Flip a Coin Fishing, Drastic Drop in Water Temps, Big Game Fish Disappearing
Written by Stan Gabruk, owner Master Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle
Hello everybody, well it finally happened, water temperatures have dropped like a rock and we’re seeing the larger Game Fish species bugging out! We’ve seen water temperatures drop for near 80 degrees to now 64 degrees, unheard of ! To our “local” species thats like a snow ball hitting you in the face! Frankly I’ve never seen a drop in water temperatures like this in the last twenty years I’ve been writing articles. Now don’t stress, fishing did not come to an end. It just means that we’re moving into the transition and frankly it’s right on time. The Jet stream north of the boarder has been snaking all around and we’re seeing cold weather in much of Mexico due to this snake like jet stream.
Starting with Corbetena the water is so cold it’s very difficult to find Dorado. Marlin are still in the area but it won’t be long before they’re all on their way to Costa Rica. Yellowfin Tuna are still chowing down on the hard shelled Squids from last week and if that’s not enough there is so much Plankton, tiny fish, Krill and smaller bait it’s hard to compete. Tuna are still in the frigid water but I expect this to change shortly when the bait runs out. Sailfish are still north of the rock but they too are getting sparser as the days go by. If you’re a diehard fisherman you’ll need the full day, getting to your favorite spots before 08:00! The good news is Stripers (Striped Marlin) are starting to move in and this should save the “holiday” fishing demand. Now this could be a quick chill and we could see things return a “bit” to summer like waters, but don’t hold your breath.
The area around Punta Mita is becoming more and more difficult to find Dorado or Marlin as you’d expect. There are still some reports of Rooster fish north of Sayulita but these reports are a little “iffy” so keep your ears open. Sailfish are north of Guyavitos which is a ten hour day, if you’re so motivated. Floating debris still has the potential of Dorado and frankly the only Dorado caught in this area were these. Use this information accordingly.
Which brings us to Bay Fishing. As we enter this time of the year Puerto Vallarta fishing will start focusing on cold water species. Jack Crevalls are presently running 35 to 50 lbs. We’ve seen Arctic Bonito increase in size and numbers, looking much like Football tuna. Arctic Bonito at 15 to 35 lbs. Sierra Mackerels are an early morning bite and can be easily found in the bay and are large for this species from 10 to 12 lbs. Now they’re not huge, but they’re plentiful, great tasting and great for family fishing days. Snappers are also starting to move in. Now before you get too excited these Snappers are the dinner plate size you see in the fish markets. But they still taste great and again are “easy pickings”. Some Dorado are still in the bay as are some Sailfish but it would be like winning the lottery. With cool water temps like this, if they stay this way could mean Bass, Grouper and other cold water fish will be moving into the bay. Short day fishing with a big payoff is perfect for the upcoming tourist season. This is where the “Endless Action” fishing trips come in. Bottom fishing, smaller game fish, plenty of action and isn’t that the goal? Benjamin can fix you up, so give him a call at the shop and he can fix you up on tours as well. One stop shopping so to speak.
The bite is early now, 8 to 09:00 in the morning. The best plan would be to hit early morning Mackerels and then chase the Jack Crevalls and Bonito which will take baits during all hours of the day. Again the water temperatures are below 70 degrees and frankly the water around here normally doesn’t get that cold. So I believe this is just a cold snap, but the result will be our warm water species will be moving into more comfortable waters shortly. Dead bait and lures are still working very well, well better than live bait. So for now we’ll have to wait a week or so to see where we’re going. Worst case scenario, great fishing in the bay.
Don’t forget we’re sharing pangas, doing airport transfers and private excursions and tours. Contact us for more details! Covid is not a PV issue with all precautions being taken, bars and restaurants are open. As are the movie houses and theaters in el centro.as PV welcomes your patronage! Stay Safe amigos!
Until next week, don’t forget to Kiss Your Fish!
Web page: www.MasterBaiters.com.mx , Local Phone at: (044) 322 779 7571 or our international number is: 011 52 322 209 1128 10 to 9 local time. #MasterBaitersSportfishing on Instagram, Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Master-Baiters-Sportfishing-Tackle/ ..The trade name Master Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle is protected under trade mark law and is the sole property of Stan Gabruk.
