Cool Water, Dirty Water, Spinners and Tuna

After writing articles for the last twenty something years, I have to say the conditions we’re looking at now are something far from normal. With relatively cool water temperatures, strange currents, strange wind patterns and even stranger fishing, nothing is predictable right now. We should be moving into a summer fishing pattern where the water temperatures are at a minimum of 84 degrees or about 25 degrees Celsius. The clashing currents are finally starting to calm down after more than a month of dirty water. The red tide is finally gone and we’re finally seeing some Summer Species moving into El Banco and Corbetena, but don’t get too excited amigos. We’re in the early stages of the summer fishing season and our El Nino conditions are changing back to the La Nina situation which explains a lot. Right now we’re in a wait-and-see mode, but one thing is predictable, we’re coming into what I believe will be an incredible fishing season in Puerto Vallarta!

For the last six weeks, most of Puerto Vallarta’s fishing grounds have been less than exciting when it comes to fishing action. Normally we see a two week period when the northern currents clash with the lingering southern currents. This of course stirs up the silt on the bottom of the bay, which of course spreads out to the deep water fishing grounds. That is finally changing and we’re seeing spotty areas of blue water from Corbetena to El Banco. I said ‘spotty’ because there are small spots of clean water with large areas of dirty water. The good news is the red tide has left the area and we’re starting to see the early stages of summer species like smaller sized Yellowfin Tuna at 30 to 50 lbs running with the Spinners. Now the Spinners are a moving target between these two areas and are worth looking for. One downside is sometimes the Spinner Dolphin don’t run with the Yellowfin Tuna buddies and some of that is happening now. Sailfish are also running in this same area, but the numbers are thin. We also saw our first Black Marlin at 600 lbs show up about seven miles north of Corbetena. There is also the occasional Dorado in this area averaging in the 15 to 20 lb range. If you’re in Puerto Vallarta looking to go fishing, this would be the place to start, if you have the patience, time and of course the money. Personally, I’d take the shot at a ten hour trip right now if you were in town and willing to take a change. feeling lucky?

Closer in off the point of Punta Nayarit, aka Punta Mita, there has been some decent early season action, but not what we’d call good fishing. Here too there is some clean water spots which are full of bait giving you the best chances of boating a Dorado or three at 20 lbs or less. Striped Marlin are still being caught in this area especially since the water temperatures are still a chilly 81 degrees. But they prefer cooler water and when there’s the level and amount of favorite baits in the area, why leave? And of course, there is the possibility for a Sailfish although a little sparse. For some reason closer to shore is where you want to start, no more than four miles off the point and work your way out from there.

Inside the bay, it’s much the same as the last six weeks. Jack Crevalles to 35 lbs, Sierra Mackerels are on tap. Great tasting, but on the smaller side, but when you catch 20 or more on light tackle, it’s nonstop action. Perfect for the young-lings and inexperienced types. Dorado are very young and small, at just under 10 lbs, you don’t keep those. There is a lot of bait in the bay, bullet Skip Jack Tuna is a favorite and when the dirty water clears up, this will draw more species into the bay. Until then, the secret is to find clean water and you’ll have arm-burning action. The two areas at opposite ends of the bay normally clean up first or don’t get dirty at all. Why a mystery, but the point near La Cruz is mostly clean water and then if you get farther down to Cabo Corrientes, that area is for the most part, always clean water wise. In a few weeks, things will change for the better and frankly could be better now.

One of the strange things about right now is the fact that we’re in the middle of a change from El Nino to La Nina in the middle of what should be summer currents. The water is only 81 degrees, still, and I’ve been telling you this for at least six weeks, not to mention the time I didn’t write any articles for the same reason, no action! We should have water temperatures over 84 degrees. And as we all know, weather patterns follow water temperatures. This explains the very pleasant ‘summer’ climate we’ve been experiencing, but it leaves the question ‘what comes next’? The bite is early, you should be where you want to go by about 07:00. Now the bait situation is interesting, Ballyhoos of 4 inches are all over the place. Baby Skip Jack Tuna, and baby Bonito are thick around the bay and are a result of the ‘spring fling’. Throw in flying fish, Sardines, Goggle eyes and there is no shortage of bait in the water amigos.

I’ve included a few links at the bottom of the page if you want to review the El Nino converting to La Nina scenario so you can better understand what’s happening. Normally the El Nino conditions will happen as we move into summer and the currents become dominant. Same with la Nina, as we move into winter, those currents will become dominant for a year as well. But right now we’re seeing a conversion in the middle of spring leading into summer, very unusual and I believe explains the strange weather we’re seeing presently. Who knows what this will mean for fishing, but it looks like we could have a great season with Dorado already here and sailfish picking up in numbers. And the first Black Marlin? Normally they like the warmer water temperatures, above 89 degrees and they’re in heaven. Haven’t seen any Blue Marlin, but they’re out there I’m sure. So stay tuned, things could get interesting.   

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

Written by Stan Gabruk

https://www.climate.gov/news-features/blogs/enso/may-2024-enso-update-were-10

https://www.climate.gov/news-features/blogs/enso/june-2024-update-la-nina-likely-late-summer

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