Category: Puerto Vallarta whale watching

Puerto Vallarta fishing report October 2026

Say hello to your official October 2026 fishing update! Puerto Vallarta is a gem on Mexico’s Pacific coastline, renowned not just for its stunning beaches,all kinds of activities, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife but also for its incredible deep-sea fishing charters. The nutrient-rich waters surrounding this tropical paradise are teeming with a diverse array of fish species that attract sport fishing enthusiasts from around the globe as well as the local fishermen. As the autumn air rolls in, conditions are setting up for an epic month on the water. fishing Puerto Vallarta

Offshore Big Game: Marlin and Sailfish Action. If you are looking for ocean giants, October is prime time. The warm waters attract a variety of pelagic species, making Puerto Vallarta a world-class venue for big-game battles. Blue Marlin & Black Marlin: The deep currents around Banderas Bay lure massive blue marlin and heavy black marlin. These powerful swimmers put anglers’ strength and skill to the ultimate test. Sailfish: Known for their distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and incredible speed, sailfish offer thrilling catch-and-release opportunities throughout the region. They are exceptionally active right now before cooler winter patterns set in. Yellowfin Tuna: October is legendary for trophy-sized yellowfin tuna. Reeling in these formidable fish delivers an unmatched adrenaline rush, plus a delectable dinner.

Inshore Action & Dorado Delight. You don’t always have to run miles offshore to experience world-class action. Banderas Bay offers sheltered, calm waters nearly all year round, making it perfect for both seasoned anglers and novice fishermen looking for action-packed trips. Dorado (Mahi-Mahi): October brings full-blown “Dorado Delight”. Dorado—also known as mahi-mahi—add a vibrant splash of color to any fishing adventure. Fast-growing, aggressive, and highly acrobatic, catching these fast-feeding fish on lighter tackle is a blast. Inshore Species: Closer to shore, structure and reef fishing remain red-hot. We are consistently landing roosterfish, grouper, snapper, and jacks near coastal points and river mouths. Top Fishing Spots in Puerto Vallarta

Be sure to call us about reservations before coming down.

Choosing the right grounds depends on your target species and charter length: Banderas Bay: Ideal for shorter half-day trips. Offers great fishing for dorado, small tuna, and roosterfish in calm seas. Corbeteña Rock (La Corbetena): Located about 35 to 36 miles offshore from Marina Vallarta, this legendary pinnacle is famous for pelagic species like yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and marlin. El Banco: Situated roughly 50 miles offshore, these underwater banks generate nutrient-rich upwellings that hold huge black marlin, blue marlin, and giant cow tuna.

If you have any questions about fishing here in Puerto Vallarta, this website is full of useful information.

Captain’s Tips for a Successful Charter:
Call us toll-free to Book the right charter: My local charter Captains offer a range of tailored options to fit any budget or skill level.
Gear Up Properly: Using top-quality rods, heavy-duty reels, and fresh live bait makes all the difference when fighting big game. Practice Sustainable Fishing: We strongly advocate for selective harvest and proper catch-and-release practices on billfish to preserve marine life for future generations. The sea temperatures are ideal, the bait is thick, and the fish are biting hard. Pack your sunblock, bring your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable time on the water. We offer the best fishing rates in Puerto Vallarta.

Tight lines,

Puerto Vallarta fishing report
Capt. Pete and crews

Puerto Vallarta fishing report July 2026

Puerto Vallarta Fishing Report:

July marks the explosive heart of the offshore fishing season in Mexico! In this report, I’ll explain where the fish will be biting and the best times to catch them. The warm Pacific waters are absolutely teeming with giants, making this prime time for anglers seeking unforgettable battles. Whether you’re targeting massive billfish or hard-fighting coastal species, the region offers world-class action. Water temperatures typically range from 80°F to 85°F, creating perfect conditions for pelagic predators.

With nearly 40 years of fishing these waters, Captain Pete and the crew are ready to break down exactly what is biting, how to catch them, and—most importantly—where the fish will be biting alongside when they will bite.

The Ultimate July Target List

Blue Marlin & Black Marlin

The undisputed stars of July! Blue marlin fishing is exceptional, with consistent shots at fish ranging from 300 to 600+ pounds. Black marlin are also present, often found closer to the high spots. Trolling large lures (like Ilander heads with skirts) and rigged baits (bonito, skipjack) is the go-to method. Expect multiple bites per trip on good days—it’s prime billfish territory!

Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)

Explosive action! Dorado are abundant and aggressive. Look for floating debris, weed lines, or frigate birds diving—these are surefire signs. They readily hit fast-trolled lures (feathers, cedar plugs, small jets) and pitch-baited ballyhoo or squid. Expect acrobatic jumps, fast runs, and incredible table fare.

Yellowfin Tuna

While the massive “cow” tuna are more common later in the season, quality yellowfin tuna (20 to 80 lbs) are still readily found offshore. Look for bird activity and working porpoise. Live bait (skippies, caballitos) under the kite or slow-trolled is deadly.

Roosterfish & Nearshore Gems

July offers prime roosterfish fishing along rocky points and sandy beaches. Sight-casting live bait or large poppers near structure is thrilling. Additionally, the reefs hold excellent numbers of snapper (red, yellowtail, dogtooth) and grouper, while aggressive jack crevalle provide incredible light-tackle sport near river mouths.

Where the Fish Will Be Biting

If you are planning your itinerary, you need to know exactly where the fish will be biting to maximize your time on the water. The answer depends entirely on the size of the beast you are trailing:

For the Blue-Water Giants: The legendary hotspots of El Banco and Corbeteña (often called “The Rock”) are the ultimate destinations. This is where the deep ocean currents push up against dramatic underwater structures, concentrating massive schools of baitfish. If you want to hook into a monstrous black marlin, a heavy yellowfin tuna, or a trophy-sized mahi-mahi, these offshore reefs are where the action is concentrated. Punta Mita and the Marietas Islands also serve as incredible transit points for pelagic predators.
For Inshore Action: If you prefer calmer waters, the sweet spots are inside Banderas Bay. Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias, Palo Verde, and the iconic rock formations of Los Arcos are where the snapper, jack crevalle, and skipjack tuna are holding tight to structure. The sandy shorelines and river mouths near these areas are also where the majestic roosterfish cruise the surf line.

When They Will Bite

Knowing where to go is only half the battle; you also need to time the tides and weather. So, when will they bite?

The Golden Window: The absolute best time to hook into these fish is during the early morning hours, and tide changes which activate the fish to feed.

July in Mexico is undeniably hot and humid, and the midday sun can cause the surface water temperature to spike, pushing baitfish deeper into the water column. By targeting the early morning dawn patrol, you catch the fish during their primary sunrise feeding frenzy.

Furthermore, timing your trip for the morning helps you beat the weather. July frequently brings predictable afternoon thunderstorms and tropical squalls. By wrapping up your heavy fishing by the early afternoon, you ensure a safe, comfortable, and incredibly productive day on the water. Make sure you have a RESERVATION

Puerto Vallarta fishing charters: What sets us apart from other companies in Puerto Vallarta? While there are many good companies here and they are good friends of mine, they average two or three trips a week. Verus is our company that goes out every day with multiple boats. This gives us a huge advantage in knowing where the fish are biting and the water conditions.
Best deep sea fishing prices in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: We pride ourselves on offering the best deep sea fishing prices in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, without ever compromising on safety, comfort, or the quality of your gear.
We offer the best Puerto Vallarta fishing report: Staying updated via a local Puerto Vallarta fishing report is the best way to see what is actively hitting the decks week by week, ensuring your tactics match the fish’s current movement. I also have a toll-free number to check out the latest fishing report. or CONTACT HERE
Deep sea fishing Puerto Vallarta: For those looking to target true bucket-list pelagic species, deep sea fishing Puerto Vallarta style means heading out on an 8 to 12-hour offshore odyssey to the deep ocean trenches where the giants roam. Many people want to catch the fish of their dreams but never reach the right fishing grounds. Call and plan your fishing adventure with us before you leave the docks.

Tactics for July Success

Success in the summer heat hinges entirely on technique. Offshore, live bait is king. Ensure your charter has a healthy bait well stocked with goggle-eyes, skipjack chunks, or flying fish. Trolling natural baits or heavy artificial lures like Black Barts is highly effective for covering water. When a billfish is spotted tailing on the surface, switching to a pitched live bait can trigger an instant, explosive strike.

Inshore, a combination of deep-diving Rapalas and vertical jigs worked over submerged rocks will frequently result in double or even triple hookups on snapper and jacks. Keep your polarized glasses on for sight-casting to roosterfish cruising the surf line, and don’t underestimate the power of fresh cut bait near floating debris to spark a frantic dorado feeding frenzy.

The local fishing community strongly encourages catch and release for billfish (marlin and sailfish) to ensure future generations can enjoy these magnificent creatures. At the same time, species like tuna, snapper, and mahi-mahi make excellent table fare that your crew will happily fillet for your dinner.

Bring plenty of reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and stay hydrated. The spectacular waters of Banderas Bay are calling, and the peak summer bite is waiting for you!

Tight Lines

Nuevo Vallarta fishing report

Capt. Pete and crew

Puerto Vallarta fishing report January 2026

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Happy Fishmas and Feliz Año Nuevo from Puerto Vallarta!
¡Bienvenidos, amigos! It’s your favorite salt-crusted captain, Pete, coming to you live from the docks. First off, a huge Happy Fishmas and Feliz Año Nuevo to all my fishing family out there. It’s January 2026, and while I know many of you are back home digging out of the snow or winterizing your rigs, let me tell ya—the only thing we’re “winterizing” here in Mexico is the ice chest to make room for more fillets!

It is my absolute pleasure to bring you the January 2026 fishing report straight from the stunning, blue waters of Puerto Vallarta. If you’re looking for a winter getaway that feels like a literal paradise, you’ve parked your boat in the right slip. We’ve got perfect weather, beaches that’ll make your jaw drop, and some of the friendliest people on the planet. But let’s get down to the real reason you’re reading this: you want to know if the fish are biting. The short answer? You bet your bottom dollar they are.

The January Conditions: Tropical “Chills”
Winter in our neck of the woods is simply magical. Now, don’t let the word “winter” fool ya. Our mornings greet us with a cool, crisp breeze around 65°F—just enough to need a light hoodie while we’re rigging the lines. By the time the sun hits high noon, we’re basking in a perfect 78°F.

The Pacific Ocean follows suit, staying right in that sweet spot between 65°F and 78°F. The locals might call it “cold water,” and sure, it might feel a bit “refreshing” when you first jump in for a snorkel, but for the fish, it’s prime time. This temperature range creates some of the most action-packed Puerto Vallarta fishing you’ll find all year.

The Big Boys: Offshore Fishing
While our friends up north are hunker’d down, we’re just hitting our stride. The cooler waters of January bring a change of guard in the deep blue. The massive blue and black marlin have started their migration to warmer southern waters, but don’t you worry—their cousins, the striped marlin, have arrived in force to fill the gap. These guys are acrobatic, fast, and put on a heck of a show.

If you’re heading out for some serious offshore fishing, you’re also going to run into plenty of sailfish. They love these January currents. And let’s not forget the crowd favorites: mahi-mahi (or as we call ’em here, dorado). These gold-and-green beauties are still lighting up the spread, providing both a great fight and the best fish tacos you’ll ever taste. When we’re out there, we’re constantly looking for those massive schools of sardines. These “bait balls” are like an all-you-can-eat buffet for predators. Watching a striped marlin or a pod of dorado crash a bait ball is a sight that’ll leave your adrenaline pumping and your arms sore from reeling.

Inshore Action and “Rooster” Fever
Not everyone wants to go way out to the Corbetena or El Banco, and that’s just fine because the inshore fishing right now is spectacular. Our 6-hour bay trips are producing impressive catches of yellowtail, Spanish mackerel, and snapper.

But the real king of the shoreline right now is the roosterfish. These “punks of the Pacific” with their iconic mohawk fins are a blast to catch. Pro tip: if you want to hook a trophy roosterfish, we’ve been having huge success using live Spanish mackerel as bait. There’s nothing like seeing that comb-fin slicing through the surf right before your drag starts screaming!

Why Choose Our Fishing Charters?
Whether you are a seasoned pro or a first-timer who doesn’t know a lure from a lolly pop, we’ve got the know-how to help you hook your dream fish. We offer the best prices on deep-sea fishing adventures in the region.

6-Hour Trips: Perfect for families and hitting the inshore honey holes.

8-Hour to Multi-Day: For the hardcore anglers chasing the big game offshore.

Whale Watching Bonus: This is the best part of January! While we’re hunting for sailfish, we often see humpback whales breaching right next to the boat. It’s a two-for-one nature show!

So, what are you waiting for? Come visit the friendliest port city in the world. The sun is shining, the beer is cold, and the fish are hungry. Give me a call toll-free at 800-430-6048 to check our availability. Let’s get you out on one of the premier fishing charters in Mexico and make some memories.

Tight lines and blue water,

Capt. Pete and Crew