Puerto Vallarta Fishing Season Chart

Puerto Vallarta has some of the best fishing in the world.

A few reasons for this are:
1. Fishing is good to exceptional all year round.
2. You can fish for a huge fish or many small to medium fish in the same area.
3. There is even a charter service that guarantees your catch.
4. Almost all charter boats have both English & Spanish speaking crews.
5. You have many chartering options for all budgets - pay per person - small pangas up to luxury yachts.
6. Prices are less than comparable areas and catch options.
7. Fishing is so good, even the World Championship to crown the “World Champion of Billfishing” is held here yearly.
8. Vallarta offers quality tackle and fishing gear at U.S.A. prices.
9. There is a freezing and smoking service which enables you to take your fish home.
10. You can mount your trophy fish with either Mexican or U.S.A. mounting companies.
11. There is an I.G.F.A. certified scale and weight master for the world record catches.

What more could we ask for?

When planning a trip to Vallarta, if you are an avid fisherman, this month-by-month guide will assist you in setting the vacation time for you.

January - Sailfish are still in good numbers and can be caught inside the bay at El Moro. Dorado (Mahi-mahi) are starting to show again, although not strong. Roosterfish are near the rocks and along the shores.

February - Sailfish, Bonito, Roosterfish (15-50 pounds), Jack Cravaley (30 lbs.), Yellowfin Tuna (up to 80 lbs.) and some striped Marlin. Your best bet is fishing in
the Bay, El Moro or Corbetaña.

March - Try to stay around El Moro or the Punta de Mita beach areas for Sailfish, Bonito, Roosterfish (30 - 50 lbs.), Amberjack, Red Snapper and small Yellowfin Tuna. If you venture out to Corbetaña, you have a good chance at Striped Marlin, Blue Marlin (some) and larger Yellowfin Tuna (30 to 80 lbs.) Huge Dorado.

April - Small Tuna (approximately 15 lbs.) showing in the bay, Jack Cravaley (30 lbs.) all over, inside and outside of the bay. If you use small rapalas and feathers, you are sure to hook up. Amberjack, Dorado (still huge!), Roosterfish (30 to 50 lbs.), Red Snapper, still some Blue Marlin, best at Corbetaña.

May - Schools of Tuna show between El Moro and the Bank. This means numerous hook-ups on these schools running from 20 to 80 lbs. Lots of larger fish between Corbetaña and the Bank - 60 to 80 pounds - use cedar plugs or feathers trolled fast.

May 15th - Big Tuna (Yellowfin) start to show at Corbetaña and the Bank, 200 pounds and up!!! Also Wahoo (fastest fish in the ocean!) 40 to 70 pounds. Be sure to use wire leaders or the razon-sharp teeth of the Wahoo will cut your line almost every time! If you prefer to stay in closer, try El Moro to Corbetaña for 40 to 50-lb. Yellowfin. Numerous other fish at all fishing areas, including nice size Dorado (Mahi-Mahi).

June, July, August, September, October & November - At the first rain of the season, Dorado will be all over the place! Follow the scum line for the best Dorado fishing. Big, giant Yellowfin (up to 400 lbs.) at the Bank and Corbetaña. Along with Blue Marlin (500 lbs. and up!), Black Marlin (up to 1,000 lbs.) At this time of year, the average Marlin caught in Vallarta is 550 lbs.! THIS WILL GO ON UNTIL THE END OF NOVEMBER. Not many, if any, Sailfish until December as the water is too hot for them.

December - Sailfish all over the place. Troll dead bait and small lures. Find a sail and toss a live bait for a double hook-up. Many Dorado.

Mid-December - Sailfish are heading towards Sayulita, they are plentiful and big,
up to 60 Kilos! Sight cast for Roosterfish, Jack Cravaley in strong numbers. Bonita Tuna in and out of the Bay.

It does not matter if you are a well traveled and serious fisherman, or it is your first time to Mexico and first time fishing in salt water. Our personal attention to your needs and skill level will ensure you a fantastic experience.

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