Happy Fishmas and Feliz Año Nuevo from Nuevo Vallarta!
¡Bienvenidos, amigos! It’s your favorite salt-crusted guide, Capt. Peter Vines, coming to you live from the beautiful docks of the Riviera Nayarit. First off, a huge Merry Fishmas and Feliz Año Nuevo to all my fishing family. It’s January 2026, and while I know many of you are back home shoveling snow or winterizing your rigs, let me tell ya—the only thing we’re “winterizing” here in Mexico is the ice chest to make room for more fish.
It is my absolute pleasure to bring you this update on Nuevo Vallarta fishing straight from the stunning, blue waters of Banderas Bay. If you’re looking for a winter getaway that feels like a literal paradise, you’ve parked your boat in the right slip. We’ve got perfect weather, world-class resorts, and some of the friendliest people on the planet. But let’s get down to the real reason you’re reading this: you want to know if the fish are biting. The short answer? You bet your bottom dollar they are.
The January Conditions: Tropical “Chills” NOT !
Winter in our neck of the woods is simply magical. Now, don’t let the word “winter” fool ya. Our mornings in Nuevo Vallarta greet us with a cool, crisp breeze around 65°F—just enough to need a light hoodie while we’re rigging the lines. By the time the sun hits high noon, we’re basking in a perfect 78°F. Nuevo Vallarta fishing rates
The Pacific Ocean follows suit, staying right in that sweet spot between 65°F and 78°F. The locals might call it “cold water,” and sure, it might feel a bit refreshing when you first jump in for a snorkel, but for the fish, it’s prime time. This temperature range creates some of the most action-packed days for our fishing charters you’ll find all year.
The Big Boys: Offshore Action
While our friends up north are hunkered down, we’re just hitting our stride. The cooler waters of January bring a change of guard in the deep blue. The massive blue and black marlin have started their migration to warmer southern waters, but don’t you worry—their cousins, the striped marlin, have arrived in force to fill the gap. These guys are acrobatic, fast, and put on a heck of a show.
If you’re heading out for some serious offshore fishing, you’re also going to run into plenty of sailfish. They love these January currents. And let’s not forget the crowd favorites: mahi-mahi (dorado). These gold-and-green beauties are still lighting up the spread, providing both a great fight and the best fish tacos you’ll ever taste. When we’re out there, we’re constantly looking for those massive schools of sardines. These “bait balls” are like an all-you-can-eat buffet for predators. Watching a striped marlin or a pod of dorado crash a bait ball is a sight that’ll leave your adrenaline pumping and your arms sore from reeling.
Inshore Action and “Rooster” Fever
Not everyone wants to go way out to the Corbetena, and that’s just fine because the inshore action right now is spectacular. Our 6-hour bay trips are producing impressive catches of yellowtail, Spanish mackerel, and snapper.
But the real king of the shoreline right now is the roosterfish. These “punks of the Pacific” with their iconic Mohawk fins are a blast to catch. Pro tip: if you want to hook a trophy roosterfish, we’ve been having huge success using live Spanish mackerel as bait.
Why Choose Our Fishing Charters? Book online now
Whether you are a seasoned pro or a first-timer, we’ve got the know-how to help you hook your dream fish. We offer the best prices on deep-sea fishing adventures in the region.
6-Hour Trips: Perfect for families and hitting the inshore honey holes.
8-Hour to Multi-Day: For the hardcore anglers chasing the big game offshore.
Whale Watching Bonus: This is the best part of January! While we’re hunting for sailfish, we often see humpback whales breaching right next to the boat. It’s a two-for-one nature show!
So, what are you waiting for? Come visit the friendliest port in Mexico. The sun is shining, the beer is cold, and the fish are hungry. Give me a call toll-free at 800-430-6048 to check our availability. Let’s get you out on the water and make some memories.
Tight lines and blue water,
see our Puerto Vallarta fishing report