Welcome to February 2026 in the heart of the Riviera Nayarit! In our vibrant “Pueblo Mágico” of Sayulita, February isn’t just about the romantic sunsets and world-class surfing—it is the ultimate season for anglers. If you’ve been looking for the perfect excuse to trade your heavy winter boots for flip-flops and a fishing rod, you’ve officially found it. Known for having the most welcoming locals and a laid-back “surf-town” charm, it’s no surprise that travelers are currently flocking here to enjoy the incredible Sayulita fishing scene.
As we move into the peak of the winter season, it’s a great time to reflect on the action we’ve seen. December and January were phenomenal, with “bluebird” skies and some truly memorable catches coming off our boats. While our morning temperatures might start at a crisp 59°F—perfect for a light jacket and a strong Mexican coffee—the afternoons are warming up to a flawless 75°F. These stable, sunny conditions are exactly why Sayulita fishing charters are in such high demand right now.
The Offshore Breakdown: Striped Marlin & Tropical Currents
So, what is the pulse of the Pacific for February 2026? This year, we are seeing a unique oceanographic trend: a “warm pocket” of water holding steady between 74°F and 75°F. This unseasonably warm current has been a total game-changer for offshore fishing Sayulita, keeping the mahi-mahi (Dorado) and sailfish active much later into the winter than we usually expect.
While the slightly cooler water has slowed down the blue and black marlin action, it has opened the floodgates for a massive striped marlin bite. Our eight-hour offshore runs to deep-water magnets like La Corbetena and El Banco have been returning with exhausted but thrilled clients. These striped marlin are putting on a spectacular acrobatic show, often tailing on the surface. Success right now comes down to the gear; we’ve had incredible luck rigging up with high-quality lures like Black Bart and Joel Schultz tuna lures, which have been the “hot ticket” for drawing aggressive strikes.
Inshore & Panga Action: The Roosterfish Are Calling
If you aren’t looking to head 20 miles out, don’t worry—the nearshore action is just as hot. For many, panga fishing Sayulita is the most authentic way to experience these waters. Our local pangas are currently seeing a surge in “winter-meets-summer” species. We are finding incredible Roosterfish in the 40 to 60-pound range patrolling the rocky shorelines and reefs near Punta Mita and Sayulita. Landing a trophy roosterfish fishing Mexico is a bucket-list item for many, and February 2026 is proving to be a prime time to check that box.
Along with the roosters, we are seeing:
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Sierra Mackerel: Biting non-stop and providing excellent table fare.
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California Bonita: Offering fast-paced, “bent-rod” action for families.
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Yellowfin Tuna: Small “football” sized tuna moving closer to the points.
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Skipjack & Google Eye: Plentiful baitfish keeping the predators in the area.
More Than Just a Fishing Trip
February is arguably the best month to visit Sayulita. We are currently in the peak of the whale watching season! It is a truly surreal experience to be mid-fight with a trophy fish only to have a 40-ton Humpback whale breach just a few hundred yards from the boat. Between the whale sightings, world-class snorkeling in crystal-clear hidden coves, and the vibrant nightlife of Sayulita, there is never a dull moment.
Plan Your Sayulita Adventure
As we look toward March, we expect these stellar conditions to hold, though we may see a slight increase in afternoon trade winds. If you are planning a trip, I highly recommend booking your Sayulita fishing charters well in advance. Our calendar is filling up fast with folks from North Dakota, New York, and beyond, all looking to escape the cold.
What sets us apart? We are American-owned and operated, and we are out on these waters every single day. We don’t just guess where the fish are; we track them.
Contact Us Today:
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Email: [vallartafishing@gmail.com]
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Toll-Free: 800-430-6048
I look forward to seeing you on the water and helping you land the catch of a lifetime. Let’s get those lines tight!
Tight lines,
Captain Pete