Mexico Bass Fishing & Equipment
When is the best time for fishing and when do the bass spawn? The best time to come down for your trophy bass is anytime during the months of October through June with a trophy bass a real possibility during any of these months. Top water action is always good. Spring spawn is a favorite among avid bass fisherman which is during the months of January through March.
October and November daytime temperatures run 75 to 85 with evenings 62 to 72. The fall months are great for fishing with spinnerbaits.
In December, the weather and water begin to cool and the bass are closer to the surface and fish action increases. Daytime averages of 76 to 86 with cooler evenings averaging 50 to 60 degrees. In January and February temperatures still average 76 to 86 with cooler evenings, water levels begin to decrease and fish are preparing to spawn, feeding increases.
In March and April we see everything from pre-spawn to post-spawn and feeding is at frenzy. In the warmer months, plastics, crankbaits and swimbaits are very productive in deeper water. March is typically the main spawning season; thus, heavier fish are especially possible then.
During May & June water levels begin to decrease, air and water temperatures begin to increase and early morning and evening feeding is fantastic. It's now post-spawn, lower-water, and a hotter weather period. This time is often overlooked because everyone has begun fishing on their home waters, but big fish can be concentrated in deep spots and this is when the odds improve for getting a trophy bass.
What can I expect in terms of average numbers and average size?
This varies with time of year and skill levels. Sometimes, you can catch good numbers of fish by beating the banks, but have a low average size (1 to 6 lbs.) and not many big fish. Other times you can catch more quality fish deep, although the total catch is modest. Generally speaking, good anglers can expect to catch 30 to 50 fish per person, per day, but catches of 100 + per day are common. One thing that's certain; no matter where you fish on the lake, any bite could be from a lunker.
How large are the bass?
We've just started fishing Mateos after a decade of it being left alone by anglers. In the early 90's, this lake produced a lot of 10 pounders, as well as a good number of fish from 12 to 15 pounds. Last season produced fish to 12 pounds.
What is the lake record?
We believe it is 16+ pounds, established in the early 1990's, but stories are told of an 18 pounder.
What are the best baits?
- Top Water: Zara Spook, Lobina Lures Rio Rico, Bang-O-Lure, Chugger, Prop Baits, Rapala and other jerk baits.
- Fly Fishing: Fantastic most of the year. We use wet or dry flies and poppers.
- Spinner Bait: ½ ounce to ¾ ounce gold/silver willow leaf blades with chartreuse or white grub tailer. Bring extra white and chartreuse skirts.
- Diving Baits: Rat-L-Trap chrome with blue back in red, crank baits in shad, green, red, chrome or chartreuse and white colors. Swim baits in natural colors.
- Worms: Tequila sunrise, June bug/red, watermelon/red and green pumpkin or black with a blue tail is the most common. All types of worms, flukes, lizards, floating worms, or brush hogs work well. Bring sizes from 7 to 11 inches. 10 inch worms are the norm!
- Jigs: ½ to ¾ ounce rattling jig in green or brown colors, tipped with a large trailer or brush hog.
- Most Other Baits: Just about all your favorite lures will work on Lake Mateos.
- Fishing Line: Clear 15 to 20 lb test. My personal preference is 40 lb. braid.
Frequently asked questions about equipment
Can I bring any fish home?
We practice catch-and-release and our guides are not permitted to let clients kill a fish. This is for practical reasons, and also part of our agreement with local authorities. We encourage you to bring a good camera to record your catch. If you want to have a replica mount made, we can refer you to taxidermists who have done excellent work for our clients. Replicas last much longer than skin-mounted fish anyway.
Will I fish with a guide?
Yes, our guides are among the best in Mexico and know this lake extremely well. Guides are assigned two guests. We do not permit our guides to fish or our guests to fish un-guided.
Do you have fishing gear I can use?
We provide free use of well-tested premium Pflueger and Shakespeare bait casting rods for those who don’t want the hassle of traveling with rod tubes. Fly rods are not provided. You’re welcome to bring your own rods, if you like.
What fishing gear should I bring?
You should bring your own reels and lures, although we do have a limited supply of gear in our tackle shop.
What should I bring besides fishing gear?
A pair of compact binoculars will help you get a closer look at wildlife and the mountain tops and, of course, a camera adds to the special moments and memories. Feel free to bring a fish scale, and possibly a pair of sure-grip gloves for holding your trophy catch for photos. Sunscreen is absolutely necessary and lightweight tropical clothing a plus.
What are the boats like?
Anglers fish from 18-foot American-made Logic fiberglass bass boats with two swivel seats, Lowrance Electronics. They have new 60 hp Yamaha or Mercury motors, plus Lowrance sonar and MinnKota trolling motors. All boats are equipped with life jackets, nets and drink coolers.
What is the bug / insect situation?
Normally there is no insect problem at the lake. But on occasion, there are “no-seeums”.
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