WINTER FISH IN BANDERAS BAY

Banderas Bay is a sport fishing paradise and the waters around Puerto Vallarta offer a huge variety of fish appropriate for every level of fisherman all year round.

In the winter season from November through April there are a huge variety of fish in Banderas Bay. Fishing in the interior of the Bay, generally on a 6 to 8 hour charter, fishermen will find dorado (also called mahi mahi), roosterfish, wahoo and jack crevalle. The jack crevalle in particular, while not a great fish for eating, are a very hard fighting fish which make for an exciting and challenging catch.

Further out in areas like La Corbeteña and El Banco, a 10 to 12 hour charter, the winter season brings red snapper and blue and black marlin. In fact, some of the largest marlin in Pacific history have been caught in these famous fishing grounds just outside of Banderas Bay.

Another fish currently in season is sailfish, a popular trophy fish for its impressive sail-like fin. However, Captain Luis Blanco of Vallarta Sportsman Fishing Charters and winner of the 57th Annual Puerto Vallarta International Sailfish and Marlin Tournament held last November strongly suggests practicing catch and release as they are a species in need of protection.

And after you come home with a dorado or snapper, which are both deliciously tasty fish? Talk to your boat captain about restaurants like Victor’s Tacuba in the Puerto Vallarta Marina which will gladly prepare your fish for your dinner.