El Anclote and the Malecon

El Anclote Sunset

Sky bridge to the Beach

The Surf in Front of El Anclote

El Anclote Panga Harbor

Hooked Up

Beach Palapas

Punta Mita Fishing

Ah, what to do if the surf goes flat. Well, go fishing, of course. Fishing in the Puerto Vallarta area is legendary and every boat that leaves Puerto Vallarta heading for the reefs and banks must travel all the way from the marina to Punta Mita before hitting the open ocean. This is what makes Punta Mita the place to be if you want to fish. El Banco is only a short 75 minute ride from Punta Mita and is one of the world's premier tuna banks. In the fall of every year huge yellow fin tuna weighing in excess of 300 pounds are fished at El Banco. It is so popular a place to fish that in 2006 long range boats from San Diego traveled all the way to El Banco to fish the cow tuna. Imagine making a day trip to such legendary fishing grounds. But, that is just the beginning. Following is a fishing calendar for the more important species that you can fish for year around from Punta Mita.

Species

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Amberjack

XXX

Black Marlin

XXX

Blue Marlin

XXX

Dorado

XXX

Grouper

XXX

Rooster Fish

XXX

Striped Marlin

Sailfish

XXX

Tuna

XXX

Wahoo

XXX

The El Anclote Fishing Cooperative

If you have not made advance reservations to go fishing, you can visit the fishing cooperative in El Anclote. The Captains of the pangas hang out here and you can generally arrange for a trip right on the spot. All of the Captains know the waters around Punta Mita intimately and you can't go wrong here. Just go in and let whoever is there what you want to do and they will hook you up. This is where you are going to get the best pangas at the best price.

The typical inshore fishing trip would last 3 to 4 hours in the morning and the focus would be on fishing for fish to eat. Dorado, Pink Snapper, Bonita, Pargo, Grouper, Cabrilla and the like are targeted and the fishing is generally excellent. If one wants to fish for Rooster fish, it is a quick 25-minute ride to the Rooster Fish grounds and the Rooster Fishing is legendary out of Punta Mita. However, since Rooster fish are barely eatable, please tell your panga operator that you only want to catch and release them. Pangas for inshore fishing trips normally charge around $75 to $100 per hour and that includes all equipment and bait. Tips for the panga Captain are very much appreciated if he is able to put you on quality fish.

Full day fishing trips generally leave at first light and travel to the offshore banks and beyond. They fish for large game fish and you are more than likely to find them. Yellowfin Tuna, sailfish, marlin and other deep sea game fish are available throughout the year. The outer banks of Puerto Vallarta are considered the super bowl of tuna fishing. Full day trips on pangas generally range from $700 and up

Here is one option if you would like to request specific information or reserve a panga in advance of your arrival.

More Information About Fishing in Punta Mita

Fishing Pictures From Punta Mita
(Send in yours and I will add it to the collection)

Tom With 100 Pound Class Tuna (April, 2010)

130 pound Yellowfin Tuna and Smaller Schoolies (20 to 30 pounds)
(Taken March 2nd, 2010 by Tom Ogg and Bill Lucus)

Bill Lucus with a Large RoosterFish
(We Catch and Release all Roosterfish)

Andy with a Vermillion Pargo

Bill Lucus With a Nice Dorado

Tom with a Nice Yellow Fin Tuna

Bill Lucus with an Amber Jack

Trips out to El Banco (or any of the other banks) are usually 8 to 12 hours long and generally cost between $500 to $800 (more during prime time and for sport fishing boats) depending on the length of the trip and the specific boat that you fish on. This is very much more affordable than if you book a charter in Puerto Vallarta or at the Four Seasons Resort. There are several fishing operators in El Anclote. If you Google "Punta Mita Fishing Charters" you will find a bunch.

Joanie Puts Fish Tacos on the Table

The ocean off of Punta Mita is alive with sea life and any trip is likely to see jumping sting rays, whales (during the season) dolphin, predatory fish busting bait balls like pargo, rooster fish, sierra and the like. Fishing in Punta Mita is a way of life and an experience that you will remember forever, even if you are a seasoned fisherman.

K with Her Pargo
(Note the Pile of Pompano, Trigger Fish and Sierra)

Elme With a Nice Yellow Fin Tuna

Andy With a Dorado

The Results of a Half Day Fishing Trip on the Y Knot

Mike Corson with a Small Dorado Taken in Front of the Four Seasons Resort

Tuna Stored on the Panga

Saul and Elme With the First Black Marlin of 2010