Blue Water, Roosterfish and Empty Fishing Grounds  

Here we are at the end of May ’25 and we’re looking to the weeks ahead of us as we seem to be entering a normal, summer pattern. We’re even seeing the first Hurricane of the season as it passes the Bay of Banderas. We will normally see these Hurricanes push fish into the area as they pass our world-famous fishing grounds here in Puerto Vallarta. It’s part of the fishing cycle we missed last year. Water temperatures are about where they should be and the water is getting bluer by the day. Sardines are hanging out around the area, so we’re still seeing Rooster fish, this has been happening now for the last three weeks and their bite is still strong. It’s still Spring conditions; fish spawning is an issue we’ll need to deal with. Tournaments are already starting to spring up from Barra Navidad to San Blass. Blue Marlin are showing up in the surrounding areas, Yellowfin Tuna * Monsters are at the Tres Maria Islands. So, there are some positive signs of a normal season after two years of ‘WTF is happening out there’?

When it comes to tourism, all the local business owners understand it’s the slowest ‘income’ time of the year. Spring is nothing special, but it gets a bit better once we enter June. The days are warming, the humidity is rising and the Hurricanes are pushing. With few people in Puerto Vallarta, there is very little to talk about. Corbetena and El Banco have been neglected for the most part these last few months, but this is changing now. Starting with El Banco, we have people heading to the Isla Marias for the Yellowfin Tuna Cows, so they’re seeing what’s happening as they drop baits at El Banco. There have been football Yellowfin Tuna 30 to 60 lbs., perfect for bait at the Islas (or Islands) for the *Monsters. There is a real possibility of Blue Marlin and Sailfish as well. With huge amounts of baby Skipjack tunas running the area, it’s a large attraction to all of the mentioned species. With the Hurricane passing, there could be some larger Blue Marlin out there right now. There have been few trips to Corbetena, but there are also 30 to 50 lb footballs around the rock. With the same possible Blue Marlin and Sailfish, it’s the time of year the Corbetena and El Banco gets a much stronger pulse. Sailfish have been sighted between El Morro and Corbetena as well.

We’ve had Sardines for about three weeks now in the area. Roosterfish will follow the Sardines as a general rule. Now it’s a bit of a gamble, but anywhere from El Morro, to Punta Nayarit to the beaches of Cabo Corrientes will produce larger Roosterfish right now. Ranging in the 35 lb and larger, there has been some great action, especially in the area of Punta Nayarit north along the coast line, Careyeros is a good place to drop baits! This is of course close to the Surfline. At about the six-to-ten-mile mark off the beach we’re starting to see baby Dorado, like three to five pounds. Not keepers, but there have been some in the 15 to 20 lb. range and those are keepers! Sailfish have been in and out, but the fact they’ve been in with the other species makes Punta Nayarit a strong option for the full-day guy looking for some larger action. El Morro last week was seeing a lot of Roosterfish action and this area is a ‘secret’ spot for many captains targeting ‘Gallo’s’.

Here in the Bay of Banderas, if you’re not a fish ‘snob’, the fishing is always good for those looking for action. Even though the water temperatures are ticking upwards, the Jack Crevalle’s, a ‘bread and butter’ species for us, are still in the bay. Crevalle’s will be in the 30 lb. range as an average and they’re either off Nuevo Vallarta, or in the south end of the bay for now. Bonito are still taking baits and they’re in the 15 lb. range or larger. Sierra Mackerels are tasty, but on the smaller side. They shouldn’t be ignored. The interesting news is that baby Dorado in the 5 lb. range are running the neighborhood in rather large numbers. These of course are not keepers, but they can be thrown back! Some Dorado are in the ‘keeper’ range of 15 lbs., so there are some you can keep. Sailfish are also in the bay. Los Dos at the Los Arcos area. So, for now, there is a small chance of getting Dorado and/or Sailfish strikes at the south end of the bay. For a six-hour fishing trip, you’ve got a list of options for a relatively small price. Tell me you read this article and I’ll give you a ‘readers special discount’.

After months of dirty water and no fish, it looks like we’re finally turning the corner on some of the most unusual fishing conditions I’ve ever seen. Water temperatures are ticking up nicely and are about where they should be. Hurricanes normally start a little later in June, but we’ll look at this as a positive since it will result in an increase of the fish count. With Blue water, plenty of bait in the form of Flying fish, Ballyhoo’s, Sardines and more, the conditions are almost perfect for the arrival of Marlin, Tuna and more. Water temperatures are anywhere from 81 to 84 degrees depending on the where you are and the currents. As you all know, Mexico ‘time’ doesn’t change for daylight savings time. The sun is up about 06:00 now and the bite is early. After months of a late bite and me putting people out about 07:00, we’re now meeting people at 05:30 to maximize your fish catching potential. Live bait is king, but if you remember a few weeks back, dead bait was working better than live bait. It could be because it seems like a dead bait is easy prey, who knows. With so many baby Dorado in the area, run a Dorado colored lure and see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming days after the first Hurricane of the season passes us by.

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

* FYI: A Monster Yellowfin Tuna is in excess of 300 lbs. A Cow Tuna is 200 lbs to 300 lbs. Lately the locals coming in from southern California call them ‘super cows. Whatever you call them, they’re big and will break your arms off!

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 or mention that you’ve been reading my reports, I’ll give you a nice little discount. And as a customer we will freeze and store your catch. This is an exclusive service for Master Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle’s clients exclusively!

Tours and Services: if you’re coming to Puerto Vallarta and plan on taking any tours, we can provide that service. Many of the tour companies like Vallarta Adventures have shifted from paying commissions and you are better off purchasing these online. We can provide the entire service of reserving your tours. For those that don’t pay a commission, we’ll charge a handling fee so my employees can see a bit of compensation for their troubles. Ask about our Unknown Paradise Tours you’ve never heard of. Let Carlos guide you and work with you. Carlos speaks 8 languages!

Written by Stan Gabruk

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