El Banco

A long run to open water

El Banco lies about 50 miles northwest of Marina Vallarta, well outside Banderas Bay. Local fishing guides describe it as a canyon, and some call it The Banks.

One fishing report describes the bottom climbing from several thousand feet to a shallowest point of about 50 feet (15 metres), depending on the tide. Deep water rising that steeply holds bait, and the bait holds the bigger fish.

Getting there by boat

Plan on about two and a half hours each way from Marina Vallarta, which turns the outing into a full day of roughly twelve hours. The first hours are spent running across the bay and out past its mouth, so a fast, sea-kindly boat makes a real difference to how the group feels on arrival.

What anglers fish for

The species reported here are blue, black and striped marlin, sailfish, dorado, wahoo and yellowfin tuna, along with jack crevalle and cubera snapper. Catches change with water temperature and the month, and we'll confirm what has been biting in the week before your day.

What to know before you book

This is a day for committed anglers rather than for a cruise. The crossing is in open Pacific water, so wind and swell decide whether the trip goes ahead, and a captain may turn back if conditions worsen. Bring layers for the early start, sun protection for the afternoon and seasickness medicine if you need it. For offshore fishing on a shorter run, look at Corbeteña, about 36 miles from Marina Vallarta, or El Morro.