Late Season Dorado and Striped Marlin

It seems like we’ve been in the ‘endless summer’ as summer species like Dorado, Sailfish, Striped Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna are still hanging around. Right now the fishing in Puerto Vallarta is surprisingly great! The farther out you go, the better your chances to boat that fantasy fish in Puerto Vallarta’s world class fishing grounds. Sooner or later this has to come to an end and we’re seeing signs of ‘sputtering’. If you’ve been reading my articles on a regular basis, you will remember we’ve been looking at water temperatures hovering at 73 degrees. Right now at the deep water fishing grounds of Corbetena and El Banco, there have been no changes. But in the bay this week we have seen another two degree drop, so change is here. For the next twenty minutes or so, the fishing will be fine. But from this point forward, those looking for summer species may find themselves disappointed. What does this mean, well you better get on the water soon. The good news is the cold water species are moving into the bay!

Fishing is never an exact science, if you told me we’d be looking at 73 degree clean green water and in the same sentence talk about how we have Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado and Yellowfin Tuna, I’d say you’re crazy. But in reality, that’s exactly what’s happening. Looking at El Banco, we’re seeing incredible fishing! Sailfish, Large Dorado, Striped Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna and giant bait balls. If you’re serious about your fishing, El Banco is the place to be, but the farther north you go, the better the fishing. In fact from El Banco to Cleofus, the first of the Tres Maria Islands, the fishing just gets better and better. It’s a 12 hour duration trip to and from El Banco. But you’ll find Spinner Dolphin everywhere running with 40 to over 60 lb Yellowfin Tuna. If you’re off Cleofus, that’s a 15 hour day and well worth it, Large Dorado are tournament winning size and not just one or two.

Yes the water is the clean green and yes, its 73 degrees, but for some reason anyone who visited this area came back happy. Corbetena to the south is doing well also. Not as good as El Banco, but it’s a 10 hour duration and while the action may be slower, it’s still great fishing here as well. At the rock you’ll find even more Sailfish, Dorado to 40 lbs, Striped Marlin and even a possible Blue Marlin. Bait is abundant in both of these areas with flying fish, Green Runners, Goggle Eyes and or course Skip Jack Tunas. The fishing at this level is in a limited time frame now and when the warm water species finally pull out, those looking for these species will be stuck waiting for next summer when it’s hot, humid and a bit uncomfortable.

A great fishing alternative for the last few weeks have been the area from El Morro to just north of Punta Nayarit (aka as Punta Mita). Sailfish and Dorado have been hanging around behind the rocks at El Morro. There is even a possibility of Rooster fish for the super lucky. Moving to Punta Mita, the fishing here is being hampered with the long liners, but Magnifico has been able to bring home the money fish. Dorado and Sailfish primarily off the point, but the secret is still staying closer in to shore. Anywhere from 8 to 12 miles off the Punta Mita point is fertile fishing rounds. There could be some Rooster fish north of Sayulita if you’ve got a mind to check it out.

Looking into the beautiful Bay of Banderas, the fishing is still great, but this week we’ve finally seen the water temperature drop to a chilly 71 degrees. Now you can say this is bad, but I have clients just waiting to hear that the Sea Bass are moving back into the bay and the commercial guys are already at their favorite fishing holes. So we switch from summer species to winter species just that fast. Even as the water in the bay has taken a dip, you can still find 25 lb Dorado around Los Arcos, but be warned, many are full of Krill and may only come and hit your bait in a game of tag. Jack Crevalles are now picking up in numbers, especially in the Nuevo Vallarta area, but in fact they’re all over the bay and running from 25 to 50 lbs. Bonito are still at 15 lbs and great tasting. Sailfish are still seen, but I haven’t heard of any being boated in the last week or so. Skip Jack Tuna at about 12 lbs are large for this species and again are great tasting. Sierra Mackerels are a smaller breed of fish, but our Mackerels are the Sierra version that the Norwegians love so much, as do we all. Very flavorful and abundant, these great tasting fish are worth your attention even if they’re smaller. Again, with water temperatures dropping, it won’t be long before my Bass fans come out of the woodwork. For family fishing the bay if perfect.

Krill, the massive invasion of our bay by krill is why the Whales vacation in PV. But Krill is also a favorite of many species and can get between you and the Dorado you’ve been dreaming of. But Krill isn’t the only bait in the area. Flying fish, Green Runners, baby or Bullet Skippies are fish attractors. So bait isn’t a problem, but the water temperatures will soon be under the present 73 degrees as we move into the winter fishing season. If heading out, remember the bite is early and after about 11:30, things slow down considerably.

Until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish!

Written by Stan Gabruk

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