Black Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Gracias El Nino!

Capt. Scooby of Guanatuna panga boated this beauty off Corbetena!

Here we are at the end of February and we’re seeing Black Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna at Corbetena? The normal “chill” we get in our winter fishing season isn’t happening this year. The water temperatures that would normally be in their lowest levels are warm enough to support several summer species. It looks more and more the predicted El Nino is returning with a vengeance. Now that doesn’t mean the fishing is bad, but it is strange. When it comes to fishing in Puerto Vallarta’s Banderas Bay, I’ve seen it all, but when you see these conditions, you have to throw your ‘fish logic’ out the window and just and enjoy what the fish gods have given us. With massive amounts of additional live bait moving into the area, you can still boat a Black Marlin or Yellowfin Tuna if you’re here to take advantage of these freak conditions.

35 miles out from Marina Vallarta as the Seagull flies, you’ll come across the “Rock” of Corbetena. Considered one of the top ten fishing grounds worldwide, you’d think we were in the middle of the summer fishing season. Under that rock is a huge Eco-System that is just a fish wonderland. Because of these varied conditions, many species will hang around this area for both food (bait) and protection. This week we’ve been seeing Yellowfin Tuna in the 50 lbs. range, but could be larger if a school came through. The good news is they’re taking bait, mostly Goggle Eyes, but the better news is the Krill that was our nemesis for so long has seemed to disappear. We also saw a few Black Marlin this week in the 500 plus lbs. range and this is a huge surprise for February! Sailfish are also running around the north Corbetena area, about five to ten miles off the rock, anything is possible right now. With water temperatures ranging from 75 to 75 degrees, Striped Marlin should be running the area, but they’re not for some reason, strange stuff. I’ve had some private boat reports that are showing the water right at the 80-degree mark with the surface temperatures. We haven’t seen any reports from Corbetena, but now I’m seeing some Dorado are finally filtering down from Cabo. One thing for sure is any general expectation of our seasonal “fish schedule” is not out the window. So, if you want to target Dorado, they won’t be easy, but they’re out there. Feeling lucky?

For most of this week, the entire area around El Morro to north of Punta Mita or what they now call Punta Nayarit, was less than spectacular. We’re seeing some good-sized Sailfish about five to ten miles off the point of Nayarit, but that’s about all. Now things can change, with what I’m seeing with some Dorado or Mahi moving, I should say trickling in, this could very easily turn into a Mahi Playground for a brief time. You’ll find the normal players out here as well, Jack crevalle’s to 50 lbs. Bonito, possible Red Snapper near the shoreline and more. One promising condition arising is an invasion of Sardines. Normally when we see this the Roosterfish action will explode. Cross your fingers amigos. The Dorado that’s pictures in here was boated between El Morro and Punta Nayarit, so remember, fish move, you’ll have to find them, but that’s why you’re paying for a superior captain, aren’t you! I’ll be keeping my eye on this area, things can explode like a Dorado Bomb and you wouldn’t want to be left behind.

Inside the bay is a mixture of what seems like summer and winter fishing. Normally at this time of the year we’re chasing Sea Bass, Grouper and more for the six to eight week period where the water temperatures get to a low of about 70 degrees and they’re all come in closer to shore. This isn’t exactly happening right now. Capt. Cesar from our 30 ft. center console has a magic touch for hooking into Snook at 15 lbs and up, Red Snappers at about 6 to 12 lbs and we’re seeing the delicious Sierra Mackerels numbers still strong, but they like colder water. On the other hand, we’re seeing some monster Jack Crevalles in the 50 lb range all over the bay. Perfect for family fishing, the locals call these Jack Crevalle’s “Toro’s” or Bull fish, which describes how they fight. Not the best tasting species, but one of the most fun to catch on light tackle. The bonito have been strong at 15 lbs. and are all over the bay. Roosterfish for some reason have been in and out, but you can still boat some if you target the correct locations. Possible Mahi and of course anything is possible. The good news is there is plenty of “action fishing” in the bay. A six-hour trip is probably your best bang for your fishing dollar right now. Shorter duration, plenty of action and it’s not too hard on your vacation budget either.

Right now, we don’t know what to expect. I can remember years ago when we would see an aggressive El Nino like this turn into a disaster for summer species and fishing at out world-famous fishing grounds of Puerto Vallarta. For now it looks like we’re going to be able to enjoy the freak benefits of these warm water currents for the short term. Having Dorado, Blue and Black marlin, Sailfish and Yellowfin Tuna in the area at the end of February is some strange stuff. If heading out to Corbetena, the Yellowfin bite has been about noon time. But the other species are hitting baits late in the morning about 09:00. Plan your departure time to maximize the bite and don’t be afraid to mix it up. We’re seeing at times dead bait is working better than live bait. Stay away from the Krill, you won’t catch fish if they’re chowing down on this “fish fast food”. Lures of blue, pink and Dorado mimics are a good place to start. We have another situation where we have millions of baby Dorado around the south end of the bay at Los Arcos. As I mentioned, the water temperatures at Corbetena and El Banco are just under 80 degrees. But the water is much warmer in the bay at some locations, so keep an eye on the water temperatures, it will be your guide. And that’s about it for this week amigos!   

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

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Written by Stan Gabruk

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