Greetings from Sayulita, and a very Merry Fishmas and Happy New Year! Let’s dive into the amazing fishing scene in January 2024 and explore the exciting charters and trends shaping up.
Our recent Christmas celebrations in Sayulita were nothing short of spectacular. Out on the water we were catching lots of mahi-mahi, lively sailfish, yellowtail, Spanish mackerel, roosterfish, and a dash of snapper. Curious about where and how we are catching these pelagic fish? Look no further; we’ve got you covered here in Sayulita fishing reports.
Winter fishing in Sayulita has some scorching days on the water, with cool, refreshing mornings setting the stage mostly on the morning bite. The winter weather is simply incredible, starting at a comfortable 65 degrees and warming up to a perfect 78 degrees. These conditions create an ideal backdrop for an exceptional fishing experience. While the Pacific Ocean may cool down a bit in January, the locals and our Captain affectionately refer to it as “cold water,” with temperatures hovering around 65 to 78 degrees.
While many folks in the northern regions may have winterized their boats and stowed away their fishing gear, here in Sayulita, we’re just getting started.
With the slight cooling of the water, some pelagic species may shift locations or venture farther offshore. The majestic blue and black marlin, in particular, prefers warmer waters and might migrate to different areas. Fear not; there’s still plenty of sailfish, mahi-mahi, tuna, and yellowtail for some thrilling offshore action. As the roosterfish make their grand entrance this month, the amberjack follows suit. Already, we’re witnessing good numbers of these formidable fish, with nothing quite like the excitement of landing amberjack or roosterfish using a substantial 5-pound bonita as bait. The reef areas are buzzing with activity, and the roosterfish and amberjack can’t resist the allure of our live bait.
January brings an abundance of sardines, forming massive bait balls both in the bay and offshore, greatly enhancing our inshore and offshore fishing expeditions. On days when the bait is plentiful, fishing becomes a relentless pursuit, testing the endurance of your arm. In the coming months, we expect even more bait influx into our bay. Offshore fishing takes a different turn as we troll for striped marlin, which thrive in cooler water temperatures like January.
During our offshore trolling, we always keep a couple of live baits, or “google eye,” at the ready. Spotting a dorado, sailfish, or striped marlin finning on the surface is a thrilling sight, especially during tide changes. The active feeding phase is the perfect time to entice them with live bait on our 2-speed Avet spinning gear. The inshore and offshore trips hold the promise of turning a good day into an extraordinary one.
Inshore fishing in January offers a variety of techniques, including trolling, jigging, bottom fishing, and, of course, live baiting. Daily monitoring of conditions like temperature changes, water clarity, and bait movement guides our strategy. Finding the bait is the key to discovering the fish.
For those opting for our 6-hour bay trips, fast-feeding yellowtail, delectable Spanish mackerel, California bonitas, and snapper await eager anglers. It’s the perfect trip for a fun-filled day with plentiful catches.
As an added bonus during Sayulita’s winter months, alongside fantastic fishing, delightful weather, stunning beaches, and superb restaurants, we’re graced by the presence of humpback whales. Picture this: hooking a massive fish and then spotting a 20-ton, 40-foot-long whale right beside your boat. It’s not just a dream; it happens almost every day.
Come join us and revel in this winter wonderland we proudly call home—Sayulita, where the fishing world awaits you and family.
Merry Fishmas and Happy New Year from Sayulita Fishing Professional Charters with Captain Pete and crew!
Check out the Puerto Vallarta fishing report here.
