Capt. Pete’s Charter Checklist: The Truth About Booking PV Fishing!
Howdy, Anglers! Capt. Pete here, and let me tell you something straight up: Deep-sea fishing in Puerto Vallarta isn’t just good, it’s the absolute best fishing you’ll find on the Pacific side of Mexico. Period. Our big game offshore trips are designed to put you on the fish, and we include everything—bait, tackle, licensing—you need for a killer day. We are blessed here with year-round action on big Marlin, high-flying Sailfish, hard-fighting Tuna, and the best-eating fish in the sea, the Mahi-Mahi (Dorado).
Choosing Your Adventure: Bay vs. Offshore
There’s a big difference in the types of trips we offer, so let’s break it down:
- Bay Fishing (4 to 6 hours): This is your family fun trip! The Super Panga is perfect for four people or a family with young kids. If those little ones are new to boating, four to six hours is the maximum time on the water to ensure everyone has a good time.
- Offshore Fishing (8 hours up to overnight): This is where the giants live! We need 8 hours to reach legendary spots like Corbetena and El Banco. This requires a sport fisher—and remember to check the boat’s speed before you rent! You don’t want to spend half your day getting to the grounds.
And look, while we offer shared “party” trips, the best bet is always to book a Private Fishing Charter. That boat is yours and your friends’—you control the lines and the action, not nine other strangers. We also offer light tackle and fly-fishing setups on many vessels, plus fun combo tours like fishing/snorkeling or whale watching cruises.
The Pete Philosophy: Safety, Gear, and the Price Guarantee Scam
I’ve been fishing these waters for over 38 years, and I’m going to tell you the plain truth about booking a charter:
- Safety is Non-Negotiable: My company has been running over a thousand trips a year for decades, and we report zero accidents. Before you leave the dock, your crew must show you where the safety gear is. Demand it.
- The Gear Must Be Gold: You cannot tackle a monster Marlin with cheap gear. We use top-shelf Gold Penn and Avet 2-speed reels spooled with 1,000 meters of line, changed out several times a year. Proper gear is the only way to land a dream catch.
- The Price Myth: I laugh every time I see “BEST PRICES IN PUERTO VALLARTA” online. How can a middleman beat the owner? We are the owners of our boats! It’s impossible for anyone to beat our prices and stay in business. Do your homework! Be ready to ask questions. Call and speak with a licensed captain or owner (that’s me), not some booking clerk who doesn’t know the name of the boat or the captain. If they don’t know, look for another company!
We’re American-owned and operated, and I’ll personally answer any questions you might have about fishing, snorkeling trips, or just cruising the bay.
Check our website for the latest conditions, and don’t book anything before you check with us first. If all else fails, just give me a call! I’m here to help, even if it’s just advice on another company.
Feel free to contact me at vallartafishing@gmail.com or my toll-free number 800-430-6048.
Tight Lines and good luck on the fishing grounds,
