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Category: Nuevo Vallarta Mexico

Puerto Vallarta fishing report April 2026

Welcome to paradise and the spring fishing report.  As we transition into April 2026, Puerto Vallarta is transforming into a premier destination for both festive celebrations and world-class angling. With the vibrant energy of Easter and Spring Break filling the city, the true excitement is happening several miles offshore, where the Pacific waters are beginning to simmer with activity and inshore action.

The April Forecast: Rising Temps and Aggressive PelagicsPuerto Vallarta fishing

Last month set a high bar for consistency, but April is where the “magic” truly intensifies. We are currently seeing a steady climb in sea surface temperatures hovering around 75 degrees, which acts as a biological dinner bell for the region’s most sought-after trophy fish. This month marks the definitive arrival of more consistent pelagic runs. There are all kinds of pelagic fish out there for the taking.

What’s Hitting the Dock? The warmer thermoclines are bringing the Sailfish out in force. They are becoming increasingly aggressive, providing spectacular aerial displays for our charters. Marlin—both Black and Blue—are showing up in improved numbers at the offshore banks like El Banco and Corbetena. Perhaps most exciting for those looking for a delicious dinner, the Mahi-Mahi (Dorado) are active and following the weed lines and debris brought in by changing spring currents. Have any questions about fishing in Puerto Vallarta?

The Science of the Strike: Bait and Clarity

After 38 years of operating as an owner-operator in these waters, I’ve learned that successful fishing isn’t about luck; it’s about logistics. Fish are governed by two things: temperature and bait movement.

Puerto Vallarta fishing Rates

Our strategy this April focuses heavily on locating bait balls. Where the sardines and goggle-eyes congregate, the predators follow. However, water clarity is the “silent variable” many anglers overlook. To ensure we aren’t burning fuel heading into “green” or unproductive water, we utilize Terrifin satellite imagery. This real-time data allows us to pinpoint blue water breaks and temperature gradients before we even leave the slip. This tech-driven approach has virtually eliminated the old-school gamble of running 50 miles only to find poor conditions.

See what we have been catchingdeep sea fishing Puerto Vallarta

Why Book an April Charter?

Whether you are a seasoned pro looking for a “bucket list” Black Marlin or a family visiting for the Easter holidays, April offers the perfect balance. The bay remains relatively calm for inshore trips targeting Roosterfish and Snapper, while the offshore grounds are primed for big-game hunts.

Puerto Vallarta fishing reservations

We combine “yesterday’s bite” intel with modern satellite technology to put your group on the fish consistently. In Puerto Vallarta, our goal is simple: bent rods, screaming reels, and big smiles.

If you are looking for some fantastic weather and some unbelievable fishing, Puerto Vallarta fishing has what you are looking for.  Not sure which trip to take? Just call one of our experts, and we will explain all options. We have small sportfishers all the way up to handling 200 people a day. What are you waiting for?  Call toll-free 800-430-6048

Tight lines,

Puerto Vallarta fishing

Capt. Pete and crew

Punta Mita fishing report for May 2023

Here in the bay of Punta Mita when the water temperature gets to 78 degrees the fish move into the bay following all kinds of bait.  Just to mention a few are mullet, goggle-eye, ballyhoo, shad, and some larger bait used for offshore fishing.  To get the most out of your Nuevo Vallarta fishing trip be sure and have the proper fishing rigs.  We like to set up for several kinds of fishing action before heading out to the close fishing spots.  There will be numerous chances at casting as during this time of the season as we are more likely to see schooling fish than not. This type of fishing is enjoyable for all fishing anglers who can cast.  There will be many chances of live baiting here in the bay and offshore. The fun thing I like about live baiting is never knowing what you are going to catch. Once we set out live bait you just don’t know what might strike the line. There will be sailfish, yellowtail, tuna, mahi-mahi, roosterfish, and many more pelagic fish during the month of May.  We love to rig up some of the light tackle for bay fishing and keep a couple of larger rods and reels ready for when the big game fish show up. Trolling and jigging are fun ways to fish here in the bay. ThePunta Mita area is fantastic for bottom fishing as well.  There is a huge river that feeds into our bay with fresh water.  This has the effect to attract all kinds of bottom fish. We don’t do a lot of bottom fishing as most fishermen want to troll for a big game.  We are more than happy to do both if anglers will let us know in advance.

 

Here are a few tips we use every day. I often get asked how we find the fish every day. One of the best ways is chatting will all the Captains that work with us and finding out about their catches the days before. We fish every day and have a good idea will the fish will be biting either inside the bay or offshore.  I personally keep an eye on the weather conditions, water temperature and thermocline beaks, and water clarity. All of this info is shared before the clients even step onto our boats. If you find the bait movement, the right water clarity, and the temperatures you will be on the fish. Be sure and ask about tides.  This is one of the factors that can decide if the fish is an active fishing day or not during your fishing trip.

Nuevo Vallarta tuna fishing

In the spring months, it’s not uncommon to find off-color water conditions.  With the warm water and cool water fixing in the bay, this can turn a hot spot into an average fishing spot.  When we encounter these conditions we usually just change our fishing location if time permits.  It does not happen very often, but can happen in the spring season.  Spring months bring more fish, but can offer some downtime when finding off-color water and cooler water conditions.  Remember in our last fishing report I explained how fishing conditions can change with a drop in the water temperatures. Fish like certain water temperatures just like anglers like when taking a bath. Different species like different water temperatures.  Not sure what to fish for the spring season here in Nuevo Vallarta Mexico?  Just ask one of our pros on a toll-free number at 8004306048.

Need help on which boat to take for your upcoming trip, we are just a phone call away.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions before your trip. The more you know before the trip will increase your chances of having an excellent day on the water.

These are just a few of the tricks we use every day when doing our best to put clients on fish.  The water temperature. Sonar, making sure the water conditions are right before we start fishing a certain area, checking the tides, and more importantly, knowing what all the boats we have done the day before.  With this info, we can guarantee our clients a fun day on the water with some nice catches.bay fishing in Nuevo Vallarta

Be sure and check out our availability before coming down with a phone call or email as I said we are on the water every day and only have a certain amount of boats ready each day. Also, take a look at our springtime rates.

Remember money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy a deep-sea fishing trip from us here at Nuevo Vallarta fishing and that’s about the same thing.

Hope to see everyone out there on the water

Capt. Pete and crew

check out the Puerto Vallarta fishing report

Nuevo Vallarta fishng report April 2023

Nuevo Vallarta is best known for many things, Easter activities, incredible beaches, nightlife, five-star hotels, stunning condos, some of the finest cuisine in the world and last but not least some of the best fishing on the Pacific ocean.  Once a farming area and palm tree supply and is now a major angling site for fishermen from all over the world. Come down and discover what Nuevo Vallarta fishing has to offer for April.

April fishing in Nuevo Vallarta Mexicore you

For the anglers that have visited here in April, you already know the fishing is excellent during this month. Let’s take a look at what we will be fishing for during the start of spring break in Nuevo Vallarta. The marlin will be here and the larger schools will be mostly offshore.  The Blue marlin moves into our fishing grounds around this time of the year.  We have more striped marlin than blue marlin.  Some black marlin but this depends on the water temperature. The striped marlin is like the cooler water so we always keep an eye on the water temperatures and where the larger baits are schooling.  There will be some mahi-mahi action mixed with the marlin action and always fun to catch. The dorados as they are called here in Mexico are some of the best eating you can find in the world.

Nuevo Vallarta fishing prices

Around the reefs and a few spots we have marked here on our GPS there will be the amberjack, grouper, snapper, bottom fish, and the always schooling yellowtail. We love to try jigging, use cut bait, lures, and the all-time favorite live baiting on these fantastic fishing places here close to Nuevo Vallarta. There are few days that the fish will not bite here at these famous places we fish in April.  The only problem we encounter is when we have strong currents. In April the sea is usually flat with no weather issues. One of the frequent questions I get every day is “is it going to be rough out there? ”  April brings lots of sunshine, flat seas, and good fishing.

The good thing about fishing in Nuevo Vallarta in April is you are not limited to one or two species of fish. We have many different kinds of fish and offshore/inshore fishing depending on how much time you want to spend here in our fishing mecca. Let us know your budget, how many will be in your group and I’ll guarantee we will get you on the right boat with one of our top-notch Captains and first mates. I’ve included our email info and my toll-free number to get the latest fishing report and current conditions. 800 4306048.marlin fishing in Nuevo Vallarta

To make reservations in Nuevo Vallarta fishing 

Here is a list of some of our top fishing spots in Nuevo Vallarta Mexico,

  1. The entire bay of Nuevo Vallarta has great fishing from the reefs, the south side of the bay up to the north side of the bay around the La Cruz Area.  There is also incredible bay fishing north close to Punta Mita.
  2. The islands offshore along with several reefs we fish almost every day, From trolling to top water casting these fishing spots to offer excellent fishing in April.
  3. El Morro, An offshore honey hole of a fishing spot that holds marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, and some good bottom fishing
  4. Corbetena or the Rock as it is called by most of the local Captains here in Puerto Vallarta offers some of the best fishing you can find in the ten-hour range for offshore fishing. Marlin, tuna, huge snapper, dorados, and sailfish just to mention a few of the pelagic fish we catch in April at this fantastic fishing spot
  5. El Banco is known for its huge tuna, marlin, dog tooth snapper, mahi-mahi, and much more. this 12 to 14 trip takes you over 50 miles offshore and it is known as one of the top fishing places in the world.bay fishing in Nuevo Vallarta Mexico

As you can see Nuevo Vallarta has a lot offers in April for fishing along with Easter activities, incredible beaches, nightlife, five-star hotels, stunning condos, some of the finest cuisine in the world, and last but not least the friendliest people in the world.

Hope to see everyone out on the water this month.

Capt Pete and crew

see the fishing report for Puerto Vallarta fishing

Nuevo Vallarta fishing report for March 2023

Plan on coming to Nuevo Vallarta fishing and are new here? Tired of coming to the fishing grounds and finding out you are a day late? Want to find out what are the best months for fishing in our bay and offshore?  Then read on to the  Nuevo Vallarta fishing report for Mexico and be able to fish like one of the locals.

What’s going on in March fishing here in Nuevo Vallarta Mexico?fishing for mahi-mahi in Nuevo Vallarta

The fishing conditions will be perfect.   The weather is one of the best factors.  The fishing is second to none.  Our spring fishing is hot compared to anywhere in the world. All bucket list fish will be here or close to Nuevo Vallarta Mexico.  Looking to catch a sailfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, aka Dorado, tuna, or snapper.  Well, you found the right spot in Mexico and the perfect time of the year to be fishing with us on one of our fishing vessels. We offer bay boats of 28 feet. Meduim size sportfishers 32 feet. And our most requested 40 all inclusive sportfisher.  Be sure and check reservations before coming down to out fishing grounds

What makes the fishing so good? It has to do with the bait that arrives with the warming of the water here in our beautiful bay. With temperatures ranging from 72 degrees up to 79 degrees, this makes for perfect fishing conditions. The locals and deep-sea fishing anglers all love to be here in the month of March.  We have bay fishing to hardcore offshore fishing for the huge tuna and marlin.  One of the frequent questions I receive daily is how many hours does it take to get on of these pelagic fish I have on my bucket list?  The answer is I can guess from my 30 years of experience fishing here and I’m usually right, but I always tell folks that our boats are put every day and this gives us a huge advantage over most companies here. Coupled with the Terrifin app we use that supplies us with water temperatures (most pelagic fish have a favorite temperature to feed in) water clarity (fish have to be able to see our lures and baits) chlorophyll beaks (this is where warmer water meets with cooler water and attracts fish in these areas) and of course general weather conditions (like wind and outside temperature).

Click here for advance reservations   Nuevo Vallarta fishing report for March

We are still seeing good numbers of Dorados offshore.  The good-eating Spanish mackerel and tasty California bonitas are thick in most places. Looking for a fun day in the bay we have you covered. Be sure and check for availability before coming down.  This time of the year everyone wants to be here in warm  Mexico. With our incredible beaches, friendly people, five-star hotel, gourmet restaurants, and nightlife what’s not to love about Nuevo Vallarta?

These are the conditions we will be experiencing for the next couple of months and hoping everyone that has a chance to come down to where the friendliest people in the world live and play.

The top ten facts everyone should know before booking a fishing trip in Puerto Vallarta , Mexico.

Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy a fishing trip from us. So it’s the same thing.

Tight lines

Capt. Peter and crew

see more about bay fishing in Puerto Vallarta fishing

Nuevo Vallarta fishing report January 2023

Happy new year from Nuevo Vallarta fishing report for our January action. Curious to see what we have been catching and what the fishing report will be for 2023 looks like in Nuevo Vallarta then keep on reading here. We had an unbelievable Christmas with mahi-mahi, action, sailfish, yellowtail, Spanish mackerel, roosterfish, and some snapper. Do you want to know how and where we were catching the best-eating fish? Look no further as we have the info here to share with you.

Marlin fishing nuevo vallarta January 2023

The winter fishing here in Nuevo Vallarta has had some hot days of fishing with cool mornings to start with. The weather in the winter here is something to look forward to.  The mornings are around 65 degrees and warm up to 79 degrees.   This makes for ideal conditions for fishing here in Mexico.  The Pacifico ocean often cools down some here in the winter months like January.  The locals and Captains refer to this cold water, but the temperature is always around 78 to 65 degrees. Most anglers would love to have these kinds of conditions back home. I know most folks up north have already winterized their boats and stored their fishing gear away for the season.  Here in Nuevo Vallarta, we are just getting started. 

 See our best prices for Nuevo Vallarta fishing

With the cooling of the water, some of the pelagic fish move from the fishing place to the fishing place or offshore farther.  The big blue and black marlin like the water to be a little bit warmer. Some move offshore to different areas. This does not mean we won’t catch them, it’s just less of them around to catch.  The sailfish, mahi-mahi,tuna, and yellowtail will be here for some rod-bending action offshore.  The amberjack will move in about the time the roosterfish show up this month.  We already see some of these fish show up in good numbers.  Nothing like catching amberjack or roosterfish on a big 5 lbs Bonita. The roosterfish and amberjack like the reef areas and can’t stay away from the live bait we use to land these huge fish.  One of the tricks we use for roosterfish is a large Spanish mackerel as a teaser on a short line behind the stern of the bost. This brings them up to our live bait. Then hold on for dear life when they hit the line.  There big fish can go well over a 100 lbs.

 

In the month of January, we have schools and schools of sardines showing up all over the bay and offshore this helps our inshore and offshore fishing tremendously.  There are days when we find and fish around the huge bait balls and we will catch fish until it feels like our arm is going to fall off.  When the bait is around the fish start feeding and you can catch them on just about anything.  The next few months we remain the same with more and more bait coming into our bay.  The offshore fishing is a little different and we usually toll for the striped marlin that loves the cooler water temperatures.  These huge pelagic fish roam offshore but are often found in the bay looking for big schools of sardines or bait balls.

fishing report nuevo vallarta

When trolling offshore we always like a couple of live baits ready.  We call the bait google eye.  Many times during the trip we will see a Dorado, sailfish or striped marlin finning on the surface.  This is when they are most active and feed during the tide changes. If we see them finning on the surface, they will 90 % of the time hit the live bait on our 2 speed avet spinning gear loaded with 150 yards of mono line backed with 400 yards of spectra line. You will need all this line when these marlin get hooked.  They can make a run of several hundred yards in just a few seconds.  So when your are out there on one of our inshore or offshore trips keep an eye out for that fin in the water. This could turn a good day into an extraordinary day. 

 To book a fishing trip for Nuevo Vallarta click here

The inshore fishing for the month of January will be good for the troll, jigging, bottom fish and of course live baiting. We watch the conditions daily for temp changes, water clarity, and bait movement.  I always tell our clients if they find the bait you will find the fish.

The fast-feeding yellowtail, good-eating Spanish mackerel, California bonitas and snapper will be here for the taking for those who venture out on one of our 6 hrs trips here in the bay.  If you are looking for a fun trip fishing in the bay and want to catch a lot of fish this is the trip for you.nuevo vallarta whale watching

There is a big bonus coming to Nuevo Vallarta in the winter months.  Not only do we have fantastic fishing, perfect weather, beautiful beaches, and incredible restaurants we also have humpback whales show up. Imagine hooking up a huge fish and then looking over and seeing a 20-ton 40-foot-long whale right beside your boat. Can’t believe it?? Happens almost every day.  

So please come down and enjoy this winter wonderland we call home 

 Merry Fishmas and Happy New year

Capt. Pete and crew

see what is happening on the other side of the bay in Puerto Vallarta Mexico

Nuevo Vallarta fishing report December 2022

The Nuevo Vallarta fishing report starts off with some major changes this month. First is the cooling weather and some water temperature changes In the bay and offshore. We had incredible fishing temperatures in November to fish off of. The temperatures were around 78 degrees. Since the temperatures had dropped a few degrees inshore and offshore fishing. We have had to rethink our fishing places and plans.  Such as switching lures, running different baits, and changing some of the fishing spots we like in the winter months.  The water never gets really cold here in the Bay of Nuevo Vallarta or offshore. But it does have an effect on our fishing and the way that we fish during the winter months. Let’s take a look at some inshore action first. fishing in Nuevo Vallarta December

For the inshore fishing, there will still be mahi-mahi around, yellowtail, roosterfish, Spanish mackerel, snapper and the fantastic eating California Bonita. The best way to catch these is on the troll. If we are lucky enough, we find them schooling and can use some pitch baits or different jigs we have for casting. We will start seeing large schools of the yellowtail here and they are usually caught on live bait. If you catch them surfacing here on top of the water on some of the bait balls that are moving in for the winter months they’ll bite on anything. We should start seeing some more roosterfish with some snapper over on the South Shore in a couple of coves where we catch fish in the winter months. This is typically done with live bait or some pitch baits. It’s not uncommon this time of the year to start seeing schools of snapper inside the Bay and just offshore. If you’re looking for a fun time this winter and don’t wanna spend all day on a boat choose one of our four or six-hour trips and you’ll have the time of your life here in Nuevo Vallarta. Around Christmas time everyone thinks folks are around the fireplace with grandma, but I guarantee you a lot of them are gonna be down here on the beach with us or offshore fishing.

nuevo vallarta fishing report

The offshore fishing will change as the water cools down some of the larger marlin and tunas will move further offshore. They will be replaced by the striped Marlin. These fish love the cooler water and of course, the tuna we catch will be working around on the thermoclines. You can find tuna schooling sometimes, but not as much as in the Fall. One of our favorite trips is 8 hours going out for a big game fish like sailfish, striped Marlin, and Mahi- Mahi. If the action is not there we can always revert back and come into some of the places that are producing great action inside the Bay and catch a boatload of fish for our clients.

 

During the winter months, the best type of fishing offshore is trolling using skip baits with some high-speed lures along with sewn-up baits like goggle eye or mullet. When we know there’s a large concentration of Marlin or tuna around, we’d love to fish with the 5 to 10 lbs live baits. Three rules of fishing offshore live bait, live bait, and of course, live bait.

Some sailfish action right here.

As I said inside the Bay the water had dropped a little bit cooler so you’re looking at some 75 to 76 deg. Here inside the bay in most places. Offshore fishing is seeing a little warmer water at 78 deg. Most places have fantastic water clarity. The wind is laid down and is pretty flat for most of the trips that we’ve been doing. If you’re coming down for the weekend and just want to check the latest conditions feel free to give me captain Pete a call on our toll-free line. 800 4306048. We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions about fishing or any other water-related sports or upcoming weather conditions.

 

Merry Fishmas and hope to see everyone out there on the water here in Nuevo Vallarta fishing.

Capt. Pete  and crews

Take a look at our sister city Puerto Vallarta fishing report