Full Day Fishing Puerto Vallarta: What to Expect, Best Fishing Spots & What to Bring
A full day fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta is a private 8 to 14 hour offshore trip that takes you past Banderas Bay into the deep Pacific, where you can target yellowfin tuna, marlin, sailfish, dorado (mahi-mahi), and wahoo. Longer trips reach offshore grounds like the Marietas Islands, La Corbeteña ("The Rock"), and El Banco ("The Banks"), places a short half-day trip often can't cover.
This guide covers what a full day on the water looks like, where the fish are, what to pack, and how to get the most out of your charter. It comes from the crew at Fishing Rebels, who fish these waters every week.
Quick Answer: Full Day Fishing in Puerto Vallarta at a Glance
Trip length | 8 to 14 hours (inshore trips run 4 to 6 hours) |
Type of fishing | Offshore / deep sea, private charter |
Main targets | Yellowfin tuna, blue and black marlin, sailfish, dorado, wahoo, roosterfish, snapper |
Departure points | Marina Vallarta, Marina Los Peines, Los Muertos Pier, Nuevo Vallarta Marina, Paradise Village docks, Marina Riviera Nayarit (La Cruz) |
Included | Mexican fishing licenses, tournament-grade gear, live bait, water and ice, catch cleaning and filleting |
Best for | Serious anglers, groups, and anyone who wants the best shot at big game fish |
Typical start | 6:00–7:00 AM |
Why Choose a Full Day Over a Half Day?
A half-day trip is great for families and first-timers who want action close to shore. A full day gives you more of everything that matters:
More time on the fish. The long run to deeper water doesn't eat your whole trip.
Access to offshore grounds. Big game like marlin, sailfish, and yellowfin tuna feed in deeper water, often well beyond the bay.
Room to adjust. If the first spot is slow, your captain can move to another area without watching the clock.
A bigger boat option. Longer trips often run on larger, more comfortable boats with more space for groups.
Choose a half day for a quick, easy first experience. Choose a full day if you want trophy fish and a real offshore adventure.
What to Expect: A Full Day Fishing Charter, Hour by Hour
Every trip changes with the weather and the bite, but most full days go like this:
1. Early meetup at the marina. Your crew meets you at your departure dock [confirm time]. Gear, licenses, bait, ice, and water are already onboard, so all you bring is yourself and your personal items.
2. Live bait and the run out. The crew collects fresh live bait, then heads out of Banderas Bay. The ride out is a good time to relax, watch for dolphins, and listen to your captain's plan for the day.
3. Trolling and searching for the bite. Your captain uses current fishing reports and local knowledge to decide where the fish are active. Lines go out, and the crew watches for birds, current lines, floating debris, and bait schools.
4. Hookup and fight. When a fish strikes, the crew sets you up and coaches you through the fight. You don't need experience. For marlin, sailfish, and big tuna, expect a real workout.
5. Lunch and a break. Eat, rehydrate, and rest while the lines stay in the water.
6. Ceviche from your catch. Many Fishing Rebels charters prepare fresh ceviche onboard from your catch.
7. Back to the dock. Your crew cleans, fillets, and bags your fish so you can take it to your hotel kitchen or have a local restaurant cook it.
Best Fishing Spots Near Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta sits on Banderas Bay, one of the largest bays in Mexico, and deep water is close to shore. These are the main areas a full day trip can reach:
Banderas Bay and El Morro. The bay's inshore waters hold roosterfish, snapper, and other near-shore species. Inshore trips are great for families and beginners.
Marietas Islands. Known for strong action on dorado, tuna, and other species around the islands, and for beautiful scenery. A full day lets you fish here and still have time for other grounds.
La Corbeteña ("The Rock"). A well-known offshore mark where big fish gather. Reaching it is one of the main reasons to book a full day.
El Banco ("The Banks"). An offshore area where depth changes and structure attract bait, which in turn attracts yellowfin tuna, marlin, and other predators.
Your captain chooses the spot based on that morning's water temperature, bait, and recent reports. For current conditions, check the Puerto Vallarta fishing report before your trip.
What Fish Can You Catch?
Yellowfin tuna: Powerful fighters and excellent eating, popular on full day trips.
Marlin: The trophy fish. Most are released.
Sailfish: Acrobatic, with spectacular jumps.
Dorado (mahi-mahi): Colorful, fast-growing, and great for the table.
Wahoo: Very fast, with a lightning-quick first run.
Roosterfish: A favorite inshore species with a distinctive crest.
Snapper: Reliable action and delicious fillets.
Best time to go: Puerto Vallarta fishes year-round, but species shift with the season. As a general pattern, the cooler months favor dorado, sailfish, and marlin, while warmer months bring good tuna and roosterfish action.
What to Bring on a Full Day Fishing Trip
Your charter includes the essentials (licenses, gear, bait, water, and ice). Bring the things that keep you comfortable for a long day:
Wear:
Lightweight, long-sleeve sun shirt (UPF if possible)
Hat with a chin strap or a buff
Polarized sunglasses
Non-marking, non-slip shoes (flat soles, no black soles)
Swimsuit or shorts, and a light jacket for the early ride
Pack:
Reef-safe sunscreen (reapply often)
Motion sickness medication, taken before you board if you're prone to it
Snacks and lunch [confirm if you provide food or if guests bring their own]
Cash for tips (a common courtesy for your crew)
Phone or waterproof camera, with a lanyard or waterproof case
Dry bag or small backpack
Any personal medications
Leave behind: Hard-sided coolers (soft ones are easier to stow), glass bottles, and anything you can't afford to drop overboard.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Day
Book early in peak season. The best boats and dates fill up fast.
Eat breakfast, and drink water all day. Sun and sea can dehydrate you quickly.
Listen to your crew. A good captain and mate know exactly when to set the hook.
Tell your crew your goals. Want to eat what you catch? Want a trophy marlin to release? They'll plan accordingly.
Bring a good attitude. Fishing is never guaranteed, but local knowledge shifts the odds heavily in your favor.
Is Full Day Fishing Right for You?
Yes, if you want serious offshore action, you're traveling with a group that wants a full adventure, or you're targeting marlin, sailfish, or tuna.
Consider a half day if you have young kids, you're prone to seasickness, or you want a shorter taste of fishing.
Not sure? Contact Fishing Rebels and tell them your group and goals, and they'll recommend the right trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a full day fishing trip in Puerto Vallarta?
Full day charters typically run 8 to 14 hours, depending on how far offshore you go and what you're targeting.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes, but with Fishing Rebels, Mexican fishing licenses are provided for everyone onboard.
What does a fishing charter include?
Licenses, tournament-grade rods and reels, live bait, bottled water, ice, fresh ceviche from your catch, and professional cleaning, filleting, and bagging of your fish.
What is the best time of year to fish in Puerto Vallarta?
You can fish year-round. Species vary by season, so ask your captain what's biting for your dates.
Can beginners do a full day charter?
Yes. The crew handles the gear and coaches you through every step. Beginners who get seasick easily may prefer a half day first.
Where do the boats leave from?
Marina Vallarta, Marina Los Peines, Los Muertos Pier, Nuevo Vallarta Marina, Paradise Village Public Docks, and Marina Riviera Nayarit at La Cruz.
Can we keep the fish?
Yes. Your crew cleans and bags it for you. Many anglers release marlin and sailfish while keeping tuna, dorado, and wahoo to eat.
Ready to Book Your Full Day Fishing Trip in Puerto Vallarta?
Fishing Rebels offers private inshore and offshore charters from 4 hours to multi-day expeditions, with a local crew that knows where the bite is. Their motto: "We catch fish or we don't go home!"
WhatsApp / English hotline: +52 322 188 2266
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