February 2026 has officially arrived in paradise, and if you’re currently staring at a snowbank in the northern latitudes, let this be your sign to head south. In this stunning corner of the Mexican Pacific, February is widely celebrated as the “Month for Lovers”—but for those of us on the docks, it’s primarily the month for lovers of the deep blue sea.
If you are looking for the premier destination for fishing in Nuevo Vallarta, you’ve found it. Our modern marinas and easy access to the legendary Banderas Bay make this the perfect starting point for any aquatic adventure. Known for having the friendliest locals and most experienced crews, it’s no wonder anglers from across the globe are flocking here to escape the winter blues and experience world-class fishing charters Nuevo Vallarta.
Winter Recap: A Season of Legends
As we settle into the heart of the 2026 winter season, it’s the perfect time to look back at the incredible action we’ve seen. December and January were absolute standouts, providing a consistent string of “bluebird” days and some truly legendary catches.
The weather has been following a classic, comfortable pattern. We’ve been seeing those crisp, 59°F mornings that might require a light hoodie and a hot coffee while we clear the jetties, but by midday, the sun warms the deck to a flawless 75°F. These are the kind of stable, idyllic conditions that make deep sea fishing Nuevo Vallarta a bucket-list experience for every serious angler and sun-seeker alike.
The Offshore Breakdown: The Striped Marlin Show
So, what is the pulse of the Pacific for February 2026? This year, we are witnessing a fascinating oceanographic trend: unseasonably warm water temperatures. We are currently tracking a “warm pocket” holding steady between 74°F and 75°F just outside the bay.
This thermal anomaly has been a total game-changer for our offshore runs. It has kept the mahi-mahi (Dorado) and sailfish active and abundant much later into the winter than we usually see. While the slightly cooling water has throttled back the high-octane blue and black marlin action, it has opened the floodgates for a massive marlin fishing Nuevo Vallarta season—specifically focusing on the acrobatic Striped Marlin.
Our eight-hour offshore excursions have been returning to the docks with some very exhausted, very happy clients. The Striped Marlin are putting on a spectacular show right now, often found “tailing” on the surface. If you’re targeting these pelagic powerhouses, success often comes down to the gear. We’ve had incredible luck lately rigging up with high-quality lures; specifically, Black Bart and Joel Schultz tuna lures have been the “hot ticket” for drawing aggressive strikes.
Inshore Action: Family Fun and Fast Bites
If you aren’t looking to trek 20 miles offshore, don’t worry—Banderas Bay is currently a literal soup of baitfish. For families or those looking for a shorter four-to-six-hour outing, the Nuevo Vallarta fishing report for inshore action is glowing. We’ve had days where the California Bonita and Spanish mackerel (Sierra) are biting non-stop, providing the kind of fast-paced, “bent-rod” action that is perfect for introducing kids to the sport.
On any given afternoon, you can spot:
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Skipjack Tuna boiling on the surface.
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Google Eye (the gold standard for live bait).
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Roosterfish patrolling the rocky shorelines near the points.
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Yellowfin Tuna—specifically those “football” sized ones—moving in closer to the bay’s mouth.
More Than Just a Fishing Trip
February is arguably the absolute best month to visit, and not just for the fishing. We are currently in the peak of the whale watching season! There is nothing quite like being in the middle of a fight with a trophy fish only to have a 40-ton Humpback whale breach just a few hundred yards from the boat. Between the whale sightings, world-class snorkeling in crystal-clear coves, and the vibrant dining scene in Nuevo Vallarta, there is never a dull moment.
Plan Your 2026 Adventure
Looking ahead toward March, we expect these stellar conditions to hold, though we might see a slight increase in the afternoon trade winds. If you are planning to fish with us this month, I cannot emphasize this enough: book your trip well in advance. Our calendar is filling up fast with folks from North Dakota, South Dakota, and New York who are desperate to 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.
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Email: [nuevovallartafishing@hotmail.com]
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Toll-Free: 800-430-6048
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Socials: Follow “Puerto Vallarta fishing captain Pete” on Facebook for daily photos and live updates.
- Fishing rates for Nuevo Vallarta
I look forward to seeing you on the boat and helping you land the trophy of a lifetime. Let’s get those lines tight!
Tight lines,
Captain Pete