan waters. The Fleet consists of 15 boats from 34 to 43 feet, which meet . Coast Guard standards. Fishing trips run daily from 6:30 . to 2:30 . All bait, tackle and ice included. Star Fleet clients have established several IGFA world records, including those for striped marlin and dolphin fish. Phone: 210/377-0451.

In the event that not every member of the family has fishing on their agenda, Mazatlan offers an array of on-land activities, including white, sandy beaches, botanical gardens, snorkeling, shopping, and even an archaeological museum. For more information on Mazatlan visit .com

Nestled against the Sierra Madre Mountains, the sister cities of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo sit 4 ˝ miles apart along Mexico's western coastline and welcome visitors to explore dozens of sandy beaches and coves. Fairly recently recognized as a top fishing destination, the waters surrounding Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are teeming with a variety of game fish including marlin, mackerel, wahoo, yellowtail, yellowfin tuna, dorado (mahi-mahi), and sailfish, the primary game during most of the year.

Ixtapa is arguably the most modern resort town on Mexico's western coast. Developed by the Mexican government in the 1970s, Ixtapa has an ecologically minded master plan that requires the allocation of half the land as ecological reserve. Making room for the ever increasing number of sport fishermen traveling to the region, the new Marina Ixtapa is comprised of 621 yacht slips, private villas, restaurants and shops, a beach club and tennis center.

Kriss H. Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent