By Richard Castaneda
of Cass Tours
When asked about the best area in Mexico for big game fishing, most anglers would probably reply “Cabo San Lucas.” This answer is probably due to the notoriety that Cabo has received over the last 10 years, much of it brought on by the popular fishing tournaments that take place every year – especially the Bisbee Black & Blue Marlin Tournament.
Not many years ago, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Ixtapa/Zihuatlanejo on Mexico’s mainland were popular big game fishing destinations, and as of late, are once again being mentions as the places to fish.
Puerto Vallarta: Located in the state of Jalisco, is considered the top vacation destination on the Mexican mainland with its palm-fringed beaches, lush jungles and posh resorts.
Once a sleepy fishing village, not much was happening until Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor came to town to film “Night of the Iguana” and the rest is history. Now a bustling town of 250,000—plus residents and more than 2 million visitors annually, it has a jet set reputation.
In recent years, PV has been attracting anglers seeking giant yellowfin tuna. The two offshore banks of Corbetania at 39 miles, and El Banco at 50 miles have become well known for holding big fish — not only big tuna but giant big black and blue marlin.
Fishing these two offshore spots is best July through November but can also be good in December, January and February. Anglers can also expect to catch sailfish, wahoo, bull dorado and giant cuber snapper. Charters to the offshore banks are normally a 12-hour day.
For those seeking smaller game fish, closer to the beach is Banderas Bay which, in the late spring, summer and fall, is very productive for sailfish, smaller yellowfin tuna, dorado and roosterfish. Charters for fishing in the bay are six- or eight-hour days.
The main problem in PV is that there a no organized fishing fleets as there are in other parts of Mexico. It seems that everyone in the charter business is an independent operator making it difficult for anglers looking for a boat to find one. Most charters do business on the Internet on in relationship with one or more local hotels.
The only fleet in PV that I am aware of and that we do business with is the Miramar Fleet, which is owned and operated by Capt. Bruno, with four boats consisting of 36- to 41 –foot sportfishers. These boats are equipped with top-of-the-line fishing tackle, bait tanks, outriggers, electronics and fighting chairs. Charters include crew, lunch, drinks, all fishing tackle, bait and ice on board. |
