The deep sea fishing Puerto Vallarta has access to is simply incredible. Sitting in the middle of the Banderas Bay, the town seems an unlikely place for world-class sportfishing. But that’s exactly what you’ll find here. Marina Vallarta has one of the most impressive charter fleets in the country, and dozens of boats head out every day in search of record-breaking Billfish, Tuna, and Sharks.

 

The word that best sums up Puerto Vallarta’s bluewater action is variety. Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin spend most of the year here, peaking in the fall and early winter. Pacific Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, and monster Hammerhead Sharks also patrol the big game battlegrounds. You’re not going to get bored fishing out here.

True to form, there are a variety of spots you can hit on your trip. You can enjoy world-class sportfishing with just six hours on the water. Head to the more remote spots, and you could find Grander Marlin, monster Tuna, and who knows what else. Overnight or even multi-day charters are common, but they’re well worth it.

 

Puerto Vallarta’s entry-level fishing spot still has more to offer than most sportfishing towns could dream of. Jagged rock stick up hundreds of feet from the surrounding water here, drawing in Sailfish, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi. You can land some great catches on a six-hour trip here, but eight hours lets you get the most out of your day.

 

This is a great alternative in high season when El Morro gets too crowded. Again, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Sailfish are the bread and butter of this ancient lighthouse. Make a day of it and swing by the stunning Los Arcos Marine Park on the way.

 

Just 10 miles past El Morro, the deep channels of La Corbeteña are a whole different ball game. Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin hunt here, as do Yellowfin Tuna, monster Pacific Sailfish, and the ever-present Mahi and Wahoo. Oh, and Sharks. Really, really, big Sharks. You need a good 10 hours for this spot.

 

Most anglers don’t bother going out this far. The water is rough and the ride is long. Make the journey, though, and you’ll find some of the most legendary fishing on the planet. We’re talking Grander Marlin territory. Invest in an overnight trip and you could hook record-breaking Blue and Black Marlin, as well as every other fish mentioned so far.

If you’re out to enjoy the awesome Marlin fishing Puerto Vallarta is famous for, chances are you’ll be trolling. Live Bonito or Skipjack are a common bait, and even small Yellowfin are used out at El Banco when going after monster Marlin. Dressed Ballyhoo are another common sight aboard PV charter boats. They will often be pulled alongside colorful teasers and daisy chains, spread far and wide on long outriggers. You can even find kites thrown in on some boats. 

 

It’s all down to the vessel you fish on. You can find anything from 60-foot cruisers to 25-foot pangas heading out from Marina Vallarta. Each boat will do things a little differently, but with fishing this good you’re in for a great time however you do it!

There’s a lot of talk about the Islas Marias islands. Some say they’re the best for Puerto Vallarta Tuna fishing. The fact of the matter is they hold both a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (the only Yellowfin Tuna spawning grounds on Mexico’s Pacific Coast) and the Mexican equivalent of Alcatraz Prison. Stick to El Banco.