Puerto Vallarta Fishing Charters
Puerto Vallarta fishing charters work Banderas Bay’s inshore reefs and beaches, offshore banks, and deep bluewater for marlin, tuna, dorado, sailfish, snapper, and roosterfish.
Top Rated Charters in Puerto Vallarta
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Puerto Vallarta, MX Fishing Guide
Puerto Vallarta sits on the edge of Banderas Bay, one of the largest natural bays in the world, and that geography sets the stage for a diverse fishery. Inside the bay, anglers target roosterfish, jacks, snapper, and bonito along rocky points, beaches, and reef edges. Just outside, the seafloor drops into deep water, with famous spots like El Morro, Corbeteña, and El Banco producing trophy pelagics. Most charters depart from Marina Vallarta, with a wide range of boats—from small pangas running half-day roosterfish trips to 40-foot sportfishers geared for multi-day offshore hunts.
Half-day trips usually stay inside Banderas Bay, slow-trolling live bait for roosterfish and jacks or bottom fishing for snapper and grouper. Full-day trips run to Corbeteña (about 36 miles offshore) or El Banco (50 miles) to target tuna, marlin, dorado, and sailfish. Multi-day expeditions can push farther into offshore waters, especially during the peak tuna season. Run times vary, but even the far banks are within reach on a long day trip.
Seasonality drives much of the action. Sailfish and dorado peak in summer and fall, while tuna and marlin concentrate around the offshore banks in late summer into winter. Roosterfish are best inshore from spring through early fall, with snapper and grouper providing steady bottom fishing year-round. The bay itself offers dependable fishing no matter the season, giving options when offshore conditions turn rough.
Techniques range from light tackle casting for roosterfish and jacks to trolling skirted lures and rigged ballyhoo for marlin, sailfish, and mahi. Tuna are often taken chunking, kite fishing, or trolling lures around bait schools offshore. Bottom fishing with live and cut bait produces snapper, grouper, and amberjack near reef structure. With its blend of inshore variety and offshore trophy fishing, Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most complete fishing destinations.
Fishing Seasons in Puerto Vallarta
Spring (March–May)
Spring in Puerto Vallarta is prime inshore time. Roosterfish prowl the sandy beaches and rocky points, hitting live bait and surface plugs. Snapper and grouper remain steady on reefs inside the bay, while offshore action starts to build with early-season sailfish and mahi. Calm conditions make this a popular season for mixed inshore and offshore trips.
Summer (June–August)
Summer brings warm water and the start of peak pelagic season. Dorado arrive in big numbers offshore, while sailfish and marlin become more consistent around Corbeteña and El Banco. Roosterfish stay strong inshore, and jacks add light tackle excitement. Offshore boats troll skirted lures and ballyhoo for billfish, while dorado gather near debris and weed lines. This is one of the busiest charter seasons of the year.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is peak big-game season in Puerto Vallarta. Yellowfin tuna arrive in force offshore, often topping 100 pounds around El Banco and Corbeteña. Blue and black marlin also peak now, striking trolled lures and live skipjack. Dorado remain thick, and sailfish are at their best. Inshore, roosterfish taper off slightly but snapper and grouper keep rods bent. Many anglers book extended offshore runs during this period, chasing trophy tuna and marlin.
Winter (December–February)
Winter cools the water, but the fishing stays productive. Yellowfin tuna continue offshore, though less concentrated than in fall. Striped marlin become more common, especially around the bay’s mouth. Inshore, snapper, grouper, and jacks provide steady action, with some roosterfish still caught on warmer days. Sailfish and dorado taper off, but bottom fishing inside the bay is dependable year-round.
Gamefish in Puerto Vallarta
- Blue Marlin – 200–600 lbs. Best in late summer and fall offshore at Corbeteña and El Banco, taken trolling large lures and live bait.
- Black Marlin – 250–700 lbs. Peak in fall, targeted offshore with large skirted lures and skipjack baits.
- Striped Marlin – 80–200 lbs. Most common in winter, offshore near the bay’s mouth, taken trolling ballyhoo and lures.
- Sailfish – 60–100 lbs. Strongest in summer and fall, offshore trolling ballyhoo and skirted lures.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 40–200 lbs. Peak in fall offshore at El Banco and Corbeteña, targeted with kite fishing, chunking, and trolling.
- Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) – 10–40 lbs. Best in summer and fall, offshore around debris and current lines, taken trolling and casting lures.
- Roosterfish – 10–50 lbs. Inshore along sandy beaches and rocky points in spring and summer, best on live bait and poppers.
- Snapper – 2–15 lbs. Year-round on reefs inside Banderas Bay, best with cut bait and bottom rigs.
- Grouper – 10–40 lbs. Found on deep reefs and structure inside the bay, targeted with live bait and jigs.
Puerto Vallarta Fishing FAQs
Where do fishing charters in Puerto Vallarta depart from?
Most charters leave from Marina Vallarta, though some also launch from nearby beach resorts and smaller harbors around the bay.
What types of trips are common in Puerto Vallarta?
Half-day trips usually stay inside Banderas Bay for roosterfish, snapper, and grouper. Full-day runs target offshore banks for marlin, tuna, dorado, and sailfish.
Do I need a fishing license in Mexico?
Yes, all anglers must have a valid Mexican fishing license, which charters usually arrange before departure.
When is the best time to fish Puerto Vallarta?
Fall is peak offshore season for tuna, marlin, and dorado. Spring and summer are best for roosterfish and mixed inshore trips.
What techniques do Puerto Vallarta captains use?
Inshore, live bait slow-trolled along beaches is common. Offshore, trolling, kite fishing, and chunking are used for tuna and billfish. Reef trips use bottom rigs with cut or live bait.
What species can I catch inside Banderas Bay?
Roosterfish, snapper, grouper, jacks, and bonito are common inshore targets year-round.
How far offshore do charters run from Puerto Vallarta?
Corbeteña is about 36 miles offshore, while El Banco is around 50 miles. Inshore fishing is often within 5–10 miles of the marina.
How many anglers can fish on a Puerto Vallarta charter?
Small pangas carry 2–3 anglers, while larger sportfishers take 4–6 comfortably, with some tournament boats handling more.
Are multi-day offshore trips available in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, some captains run overnight and multi-day trips to maximize tuna and marlin fishing at distant banks.