El Anclote Sunset


Sky bridge to the Beach


The Surf in Front of El Anclote


El Anclote Panga Harbor


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 x x XX XXX XXX XX X x x x x x
Black Marlin X X x x x x X XX XXX XXX XXX XX
Blue Marlin XX X x x x x x xx XXX XXX XXX XXX
Dorado XXX XXX XX x x x x X XXX XXX XXX XXX
Grouper x x x x XX XXX XXX XX x x x X
Rooster Fish XX XX XX XX X XXX XXX XXX XX XX XX X
Striped Marlin X x x x x x X X XX XX XX X
Sailfish XXX X XX XX X x X XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX
Tuna x x x XX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XX X X
Wahoo XXX XX X x x x x X XX XX XXX XX


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, 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 15 minute ride to the Rooster Fish grounds and the Rooster Fishing is legendary out of Punta Mita. Pangas for inshore fishing trips normally charge around $50 to $70 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.

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


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


Andy with a Vermillion Pargo


Bill Lucus with a Toro

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)