Puerto Vallarta Sport Fish Species Guide
Blue Marlin
The mighty Blue Marlin represents the ultimate offshore challenge in Banderas Bay. Peak season runs July through September, with excellent opportunities from May through October. These magnificent fighters are typically found 20-40 miles offshore, particularly around El Banco and La Corbeteña banks. Average weights range from 200-400 pounds, though specimens over 500 pounds are caught each season. The fun factor is off the charts (10/10) due to their spectacular aerial displays and powerful runs. Blue Marlin require heavy tackle, serious technique, and often a full day of fishing. Most anglers consider landing a Blue Marlin a bucket-list achievement, though success rates are lower than with other species, making them a test of patience as well as skill.
Black Marlin
Black Marlin share similar seasonal patterns with Blues, peaking July through August. They're generally found in the same offshore locations but tend to hold closer to structure and underwater seamounts. Average weights run 250-500 pounds, with occasional monsters exceeding 700 pounds. Fun factor is 9/10, characterized by brutal first runs and deep fighting tactics rather than the aerial displays of Blues. Black Marlin are considered slightly more catchable than Blues when specifically targeted, but their larger average size makes them an exhausting challenge. They're particularly popular with experienced anglers looking to complete their billfish collection.
Striped Marlin
Winter brings Striped Marlin into prominence, with peak season December through February. They're the most accessible of the marlin species, often found 12-25 miles offshore. Average weights of 80-150 pounds make them more manageable than their larger cousins. Fun factor is 9/10 due to their incredible acrobatics and relative abundance. Striped Marlin are popular with first-time billfishermen due to their more predictable patterns and higher catch rates. They often travel in pairs or small groups, increasing the chances of multiple hookups during peak season.
Sailfish
Sailfish provide year-round action with peaks in May-June and again in September. They can be found anywhere from 8-30 miles offshore, making them accessible on both full and three-quarter day trips. Average weights of 60-90 pounds combine with spectacular aerial displays for a fun factor of 9/10. Sailfish are popular with light tackle enthusiasts and fly fishermen due to their surface-oriented feeding habits. Their abundance and fighting style make them ideal for anglers seeking their first billfish experience, while their acrobatics keep experienced anglers coming back.
Dorado (Mahi-Mahi, Dolphin fish)
Dorado represent the perfect combination of sport and table fare, peaking from August through October. They can be found anywhere from 5-30 miles offshore, often around floating debris or current lines. Average weights of 15-40 pounds provide exciting action on medium tackle, with larger bulls exceeding 50 pounds. Fun factor is 8/10 due to their spectacular aerial displays, beautiful coloring, and delicious meat. Dorado are particularly popular with families and mixed groups because they're accessible on shorter trips and provide steady action when found. Their surface-feeding habits make them exciting to sight-cast to, adding to their appeal.
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna action peaks from August through October, though good fishing extends from June through December. They're typically found 15-40 miles offshore, with larger specimens generally holding farther out. Average weights vary greatly from 30-100 pounds, with some exceeding 200 pounds during peak season. Fun factor is 8/10, combining brutal fighting power with excellent table fare. Yellowfin are particularly popular with serious anglers who appreciate their power and stamina, often requiring extended battles on appropriate tackle. Their schooling nature can provide fast action when found, making them a favorite for filling the fish box.
Tuna Fishing at La Corbeteña, the best tuna fishing grounds for large tuna near Vallarta, requires careful planning due to its distance - approximately 25 nautical miles from Marina Vallarta. Most charter operations depart between 6:00-7:00 AM to reach the fishing grounds by 8:30-9:00 AM, accounting for typical cruising speeds of 18-22 knots. It's essential to pack food, drinks, and sun protection for the full-day trip, as most boats spend 4-6 hours actively fishing before beginning the return journey around 3:00 PM to ensure a safe return before sunset. Sea conditions often improve in the early morning, making the outbound journey more comfortable and providing optimal fishing during peak hours. When booking, confirm the exact departure time with your captain, as it may be adjusted based on seasonal sunrise times and weather conditions.
El Banco: Often called "The Bank," this underwater seamount lies about 20 nautical miles from the marina and rivals La Corbeteña for trophy yellowfin tuna. Peak season matches Corbeteña (August-October), with fish frequently exceeding 100 pounds. Many captains "run and gun" between El Banco and Corbeteña on full-day trips when tuna are present at both locations.
Roca Corbeteñita: Located about halfway between the marina and La Corbeteña, this "Little Corbeteña" rock can hold substantial schools of tuna, especially during the summer months. While the fish might not reach the massive sizes found at the offshore banks, 40-80 pound class tuna are common, and its closer proximity makes it accessible on three-quarter day trips.
El Chimo: This coastal area, about 15 miles from the marina, occasionally produces good tuna action when schools push in closer to shore, typically during the fall months. While not as consistent as the offshore banks, its relatively close location makes it an attractive option when reports are good.
Marietas Islands: During certain times of the year, usually late summer and fall, schools of smaller yellowfin (20-50 pounds) can be found around the islands, especially when sardine schools are present. While not known for giant tuna, its proximity to the marina makes it a good option for half-day trips when tuna are present.
Remember that tuna locations can change daily based on water temperature, bait presence, and currents, so working with experienced captains who stay informed about current fishing conditions is essential for success.
Roosterfish
The iconic Roosterfish is a year-round target peaking from May through July. They're primarily an inshore species, found within 1-3 miles of shore and often right along the beaches. Average weights of 20-50 pounds, with trophy specimens exceeding 80 pounds, provide excellent sport on medium tackle. Fun factor is 9/10 due to their unique appearance, powerful runs, and accessibility from smaller boats. Roosterfish are particularly popular with sight-casting enthusiasts and light tackle specialists. Their willingness to chase fast-moving lures and live baits makes them exciting to target, though they can be notoriously finicky biters.
Jack Crevalle
Jacks provide reliable year-round action with slight peaks in winter months. They're found throughout the bay from the shoreline to offshore, making them accessible to all fishing methods. Average weights of 15-30 pounds belie their fighting ability, with some reaching 40+ pounds. Fun factor is 7/10 due to their incredible stamina and willingness to bite. Jacks are popular with light tackle enthusiasts and as a backup target when other species aren't cooperating. Their aggressive feeding habits make them ideal for introducing new anglers to sport fishing, though their food quality is limited.
Red Snapper (Huachinango)
Red Snapper offer consistent year-round bottom fishing, with slight peaks during spawning aggregations. They're typically found in 120-300 feet of water around rocky structure and reefs. Average weights of 5-15 pounds, with some exceeding 20 pounds, provide good action and excellent table fare. Fun factor is 6/10, combining initial power with quality eating. Snapper are particularly popular with local anglers and those specifically seeking fresh fish for dinner. Their reliable presence makes them a good backup plan when offshore conditions aren't favorable.
Sierra Mackerel
Sierra peak during winter months (November-March), providing fast action in the cooler waters. They're found throughout the bay, often within sight of shore, making them accessible to all boat sizes. Average weights of 3-8 pounds make them ideal for light tackle, with some reaching 12+ pounds. Fun factor is 7/10 due to their aggressive strikes and smoking runs. Sierra are popular with light tackle enthusiasts and as a morning target before heading offshore. Their excellent food quality makes them a favorite for fish tacos, though their razor-sharp teeth require careful handling.
Target Selection Factors
When choosing target species, we typically consider:
1. Available time (half-day vs. full-day trip)
2. Sea conditions and weather
3. Fishing experience level
4. Desire for eating fish vs. pure sport
5. Physical capabilities for fighting larger fish
6. Budget (inshore vs. offshore fuel costs)
7. Seasonal peak periods
8. Recent catch reports