To use a Gump-ism, Fishing is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you´re going to get! And if you are fishing in Puerto Vallarta those words are ringing true for sure! Bait is not an issue, but if you are targeting a specific species right this moment, you will most likely be disappointed. Those looking to catch fish and have a good day on the water, then this week, this is the person I am talking to in this week’s article. For the high strung types who have to catch Moby Dick, well his cousin may still be out there, but it´s going to cost you time and money with the lucky coming in happy and the unlucky, well you can guess!
It seems that every year we just dread the end of Summer Fishing as the water temperatures drop and the Whales arrive. The Whales are PV`s friend, but the fish in the bay think they could be lunch for these monster sized Mammals! If you´re a Yellowfin Football in the bay, you look like a Google Eye to a Whale, or so the fish think. In reality they are more interested in the Krill squids than the fish. But for this reason the boils of Football Yellowfin Tuna have moved out of the bay, yet the bait balls are springing up in everywhere. As El Morro and the Marietta Explode with a laundry list of winter gamefish we have to accept that winter fishing is here. This means smaller fish, closer in, abundant and equipped with a bad attitude for sure. For the Hard Core, you can still have larger Yellowfin Tuna if you´re willing to take the risk and pay the price in dinero and time! So, what are you going to do now amigo? Welcome to Puerto Vallarta´s World Famous Fishing Grounds
Well HERE WE ARE AGAIN, me in front of my computer in Marina Vallarta looking out over the Yachts and Sportfishers trying to figure out how to explain what is happening out there, it comes down to two words: Mother Nature. Yes, she is in control as we see the La Nina effects bring winter fishing early to our World Famous Fishing Grounds of Puerto Vallarta. With fields of bait balls of Krill sized Squids, Shrimps and Tiny Sardines, basically Whale food,( the main reason they come to our bay to breed and play) fish are still hanging out in this abundant environment. The bite is a moving target with plenty of Yellowfin Tuna Footballs near Yelapa to be found, getting them to pay attention to your baits is another thing. Marlin, Tuna, Dorado, Sailfish in the deep water locations, we have it all. So hang tight, this useful information coming at you.
As we continue to move deeper into early winter we see the fishing conditions changing as colder water takes over our world famous fishing grounds. But this does not mean we are seeing the fishing go south as well as we see the bay explode with large football sized Yellowfin Tuna which continues to be the primary player for short trip anglers. No wonder with the amount of bait in the bay. The bite has moved closer to mid day as you would expect at this time of the month. Deep water locations of El Banco and Corbeteña see fewer anglers as Marlin and Yellowfin move out gradually. Yep, things are changing but if you don´t need to boat a fish over 100 lbs, then you are in for a great day at a more affordable price.
Well we are now seeing some great weather in Puerto Vallarta as the tourist / Snow birds begin their annual trek back to our little corner of Paradise. Whales are moving in and getting thicker by the day. Water temperatures are still on the downward slide, but not cold. Rooster fish (30-65 lbs) invade the Marietta Islands and off the Reef at Punta Mita. At Corbeteña as we move into winter fishing conditions does not mean the fishing is tapering off, for those still interested in Big Fish, we still have them, but don`t delay if you´re looking for Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna.
Everywhere you go you see and feel the seasons change. The mornings now are cool to the point of wearing long sleeved T-shirts as I send boats and clients out on their shot at a finned fantasy. The Cruise ships are back, Escapees from cold weather conditions are finally in Marina Vallarta. There has been some hot and cold Marlin conditions, nothing much over five hundred pounds. Sierra Mackerals arriving in large numbers are an early indication of cold water arriving. Jack Crevalls are more abundant by the day. Rooster Fish are picking up around the usual locations. Bullets (baby Bonito) are magic as bait, the Sun is shining, the dollar is strong and Life is Good in Puerto Vallarta Amigos.
Well I have been hoping it wasn´t going to happen this quickly, but as I have been telling you all along, we are going to see a second dose of La Nina and the symptoms of cold water and early winter fishing are turning into a reality. What does this mean to you the average person coming down to Puerto Vallarta, not much if you are a non—fishing traveler. But if you are one of my hard core guys who only want Monster Yellowfin Tuna or Huge Black Marlin, then you better get your butt in gear amigo, they are short timers for the moment. But like every year this does not mean the end of fishing in Puerto Vallarta, but it does mean changes are coming soon…. Stay tuned!
I was hoping the few days after Hurricane Jove would push some much desired game fish to El Banco and it looked like this was going to be a jump start for this normally producing location. But his year El Banco has been anything but productive by any yard stick. T here were a few days after hurricane Jove passed by that were good, but that was short lived. Now the action is back at Corbeteña and what is happening now is the stuff finned fantasies are made of! Yellowfin Tuna, Blue Marlin, Big Dorado, Sailfish, Cubera Snappers, I mean the Rock is Rockin for sure. People always ask me when the best time to be in Puerto Vallarta is? My answer is always the same, NOW! That´s right amigos, you are looking at the best time of the year to catch a Bucket List, Monster Finned Fantasy in our world famous fishing grounds of Puerto Vallarta. Welcome to Tournament Season amigos, the game is on!
Everyone knows that when October finally arrives Pesca or Fishing will be at it´s yearly best. Magazines and fishing programs know this as they begin to move into the area where they will document and film our World Class Fishing. The area between Puerto Vallarta to Cabo San Lucas will soon turn into Tournament city. The largest of which occurs mid October in Cabo San Lucas with the Bisbee´s Tournament. This is a three million dollar prize in cash and cars! The entry fee is huge, but the fish are here and the time is ripe for Huge Black Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado, and of course Yellowfin Tuna Monsters / Cows… Mooooo.This past week we had reports of Monster Black Marlin coming out of Cabo San Lucas of close to 1,000 pounds depending on the report you read. Now I know we are not Cabo, it´s only 350 miles out of the Bay of Banderas. This means that particular fish passed us at some point which is a great indication of what is possible at this time of the year in the enter region!
Here in Puerto Vallarta the temperatures are soaring around ninety, with humidity that makes you feel like a wax figure left in the sun to melt. The equator sun has heated the water to a perfect 84 degrees with unbelievably favorable conditions. Blue water, Hungry fish, it´s time to play ¨Pick Your Fish¨! Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado and Monster Yellowfin Tuna are there for the taking. With deserted fishing grounds you can have Corbeteña all to yourself and when was the last time you had the Rock alone?
