It can be hard to predict what’s going to happen from day to day at this time of the year. Many of our reliables like Jack Crevalls are everywhere, but they don’t come up or even take baits every day. Same is going to Tuna. For the most part the Tuna, Footballs mostly have not been taking baits. Now it could be because the Jacks are swarming all baits. But it could be the Krill squids and shrimps are just more attractive than your trolled baits. You can speculate all you like, but the reality in the moment is they’re not taking bait, done deal. At Corbetena this week you can pretty much “cookie cutter” this as it’s the same news this week as the last few weeks. You can find Jack Crevalls to 40 lbs sprinkled thought the entire area. Sailfish can be found north of the rock, but you can find them more easily at closer in fishing grounds! We have been seeing some Blue Marlin at 200 lbs and Sailfish north of the rock. You’re looking at a 30% chance of boating a Billfish for the moment. When it comes to El Banco, not much news these days. I’ve heard reports that there have been some Blue Marlin and Football tuna to 30 lbs. Still, not enough of a draw for many, me included.
Once again the best and most reliable fishing is in the bay. Jack Crevalls have returned all over the bay and they’re running 35 to 50 lbs. Bonito are picking up in numbers, but they’re babies, we’d normally call them “bullet” baits. Small Dorado have been boated around La Cruz in the 10 to 15 lb range. Too small to keep amigos so please release them until they’re at least 20 lbs. Grouper at the river mouths are getting smaller and dropping in numbers. Always Snapper around the rocks and structure. Possible, but not likely, Sailfish near La Cruz as well just north of the Marina. One issue with fishing in the bay, you can find Football Tuna around Yelapa, but you’ll have a hard time getting a bait in front of a Tuna because the Jack Crevalls are hitting any bait that gets in front of them. Bay fishing is great and this will remain for the coming weeks until the Jack Crevalls bug out. Sierra Mackerels are both great eating and a great bait that works best for Striped Marlin.
Alright so here’s what’s happening. We know we’re going to see the transition from mid-April to the end of May. Thankfully we’re in the low season part of the year when there’s really not many people in Puerto Vallarta. So I guess you can say it’s “on time”. You should be expecting the water temperatures to be increasing as we transition to summer fishing waters and summer species. Instead we’ve seen a chill current with mostly green with some red water mixed throughout the area. Now clean green will have fish, but as I’ve mentioned before the clean green is cold water. Fish will take baits in this water, but they won’t stay long amigos. Because of this anything that resembles a warm water species is bugging out.
It’s been a bit of a challenge this week finding fish. The reason for this is naturally fish move and the numbers are beginning to thin a bit. Water temperatures are still hanging at the 72 to 74 degree range. Bait is still super abundant, but moving, that’s the issue, moving bait. Where the fish were yesterday will not be where they are tomorrow. An example of this is the Guyavitos area the other day was on fire. Next day everyone headed to this area and every boat blanked. So distance is no guarantee you’ll find that special species you’re targeting.
When you refer to the fishing charts for the area you would notice that Sailfish are at the beginning of their season, Striped Marlin are not in season and of course the Dorado are not supposed to be in the area as well. It’s a little hard to explain what’s happening, so I’m not even going to guess. All I know is what happened yesterday and the week before. The continuing trend is Striped Marlin running with Sailfish who are both chasing super abundant bait in many forms. Yes folks for the unsuspecting vacationer deciding to take a full day fishing trip hoping for some possible Dorado are coming back with any manner of billfish.
With a title like that, you must be wondering what this is all about. We’ve been waiting for the “cold” water all winter. Well it’s finally here as we see another dip in water temperatures and an increase in Krill squids and shrimp, Sardines and more. With massive amounts of bait it can present a challenge to get fish to take your offering or presentation (aka baits). Everyone is catching fish, some days are better than others. But if you don’t catch fish now, you must be either jinxed or on a boat with an “unlucky” captain. All and all the fishing is great, short days, longer durations, it doesn’t matter so get on the water already!!
Well, here we are again, smack in the middle of the winter fishing season. While it may be “high season” for tourism, winter is “low season” for fishing. Many people don’t understand that especially when they read we have Sailfish, Striped Marlin and Dorado. Now this may be freakish with only a 30% or so shot, but it’s a shot you normally would not have. Those hoping to catch a bucket list fish at this time of the year, something like a Sailfish, should count their lucky stars for the slim shot they have. Everyday somebody is boating Marlin and more, but not everybody. This leaves us with only one question: Do you feel lucky?
Under big blue beautiful skies Puerto Vallarta is a fishing wonderland right now. Normally we have colder water than we do so it’s interesting to see warm water species all over the area in their “off” season. Yes folks Punta Mita is alive with some of the most desirable species we have and they’re not too far out. An eight hour fishing trip can almost make you think it’s summer! It doesn’t matter what you’re looking to catch, you have a shot, maybe a low percentage shot, but hey, it’s a shot, take a pic!
We’ve seen some cold days in the last few weeks when the cold northern currents moved in. Now we’re seeing warmer days and warmer water in the 77 degree range just move in to Corbetena. For the previous weeks we were lucky to have 74 degree waters, but with no fish to speak of. This could all change now as we’re seeing Yellowfin Tuna Footballs roaming anywhere from El Morro to Corbetena. To be honest we’re seeing water temperatures swinging all over the place. Fishing is never what you’d expect but if you’re flexible you’ll have a great day on the water!
One thing about the world of fishing is you never really know what’s happening from day to day. Fish move, water temperatures change, nothing stays the same for long. Some days you’re all smiles, others you’re not. Those “demanding” to catch fish will rest assured there are fish to be had amigos. Now if you’re going to be picky, then you could get upset and still have a great day of fishing. For now some summer species are cruising Los Arcos making short day trips worth their weight in Dorado!
