Punta de Mita fishing on the Riviera Nayarit
Punta Mita puts you 15-20 miles closer to trophy fish areas compared to Puerto Vallarta which is further south.
Punta Mita fishing is located on Mexico’s open, central Pacific coast at about latitude 20 degrees north, well into the tropics, but still subject to some winter influence and seasonality in the fishery.
Punta Mitas offshore sport fishing water temperatures range from the low-70s in February-March, to the high-80s in August-September. During the summer-fall months of June-October and into November, the peak yellowfin tuna season brings tuna of all sizes, including huge fish pushing close to the 400-pound class, to the RivNays outer waters.
The Punta Mita peninsula is what puts you closer to great fishing, but it is the Village of Punta Mita you will remember. With a quaint marina with pangas, super pangas, or sport fishers your fishing options are many and just steps from the condos. Plus you have 8-9 restaurants on the beach, some with palapas and lounge chairs, and some will cook or grill your catch. Many other activities close by and for families too! Including Jack Nicklaus golf, whale watching, world class surfing, Island tours, kayaks, snorkeling, canopy tours.
Mexico’s Fishing Chart by Month
STRIPED MARLIN
The The Striped Marlin is found off Nayarit from July until November. World record is 339 pounds and is an outstanding fighting fish, normally released by fishermen. It is a good eating fish.
BLUE MARLIN
The Blue Marlin can be found in the area from July to April, the best times are September thru February. Normal size is 150 to 500 pounds, the world record is 1402 pounds. This is a tremendous fighting fish which takes hours on specialized equipment to land. Good eating but commonly released by fishermen.
SAILFISH
Sailfish are found closer to shore than the other billfish and are occasionally caught within the Bay of Banderas. This is an excellent fighting fish which is unsurpassed for its size in strength and spectacular leaps and runs. An excellent eating fish and ranges from 50 to 100 pounds normally.
YELLOWFIN TUNA
Several species of tuna can be found in Mexican waters but the favorite is the Yellowfin tuna. Also known as Ahi, this spectacular fighting fish is a favorite of fishermen and can be found served fresh at many local restaurants. It is one of the finest eating fares available. Yellowfin tuna range from a few pounds to almost 400 pounds. World record is 388 pounds. Special heavy-duty equipment is a must for these powerful brutes.
PARGO
The Mexican Pargo is also known as Red Snapper. An excellent eating fish, it ranges from a few pounds to 40 pounds in this area. The world record is 50 pounds. Drifting and bait fishing are the most productive ways to catch these beautiful fish.
ROOSTERFISH
This furious fighting fish gives the fisherman a tremendous fight. It has terrific stamina, slashing moves, screaming runs and jumps. It is not a particularly good eating fish and is normally released. Normally found in the 10 to 30 pound range, but can be found up to 100 pounds in these waters. World record is 114 pounds.
SIERRA
An outstanding fighter, this beautiful fish is a great light tackle sport fish. Excellent eating, it is common at 1 to 3 pounds but can be found over 10 pounds. World record is 13 pounds.
WAHOO
This tremendous fighter lives up to its name in fight and beauty. Related to the barracuda, this slim fish is best known for its frightening array of razor sharp teeth. Common at 10 to 50 pounds, it can reach over 200 pounds. World record stands at 158 pounds, the Bay of Banderas gave up a 221 pounder in 2004 but didn't qualify from record status due to the manner in which it was caught. Excellent eating fish.
DORADO
The dorado, also known as a mahi-mahi or dolphin, is prolific in Mexican waters. It is the fastest growing of all ocean fishes, it reaches the world record weight of 87 pounds. 20 to 40 pounders are frequently caught around Nayarit waters. One of the best eating fish found in the ocean, it is also one of the most beautiful with brilliant blues, greens and yellow markings. Strong and acrobatic, this fighter is highly sought after and caught regularly September thru April.
AMBERJACK
The amberjack is also known as the Coronado. This excellent eating fish can be frequently caught at 5 to 20 pounds, the world record is 142 pounds. A tremendous fighting fish, it is best caught with live bait by drifting. Heavy tackle is a must.GROUPER
Commonly found in the 50 pound range, this fighter has been caught up to 114 pounds. Usually caught over reefs and wrecks, it can also be caught by trolling. Season ranges from May to September. Warm weather drives them deeper.
CREVALLE JACK
The crevalle jack is a commonly caught sport fish in these waters. Normal range is 1 to 10 pounds but frequently caught in the 20 pound range. World record is 57 pounds. Poor eating but a favorite due to its enormous fight and pulling power. Frequently caught on light tackle. Can be found here most of he year.Y-Knot Fishing
YKNOT specializes in big game fishing and whale watching off Punta de Mita. This area offers some of the best sport fishing in the world. Punta de Mita is the ideal place to launch your trip from. Punta de Mita has been blessed with much closer proximity to the protected Marietas Islands than the much busier Puerto Vallarta. These waters host an abundance of game fish, whales, rays, turtles and the star of the islands, the blue footed booby. To fish the open ocean, boats leaving from Puerto Vallarta must boat right by Punta Mita, and back to get to these abundant waters.
gofishpuntamita.com
Erasmos Tours
Erasmo Tours – Over 15 years experience as captain in Punta Mita fishing.
New Super Panga, Twin motors Mercury 115 HP, Tuna tubes, Bait tank, Safety equipment, Radio, GPS, Fish finder, Music, Ice, Bathroom. Fishing Trips can be for 1 – 4 people | $70.00 US per hour with a minimum of 4 hours. $700.00 US all day Tours. Whale Watching or Snorkel Trips $150.00 US per hour with a minimum of 2 hours. | 1 – 8 people. $200.00 US x hour with a minimum of 2 hours. | 8 – 11 people. erasmostours.com