What Fish Can You Catch in Punta del Este by Season?

In Punta del Este you can catch pescadilla (weakfish) all year round, whitemouth croaker in the warmer months (spring and summer) and brótola (Brazilian codling) in autumn and winter. You may also hook burriquetas (black drum) and silversides depending on the day and the spot. The best way to fish for these species is from a boat, on the banks near Gorriti Island, where the captain takes you to the best spots and guides you on technique. On a fishing trip you head out early, with all the gear included, and come back with your catch ready to take home.

Here we explain which species bite in each season, where they are caught and what it is like to go fishing on a private boat from the Port of Punta del Este.

What can you catch in spring and summer in Punta del Este?

In spring and summer the star is the whitemouth croaker (corvina blanca). With warmer water, this species moves closer to the coast and bites well on the banks around Gorriti Island. It puts up a good fight, ideal if you want a bit of adrenaline on the rod. Croaker is meaty and tasty, and it is perfect for grilling on board as soon as you land it.

Pescadilla is also around all summer. It is the most consistent species and the one that bites most throughout the year. If it is your first time fishing or you are coming with children, pescadilla is your best ally: it bites often, is easy to land and is always there. You may also find burriquetas and silversides, depending on the day and the depth you are fishing at.

Trips in these months start early, taking advantage of the first hours of daylight, which are the best for bites. The captain anchors where the fish are, hands you rods already baited and explains how to handle them. You do not need to know anything: he guides you step by step.

What can you catch in autumn and winter?

When the water temperature drops, brótola comes into play. It is a cold-water bottom fish with firm flesh and great flavor. Brótola bites well in autumn and winter, especially on cloudy or slightly windy days, when it is most active.

Pescadilla keeps biting in the colder months too, although less often than in summer. It is the most reliable species: it is always there, in any season. Silversides also show up in winter, especially near the coast and over sandy bottoms.

Fishing in winter has its charm. There are fewer people on the water, the sea is often calmer and the mornings are cool but beautiful. And if you catch brótola, you have a top-quality dish to take home. The boat goes out all year round, and if the weather is not right, we reschedule the trip without any problem or refund your money.

Where do you fish from a boat in Punta del Este?

The most productive fishing area is the banks near Gorriti Island. The bottom there is uneven, with rocks and sand, and that is where the species we are after gather. The captain knows the exact spots depending on the season, the tide and the wind on the day.

We leave from the Port of Punta del Este, a few minutes’ sail from Gorriti Island. Once there, we anchor and start casting. The idea is to fish calmly, without rushing, and try different spots if needed. The boat is private, so you and your group set the pace.

If you want to see the area as well as fish, you can combine the trip with a boat trip to Gorriti Island to anchor, swim and eat on board. Or add an Isla de Lobos boat tour after fishing, if time allows. Everything is planned around what you feel like doing.

What does the fishing trip include?

On the fishing trip we give you everything you need. You do not have to bring any gear. It includes:

• Rods, reels and bait
• A captain who teaches and guides you throughout the trip
• Life jackets for adults and children
• Cleaning of your fish when you get back, so it is ready to take home
• The option to grill on board if you want to eat your catch

You can bring your own food and drinks, or book finger-food catering if you prefer everything taken care of. The trip can be half a day or a full day, depending on how long you want to be on the water.

Can you fish with no experience or with children?

Yes, absolutely. Most people who come fishing with us have no experience, and many come with children. The captain is there to teach you everything: how to hold the rod, when to reel in, how to land the fish. He is very patient and good at explaining, so kids get hooked and learn fast.

Pescadilla is perfect for beginners and children because it bites often and does not require much technique. Seeing the bite, feeling the rod and landing the fish is an experience kids never forget. And the boat is private, so it is just your group, with no pressure from other groups or tight schedules.

If you are coming as a family, a fishing trip is a great, different plan. It combines adventure, learning and the chance to come home with dinner. And if you prefer something calmer, you can choose a boat trip to Solanas and Punta Ballena to sail, swim and enjoy the scenery, or sailboat rental for a more relaxed experience on the water.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a fishing permit to fish from a boat?

We recommend checking with DINARA (Uruguay’s National Directorate of Aquatic Resources) or the National Naval Prefecture about the current permits for recreational boat fishing. We will guide you when you confirm your booking.

What happens if nothing bites?

The captain takes you to the best spots for the season and the conditions on the day, but fishing always depends on the sea. What we can promise is that you will enjoy the trip, learn and have a great time on the water.

Can we take home the fish we catch?

Yes, when we get back we clean the fish and give it to you to take home. You can also grill it on board if you want to eat it right away.

Go fishing by boat from Punta del Este

Now you know what you can catch in each season and where the best spots are. All that is left is to book your trip. The boat is private with a captain, goes out all year round from the Port of Punta del Este and adapts to your group, whether there are two or ten of you.

To check availability and get a quote, message us on WhatsApp with the date you are interested in and how many people are going. We will send you all the information and arrange the details. If you are looking for Boat Rental in Punta del Este to fish, sail or simply spend the day on the water, we are here to organize the trip you are looking for.