PUERTO VALLARTA FISHING - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please browse the questions below and our Terms and Conditions.
If you still have questions, please feel free to Contact Us.

Q: WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME ON THE TRIP?
A: You can find a recommended list of items to bring along on our Fishing Trip Information page.

Q: DOES THE CREW SPEAK ENGLISH?
A: At least one member of your crew will speak English as will our representative who will meet you on the day of the trip and explain the trip to you and answer any questions you have.  Our customer service is 100% English-speaking.  You'll never have to worry about calling with a question and getting someone who doesn't speak English well with us.

Q: WHY ARE THE TRIPS TO EL MORRO AND CORBETENA MORE EXPENSIVE?
A: These locations are well outside of Banderas Bay (about 35 miles or so), and so take longer to get to.  This is also why there are no shorter trips for these locations available.  These are the trophy fishing locations, though - so it's well worth it.  See our Fishing Destinations page for details.

Q: DO I NEED TO PAY IN ADVANCE? DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?
A: Yes. You need to pay in advance because we have to pay in advance.  When we reserve the spot, it means we can't rent that spot to anyone else.  That's one way we're able to offer such incredible rates.  We accept all major credit cards through our secure web terminal as well as over the phone.  All transactions are processed using 128-bit SSL Encryption to offer you the highest level of security.  We don't accept cash or checks because we're looking out for you.  Credit Cards offer fraud protection for you, so you will feel more secure with your purchase, and we'll end up with happy customers.

Q: HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN BE ON A BOAT?
A: All our boats take six fishermen except our 36' Luhrs Convertible which takes 8 people, and our 46' yacht which takes up to 12 people.  Additional passengers are accepted on a case by case basis.  Please call us toll-free at 1 (877) 849-6496 to see if this may be possible for your group.

Q: CAN I KEEP THE FISH THAT I CATCH?
A: Yes, or you can catch and release.  If you want to keep the fish, the crew will help you clean it and fillet it for no extra charge.  However, please remember that in Mexican culture, it is a faux pas, if not a crime, to sell your fish, or take more than you can obviously eat and give away immediately.  It is customary for the crew to keep the leftovers and take it home or sell it as part of their wages.

Q: I WANT TO DO MORE THAN JUST FISH THIS VACATION - CAN YOU HELP ME?
A: Certainly!  We offer every tour in town for a discounted price.  We'll even act as your concierge, and give you information about the area, as well as give you all the inside scoop on the town and activities here.  You can contact us anytime, or you can browse our discounted activities and tours at Puerto Vallarta Tours.

Q: CAN I FISH FOR A CERTAIN KIND OF FISH?
A: You bet! We'll help you target your prize species. Of course, it will depend on the season and your chosen fishing site which species are the best for that time and area. Take a look at our new Fishing Calendar to see what is likely during your trip.

Q: DO YOU CLEAN AND FILLET MY FISH?
A: This is always included free of charge.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO FISH FOR...?
A: Check out our Fishing Calendar for seasons.

Q: ARE THERE ANY HIDDEN COSTS?
A: The ONLY costs you'll incur on this trip are the charter fee, your lunch (if you choose to order one - you are welcome to bring your own), beer (or you are welcome to bring your own), the port fee, and a tip for the crew.  There are no cleaning or filleting fees, or other charges.

Q: DO YOU GUARANTEE A CATCH?
A: While we can't guarantee that you'll catch a fish, it is not common for a fisherman to go home empty-handed.  Just remember, if you always caught something it wouldn't be called fishing, it would be called catching.

Q: CAN I TAKE FISH BACK WITH ME TO THE UNITED STATES?
A: Yes, as long as it's well-frozen and in a leak-proof container.  The amount you can bring back will be subject to the airline restrictions - check with your airline for complete baggage information to see how much it will cost you to bring it back with you.  If you are on a cruise ship, contact the ship directly to see if they allow fish on board (most don't but it can't hurt to ask). 

For more information about the customs rules regarding seafood imports into the U.S., click here and here.  Make sure also to check the FDA Import Alerts List to be sure your fish isn't on there - if it is, you won't be allowed to bring it in.  We pack it in ice for you like you'd get at a supermarket, but we don't provide packing and shipping services.  There is a Wal-Mart near the marina where you can buy coolers, ice, and packing tape.  Ask your hotel about using their freezer space.

If you're bringing frozen fish back with you, you'll want to contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at 1-888-723-3366 if you have any additional questions.  If you're bringing a stuffed and mounted fish back with you, check with the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife at (703) 358-2104 and your airline to make sure you are fully informed of all regulations regarding, cost, duties, and limits. 

Q: WHAT IS YOUR BAD WEATHER POLICY?
A: If on the day you're scheduled to go out, the sea is too rough and the boat can't go out, you can reschedule your trip free of charge.  If you want to apply your money toward alternate activities, we can arrange that for you. If you just want to cancel outright, that is okay too.  We will never penalize you for things you can't control.  However, rain is a fact of life in the tropics. If the port is open, we will still go out - rain or shine.  Don't worry - it's a warm rain.  In the summer it feels good!
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
A: We're happy to assist you with your cancellation up until 7 days before the trip with only a small 5% processing to help cover the credit card fees and other costs we incur to process these requests. Cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable. Boats 40 feet and larger are non-refundable within 30 days of your trip. we'll be happy to assist you with your cancellation up until 30 days before the trip with only a small 5% processing fee to help cover the credit card fees and other costs we incur to process these requests.  Please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

Q: WHAT TRIP SHOULD I TAKE FOR THE BEST FISHING?
A: See our Fishing Destinations page for information on the fishing sites.

If you have any questions we haven't answered, or you just want to talk about Puerto Vallarta in general, please feel free to contact us 24 hours a day.