Happy Fishmas and a joyful New Year from Puerto Vallarta! Let’s dive into the January 2024 fishing report by Captain Pete and see what the Puerto Vallarta waters of Mexico have in store for our anglers visiting from all over the globe.
The holiday season has treated us well with an abundance of big catches, including mahi-mahi, action-packed sailfish, yellowtail, Spanish mackerel, roosterfish, and some snapper. If you’re curious about where and how to catch these pelagic fish, look no further—we’ve got you covered.
Winter fishing in Puerto Vallarta has helped us with some scorching days on the water, accompanied by cool and refreshing mornings. The winter weather here is nothing short of heavenly, with temperatures starting at a comfortable 65 degrees and reaching 78 deg. later in the day—a perfect recipe for an exceptional fishing experience. While the Pacific Ocean cools down a bit in January, locals affectionately refer to it as “cold water,” but don’t be deceived; temperatures hover around a pleasant 65 to 78 degrees.
While many folks in the north have winterized their boats and stored away their fishing gear, we are just getting started in Puerto Vallarta. As the water cools, some pelagic fish migrate or move offshore. The big blue and black marlin, favoring slightly warmer waters, may venture to different areas offshore. However, this doesn’t mean we won’t catch them; it simply means there are fewer of them around. When the big marlin moves to warmer waters we have the arrival of the striped marlin to take its place. Sailfish, mahi-mahi, tuna, and yellowtail will still provide thrilling offshore action, while amberjack and roosterfish are making their presence known. The use of a large Spanish mackerel as a teaser is a handy trick to lure in roosterfish.
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In January, we’re greeted by schools of sardines throughout the bay and offshore, significantly boosting our inshore and offshore fishing opportunities. The sight of massive bait balls often leads to non-stop fishing until your arms feel like they might give out. The next few months will see even more bait entering the bay. Offshore, we typically troll for striped marlin, which are drawn to the cooler water temperatures.
During offshore trolling, having a couple of live baits (commonly called “Google eye”) ready is crucial. Spotting dorado, sailfish, or striped marlin fining on the surface is a thrilling moment, and deploying live bait during tide changes often results in successful catches. Inshore fishing in January offers diverse opportunities, including trolling, jigging, bottom fishing, and live baiting. The key is to monitor daily conditions such as temperature changes, water clarity, and bait movement. Finding the bait is the golden ticket to a successful fishing outing, with fast-feeding yellowtail, tasty Spanish mackerel, California bonitas, and snapper ready for the taking on our 6-hour bay trips. The fantastic offshore fishing starts for the 8-hour trip and beyond. Up to 3-day trips offshore.
As an extra treat during the winter months, Puerto Vallarta welcomes humpback whales to its waters. Picture hooking a massive fish and then witnessing a 20-ton, 40-foot-long whale swimming right beside your boat—it’s a common occurrence here! Check out this fishing action with bonus whale watching
So, come on down and revel in this winter wonderland we call home—Puerto Vallarta, where the friendliest people in the world live.
Merry Fishmas and Happy New Year!
Captain Pete Capt. Pete and Crew
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