Questions?

At Masterbaiters Sportsfishing and Tackle - We Won’t Jerk You Around!

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Have questions about fishing in Puerto Vallarta?

Hopefully this frequently asked questions section will answer any inquiries you might have.

If not, feel free to fill out the simple form below, and somebody will get back to you ASAP!

Common Sports Fishing Questions:

When Is the best time to fish for sail, marlin, tuna, etc.?
Please check out fishing chart for the best times of the year to target specific fish.

What time of year is best for fishing in Puerto Vallarta?
Depending on the fish you wish to target, times can change. Check out our fishing chart to identify specific Species and times.

What is provided with a charter?
You get a the boat naturally, but also Capt., Crew, Ice, 10 baits, Equipment, everything you need to catch the trophy fish of your dreams! You are responsible for what you want to eat and drink. Arrangements can be made at the coffee shop four doors down for lunches and snacks to be prepared for the morning of your trip. They have it ready for you in the morning before you depart. Or you can bring what ever you want. If you have any special request like shopping for food or other items involved with your charter, just ask. Anything can be arranged if we have time to set things up.

Fish for a specific species. Can we do that?
Sure! Naturally seasons change in Puerto Vallarta. With warmer water Temperatures comes bigger fish. So as a rule, bigger fish come into the waters of Puerto Vallarta during the summer and fall months. Things like location, water currents, etc. All come into play. We make every effort to make sure your fishing experience is a memorable one!

Can we target wahoo?
Of Course you can target Wahoo! They are elusive though. Open water, no schooling fish like Wahoo are more often than not a “miss” rather than a “hit”! Wahoo are mostly caught on lures while troling for other species and we have the best selection of lures I’ve ever seen. If you prefer, you can bring your own lures.

Do you have a catch and release fishing program?
We encourage Catch and Release! Let’s keep Puerto Vallarta waters full for future anglers! Just let the Captain know of your wishes and it’s done!

What fishing tackle is supplied on the trip?
All of my boats are equiped with the top names in the industry, Shimano, Calstar poles, Penn, Izorline, Braid, you name it. We don’t skimp on the equipment and you’ll never lose a trophy fish due to our line not being changed regulary or equipment failure like a jerky drag.

If I lose a lure or break a rod, will I be charged?
Losing lures are part of the game as well as rods breaking. Unless it´s something that is deemed deliberate that is never a problem. Fishing is fishing and things happen, we understand this. It’s one of the ways we don’t jerk you around.

Do I need a Mexican fishing license? Is it included with the charter?
To fish in Mexico, you need either an US issued Salt-Water Fishing License, or a Mexican Salt-Water Fishing License, bought by the customer on the way out of the Marina.

Do you have a “No Fish - No Pay” policy?
Why yes we do! But lets face it, fishing is fishing and we all know we can come up empty at the end of the day! But that’s not why we’re out there, We take the chance with you. Without our 30% money back policy if you don’t catch a fish we’re all disappointed. And honestly wouldn’t you rather have a company that actually cares by putting it’s money where it’s mouth is!?

Can I fish with my own tackle?
Sure, why not? You got a new reel, pole, or maybe some lures you want to try out, bring them along and lets see if you boat any fish with them. We do provide everything you need, with top quality tackle, etc. But feel free to come down with your own Tackle and equipment.

Can I bait and hook the fish myself?
If you know what you’re doing, why not? Remember we have a guarantee at risk, so if you do that, the guarantee is void.

Who do I make my complaints to if I am unsatisfied with something about my charter?
Talk to the Management of Master Baiters, or Stan. Our goal is to make our customers happy under all circumstances.

Is live bait supplied with my charter?
10 baits as well as ice are provided with every charter. We’ll catch “bait” at the fishing grounds or in the bay for bigger fish. But the baits provided are picked up from local venders selling google eyes, sardines or mullets.

Where do I get my fish cleaned?
We are more than happy to filet your catch. We’ll bag it up in one gallon Zip Lock baggies in manageable amounts. Every get one of those charters where they throw all you fish in a plastic grocery bag then freeze it all in one “lump”. We would never stand for that. There is a 25 peso charge for freezing and bagging the fish.

How do I get my fish home?
You can check your fish with your luggage! It would count as a second bag and you have a 50 lb. limit. Just get your self an Iglo type plastic cooler for transport. Show the folks at the counter that it’s fish, they’ll duct tape it closed and you’re off.

Can I have my fish mounted?
Of Course you can. We use the largest Taxidermy company in the world, Grays Taxidermy located in Florida, so there’s no import tax or hassle with your mounting coming into the USA from Mexico. Ask your Captain for assistance, he’ll be more than happy to help.

Can I reserve a particular boat or skipper?
Yes you can. I have Captains and crews assigned to specific boats as a rule. If you want a specific Captain we’ll work with you on this.

Do the crews on your boats speak English?
Yes, our Captains and crews are bilingual.

Are your sportfishing boats equipped with fighting chairs?
Yes, we have fighting chairs and for those of you who like harness or what I call a “stand-up rig” we have them ready when you are.

What time do the charters leave? Can they leave any earlier?
We as a rule leave at 7:00 a.m., but arrangements can be made to leave earlier. Just ask.

What time do the fishing boats return to the dock?
We have multi duration trips depending on where you go. Anywhere from four hours to twelve hours.

Do the boats have bathrooms? Are they enclosed?
The only boat I have, that doesn’t have a enclosed bathroom is my panga, it has a porta-potty onboard. All my other boats do.

Can your boats take us fly-fishing?
We do this all the time!

How much should I tip the crew?
If you’re satisfied with the crews performance, a 15 to 20% tip is customary.

What are the fishing charter rates?
All of our prices are for the boat, not per person. Please see the “our boats” section for prices and options.

Which airlines service Puerto Vallarta?
AeroMexico, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Mexicana and America West.^

What documentation do I need to come to Mexico?
Generally all you need is a passport. You can still travel with a Birth certificate and photo I.D., but it´s not like it was before 9/11. A passport is the way to go now and we strongly suggest to our American and European customers to get a passport if you don’t have one now. Things are just so much easier.

What is your cancellation policy?
A non-refundable deposit is necessary to hold your reservation. If you cancel or don´t reschedule your tip, the deposit will be forfeited.

Can I make my reservation without making a deposit?
Without deposits we find people have a tendency not to show up. So the answer is no.

When do I need to pay for my fishing trip?
A deposit holds your spot. The balance is due prior to trip departure in cash. Dollars or pesos both work.