Flip A Coin Fishing Conditions

Remembering were in the beginning of our fishing season, things are shaping up nicely. Water temperatures are where they should be. Bait is abundant and varied. Hurricanes have pushed fish into the area and frankly it’s a little exciting, not to mention motivating to get on the water. But we don’t live in a perfect fishing world and a little bit of knowledge about conditions can completely change your day. If you’re fishing in Puerto Vallarta’s Bay of Banderas right now, you’ll be glad you read this article. It could make all the difference in the world!

We may all dream of perfect fishing conditions, but in reality, that never happens. You always have to be prepared to deal with unexpected situations. Last week I went out with a friend to El Banco targeting Marlin and Yellowfin tuna. Only to discover the ‘abundant bait’ had disappeared as I ignored my own advice! Never pass up bait! Get bait when you can, even if the ‘Chorra’ goes whacky in the Tuna Tubes after about 45 minutes. A ‘whacky’, unresponsive bait is better than no bait amigo. But, for now, it’s good advice, but not a problem since at Corbetena and El Banco it seems whatever bait you’re running, is working.

Corbetena to El Banco is Blue Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna city. With beautiful, high visibility blue water, you can pretty much ‘pick your fish’. By that I mean we have Blue Marlin and Possible Black Marlin in the 250 lbs. to 600 lbs. range anywhere from Corbetena to El Banco. That’s a 25 mile stretch of fishing grounds amigos. The same goes for Yellowfin Tuna averaging about 40 lbs. But there are larger ones out there for the lucky. Sailfish are also running the entire area as well. Looking for Dorado, they’re part of the excitement as well and running about 15 to 20 lbs. For the moment, Lures, live bait, Cedar Plugs, and if you don’t have any of those, try putting a hook on your car keys, that will probably work as well. This is a completely different scenario from last week. With so few tourists or locals heading out, there isn’t any competition for fish and is a perfect time to get out on the water amigos.

The Point off Punta Nayarit has gotten a little barren when it comes to fish. There have been massive amounts of these tiny sardines, about one inch in length. There is an old saying ‘Elephants eat peanuts too’ and this seems to be the situation. There is plenty of Skipjack Tuna and Baby Bonito, as a group name we call them ‘Chorras’. It’s probably a situation where the bait fish are chowing down on these tiny Sardines and so are the Sailfish in the area. Now we don’t really know what the situation is, but it’s a fair guess. So, anything close to shore fish-wise will pretty much be feeding on these tiny bait’s for now. Once you’re at the 8-mile mark, then you’ve got a chance at Blue Marlin. So, take that as a hint, make bait at the point, then head out after Blue Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna Footballs. Sounds like a plan to me amigos. Feeling lucky?

Inside the bay, you can’t go wrong. One amazing thing this week was the fact Sailfish can be found from La Cruz Marina to the Yelapa right now. Not abundant, but they’re being caught and they’re chasing the very abundant and varied bait species in the bay. Sardines, Goggle Eyes, flying fish, Ballyhoo’s, Skippies and more are making the action in the bay well worth a six-hour fishing charter. This is where the ‘flip a coin’ situation come in. You can go north, near Nueva Vallarta and catch Jack Crevalle’s taking bait with an attitude. Or you can go near Los Arcos and target 10 to 15 lb Dorado. Not overly available, but there. Same goes for Roosterfish at Garza Blanca or Punta Negra. You can go for all the arm burning action you can handle with the Jack Crevalle’s. Or you can go for the Dorado, a less likely catch, it will take work, but you’ll catch a few. What’s better for you, flip a coin and head out. The Dorado that were babies just a few weeks ago, are now maturing and getting larger by the day. And lets not forget, with the rain, we have a mature trash line in the middle of the bay! Now remember we’re in the rainy season, so the bay water can be a little dirty on the surface. This dirty water is from the rivers washing dirty water into the bay. It’s only a few feet thick and the crews know how to get the local species to take your bait, so no worries there.

So, it’s obvious to see there are many fishing options for those looking to have great action on a budget. Or for those looking to Catch a ‘freight train’ Blue Marlin in our deep-water fishing grounds, we’ve got you covered. But be careful, make bait early, get to where you want to be before 09:00 since the bite is a moving target. Water temperatures are still a solid 86 degrees, and if trolling in the bay I suggest using at least one lure that mimics Dorado colors. Finally, were getting back in the game with some serious action, which will just keep improving from this point forward.

A little something I think you should be aware of, Mexico isn’t exactly known for it’s law-abiding authorities and citizens. The fishing community is no different. Mexico has specific laws that require things like Insurance, certified captains, safety equipment, radios and the list goes on. Now a Mexican can break the law and if something happens on a uninsured boat can be a real problem and can get real ugly in a hurry. Especially if there’s an injury on the boat or worse, your imagination could never cover all the horrible possibilities. Master Baiter’s, as per law, all boats are insured and completely safe. As a Gringo in Mexico, I provide the expected insurance and safety items, classes and crews that make sure your trip is safe and memorable. I would say half the boats working Marina Vallarta are operating illegally as they pay mordidas to operate with full approval of the authorities. That is until something goes wrong, then they’re all shocked! Ya Right. So, when you’re choosing a fishing company, remember there’s more to your purchase than the price. So, Welcome to Mexico, be safe, have fun and most of all be smart and ask the correct questions when looking for a fishing company. Enough said. 

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

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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