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PV Charters

Notes

Short, occasional notes on fishing Puerto Vallarta — what’s biting, when to come, and how the charters actually work.

October 2, 2026

The best month for sailfish in Puerto Vallarta

Sailfish bite most of the year in Puerto Vallarta, but they're strongest either side of winter, when cooling water pulls them closer in.

September 28, 2026

Puerto Vallarta fishing in December — what's biting

December in Puerto Vallarta: sailfish close in, dorado run again, and blue marlin hold on at the offshore banks.

September 24, 2026

What a fishing charter costs in Puerto Vallarta

Whole-boat private charter rates in Puerto Vallarta: four hours from $1,250, eight hours from $2,100. No per-person math, no sharing the boat.

September 20, 2026

Banderas Bay vs offshore — where should you actually fish

Inside Banderas Bay fishes on a four-hour trip. Offshore banks need eight to twelve hours. Here's how to choose.

September 16, 2026

The roosterfish is the reason people come back

Roosterfish — pez gallo, papagayo — are catchable every month of the year in Puerto Vallarta, close to shore, and almost always released.

September 12, 2026

Do you need a fishing license in Puerto Vallarta?

No — on a licensed charter in Puerto Vallarta, the boat's license covers everyone aboard. One less thing to arrange.

September 8, 2026

4 hours or 8? How long a charter you actually need

Four hours fishes the bay well. Six or eight opens the outer bay. Ten to twelve reaches the marlin banks. Match hours to the fish, not the schedule.

September 4, 2026

Can you keep what you catch in Puerto Vallarta?

Yes — within limits. Tuna, dorado, and snapper are excellent eating; billfish and roosterfish are released. The crew handles it all.

August 30, 2026

When is marlin season in Puerto Vallarta?

Autumn is marlin season in Puerto Vallarta — black marlin peak September–October at Corbeteña, blues hold into December.

August 26, 2026

What to bring on a fishing charter (and what to leave)

Sunscreen, a hat, a light jacket, and whatever you drink. Tackle, bait, licenses, and ice are on the boat.

August 22, 2026

Summer is dorado season (mostly)

Dorado — mahi-mahi — run best in winter and again in autumn in Puerto Vallarta, with a late-spring lull. Here's the timing.

August 18, 2026

The best time of day to fish in Puerto Vallarta

Early. The bite is best in the morning, the water is calmest then, and you're back with the whole afternoon ahead of you.