Email: nuevovallartafishing@hotmail.com Toll-Free: 1-800-430-6048

Category: Punta Mita bay fishing

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

Puerto Vallarta fishing report January 2026

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

Nuevo Vallarta fishing report

Capt. Pete and Crew

Puerto Vallarta fishing report November 2025

Puerto Vallarta Fishing Report: November 2025 – The Pinnacle of the Season!

Fellow anglers, Captain Pete here, reporting straight from the pristine coastline of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! November is not just a great fishing month; it marks the absolute pinnacle of the season here, attracting dedicated local and international fishing enthusiasts. The deep, cold, crystal-clear blue waters are fully settled, and the abundance of bait fish has the entire pelagic population locked into aggressive feeding patterns. If you are looking for explosive action, this is undeniably the month to be here!

The Offshore Chase: Giants at the BanksPuerto Vallarta fishing boats

For those seeking true trophy catches, our deep-sea runs target the famed offshore banks where the ocean’s largest game fish congregate. The conditions are perfect for chasing down the biggest predators, with water temperatures ranging from a comfortable F to F, creating a paradise for trophy seekers.

The highlight of our offshore trips is the pursuit of Marlin. We are seeing strong numbers of Black and Blue Marlin aggressively feeding, providing incredible opportunities for massive catches. We are also heavily focused on the colossal Yellowfin Tuna. These muscle-bound brutes are consistently showing up on the sonar, ready to test the toughest anglers. We successfully hunt these giants using a combination of heavy tackle, large live baits, and specialized techniques around the structure of El Banco (The Bank). Landing a Yellowfin Tuna pushing well over the 200-pound mark is a very real possibility right now, delivering a fight that few other species can match.

The presence of these massive predators confirms that our offshore fishery is delivering world-class Big Game Fishing action throughout November.

Inshore Action and The Tournament Frenzy

The action is just as hot closer to shore, particularly inside the vast expanse of Banderas Bay. Our shorter 4 to 8-hour trips are delivering consistent and varied catches that are ideal for families or those seeking fast-paced fun. The beautiful Sailfish are plentiful, providing exhilarating catch-and-release opportunities characterized by blistering runs and spectacular jumps.

No report would be complete without mentioning the colorful Mahi-Mahi (Dorado). These acrobatic fighters are readily hitting lures and live bait around any structure or debris, providing excellent table fare and non-stop fun. For our popular 4 to 6-hour trips, anglers are successfully targeting Spanish mackerel, hard-fighting Yellowtail, and various Snapper species near the rocks and reefs.

The November Tournament Scene

This month, Puerto Vallarta is hosting two major events that inject high-stakes excitement into the marina:

  1. The Los Muertos Tournament (Nov 7 th and 8 th): This is one of the biggest fishing tournaments of the year, typically drawing around 200 boats. The primary focus is on Mahi-Mahi and Sailfish, and the competition is fierce. Impressive cash prizes totaling 450,000 pesos are on the line, and we have a strong history here, including catching the largest fish in a previous year and securing second place last year. The entry fee is 6,500 pesos plus the cost of your charter.
  2. International Tournament (Nov 12th): Registration opens for three intense days of fishing, targeting the “big four”: Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, and Mahi-Mahi. This event is tailored for the deep-sea enthusiast, with an entry fee of 37,000 pesos. Our focus during this competition will be on landing those massive Marlin and Tuna we know are feeding offshore.

Specialty Trips and Contact Informationtuna fishing Puerto vallarta

In addition to standard charters, we provide unique experiences perfect for the winter season. One of our most sought-after offerings is a half-day fishing excursion combined with half a day of whale watching. Whales typically make their grand entrance from November through December, and these trips offer an incredible combination of huge catches and stunning wildlife moments. Another popular choice is a half-day fishing trip paired with beach activities, such as snorkeling and beachfront dining.

We eagerly look forward to welcoming all of you to the waters of Puerto Vallarta Fishing for an unforgettable experience. For newcomers and general information, please visit our comprehensive Q&A page. You can also contact Captain Pete directly at our toll-free number, 800-430-6048, for the latest conditions and to book your deep-sea adventure.

Tight lines,

https://www.travelvallarta.com

Captain Pete

 

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