Based out of beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Contender Sports Fishing has the open seas at its mercy. Running trips on the famous Bay of Banderas or up to 60 miles out into the Pacific, there’s no end to the fishing opportunities on offer. Captain and his crew have over 30 years of experience fishing these fruitful waters, so get ready for a productive day on board. They’ll do everything to help you relax and get the most out of your fishing experience.
This 30’ Nava center console has everything you need for a great day of fishing. Purpose-built, you’ll have a perfect vision of the clear blue waters, and plenty of room to steady as you reel in a big one. Whizz off to the deepest waters thanks to the twin 115 HP Mercury engines and sit back, relax, and take in the rays before springing into some serious fishing action. With a multimedia system on board, you can even blast out your favorite tunes.
Hit the reefs of the Bay of Banderas on 4 and 6-hour trips, or head further offshore on longer ones. Wherever you go, you’re in for a fishing extravaganza. Nearshore, Jack Crevalles, and Roosterfish will give you a run for your money as you try to reel ‘em in, while big game fish await offshore. From monstrous Marlin and stunning Sailfish to delicious Mahi Mahi and huge Tunas, you’re in for a fun day of battling it out with these beasts.
Take advantage of the snorkeling equipment on board to cool off. Swim with the tropical fish and see a whole new world around you. All the family is welcome, so settle in for an unforgettable day on the water! All the edible fish caught will be prepared on your way back to the marina so your big day can continue at a local restaurant. Contender Sports Fishing is calling your name, so come aboard and make the most of Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Please make sure that you only pay the captain at the dock.
Charter Operator
Contender Sports Fishing
Most popular features:
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (3)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
0%
Appropriate for children
0%
Satisfied with the boat
0%
Recommend this charter
33%
Caught fish
100%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
8 Hour Trip on June 4, 2025
We arrived to the dock 20 minutes early, the boat arrived 15 minutes early. They waited for our coffee to be brewed at the local barista coffee shop, “by the way highly recommended “, then off we went. We tried for rooster fish on a local reef but was slow. The captain suggested we go out further for bill fish and tuna. Boy was he right!! Tuna was on the menu. In about 1 1/2 hour we had many tuna on board and the longest fight was almost 4 minutes!!! Very highly recommended this boat and crew!
We arrived to the dock 20 minutes early, the boat arrived 15 minutes early. They waited for our coffee to be brewed at the local barista coffee shop, “by the way highly recommended “, then off we went. We tried for rooster fish on a local reef but was slow. The captain suggested we go out further for bill fish and tuna. Boy was he right!! Tuna was on the menu. In about 1 1/2 hour we had many tuna on board and the longest fight was almost 4 minutes!!! Very highly recommended this boat and crew!
Trip was supposed to happen on October 30, 2024
The charter operator canceled on trip date. This is an automated posting.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
8 Hour Trip on May 6, 2025
These guys are crooked people. I booked a fishing trip for one person on the 30ft two 115hp boat. I got to the pier 30min ahead of time and no one was there. I messaged them with no reply. Finally they sent the pier master to come and get me about 20minutes later. She showed me to a much smaller boat with two 75hp engines, apparently they have two boats and I guess since I was only one person then put me in the smaller boat. I would have not booked with these guys if I knew that is the size of the boat i was going to be on, so bait and switch. The first mate, asked for their portion of the fare, and I handed over $7500 pesos in 15 $500 pesos in an envelop, this included money for extra live bait that I had asked for. He turned around, and counted the money. We left for an rocky island about close to an hour from the harbor. Fish there for a little while and then they asked if I wanted to go for the big fish in deeper waters, and I agreed, but I made sure to tell them I want couple of hours of live bait fishing. We caught a yellow fin tuna, and they go greedy and wanted to fish the waters for more tunas, which i disappointer said okay to. We caught another yellow fin tuna, and I asked them if we can go for the live bait fishing now. They agreed and we left for that location. The captain rigged for rods with live bait and it didnt take long when we had our first Jack Crevalle fish, after which the capital started to bring all the lines in and packed up to leave while first mate said how about we hit the harber, well i guess so, since you packed up to go already. Once we got to the harber and I was about to get off, the first mate asked me to put in a good review, and I was thinking, are you for real. I was just not going to leave any review since they didnt do me very well. Not too long after I came back to the hotel, getting ready to take a shower. I get a message from the owner say I shorted them $500 pesos and how he hates me. Wow. I was flabbergasted. The nerve of these guys, now trying to scam me for another $500 pesos. I asked him what the hell is he talking about, and he kept going on how i shorted him $500 pesos. So, I told him, that he is really starting to piss me off, I left 15 $500 bills in the envelop and the first mate went through it. He stopped texting me after that. Don't go with this boat, they are scam artist. If you are from the States, I would just get a charter boat in the States, much cleaner, better and no scams, you get what is advertised.
These guys are crooked people. I booked a fishing trip for one person on the 30ft two 115hp boat. I got to the pier 30min ahead of time and no one was there. I messaged them with no reply. Finally they sent the pier master to come and get me about 20minutes later. She showed me to a much smaller boat with two 75hp engines, apparently they have two boats and I guess since I was only one person then put me in the smaller boat. I would have not booked with these guys if I knew that is the...
Contender Sports Fishing II offers the following trips to customers:
When you book a trip with Contender Sports Fishing II, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
Trips booked with Contender Sports Fishing II include:
Contender Sports Fishing II offers the following types of fishing:
Contender Sports Fishing II offers the following fishing techniques:
Top targeted fish species with Contender Sports Fishing II include:
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Captain Ildefonso's passion for fishing is only matched by his passion for people. He sees fishing as a way to interact with different people, to enjoy together, and to make new friends. Having run charters since the mid-1980s, he knows exactly what makes a successful fishing trip, and says he'll never tire of seeing people smile as they reel in a big fish.
Javier H.
First mate
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Natural
Wreck Fishing
Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
Handline
Deep Sea Fishing
Toilet
Fighting Chair
2
GPS
Fishfinder
Snorkeling Equipment
Live Bait Well
Multimedia System
Radio with USB and Bluetooth
Outriggers
Tuna Tubes
Ice Box
Cooler
Rods, reels & tackle
Shimano and Pen Gold
Live Bait
Caught during the trip
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Water and ice
First Mate
20% tips are customary
Fishing License
Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Must be at least 4 years old
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash