Download the mobile app!
Hooking Up Anglers Since 2011.
February 2026 is officially here, and in this corner of the world, it’s the month for lovers—and especially for lovers who love to fish! Puerto Vallarta being known for having some of the friendliest people on the planet, it’s easy to see why anglers from across the globe flock to Mexico to wet a line in our stunning Banderas Bay.
As we settle into the heart of the winter season, it’s a great time to out away that snow shovel and head down to fish Puerto Vallarta has provided some great fishing over the last few months. December and January were absolute standouts, boasting fantastic weather and some truly legendary catches. Despite those crisp 59°F mornings that make you reach for a light hoodie, the afternoons have been warming up to a perfect 75°F, creating the kind of idyllic conditions that make deep sea fishing Puerto Vallarta so famous.
The Offshore Breakdown: Marlin and More
So, what’s the word on the water for February 2026?
This year, we are seeing unseasonably warm water temperatures, holding steady around 74°F to 75°F. This "warm pocket" has been a game-changer, keeping the mahi-mahi and sailfish active and abundant much later into the season than usual. While the cooling water has slightly throttled the high-octane blue and black marlin action, it has opened the floodgates for a massive striped marlin bite.
Our eight-hour offshore charter boat Puerto Vallarta trips have been returning to the docks with some very happy clients. The striped marlin are putting on a spectacular show right now. If you are targeting these pelagic powerhouses, make sure you are rigged up with high-quality lures. We’ve had incredible success lately using Black Bart and Joel Schultz tuna lures.
Inshore Action and Family Fun
If you aren’t looking to head miles out to sea, don’t worry—Banderas Bay is absolutely teeming with life. For families or those looking for a shorter four-to-six-hour excursion, the bay fishing has been exceptional. We’ve had days where the California Bonita and Spanish mackerel (Sierra) are biting non-stop, providing fast-paced action that’s perfect for kids and novice anglers.
We are also seeing plenty of baitfish in the water, including:
Skipjack tuna
Google eye
Roosterfish (appearing near the shorelines)
Yellowfin tuna (smaller "football" sized ones closer to the points)
More Than Just a Fishing Trip
February is arguably the best month to visit Puerto Vallarta, and not just for the marlin fishing. This is the peak of the whale watching season! It’s not uncommon to be mid-fight with a trophy fish only to have a Humpback whale breach just a few hundred yards away. Between the world-class snorkeling, exploring the vibrant city life, and the breathtaking sightseeing, there is never a dull moment on the water.
Plan Your 2026 Adventure
As we move toward March, we expect these great conditions to continue, though we may see a slight increase in the afternoon winds. If you’re planning to fish with us this month, I highly recommend booking your charter boat Puerto Vallarta well in advance. Our calendar is filling up fast with folks from North Dakota, South Dakota, and New York who are looking to escape the snow and trade their ice augers for offshore reels.
What sets us apart? We are American-owned and operated, and we are out on these waters every single day. We don’t just guess where the fish are; we track them.
I look forward to seeing you on the boat and helping you land the catch of a lifetime.
Tight lines,
https://www.travelvallarta.com
Captain Pete
This Fishing Report was submitted on 2/2/2026 12:00:00 AM by Capt. Pete and last updated on 2/3/2026 12:20:58 PM.
Including GPX (Universal GPS Format), KML (Google Earth), and XLS (Excel) files.
Gives You Access To:
Download GPS files of fishing spots. Create Custom Maps of fishing spots. Fishing predictions w/ future date & location. Featured Listings for your fishing business.
$7 month or $49 year