Happy Fishmas and a joyful New Year from Nuevo Vallarta Fishing Charters! Let’s explore Captain Pete’s January 2024 fishing report and discover the thrilling opportunities awaiting anglers in the abundant waters of Mexico.
The season of winter brought us some exciting catches, including mahi-mahi, action-packed sailfish, yellowtail, Spanish mackerel, roosterfish, and snapper. If you’re eager to learn the secrets of catching these pelagic treasures, look no further—and read on.
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Winter fishing in Nuevo Vallarta has graced us with amazing days on the water, complemented by refreshing mornings. The winter weather is simply to die for, with temperatures starting at a pleasant 65 degrees and reaching a perfect 75 degrees later in the day—an ideal setting for an outstanding fishing experience. While the Pacific Ocean experiences a slight cooling in January, affectionately termed “cold water” by the folks that live here, rest assured that temperatures remain a comfortable 65 to 78 degrees.
While our northern counterparts may have winterized their boats and stowed away their fishing gear, we are just beginning the fishing season in Nuevo Vallarta. As the water cools, some pelagic fish migrate or move offshore. The big blue and black marlin, preferring slightly warmer waters, may explore different offshore areas. This doesn’t imply a lack of catches; rather, it means there’s a bit less of them around. Sailfish, mahi-mahi, tuna, and yellowtail continue to offer thrilling offshore action, while amberjack and roosterfish make their presence known. Using a large Spanish mackerel as a teaser proves to be a useful trick to entice roosterfish. Having the Spanish mackerel and live bait is a must for the big roosterfish.
January welcomes schools of sardines throughout the bay and offshore, significantly enhancing our inshore and offshore fishing opportunities. The sight of massive bait balls often leads to non-stop fishing until your arms feel like they might give out. In the coming months, we anticipate even more bait entering the bay. Offshore, our focus shifts to trolling for striped marlin, drawn to the cooler water temperatures.
During offshore trolling, having a couple of live baits (commonly called “google eye”) ready is crucial. Spotting dorado, sailfish, or striped marlin fining on the surface is a thrilling moment, and deploying live bait during tide changes often results in successful catches. Inshore fishing in January offers diverse opportunities, including trolling, jigging, bottom fishing, and live baiting. Monitoring daily conditions such as temperature changes, water clarity, and bait movement is key to a successful outing. Fast-feeding yellowtail, tasty Spanish mackerel, California bonitas, and snapper are ready for the taking on our 6-hour bay trips. The 8-hour trips or more are for offshore fishing adventures.
As an added delight during the winter months, Nuevo Vallarta welcomes humpback whales to its waters. Imagine hooking a massive fish and then witnessing a 20-ton, 40-foot long whale swimming right beside your boat—it happens all the time here!
some bonus footage of fishing Nuevo Vallarta and whale watching
Come and join us in this winter wonderland we proudly call home—Nuevo Vallarta, where the friendliest people in the world live.
Merry Fishmas and Happy New Year!
see the Puerto Vallarta fishing report for January 2024
Nuevo Vallarta Fishing Professional Charters with Captain Pete Capt. Pete and Crew
