Puerto Vallarta

121 Fishing Charters

Top Fishing Charters in Puerto Vallarta

Fishing in Puerto Vallarta

Overlooking the Bay of Banderas, Puerto Vallarta screams incredible fishing before you even think of the deep waters of the Pacific. This lively resort town caters to tourists of all sorts, and the best way to get in on the action is aboard a Puerto Vallarta fishing charter. Come year-round to get your fishing fix in style!

Roosterfish top the bill in the Bay of Banderas, as you can find these strong yet dazzling creatures all over this shallow body of water. The nearshore reefs are home to Cubera Snapper, Groupers, and Amberjack, so you’re in for a mixed bag on even a short trip out.

Any angler worth their salt in Puerto Vallarta, however, knows that the real excitement lies offshore. Three of Mexico’s prime deep sea fishing grounds – El Morro, La Cortabeña, and El Banco – are all within reach from town. The resident Mahi Mahi population makes for year-long fun, while Tuna come by in summer, along with Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin, and even Sailfish in fall and winter. This is a true big game paradise!

Inshore and nearshore trips are a great option for beginners and families, with trips lasting from a couple of hours to half a day. Meanwhile, you’ll need at least a full day to get to the prime offshore fishing grounds. Most anglers favor spending over 12 hours on the water, with the real aficionados going for multi-day Puerto Vallarta fishing charters.

Rules & Regulations

Most charters in town provide a Mexican sportfishing license for all on board, but it’s worth checking with your captain if you need to get one before you board. Your professional guide will also be up-to-date with all the latest bag and size limits, so rest assured you’ll be fishing within the law.

Puerto Vallarta
4.08

Based on 19183 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Puerto Vallarta Fishing Seasons

January

January in Puerto Vallarta allows you to see this Mexican town at its best. Temperatures are pleasant in the mid 70s, there's very little rain, and Wahoo and Sailfish fishing is on fire.

February

The winter is high tourist season thanks to the dry weather and comfortable temperatures, and February is no exception. Hotel prices are high, but don't let that get in the way, as Dorado fishing is excellent.

March

Escape the crowds visiting Puerto Vallarta on Spring Break and head off to try fly fishing for Bass in the nearby lakes. Otherwise, make the most of the great fishing in Banderas Bay.

April

The crowds finally start to disperse and the hotels become cheaper. Inshore fishing in Banderas Bay remains excellent, with Mackerel causing mayhem on light tackle.

May

May is when the fishing really begins to get serious in Puerto Vallarta. Temperatures are between 70-80 degrees, crowds are low, and the Yellowfin Tuna has arrived. It doesn't get better than this.

June

The euphoric conditions of May continue into June, with offshore fishing paying dividends as the water temperatures rise. Target Tuna offshore or Roosterfish, Grouper, and Amberjack inshore.

July

July weather in Puerto Vallarta is hot, and so is Roosterfish fishing. While this spiky species is good all year round, July is arguably the best possible time to catch it. Tuna is still wrecking havoc offshore.

August

Forget about the hot weather and feel the sea breeze: this is the beginning of the high season for Billfish in Puerto Vallarta. Sailfish, Blue Marlin, and Black Marlin are all on fire.

September

With Striped Marlin joining the other behemoths being caught offshore, this is the best month for deep sea fishing in Puerto Vallarta. Add Tuna and Dorado to the mix, and you can't get better than this.

October

Offshore fishing remains incredibly good, although, as with September, anglers need to be aware of the risk of cancellations due to tropical storms. Well, you can't have everything!

November

The weather begins to stabilize and tourist season starts up anew. Say goodbye to hotel discounts, but say hello to huge prizes at the International Marlin and Sailfish Tournament.

December

Celebrate the holiday season in style, along with thousands of other people who have realized that the holidays are better without snowflakes. Could a Billfish Grand Slam be the best Christmas present ever?

Puerto Vallarta Fishing Calendar

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Reviews of Fishing in Puerto Vallarta

5 hour trip

Dawn P. fished with Calypso on February 26, 2020

The seasoned angler may be disappointed with the lack of “hands on” fishing

10 hour trip on Don Gato

John J. fished with Pesca Con Dongato on February 16, 2020

Last year I fished the bay and got skunked. It is definitely worth the extra time and money to fish the blue water.

6 hour trip with Capt. Sam and Capt. Carlos!!!

Todd And Sondria Giardina fished with Calypso Charters – Calypso II on February 10, 2020

We had a great day on the water! Everything was perfect!

6 hr Bay trip

Michael Z. fished with PV Hook Up - GuanaTuna PV on November 4, 2019

Pangas are great for 2 on in-shore, close-in fishing. If you're after bigger game fish, charter a bigger, faster (yes more expensive) boat.

3/4 day on the El Amo

Matthew M. fished with El Amofishingpvmex2 on October 17, 2019

I was told by the deckhand for the best chance at larger species like Mahi, Tuna, Marlin, etc. to book a longer 10 -12 hour trip. 6 hour trips only go 18-20 miles out and the longer trips go 40 miles plus. Was also told that November and December are the best months at larger species around the Bay for shorter trips. I mention this as something to consider if booking, just depends how long you want to fish and dedication to fishing as it relates to the rest of your party. My friend and I only booked the 6 hour because our wives came along and fishing was not their primary focus of this vacation. One item to note: bring cash with you to pay for the balance of the charter in the morning, our friends thought they would be able to use a card to pay and ended up having to go to an ATM to get cash which cut into our primetime early morning fishing. Also, bring food or snacks if your group needs breakfast, the boat will stop at a dockside restaurant if you want it to and our group had some breakfast burritos delivered to the boat. We thought there would be stores and restaurants open by the marina that we could stop at before getting on the boat. I'm not sure what time these businesses open but at 6:30 AM and even after 7:00 AM marina was still a ghost town with nothing open.

Captain made it a great day

Bob M. fished with High Tides Fishing on June 21, 2019

Be ready to catch lots of Bonita on a short trip

8hr Father's day trip

Daniel S. fished with High Tides Fishing on June 17, 2019

If you're planning on fishing around the Marietas area, they're closed on Monday from any type of tourism.

10 hr with Capt. Jamy

John L. fished with High Tides Fishing on June 6, 2019

June was great but I think the end of May would've been even better.