Puerto Vallarta

If you want to experience the sport fishing Puerto Vallarta is famous for, you don’t need to travel far from your hotel. The town looks out onto the expansive Banderas Bay, a 40-plus mile wide expanse of water that is home to light tackle legends such as Skipack, Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Amberjack, Snapper, and - of course - the iconic Roosterfish.

Looking for something bigger? There are a host of destinations offshore that have earned notoriety all over the world as places where records can be made - and broken. The Marietas Islands 18 miles from Marina Vallarta and El Morro, a group of rock pinnacles 24 miles west of the Marina, are easily accessible on an eight hour trip. These are home to a great variety of pelagic fish, including Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, and much more.

But that’s not all. Puerto Vallarta is one of the best places in the world to catch huge Yellowfin Tuna, as well as Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin (not to mention the Sailfish). And if you are on the lookout for a truly unforgettable fish, you will have to travel slightly further offshore to find the best deep sea fishing grounds.

The areas of Corbetena and ‘The Banks’ have some of the best fishing in Puerto Vallarta, and they are still accessible in a 10-12 hour trip. Corbetena is located 36 miles from the marina while The Banks are 50 miles offshore, but if you are on the lookout for a Grander Marlin or a 400 pound plus Tuna, these areas are a must. These offshore rocks and pinnacles make for some of the best Marlin fishing in Mexico, and should be on the bucket list of any serious traveling angler.

For those who prefer the serenity of freshwater fishing, the area around Puerto Vallarta does not disappoint. Whether you are fishing the local rivers for Snook, fighting endless Largemouth Bass in Lake Agua Milpa, or exploring Lake Cajon de Pena in the middle of the Sierra Madre mountains, you will have plenty to keep your hands full while your family relaxes on the beach.

A valid Mexican Sport Fishing License is required before fishing in Mexican waters. Fishing licenses for all FishingBooker charters are either included in price or can be purchased from the charter operator or marina. Licenses can also be purchased online. You need to be at least 250 meters away from swimmers in order to practice sporfishing. The law prohibits the fileting of fish aboard the same charter from which it was caught.

Trolling with live bait (Skipjack Tuna is popular) for Marlin and Tuna is a must-do on any serious Puerto Vallarta fishing vacation.

Battling a hard-fighting Roosterfish is another opportunity you would be mad to pass up on light tackle, and can take place within just a mile or two of leaving the Marina.

Otherwise, try fly fishing for Snook in the local rivers or bait casting for Bass in the nearby lakes.

Whichever technique you go for, Puerto Vallarta has it all!