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Hooking Up Anglers Since 2011.
Happy Fishmas from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
My pleasure to bring you the January 2025 fishing report straight from the stunning waters of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. If you’re looking for world-class fishing and a winter getaway that feels like paradise, you’ve come to the right place. Perfect weather, incredible beaches and some of the friendliest people on the planet. What else do ya need? Of course some biting fish. Let me tell you where they will be this January. Should be a fantastic month for both inshore and offshore.
The holiday season here has been a real delight (pun intended). Our waters are full of fish with, producing impressive catches of mahi-mahi, sailfish, yellowtail, Spanish mackerel, roosterfish, and snappers. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, we’ve got the know-how to help you hook your dream fish. The fishing will be hot offshore and inshore action for shorter fishing adventures.
January: A Fishing Haven
Winter in Puerto Vallarta is simply magical. Mornings greet us with cool breezes, starting around 65°F, while the afternoons warm up to a comfortable 78°F. The Pacific Ocean follows suit, staying between 65°F and 78°F—ideal conditions for both fish and anglers. Locals may call it “cold water,” but trust me, it’s just right for action-packed fishing adventures. We call it cold water but in reality it never gets to cold here to jump in the water while fishing or snorkeling here in our beautiful bay. The water will be refreshing when you jump in but only for a minute.
While our friends that fish up north winterize their boats and hunker down, we’re just hitting our stride. The cooler waters of January bring some changes to the fishing scene. Big blue and black marlin have started migrating to warmer offshore waters, but fear not—their striped marlin cousins are here to fill the gap. Meanwhile, sailfish, tuna, and mahi-mahi are still lighting up the offshore action.
Closer to shore, amberjack, roosterfish, and snapper provide plenty of thrills. Roosterfish, in particular, are a crowd favorite this time of year. Pro tip: Using a live Spanish mackerel as bait can be a game-changer when targeting these beauties. bait always works great in the winter season.
Bait Balls and Offshore Excitement
January also brings massive schools of sardines into the bay and offshore areas. These bait balls are a magnet for game fish, creating nonstop action for anglers lucky enough to find them. Watching predators like dorado and marlin attack a bait ball is an experience you’ll never forget—and it’s one that often leaves your arms sore from all the reeling!
When trolling offshore, we often rely on live baits like “Google eye” to attract striped marlin, dorado, and sailfish. The excitement of spotting a fin slicing through the water or a marlin breaching the surface is hard to match. Timing is key, and tide changes can turn a quiet day into a frenzy of activity. Keep an eye on the short rigger when trolling for those big marlin. They can be sneaky on the short line.
Inshore Opportunities
For those looking to stay closer to shore, inshore fishing is no less rewarding. With techniques like trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing, you can target species such as yellowtail, Spanish mackerel, California bonitas, and snapper. Our 6-hour bay trips are perfect for this type of adventure, while those craving even more action can opt for an 8-hour trip or multi-day offshore expeditions.
Whale Watching Bonus
As if the fishing weren’t enough, winter also brings humpback whales to Puerto Vallarta. Imagine fighting a massive fish while a 40-foot whale breaches nearby—it’s the kind of magic you can only experience here.
So, what are you waiting for? Come visit the friendliest port city in the world, where the fish are biting, the sun is shining, and every day feels like a holiday.
Capt. Peter and crew
https://www.travelvallarta.com
This Fishing Report was submitted on 1/8/2025 12:00:00 AM by Capt. Pete and last updated on 1/8/2025 9:46:13 AM.
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