Puerto Vallarta Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour Puerto Vallarta fishing trip is US $360, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $692 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in Puerto Vallarta are good for families?

Fishing charters in Puerto Vallarta that received great reviews from families are:

What are the top fish species I can catch in Puerto Vallarta?

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Puerto Vallarta are:

What are the top fishing techniques in Puerto Vallarta?

The top 3 fishing techniques in Puerto Vallarta are:

What are the top types of fishing in Puerto Vallarta?

The top 3 types of fishing in Puerto Vallarta are:

Do Puerto Vallarta fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

Many fishing charters in Puerto Vallarta provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

Who are the best rated captains in Puerto Vallarta?

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Puerto Vallarta are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Puerto Vallarta?

Who are the top awarded captains in Puerto Vallarta?

Jorge Gamiño Alvarez

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in Puerto Vallarta?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Puerto Vallarta are:

4-hour fishing trips – £374
5-hour fishing trips – £301
6-hour fishing trips – £475
7-hour fishing trips – £422
8-hour fishing trips – £620
10-hour fishing trips – £653
12-hour fishing trips – £876
15-hour fishing trips – £1,206

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

4.6 / 5

Based on 28558 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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Featured photos from Puerto Vallarta

What anglers said about fishing in Puerto Vallarta

Encourage the operator to have enough live bait. All of our good catches were on line bait

4.7 / 5

Encourage the operator to have enough live bait. All of our good catches were on line bait

Martin's Fishing Adventures

The waters are a little cooler in April so the mahi mahi and dorados are further offshore. However there are still plenty of great fish to catch in the bay!

5.0 / 5

The waters are a little cooler in April so the mahi mahi and dorados are further offshore. However there are still plenty of great fish to catch in the bay!

Super Panga Tres Estrellas

Don’t be afraid to ask to fish for a certain type of fish if you’re after something specific. Our captain was super flexible and would put us wherever and whatever we wanted to do. We wanted to pull in some fish with a good fight but not keep them, so he found us crevalle jacks to hook into. We had our two kids with us that wanted to see a lot marine life, so he found us sea turtles and manta rays, and took us to the most beautiful spot to snorkel. Just an amazing day out on the water!

5.0 / 5

Super Panga Tres Estrellas

Nicest Captain and crew. They set it up to be successful, 6 lines trolling various baits and depths. We booked a 4 hour trip.

4.7 / 5

Nicest Captain and crew. They set it up to be successful, 6 lines trolling various baits and depths. We booked a 4 hour trip.

Tres Amores

In March, If you are looking to find mahi and tuna, you're going to have book an all day trip so that you can go 2 1/2 hours offshore.

5.0 / 5

In March, If you are looking to find mahi and tuna, you're going to have book an all day trip so that you can go 2 1/2 hours offshore.

Valeria I

All anglers of all types can enjoy the experience of off shore fishing in PV.

5.0 / 5

All anglers of all types can enjoy the experience of off shore fishing in PV.

Azul Profundo Sportfishing

Visit with your captain and fish for the species that is the most abundant for the time of year your here.

5.0 / 5

Visit with your captain and fish for the species that is the most abundant for the time of year your here.

Burton lll Sport Fishing

Super fun trip! Go and learn! They will teach you!! 100% worth it!! Don’t forget to tip!

5.0 / 5

Super fun trip! Go and learn! They will teach you!! 100% worth it!! Don’t forget to tip!

Gilligan III

Contact the captain and check with him on what’s being caught. Make sure you have the core address if you are taking Uber

4.3 / 5

Contact the captain and check with him on what’s being caught. Make sure you have the core address if you are taking Uber

Calypso Charters – Calypso II

I never have been sea sick before, but even in what seemed pretty calm water I got a little sick. Maybe the tequila the night before had something to do with it, lol. Next time I would take the anti-nausea medicine before hand. Just expect to have a good time and catch fish.

5.0 / 5

Valeria I

Yes, we had a good time. Everyone caught fish and we saw whales and several sea turtles.

5.0 / 5

Yes, we had a good time. Everyone caught fish and we saw whales and several sea turtles.

Viking Fishing Charters – PV

Plan on an adventure over a fishing trip and you will not be disappointed with this 8 hour trip. Lots of action closer in but, mostly smaller fish. For bigger game fish you should book a longer trip and go out further…

4.7 / 5

Lucina III Fishing Charters & Tours

Having a boat with cover was essential for the heat. It was helpful to be able to move around if the water made you queasy. I would suggest to pick a boat that allows more friends than are actually planning on boarding. I also needed a bathroom nearby the day we chose to go fishing, and it was really helpful that there happened to be one on board. Definitely made the trip easier.

5.0 / 5

Tres Amores

Just put your trust in colypso and and be wowed by their service, knoledge and hospitality. These guys were absolutely amazing. A+. Very highly recomend.

5.0 / 5

Just put your trust in colypso and and be wowed by their service, knoledge and hospitality. These guys were absolutely amazing. A+. Very highly recomend.

Calypso

Just go fishing! Get a good boat and crew if you want to get out in open ocean!

5.0 / 5

Just go fishing! Get a good boat and crew if you want to get out in open ocean!

PV Sail, Fishing & Tours – Top Gun

Patience needed to catch big sport fish. Plenty of action fish in bay if your looking to reel in more fish in short periods

5.0 / 5

Patience needed to catch big sport fish. Plenty of action fish in bay if your looking to reel in more fish in short periods

Lucina III Fishing Charters & Tours

Yes, definitely. Very friendly, professional, experienced, fun, crew, and top-notch boat.

5.0 / 5

Yes, definitely. Very friendly, professional, experienced, fun, crew, and top-notch boat.

Valeria I

If you plan to keep your catch, make arrangements in advance !! Things can get hectic and exciting on the trip itself and when you get back to shore! Wonderful experience -- need lots of muscle to reel in the fish !!

5.0 / 5

Chimar Fishing Charters

If you get sea sick at all definitely take some medicine to prevent that. The Pacific Ocean is not the most calm body of water.

5.0 / 5

If you get sea sick at all definitely take some medicine to prevent that. The Pacific Ocean is not the most calm body of water.

Valeria I

Make sure your transportation knows where to go. Cab can contact boat captains if you are having location problems

5.0 / 5

Make sure your transportation knows where to go. Cab can contact boat captains if you are having location problems

Valeria I

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Puerto Vallarta?

Valeria I
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

5.0 / 5

(366 reviews)

As an avid fisherman it's hard to sit back and have them do everything for us lol. Fishing was fun but I would definitely spend the extra money and go out for the bigger fish. Overall was a good morning and good fun. Thanks Jorge!!!

Dylan H.

Valeria I
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

5.0 / 5

(366 reviews)

Highlight of our vacation…crew went out of the way to make our experience amazing. Great crew!

Selina R.

Valeria I
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

5.0 / 5

(366 reviews)

Captain Jorge beat the crowds to get us to the prime fishing spots. On our 1/2 day trip we caught 2 big pompano and a couple bonito. We also caught a beauty of a red snapper by casting off of the bow. Lots of great eating fish!

Matthew W.

Lucina III Fishing Charters & Tours
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

4.3 / 5

(99 reviews)

Great crew. The fishing was slow but the crew did there best to get us on the fish

Harley T.

Gilligan III
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

4.7 / 5

(14 reviews)

This was our 2nd trip fishing with them. 1st one went great and we caught lots of fish and 1 monster sized. This time we asked to skip the smaller closer ones and just go out farther. We didn’t catch any but still a great afternoon. The crew did all they could for us. I would go a 3rd time if vacation allowed. Fun crew and best fishing for the price. I’d highly recommend them! Thanks Guys!

Steve V.

Valeria I
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

5.0 / 5

(366 reviews)

The day was absolutely beautiful. Captain Jorge and Austin were so helpful and worked extremely hard to make sure we caught something. It was a slow day for all boats around but we still caught a Jack Crevalle and a Tarpon. We also got to see turtles and sea lions. I would love to come back and fish with them again.

Aubri R.

Tres Amores
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

4.3 / 5

(103 reviews)

Not the best day of catching fish, but not for a lack of effort by the wonderful captain and crew. Nobody was catching Thursday, and we were one of the few boats which got at least one nice yellowfin (from which mate Juan made the best ceviche we’ve ever had with some of it!). Overall, a beautiful day and would definitely book again with Tres Amores.

David C.

Valeria I
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

5.0 / 5

(366 reviews)

We enjoyed a half day afternoon fishing trip with Jorge and managed to catch a couple crevalle jack’s. As a bonus we had several dolphins come by and swim with the boat and we even came across a couple whales. Nice day on the water, Jorge also has perfect English which made it easy to communicate. Thanks again Captain!

Justin B.

Gilligan III
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

4.7 / 5

(14 reviews)

Awesome day of fishing. Crew was great and very knowledgeable. We had lots of success. Great trip! Thank you

Steve V.

Valeria I
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

5.0 / 5

(366 reviews)

We booked the 6 our trip, and being that this time of year the mahi and tuna are 2 1/2 hours offshore we went after red snapper. Jorge put us on some great spots and we caught a ton of them. Once we had filled a bucket he took us to a restaurant called Los Conos which is only accessible by boat to cook our fish for us. Awesome day!

Jackson H.

Valeria I
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

5.0 / 5

(366 reviews)

My husband and I had the best time with captain Jorge! He took care of us from before we boarded answering questions and even hiked with us to a waterfall. We caught 7-8 fish and then were taken to an amazing restaurant where they cooked it for us. 10/10 would recommend, Jorge was knowledgeable and helpful as was his first mate. Worth every penny.

Meredith S.

Valeria I
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

5.0 / 5

(366 reviews)

Had a great time and got to see other parts of PV that we would not have got to. Captain and crew where very nice and helpful

Danielle B.

Guanatuna II Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

3.7 / 5

(6 reviews)

I was fortunate enough to have written down the captains phone # as their directions were NO GOOD! Our cab driver was able to contact them and take us to the appropriate place. Not a good way to start the trip. No fish were caught, just one of those days. The crew did everything they could including stopping when seeing surface activity & dropping bait right on them. No luck. We only saw 1 other boat catch 1 fish.

Ken B.

Lucina III Fishing Charters & Tours
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

5.0 / 5

(99 reviews)

Alfredo and his crew were amazing! Although we didn’t catch any mahi or tuna, we caught a TON of Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, Bonita, a couple of groupers, and even a stingray. Great day with a great crew. Do yourself a favor and book it!

Diana T.

Valeria I
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

5.0 / 5

(366 reviews)

What an amazing trip!!! The Captain and mate were amazing, they sure do know how to get the fish on...Caught 10 yellowfin and 1 jack... Captain made fresh tuna ceveiche on the way in absolutely best I ever had...Will definitely fish with them again!!!!

Jessica G.

Lucina III Fishing Charters & Tours
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

4.7 / 5

(99 reviews)

My Wife and I had a very nice trip, the Capitan took us out early so we had time to fish and then watch the sun set over the ocean.

Ben K.

Azul Profundo Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

5.0 / 5

(11 reviews)

Capt. Arrow is a native of PV and is a world class fishermen and guide. We set out to catch fish on an artificial lures and did just that! We were on fish all day because of his true knowledge of the season, species, and angling tactics.

Kaliko O.

Nuevo Vallarta Fishing – Sea Ray
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

4.7 / 5

(172 reviews)

Carlos and Jaun were great, we caught multiple fish and they made it a success, hats off to them!

Patrick M.

Valeria I
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

5.0 / 5

(366 reviews)

Loved this trip and loved the crew. They were awesome people and made the whole experience worth it. 100% would recommend to anyone considering going!

Will R.

Lucina III Fishing Charters & Tours
Fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta

5.0 / 5

(99 reviews)

Alfredo and crew did a great job for us, 3 thirteen year olds and one 15 year old plus adults. All caught fish, landed 8 bonita and 1 Jack Crevalle. Great day, would recommend for sure. They made fresh ceviche with two of the bonitos. Good stuff!!

John T.