Puerto Vallarta Fishing & Tours logo: a blue marlin encircling a PV monogram

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta fishing charters

A considered starting point for planning a fishing day on Banderas Bay and the wider Pacific.

Plan with confidence

An easier way to choose your day.

Puerto Vallarta fishing charters range from relaxed inshore outings to longer offshore days. Compare the trip duration, boat capacity, included equipment, departure location, and availability before you request a date. A clear package comparison helps every group choose an experience that feels right for its pace and goals.

Before you book

  • Compare boat capacity and package duration.
  • Review included equipment and trip notes.
  • Confirm your departure point before booking.

Plan your trip around the fish

What you can catch in Puerto Vallarta.

The fish change with how far out you go and the time of year. A short trip inside Banderas Bay targets different species than the long run to La Corbeteña — so pick the trip that matches the fish you want.

Inside Banderas Bay

What a short trip catches without leaving the bay.

Jack crevalle, known locally as toro, a hard-fighting inshore fish caught inside Banderas Bay

Jack Crevalle

Toro

Inside Bay4–6 hr
BestNovember – May
Sierra mackerel, a spotted inshore mackerel common inside Banderas Bay in cooler months

Sierra Mackerel

Sierra

Inside Bay4–6 hr
BestNovember – May
Bonito, a striped member of the tuna family caught throughout the year in Banderas Bay

Bonito

Bonito

Inside Bay4–6 hr
BestMost of the year
Needlefish, a long slender surface fish found inside Banderas Bay

Needlefish

Agujón

Inside Bay4–6 hr
BestWinter – spring
Snook, known locally as robalo, found near Puerto Vallarta river mouths in the rainy season

Snook

Robalo

Inshore4–6 hr
BestRainy seasonPeak right now

Nearshore and reef

Along the coast, over rock and structure, and out toward the mouth of the bay.

Roosterfish, known locally as pez gallo, showing the tall comb-like dorsal fin it is named for

Roosterfish

Pez gallo

Nearshore4–6 hr
BestWinter – spring
Red snapper, known locally as pargo, a deep red reef fish taken over rock and structure

Red Snapper

Pargo

Nearshore Reef5–8 hr
BestYear-round
Grouper, known locally as mero, a heavy-bodied bottom fish taken over reef structure

Grouper

Mero

Reef6–8 hr
BestSpring
Amberjack, known locally as medregal, a powerful fish found over deeper rocky structure

Amberjack

Medregal

Reef6–8 hr
BestWinter – spring
Skipjack tuna, known locally as barrilete, a small fast tuna found near the mouth of Banderas Bay

Skipjack Tuna

Barrilete

Bay Edge6–8 hr
BestMost of the year

Offshore and bluewater

The long run past the mouth of the bay, out to the Marietas, La Corbeteña and El Banco.

Dorado, also called mahi-mahi, a brilliant green and gold fish taken offshore from Puerto Vallarta

Dorado

Mahi-Mahi

Offshore8–10 hr
BestSeptember – January
Wahoo, known locally as peto, one of the fastest fish taken offshore from Puerto Vallarta

Wahoo

Peto

Offshore8–10 hr
BestAugust – DecemberPeak right now
Sailfish, known locally as pez vela, showing the tall sail-like dorsal fin it raises when hunting

Sailfish

Pez vela

Offshore8–10 hr
BestSeptember – November
Yellowfin tuna, known locally as atún aleta amarilla, showing the long yellow fins it is named for

Yellowfin Tuna

Atún aleta amarilla

OffshoreOvernight
BestAugust – NovemberPeak right now
Striped marlin, known locally as marlín rayado, the cooler-water marlin taken out at El Banco

Striped Marlin

Marlín rayado

El Banco10–12 hr
BestDecember – March
Blue marlin, known locally as marlín azul, a bluewater game fish taken on long-range trips

Blue Marlin

Marlín azul

BluewaterOvernight
BestAugust – NovemberPeak right now
Black marlin, known locally as marlín negro, the heaviest marlin taken out at La Corbeteña

Black Marlin

Marlín negro

La CorbeteñaOvernight
BestAugust – NovemberPeak right now
Peak seasonRunningQuietThis month

Seasonal timing is a practical guide, not a guarantee. The mix shifts with water temperature, bait, rainfall and current — ask your captain for a current report before you book.