for now we´re seeing summer species in the dead of winter. Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado, Rooster fish, Snappers, Jack Crevalls and the incredible list just goes on. Unusually warm water temperatures will remain with us until summer, this means that out of season species will be available to those who will never be here in the heat of summer. This is a genuine opportunity to boat a bucket list fish and still be comfortable. For those with the time, money and frankly the luck to be here in Puerto Vallarta, you have a chance to experience world class fishing in the best possible conditions. If this doesn´t get your heart beating you better change the battery in your pace maker!
Well folks, We´re seeing things that just don´t make sense species wise as we are still experiencing unusually warm water temperatures. Sailfish, Dorado, Marlin, Sizeable Yellowfin tuna, Cubera Snappers, Rooster fish and the list goes on as if it was late summer fishing. Such are the results of an El Nino year. The news services are announcing how El Nino is alive and well meaning water temperatures are going to remain warm.
To be straight up with my loyal readers, all 54 of you, February is not the best month of the year to be fishing here in Puerto Vallarta, Banderas Bay to be exact. Not that the fishing is lacking, but because most people are looking for Monster fish like Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna and Wahoo to name a few. Now we still have Dorado, Rooster fish and Sailfish if you are in the right location, which is not in the bay amigo. Yes we´re moving into winter fishing which means Jack Crevalls coming out of our ears, billions of Sierra Mackerals that are great tasting, but not large.
For late January, the fishing is surprising good. Normally Sailfish, Dorado, Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna are long gone by now, but we´re seeing these fish hanging out around Punta Mita. By contrast, the deep water locations of Corbeteña and El Banco are disappointing at best. But then again, these are summer species locations so this is no surprise as we expect these conditions to continue for the short term. For the visiting Angler, there is plenty of action to be had, so don´t be discouraged, you just have to know where to go.
This week we´ve seen the beginning of the yearly seasonal change from summer fishing and summer species to winter fishing. The species that will be dominating for the next several months are Jack Crevalls averaging 35 lbs, Sierra Mackerals on 20 lb average, Skip Jack Tuna, Bonito and for the ¨lucky¨ Sailfish will hang year round off the point of Punta Mita. Those looking for Dorado, Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna will soon be out of luck. Frankly it may already be too late in the season for Marlin and Yellowfin tuna of any size.
We have a great report this week folks. The water still green in some areas from the mucked up ocean bottom, but the water is mostly blue and full of fish! Water temperatures are holding nicely at 82 degrees, abundant bait at all the fishing grounds, I mean it´s just great to be fishing in Puerto Vallarta right now. Makes me wonder how anyone could put up with that cold weather up north when it´s just so beautiful here in my corner of Paradise!
Winter is moving in and with the return of the Whales in our beautiful Bay of Banderas, we all know the winter currents are beginning to come in. We´re seeing some dirty water swirled throughout the area. In the clean areas the fishing is great, but the raked up sea floor muck is another thing. But we expect this when the seasons change. The good news is the fishing is still great and Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado and even Rooster fish can be targeted with high expectations!
. Corbeteña, the machine is alive and producing well for those seriously interested in catching world class fish in some of the best fishing grounds in the world. If you´re on the cheap, the bay still has smaller fish. So we have you covered amigos.
Every year at the beginning of December we see the Whales return to spawn as the bait runs for the hills. If that´s not bad enough, the Spinner Dolphin are in the area and instead of hanging out with Football Sized Tuna, they´re eating football sized tuna. So your bait, which is hard enough to make is not safe from the Spìnners! Seems like a problem. But the fish are still here, hungry for anything that mimics a bait. For you guys with those hundred dollar lures that promise to work so well, now´s your chance to put them to the test, if you´re not afraid of losing that ¨oh so pretty lure¨! Blue, silver and purple combinations are knocking them dead out there. What you don´t know this week will hurt your chances amigo, what you do know will make your day!
Warm days, cool nights, blue skies and bluer seas make the conditions perfect for the fisherman looking for trophy sized gamefish with a minimum of effort! If this is you, then Puerto Vallarta is the place to be. Water Temperatures are leveling off, Plenty of bait, I mean if you´re here in PV now, count your lucky stars amigo, Paradise is boasting some of the best fishing in the world in our back yard!
