My first deep sea fishing trip
I’ve never been deep sea fishing before. I’ve seen lots of videos on YouTube and watched TV shows when I was younger, I’ve also experienced a lot of lake fishing in Alberta and British Columbia where we would catch loads of Northern Pike or Kokanee if we were in the beautiful lakes in British Columbia’s interior. So my first deep sea fishing adventure out of Puerto Vallarta was a completely new adventure to me.
I really didn’t know what to expect as far as what we would catch, and I was a little nervous about getting seasick. I have spent many hours on sailboats of the shores of Maui and absolutely loved every moment of those trips, so I’m not sure why I was nervous about being seasick, I guess I didn’t know how rough the water would be.
Some of the most common fish you will catch while fishing in Puerto Vallarta are Mahi-mahi, Tuna, Roosterfish and snapper. See this reference guide – Puerto Vallarta Fishing
We arrive at the docks at about 7:00 am in Nuevo Vallarta (now called Nuevo Nayarit). Puerto Vallarta Fishing Tours has many peers and docks that they can pick you up at and this one was the most convenient. We had the pleasure of heading out with Gabby and his wife on the fishing trip, both of them are outstanding people and for different reasons they were both key to the trip, as you will see later on.
It was a very hot day in September but we had the proper Puerto Vallarta fishing shirts on to protect us from the sun and keep the air flow to a maximum. The wind was low and the sea was calm, I soon realized that all my worries about getting seasick where completely unfounded.
Our first stop about 10 minutes from shore was to a lone boat floating in the water in the middle of nowhere. Here we picked up our live bait for the fishing. I imagine that the bait provider got up very early in the morning and either picked up fish from nets he had in the water or through some nets out and collected some sort of small (10 inches) bait fish.
Puerto Vallarta Bay of Banderas
Off we go, out to the deeper sea. The boat we were on was a 28 ft Super Panga and was absolutely perfect for our fishing trip with lots of seating areas and lots of shade to keep out of the sun. The trip was smooth, no large waves at all. We made our first stop Just south of Punta Mita, which I guess is still within the Bay of Banderas. I’m not sure why that spot was chosen, I think that Gabby has had success there or maybe he saw some signs of fish in the area. We threw in a few lines and started trolling but it turned out to be a very short stop. He soon determined it was not a great spot, so we moved on.
Out to deep ocean. We headed out past the tip of Punta Mita. For some reason I don’t have a good recollection of the time it took to get out there but it didn’t seem long. We soon saw a few other boats and Gabby describe the area as where there was kelp and other things floating in the water like tree branches.
Gabby soon found the spot and we threw in 5 lines. He then trolled through an area where there must have been a school of Mahi-Mahi because in very short order, we hooked 3, almost all at once. Rick, Arnulfo and I got on the lines and reeled the fish in. Wow, I did it, I caught my first fish while deep sea fishing. What made it even better was that Mahi-mahi is my favourite fish to eat. The colors are amazing. We spent another hour out there and ended up catching 2 more.
One of our goals was a sail fish, so we baited some lines and started to troll on the way back into the Bay of Banderas. Alas, no luck. But Gabby’s wife was on the lookout and she did spot a couple.
During this time Gabby cleaned one of the fish and his wife made an amazing ceviche. Ceviche making blog will follow soon. The ceviche was delicious. Nothing compares to eating fish that was caught only minutes before. We ended up giving the remainder of the fish to Gabby and Arnulfo. Other options are out there if you want to make a meal that night or find a restaurant that will do that for you, Puerto Vallarta Fishing Tours has contact information for that. If you catch something outstanding you can even have it mounted.
As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to the marina. I conked out on one of the benches and was sound asleep. I’ll post a picture if it’s not too embarrassing The sun was still high in the sky, one of the advantages of starting early is that there is lots of day left when you get back.
Reflecting on my experience, I realized that deep sea fishing is about more than just the catch. It’s about the journey, the camaraderie with the crew, and the connection with nature. Puerto Vallarta’s stunning coastal scenery and rich marine life made this adventure even more special.
The memories of my first deep sea fishing adventure in Puerto Vallarta will stay with me forever. I am already planning my next trip, eager to explore more of what these waters have to offer. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice like me, Puerto Vallarta fishing promises an experience that is both exhilarating and rewarding
All in all it was a great day with some wonderful people. I can’t wait to do it again.
Tips for Your First Deep Sea Fishing Adventure
If you’re inspired to embark on your own deep sea fishing adventure in Puerto Vallarta, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:
- Choose a Reputable Charter: Do your research and select a charter company with positive reviews and experienced crew members. Their knowledge and expertise will greatly enhance your trip.
- Pack the Essentials: Bring sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, and comfortable sea shoes. Don’t forget your camera to capture the memories!
- Listen to the Crew: Pay attention to the crew’s instructions and advice. They know the waters and the best techniques for catching different species of fish.
- Be Patient: Fishing requires patience. There may be times when you don’t catch anything, but don’t get discouraged. Enjoy the journey and the beauty of the ocean.
- Respect the Marine Life: Practice catch and release whenever possible to ensure the sustainability of the marine ecosystem. Treat the fish with care and respect.
- Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks: The sun and sea can be dehydrating, so make sure to drink plenty of water. Bringing snacks will help keep your energy up during the trip.