World-Class Fishing
By George Oxford Miller

Have you ever seen a 300-pound marlin or a 100-pound sailfish leaping in the air at the end of your line? With Puerto Vallarta ranking among the top fishing destinations in Mexico, you may soon. With world-class sport fishing in Banderas Bay and popular lake fishing in the Sierra Madres, Puerto Vallarta offers the thrill of both deep-sea and freshwater trophy catches. Many charter companies offer door-to-door service from hotels and provide food and drink, tackle, bait, and a guide for your day on the water.

Regardless of the season, the 40-mile-wide Banderas Bay never disappoints with more than a dozen species of sport fish. Farther into the Pacific, anglers pull in sailfish, blue and black marlin, dorado, tarpon, and giant yellowfin tuna that top 100 pounds. The prime season for big game fishing extends from October through February. Day trips around the bay islands bring in sailfish, dorado, marlin, and wahoo. Half-day trips from January to May yield tuna, roosterfish, mackerel, red snapper, bonita, amberjack, and sea bass. Summer fishing is good for tuna, dorado, and sailfish, while marlin fishing peaks between November and March.

To preserve its sport fishery, Mexico prohibits commercial fishing for nine species within 50 nautical miles of shore. Additionally, more and more conservation-minded anglers release their catches to help maintain fish populations for future generations. The practice provides a top-notch experience without the danger of over-harvesting.

The International Sailfish and Marlin Tournament, the premier fishing tournament in Mexico for 52 years, attracts fans from around the world. Last year 282 fishermen and 102 boats vied for more than $250,000 USD in cash and prizes. The top six winners in the sailfish, marlin, tuna, and dorado categories took home boats, cars, pickup trucks, and $5,000-$10,000 cash "consolation" prizes.

The rains that pour on the jungle-covered Sierra Madres just beyond the beaches feed spectacular waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. While parrots squawk in the trees and eagles soar overhead, you can fish for large-mouth bass on the lakes south of Puerto Vallarta. Day trips to the 7,000-acre Cajon De Peņa, two hours from Puerto Vallarta, troll the waters in 14-foot boats with lunch, snacks, drinks, all equipment, lures and bait, and guide service provided.

Whether you prefer plying the rolling waves of the Pacific or casting along the tranquil, jungle-covered shore of a mountain lake, Puerto Vallarta gives plenty of opportunities to wet a hook and go home with bragging rights.

Fishing Tourney For Kids

Fishing should be fun for the entire family. With that in mind, the Club de Pesca (fishing club) of Puerto Vallarta founded the fishing tournament for kids, now in its 17th year. This exciting annual family day was celebrated on April 30 this year. It's an entirely free event, while the requirement is that one adult accompanies each child.

More than 200 kids were involved in this growing event that brings generations together on the sea. "Like any tournament, there are prizes, t-shirts, snacks and refreshments for everyone," says Oscar Montiel Cervantes, president of the non-profit association, "but what's really most important and makes it work so well is doing an activity together."

There are two categories: ages two to six and ages seven to 12. "Younger first-place winners get a bicycle, while in the older category it's a more rugged mountain bike. Other prizes for placement include toys, balls and games." And it's all free.

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