Fish Are Where You Find Them, Feeling Lucky?
Well, you may have noticed I haven’t posted an article for the last three weeks. Part of this was because I was in San Diego pushing my multi-day Yellowfin Tuna Fishing trips. The other reason is the mere fact that the fishing in Puerto Vallarta has become so spread out, you have to be ready to use some fuel chasing down fish. Now, for the record, the fishing is good and there is plenty of action in the area and bay. If you haven’t heard by now, those in the know are predicting a “Godzilla El Nino” this year. After the last six months, that’s becoming more obvious by the day. Right now, we’re seeing close to 80-degree water temperatures and it’s very early in the Spring time frame for this. A few weeks ago, we were seeing 650 lbs. Black Marlin at Corbetena. Now, the Marlin numbers are thin at best. As a general rule, the water temperatures and frankly the air temperatures are more like Mid-May and not April. This of course means we’re moving into a period where our winter species are still here, and it’s too early for the Summer Species to come in. Remembering we have the transition period from Mid-May to the last week of July, we’re wondering what’s going to happen to our fishing season. For those lucky enough to be in Puerto Vallarta right now, you’ll still find arm burning action in the bay. On the other hand, the fishing is widely spread out. So here we are again, scratching our head and asking the Ouija board where to go!
Looking to Corbetena, the action here has been less than spectacular, but have had some Blue Marlin action at the 500 lbs. range. Some possible Black Marlin as well, but it’s a full day hoping for a strike. Marlin is roaming from El Banco to Corbetena. One species which is pretty much ignored are the Cubera Snappers. Right now, there is great action jigging for Cubera’s and they’re anywhere from 30 to 60 lbs. They’re a white meat fish and super tasty. Even with the cool, but warm water for this time of the year, Sailfish are still a possibility. But remember these species are running from the rock to El Banco and points north of the high spots. El Banco has been sporting some mid-sized Yellowfin Tuna, figure about 30 to 120 lbs for the lucky. You may also find some Spinner Dolphin and is almost always a guaranteed Tuna footballs. We’ve also seen a “Clean Green” water condition peppered throughout the area. Also, north of El Banco with the Yellowfin Tuna about 9 miles northwest of the rock. So, many of our summer species in this freak season, never really left as we knock on the front door of the spring fishing season. For those with full tanks and the ability to move some water, then anything is possible, surprisingly enough… Feeling lucky?
The last few weeks have been a little disappointing when you look to the areas from El Morro to Sayulita and points north. There were some reports of Roosterfish at El Morro, but if you want to target Roosters, then we have a few secret spots in the north end of the bay that will suit you very well. But pretty much other than that, it’s all about Jack Crevalle’s, Bonito, you know, the basic local species. No real reason to head out this way unless you’re bottom fishing or targeting Cubera Snappers.
Inside the bay, it’s just another cookie cutter report there. Same old players, Sierra Mackerels for the early morning bite. Then of course there are Jack Crevalle’s in the 25 to 40 lb range right now. Bonito to 20 lbs and with some luck you could run into a Snook, Robalo in Spanish or there is always action around the structure. Smaller game fish, but mostly great tasting. The fishing is always great in Puerto Vallarta if you open your mind and try something a little different. The bottom line is you’ll have fun in the bay with family fishing. We call it Family fishing because the younger members of the family can have a wonderful time catching their first fish and not have it be such a such a strong fight that the younglings don’t get scare or turned off to the sport.
All the basic fishing details have pretty much remained the same. The bite is still about 08:30, the water temperatures are still hovering around 78 degrees and will soon be warming up in the coming weeks. Live bait is still king, but lures of pink are a good option as well. We don’t know what to expect in the coming weeks. With the strange El Nino conditions, anything I would put down here would be little more than a guess. I guess we’ll just have to see how this all plays out.
To get away from fishing for a moment, you have undoubtably seen the news reports of Puerto Vallarta about a month ago. I saw pictures and videos of burning airplanes on the tarmac that were AI generated. They are saying Puerto Vallarta is Dangerous and should be avoided, pure lies. For those who live in PV and understand the complete situation and how it all relates, we all knew what was happening. Even the people I talked with last week at the Pacific Coast Sportfishing show in San Diego knew it was all a load of “smelly stuff”. But the click-bait has totally decimated the tourism industry in Puerto Vallarta. They are still pushing how “dangerous” it is in Mexico and you should avoid Puerto Vallarta? Seriously? A one day temper tantrum with the local idiots and they got what they wanted. But their families are in this group of people living and working in PV, so the following day all the families could go to work. Now how much work they’ll have in the coming weeks and months remain to be seen. It all comes down to the fact that Puerto Vallarta’s popularity is why it’s the focus of Mexico. With in the neighborhood of six to nine million visitors yearly, PV is a major tourist destination. But negative sells and they not only pushed a false narrative full of lies, they put false click-bait out there and they’re still doing it in Canada! So for the record, you will not die or have any issues in Puerto Vallarta. I grew up in Venice Beach California when that area was dangerous. PV doesn’t come close in comparison. So remember, when you see the news reports with burning “stuff” and the press doesn’t do anything but sew the seeds of fear, you have to look deeper and understand click-bait pays, but at who’s expense…. ?
Until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish!
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Written by Stan Gabruk
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