When the ocean changes, the fishing responds
December marks the beginning of a key transition in the Pacific. Water temperatures start to drop, northern currents push in, and with them comes bait. That natural shift creates a chain reaction: more surface activity, more aggressive fish, and better opportunities for anglers who know how to read the moment.
It’s a prime month for topwater fishing and fly fishing. The ocean comes alive on the surface—but also below it. Deep-water species move into shallower ranges, making jigging between 60 and 120 feet not only productive, but extremely fun.
TUNA FISHING: DECEMBER AT ITS BEST
Tuna fishing around Puerto Vallarta is available year-round, but December brings something special: the arrival of the famous “spinner dolphin schools.”
These dolphins move in tight formations, and the tuna travel right beneath them. It’s a visual, high-energy fishery—topwater strikes, explosive bites, and fast-paced action. Most tuna range between 30 and 100 lb, with real chances of encountering fish pushing 200 lb or more.
For this style of fishing, we recommend:
- Popping rods rated 170–200 g
- High-speed reels (48”+ per turn), such as the Saragosa 14,000
- Poppers ranging from 12 to 20 cm, always with variety
When tuna won’t commit to the surface, jigging becomes the go-to strategy. And when they want the real thing, live bait takes over. At Snook Mafia, we don’t force techniques—we adapt to the fish and to what the angler wants to fish.
MARLIN, INSHORE & VARIETY
December also delivers opportunities for big game species.
Black and blue marlin remain present, and as water temperatures change, striped marlin begin moving into our fishing grounds.
Inshore fishing should never be overlooked this month. We experienced excellent action with large cubera snapper and roosterfish, mostly on live bait, with some fish also taken on lures. Add to that consistent catches of pompano, jack crevalle, bonito, grouper, and more, and December proves to be a well-rounded fishing month.
RIVER & RIVER MOUTH OPTIONS
For fly anglers and light-tackle enthusiasts, river fishing is a strong option. It offers the best chance to target snook in the Puerto Vallarta area. The river mouth opens the door to even more species, and while conditions vary, December often brings real opportunities for roosterfish in this zone.
PLAN AHEAD
December is peak season. Holiday travel combined with excellent fishing means dates fill up fast. Booking in advance isn’t optional—it’s part of the strategy.
At Snook Mafia, our focus is simple:
- Deliver a real fishing experience
- Fish the way the client wants to fish
- And make sure every angler leaves happy, with solid catches and better stories
For more information, contact us.Inshore Fishing TourFly Fishing in Puerto VallartaRiver fishing
December is already delivering. The only question is whether you’ll be on board.
Snook Mafia Crew 🎣
