Tournaments and Hurricanes, Everything is Normal as Fishing Still Outstanding!
Tournaments and Hurricanes, Everything is Normal as Fishing Still Outstanding!
Written by Stan Gabruk
As we move deeper into summer we are beginning to see the summer patterns take hold. Rain in the Evenings on most days. The days have been a little cooler than normal for July as we had Fabio pass us and bring in heavier and cooler rain than we normally see. The fishing is great, plain and simple, but the conditions are changing by the day. Large Yellowfin Tuna have moved out for the moment, but they’re out there, you just have to find them. Sailfish and Marlin are picking up, but nothing automatic. Summer in Puerto Vallarta, World Class Fishing in a World Class Location.
Those who think about catching a world class gamefish will be glad to hear that we have fish and I mean everywhere when you consider the number of great fishing grounds here in PV. The Bay is alive with smaller Dorado, I wish they were bigger, but what we have is fun and tasty. Running about 15 to20 lbs the Dorado in the bay are not large by any means. But they’re here and they are abundant. Just remember to throw the small ones and the females back amigos. Sailfish in front of Yelapa, Football Tuna in the range of forty pounds are also in the area. So a short day in the bay can be fantastic for those looking for a short day or have a smaller budget. Well worth the time for first timers fishing in PV.
The point of Punta Mita is also seeing larger numbers of Sailfish, but mostly Sailfish. I guess we shouldn’t complain for having great species like this in the area. But we also know we should be seeing larger numbers of Dorado and for some reason we are not. It could be because the water temperatures are hovering a little low for July in the 82 to 84 degree range. But my friends in Cabo tell me they’re running cooler water temperatures than normal as well. When we see warm currents moving in we’ll see more and larger Dorado. They’re coming, you’ll have to be patient.
The Marietta Islands are a little disappointing for the last week. Yes there are Sailfish all over the area between here and El Morro. Yes you’ll find Snappers, Skip Jack Tuna, Bonito, Needle fish and more. But with no Dorado in the area, it’s like playing cards with a few cards missing from the decks.
El Banco and Corbeteña are still running with Black and Blue Marlin in the minimum ranges around 300 to 500 lbs. Not bad, but not what we would consider big or trophy sized. Yellowfin Tuna in the larger sizes over 100 lb have left the building this week. Why, well who really knows why. We can speculate… the good news is there are tons of Football sized Tuna around the high spots at El Banco and Corbeteña is also bait city. So again, conditions like this are always temporary so keep an ear open before heading out.
These days the way things have worked out here in Marina Vallarta, boats have taken the ¨profit¨ out of the process. Tips of 15 to20% are now more than a gratuity they´re expected as part of the real payment. The crews that work hard for you and interact with you and bust their boat for you deserve a tip. Those who don´t tip are hurt the boat owner and the crews. This is what the industry for many of these cheap boats have come down to. But like any service the gratuity should be based on good service, equipment, but not necessarily results.
Notice I said ¨not necessarily results¨, this means a great,hard working crew and captain on some days will not find fish. It´s the nature of the game. If the crew is changing baits, adding color with different lures, doing what they can to get you fish, they deserve a tip. Now if they are catching fish, then the tip comes easier naturally. Trust me, these guys want you to catch fish, they understand the process. . Having said that, if you do not catch a lot of fish, it doesn’t mean that the crew wasn’t good or didn’t work hard to make your trip enjoyable. Sadly, there are days where the fish just aren’t biting and that’s why they call this sport fishing and not catching, it’s not always the crews fault.
If you don’t catch a lot of fish and are considering an appropriate gratuity, consider how far out of their way did the crew go to try and find the fish or entertain you in other ways. Did the captain move the boat around in search of fish? Did the mate try different techniques, perhaps with different equipment or bait? If the answer is yes, than the crew likely did everything they could, and may have even worked harder than on an ordinary day. In this case it would be appropriate to give them a generous tip.
If, on the other hand, you didn’t catch fish, the crew was sour, or didn’t do anything to try and find the fish, than you probably have a good case for withholding a gratuity.
22 million visitors with ¨deaf¨ ears came to Mexico last year, a record year for tourism even with the news. Mexico is making deals amigo, the price(s) are right if you have the time and inclination. In the mean time give a view to the following video and hopefully we´ll see you here soon with a finned fantasy on the end of your line…http://theintelhub.com/2012/06/29/tourism-booms-in-mexico- as-crime-rises/
Until next time, don´t forget to kiss your fish….
Master Baiter´s has changed its location to a larger shop located directly in front of Dock D in the shops behind the grassy area in the Puesta Del Sol complex half way between the Fajita Banana and Chappy´s bar, Map of location in Marina Vallarta: https://masterbaiters.com.mxlocation/ Come in and say hello to Stan.
You can come be a ¨Fan¨ on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Master-Baiters-Sportfishing-Tackle/88817121325 looking forward to meeting you online. Facebook Fans get special perks you won´t find in my reports.
Master Baiter´s Sportfishing & Tackle is located in Marina Vallarta on the Boardwalk in front of Dock D. Facing the water turn to your right and we´re down four doors or so from Las Palomas the Restaurant. Come by and say hello! Remember, at Master Baiter´s Sportfishing and Tackle, We Won´t Jerk You Around! If you have any questions on any subject regarding fishing or Puerto Vallarta, feel free to ask at my email: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx Web page: www.MasterBaiters.com.mx
The trade name Master Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle is protected under trade mark law and is the sole property of Stan Gabruk.
