- As we troll into April here in beautiful Sayulita, the buzz isn’t just about Easter celebrations—though with the vibrant processions, beachside gatherings, and delicious rompope (Mexican eggnog) flowing, it’s hard not to get swept up in the festive spirit. No, for us anglers, April marks the real start of something special: the warming waters and the return of some of the most exciting fishing action Sayulita has to offer.
The Shift in Seasons Brings the Fish
Every year around this time, the ocean starts to wake up in a big way. Water temperatures climb, baitfish schools thicken, and the pelagic predators we all love to chase move in closer to shore. By mid-April, we’re seeing consistent surface temps in the 78-82°F range, and that’s when things really get interesting.
Last month, we had some great feedback from our charters (check out those TripAdvisor reviews—our clients don’t hold back on the praise!), but April? April is when the fishing shifts into high gear.
What’s Biting in April 2025?
If you’re booking a trip this month, here’s what you can expect:
-
Marlin & Sailfish: The striped marlin bite has been solid offshore near the Marietas Islands and El Morro, but we’re also seeing more blues and blacks showing up in the mix. Sailfish are still patrolling the grounds, and their acrobatic strikes make for some of the most exciting action on light tackle.
-
Mahi-Mahi (Dorado): These golden torpedoes love the warmer water, and with the increasing numbers of floating debris (thanks to some windy days in March), we’re finding good-sized schools around weed lines and logs.
-
Tuna: While the football-sized yellowfin have been steady, we’re starting to see larger models pushing into the area. The key? Finding the birds and porpoise—they’ll lead you right to them.
-
Inshore Action: Don’t overlook the roosterfish, jack crevalle, and even some early-season snapper near the rocky points. Live bait or slow-trolling lures near structures can produce explosive strikes.
Where Are We Fishing?
I get this question every day: “Captain Pete, where are the hot spots this month?” And while I wish I had a crystal ball (or a direct line to the fish themselves), 35 years of chasing these creatures has taught me a few things.
The fish move constantly. But they follow three key things:
-
Bait – Find the sardines, anchovies, or flying fish, and you’ll find the predators. We’ve been marking huge bait balls just a few miles offshore, and that’s where the marlin have been feasting.
-
Water Temp – We check satellite data every morning before we even leave the dock. A one-degree shift can mean the difference between a slow day and a full-on bite.
-
Water Clarity – Clean, blue water is where the pelagics thrive. Murky inshore water? Great for snapper, but not ideal for billfish.
That’s why we invest in Terrifin, a satellite service that gives us real-time updates on water conditions, chlorophyll levels, and even where fish were biting the day before. It’s like having a fish-finding cheat code.
Easter Week & Fishing Charters, check here for availability
Easter (Semana Santa) is one of the busiest times of the year in Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita, and while the beaches are packed, the fishing grounds are? Not so much. Many visitors focus on family time, which means those of us on the water often have the fish to ourselves.
If you’re planning a trip this month, book early. We’re already filling up dates, especially around the holiday weekends. Whether you want a full-day offshore adventure for marlin or a relaxed inshore trip for roosters and jacks, we’ll customize the perfect trip for your group. Check out our Sayulita fishing rates
Final Thoughts
April is one of my favorite months to fish these waters. The weather is perfect, the ocean is alive, and every trip holds the potential for something unforgettable. Whether it’s watching a client land their first sailfish or seeing a mahi light up the water in a burst of color, these are the moments that keep me hooked.
From my crew and me here in Sayulita, we wish you a Happy Easter and tight lines all month long. If you’re ready to get out there, drop us a line—we’ll put you on the fish.
See you on the water,
Captain Pete
Captain Pete
📞 [800 4306048] |
