May is a Transitional Fishing Month as Species and Currents Change in PV

May is a Transitional Fishing Month as Species and Currents Change in PV

Written by: Stan Gabruk owner of Master Baiter´s Sportfishing & Tackle

 

Every year as we come into spring we see breeding season change into a transitional period where species, water temperatures and currents change. May is normally a slow fishing month, all of us here in Puerto Vallarta know this, but for the local tourist coming to PV it can be a little frustrating. First, we have fish, some very big Marlin, Sailfish and Yellowfin Tuna, but it´s at a premium. If you´re prepared to go the ¨distance¨ and spend the ¨time¨ not to mention money, trophy Gamefish can be yours for the taking.

Let’s talk about the fun stuff first, Yellowfin Tuna are in the 200 to 380 lb or larger range at the Tres Maria Islands. Now we´re talking about the Prison Islands approximately 110 miles to the north of Puerto Vallarta as a Sea Gull flies. So if you´re in the correct area, fifteen miles out from the islands where it is legal to fish, you´ll have a great time. But be warned, some days are better than others, so it´s best to plan on at least an overnight to the Tres Maria Islands or Isla Marias as the nationals refer to them. For the guy looking for the larger gamefish you´re in luck. Blue and Striped Marlin are also in the area as well, so you´ve got options Big fish are out there if you`re up for the ordeal!

This week we´ve seen the action slow down around Corbeteña and El Banco, but if you´re just a few miles closer to shore there are fish to be had. Mainly Sailfish of decent size, Marlin of the Striped variety are running about 250 lbs. Blue Marlin are anywhere from 400 lbs and up, just depends on if they like your bait or not. The regulars of jack Crevalls are everywhere and ready to take your bait. No Wahoo have been boated for some time now, it looks like they´ve moved out for now. You always have the Cubera Snappers at 55 lbs to rely on and possibly Amber jacks to 40 lbs. The best fishing this week is in the area between El Banco, Punta Mita, El Morro and Corbeteña, just connect the dots and stay in that area, you´ll catch fish. Eight hour trips are a little short day-wise for all this, so I suggest ten hours and give it your best shot. The water in this area is also clean, blue and beautiful, perfect for visibility.

Around El Morro and the Marietta Islands we´re seeing lower levels of action as the water temperatures are beginning to warm up to 79 degrees where inside the bay it´s at 76 degrees. The winter species of Jack Crevalls are more than abundant, but inside the bay they´re thick. Still running in the 40 lb range Jack Crevalls are fierce fighters and favorites of fly fishing anglers. Rooster fish are not huge, but at 30 lbs they´re well worth the time and distance to find these ¨quill headed¨ demon fish. Anywhere from five to fifteen miles off the point of Punta Mita and  you´ll find Sailfish, like I said, just before you come to the rock. Again for now this is the general area you want to be in, so good luck amigo, you´ll hit something.

Inside the bay we´re still seeing some great family action sized fish. Sierra Mackerals are great eating, smaller at 10 to 20 lbs, but perfect for light tackle. Bonito are of the Arctic variety and good eating. Jack Crevalls running 30 to 45 lbs have set up house off the beaches of Nuevo Vallarta. Around the mouth of the bay, just inside the Marietta Islands and El Morro smaller Football Tuna in the 25 to 35 lb range have been running with Spinner Dolphin and that´s always a welcome sight since they love to run together. Snappers in the whole area at 30 lbs, not huge but perfect for the dinner table and great tasting. Lots of short day possibilities, but there are days when you´ll pull your hair out as well. Good luck, and remember no bananas, it´s bad luck for fishing!

As I mentioned earlier water temperatures are inching upwards after a year of warmer than normal temps. It´s good to see the currents coming back to what looks normal for this time of the year. The bite has been in the earlier hours of the morning, so make sure you´re up and at ¨em¨ and on a boat before the sun come up, this will put you in the right time frame. Also the late bite is around 9 pm if you´re a night time angler type.

In summary, hit the area off the Marietta and El Morro Islands for great fishing. If looking for larger fish like Yellowfin Tuna and Marlin, you´re best off at the Tres Maria Islands. But if you´re not interested in the ¨beast fishing trip¨ then ten miles off the Marietta Islands and you´re in the right neighborhood for Marlin and Sailfish, Snapper and possible Rooster fish. There you have it, now make good use of this information amigo, YeHa!

Until next time, don´t forget to ¨Kiss Your Fish¨. . .

Master Baiter´s has changed locations in Marina Vallarta between docks A and B on the boardwalk. Email your Questions to me at: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx  Web page:  www.MasterBaiters.com.mx , Local Phone at: (044) 322 779 75 71 or if roaming: 011 52 1 322 779 75 71 cell phone direct Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Master-Baiters-Sportfishing-Tackle/88817121325 The trade name Master Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle is protected under trade mark law and is the sole property of Stan Gabruk.