January Fishing adventures in NuevoVallarta
Greetings fellow anglers! and Happy New Year. I’m thrilled to share the January 2025 fishing report from the vibrant waters of Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. If you’re seeking a winter escape that combines world-class fishing with the allure of paradise, your search ends here. The weather and fishing have been fantastic this month.
The holiday season in Nuevo Vallarta has been an angler’s dream come true. Our waters are teeming with life, offering exciting encounters with a diverse range of species. Mahi-mahi, sailfish, yellowtail, Spanish mackerel, roosterfish, and snappers have been putting on a show, providing exhilarating battles for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your fishing journey, we possess the expertise to guide you towards your dream catch.
January: A Fisherman’s Paradise
Winter in Nuevo Vallarta is a magical time. Mornings typically begin with cool breezes, hovering around 65°F, while afternoons bask in comfortable 78°F temperatures. The Pacific Ocean mirrors this pleasant climate, maintaining a temperature range of 65°F to 78°F – ideal conditions for both fish and anglers. While some may consider this “cold water,” rest assured, it’s the perfect temperature for thrilling fishing adventures.
While our friends to the north are preparing their boats for winter storage, our fishing season is just beginning to heat up. The cooler January waters bring about a shift in the fishing scene. While the larger blue and black marlin have migrated to warmer offshore waters, their spirited cousins, the striped marlin, have arrived to take center stage. Sailfish, tuna, and mahi-mahi continue to provide exhilarating action offshore.
Closer to shore, the action remains intense with amberjack, roosterfish, and snapper offering plenty of excitement. Roosterfish, in particular, are a favorite among anglers this time of year. A valuable tip: utilizing a live Spanish mackerel as bait can significantly increase your chances of landing one of these powerful fighters.
Bait Balls and Offshore Thrills
January also witnesses the arrival of massive schools of sardines into the bay and offshore areas. These bait balls act as a powerful magnet for game fish, creating a feeding frenzy that provides non-stop action for the fortunate anglers who encounter them. Witnessing predators like dorado and marlin attack a bait ball is an unforgettable spectacle, often leaving anglers with sore arms from the constant reeling.
When trolling offshore, we often rely on live baits such as “Goggle eye” to entice striped marlin, dorado, and sailfish. The thrill of spotting a fin slicing through the water or a marlin breaching the surface is truly unmatched. Tides play a crucial role in these offshore adventures, with changing tides often transforming a quiet day into a flurry of activity. We often us the goggle eye baits for casting as well when we see the dorados,marlin,and sailfish finnning here in Nuevo Vallarta.
Inshore Opportunities
For those who prefer to stay closer to shore, inshore fishing offers equally rewarding experiences. Employing techniques like trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing, anglers can target species such as yellowtail, Spanish mackerel, California bonitas, and snapper. Our 6-hour bay trips are perfectly suited for this type of adventure, while those seeking more extended fishing expeditions can opt for 8-hour trips or embark on multi-day offshore adventures. The weather is perfect this time of the year.
As if the exceptional fishing weren’t enough, winter also brings the majestic humpback whales to the shores of Nuevo Vallarta. Imagine battling a powerful fish while a 40-foot whale breaches nearby – it’s a truly magical experience that can only be found here. Deep sea fishing and whale watching all in the same day is one of those moments you will never forget.
So, what are you waiting for? Come on down and experience the warmth of the friendliest port city in the world, where the fish are biting, the sun is shining, and every day feels like a holiday.
Merry Fishmas and Happy New Year!
Captain Pete and Crew
