The Art of the Catch: Sport Fishing in Puerto Vallarta

From its origins as a tiny fishing village, Puerto Vallarta now has an international reputation for its world class fishing grounds and hosted the 56^th Annual Puerto Vallarta International Marlin and Sailfish Tournament this past November.

Within the vast waters of Banderas Bay are several well known fishing grounds.  Closest to shore are the Marieta Islands. Well known to snorkelers, divers and surfers, these small islands were made famous by Jacques Cousteau’s documentaries about their coral reefs surrounded by fish, stingrays and dolphins. Only smaller fish are caught in these waters but located just 19 miles from the Puerto Vallarta Marina, Islas Marietas is a good destination for first time fishermen.

Located 38 miles and 50 miles out from Puerto Vallarta are La Corbetena and El Banco, where you will find the best big game fishing in Banderas Bay.  The waters in La Corbetena are filled with baitfish and smaller tuna making it a top destination for the serious sport fisherman.  Snappers, Groupers, and Amber Jacks are all in abundance here as well as huge Yellow Fin Tuna.  Fierce fighting Blue and Black Marlin as large as 1000 pounds have been pulled in from La Corbetena as well Striped Marlin, Wahoo, Sharks and Dorado (Mahi Mahi).  This is an excellent destination for those who want to experience world-class deep sea fishing.

One of the most beautiful fish in the world, the Sailfish, is also found in the Puerto Vallarta waters.  There is much debate about the actual numbers of the Sailfish population globally, but it is generally agreed that they are a vulnerable species.  “Many people would like to add a Sailfish to their trophy collection but whenever possible we advocate for the catch and release of that particular fish to protect the ecology of the water here in Puerto Vallarta” commented Captain Luis Blanco of Vallarta Sportsman Fishing Charters, who placed first in the Catch and Release category at both the 2010 Riviera Nayarit 5^th Annual Marlin and Sailfish Tournament and the 2011 56^th  Annual International Marlin and Sailfish Tournament in Puerto Vallarta.