February 2026 is officially here, and we are starting off with the Puerto Vallarta fishing report for February. In this part of the world, it’s the month for lovers—and especially for lovers who love to fish! With a reputation for some of the friendliest people on the planet, it’s easy to see why anglers from across the globe flock to Mexico to wet a line in our stunning Banderas Bay.
As we settle into the heart of winter, it’s a great time to reflect on the incredible fishing Puerto Vallarta has provided over the last few months. December and January were absolute standouts, boasting fantastic weather and some truly legendary catches. Despite those crisp 59°F mornings that make you reach for a light hoodie, the afternoons have been warming up to a perfect 75°F, creating the kind of idyllic conditions that make deep-sea fishing in Puerto Vallarta so famous.
The Offshore Breakdown: Marlin and More
So, what’s the word on the water temperature for February 2026?
This year, we are seeing unseasonably warm water temperatures, holding steady around 74°F to 75°F. This “warm pocket” has been a game-changer, keeping the Mali-mahi, and sailfish active and abundant much later into the season than usual. While the cooling water has slightly throttled the high-octane blue and black marlin action, it has opened the floodgates for a massive striped marlin bite.
Our eight-hour offshore charter boat Puerto Vallarta trips have been returning to the docks with some very happy clients. The striped marlin are putting on a spectacular show right now. If you are targeting these pelagic powerhouses, make sure you are rigged up with high-quality lures. We’ve had incredible success lately using Black Bart and Joel Schultz tuna lures.
Inshore Action and Family Fun
If you aren’t looking to head out to sea for miles, don’t worry—Banderas Bay is absolutely teeming with life. For families or those looking for a shorter four-to-six-hour excursion, the bay fishing has been exceptional. We’ve had days where the California Bonita and Spanish mackerel (Sierra) are biting non-stop, providing fast-paced action that’s perfect for kids and novice anglers.
We are also seeing plenty of baitfish in the water, including:
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Skipjack tuna
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Google eye
- sardines
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Roosterfish (appearing near the shorelines and reef areas)
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Yellowfin tuna (smaller “football” sized ones closer to the points), larger tuna have been around Corbetena.
More Than Just a Fishing Trip
February is arguably the best month to visit Puerto Vallarta, and not just for the marlin fishing. This is the peak of the whale watching season! It’s not uncommon to be mid-fight with a trophy fish only to have a Humpback whale breach just a few hundred yards away. Between the world-class snorkeling, exploring the vibrant city life, and the breathtaking sightseeing, there is never a dull moment on the water.
Plan Your 2026 Adventure
As we move toward March, we expect these great conditions to continue, though we may see a slight increase in the afternoon winds. If you’re planning to fish with us this month, I highly recommend booking your charter boat in Puerto Vallarta well in advance. Our calendar is filling up fast with folks from North Dakota, South Dakota, and New York who are looking to escape the snow and trade their ice augers for offshore reels.
See the best fishing rates for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
What sets us apart? We are American-owned and operated, and we are out on these waters every single day. We don’t just guess where the fish are; we track them.
Contact Us:
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Email: vallartafishing@gmail.com
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Toll-Free: 800-430-6048
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Socials: Check out Facebook
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for daily photos of our recent catches.
- Charter fishing rates for Puerto Vallarta fishing
I look forward to seeing you on the boat and helping you land the catch of a lifetime.
Tight lines,
Captain Pete
