Black Marlin in February? Yellowfin Tuna at Corbetena!

Master Baiter’s February 11th, 2026 Report, Puerto Vallarta Fishing Report

Well, here we are in February, normally the coldest water of the year, but here we are, in the first week of February and we’re boating Yellowfin Tuna at Corbetena and Black Marlin? Yes, I said Black Marlin in February, but we’re seeing unusual water temperatures as you’d expect as we enter yet, another El Nino period. We had much the same conditions last year, but the water temperatures last year at least dipped below 75 degrees. We didn’t have much of a Sea Bass bite last year, and the Red Snappers were very limited as well. What does that mean for the local fisherman, you have Yellowfin Tuna available in Puerto Vallarta’s Fishing Grounds! Later in the year, we’re going to have some special conditions, but for now, why not take advantage of the perfect weather and the lingering summer species, thanks to the El Nino coming our way.

I’ve been reluctant on sending people out for the deep-water locations of Corbetena and El Banco. First off, most people are looking for shorter trips in the bay, as is normal for this time of the year. But this year, going into mid-February, I can honestly say conditions like this, at this time of the year, only exist as we enter another El Nino Year. Water temperatures right now are much warmer than they should be, about six degrees warmer and that’s a big gap from normal. Yellowfin Tuna for the last week have been “chowing” down on Krill all over the area, especially at Corbetena. Which of course means they weren’t taking whatever bait you were offering. But for the present, they’re taking bait. So, the Yellowfin Tuna are running in the neighborhood of 45 to 200lbs. it just depends on what you come across, but be advised, for Yellowfin Tuna, we’re coming off a Full Moon so the bite is super early. If targeting Yellowfin Tuna, keep an eye on the moon, but for now, be at your favorite fishing grounds before sunup or shortly after. That means 07:00 for those looking for an exact time. Things will change bite wise in a few days, but for now, but for now, this is how it works. Sailfish numbers for some reason are thing her, but with luck you can still boat a Black Marlin in the 600 lb. range. Blue Marlin are still in the area as well, they’re running in the 375 lb. range. Strangely enough, Striped Marlin have been missing as the water temperature is perfect for them. Maybe a Dorado, but probably not. Sailfish are still in the area, but we haven’t seen many in the last week or so. But we know they’re there, they will come smash a bait, then leave. Now that will drive you crazy!

The eight-hour duration trips have been disappointing. You have to go very far out for any Sailfish or Marlin, almost to El Banco. Those heading out to these areas are still finding smaller Roosterfish, some are bigger, but most are between 15 and 30lbs. Of course we have Jack Crevalles to 50 lbs, Sierra Mackerels at 12lbs. and super tasty, you should not ignore the Sierras! Bonito, of course. There is action and if you’re fishing with the beach boats at Punta Mita, this is what you’ll be seeing. Not very exciting I know, you have better action in the bay. So, for now, these areas probably aren’t the best way to spend your fuel dollar for the moment.

Inside the bay, we’ve pretty much switched to the winter species now. Jack Crevalle’s are everywhere, but concentrated around the Nuevo Vallarta shoreline. We still have some, and I mean some Dorado in the bay. Mostly in the middle, but if you boat one of they, you’re lucky! With plenty of Jack Crevelles, there is plenty of arm burning action. Bonito are good sized at 12 to 15lbs. Surprisingly, with the warmer water temperatures we’re starting to see Red Snapper in close, along with Snook, aka Robalo in Spanish. Rooster fish are still hanging out, but they’re smaller in the 12 to 15lbs range, but still fun to catch.

So all and all, the fishing is still pretty good, you just have to make sure you’re spending your time and money on your best opportunity to catch fish. One thing to remember is if you’re targeting Yellowfin Tuna, be where you’re want to be before the sun comes up. Otherwise, the secondary bite is still a little later now than 08:45, so don’t waste your valuable fishing time. Live bait has been working in the form of Google Eyes for YF Tuna. If running lures, use pink lures, squid colors. Dead bait has been working also, so there are plenty of ways to catch fish, just pick one. One way we know we’re heading head first into another El Nino is the fact the water temperatures are unusually high for us going into the second week of February. We would normally expect about 70 degrees, but right now we’re hovering at 76 degrees and it may not go much cooler. That means the Sea Bass and Grouper, Snapper too will be sparse if at all. So if you’re planning a trip, this is something you’ll need to wrap your head around.

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

Thanks for reading my reports and if you’d like to get on my mailing list for my Newsletters, send me an email (Catchfish@MasterBaiters.com.mx) and I’ll put you on the list. Look for us on Instagram and TikTok.

And for those who are interested, I put out the occasional newsletter, if you’d like to sign up you can here:  https://masterbaiters.com.mx/contact/

Thank you very much for visiting my site. We do all of this to earn your confidence and your business. If you come in the shop and mention that you’ve been reading my reports, I’ll give you a free T-Shirt with a charter. And as a customer we will freeze and store your catch. This is an exclusive service for Master Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle’s clients !

Written by Stan Gabruk

Web page:  www.MasterBaiters.com.mx, Local Phone at: Our international number is: +52 322 209

1128. #MasterBaitersSportfishing on Instagram, Facebook: Master Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle. The

trademark Master Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle is protected under trademark law and is the sole

property of Stan Gabruk