Local Species, What’s Going On In Our Fish “Community”

Written by Stan Gabruk of Master’s Sportfishing & Tackle

I was talking with my friend and business associate Carlos, he mentioned that he loves my “Stuff”… But, insert pause, I”m not really learning anything. So, coming from a guy who is more about business than fishing, he doesn’t have a clue as to what fish are in the bay. Carlos and his family are “PataSalada” or translated: They’ve been here since before the Love Boat found us! Know’s nothing except the basics of Marlin, Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish. I can imagne there are many people who really aren’t into fishing, but would find this interesting, so here we go folks.

Rooster Fish: Wildly ignored for many years Rooster Fish are commonly targeted species for their fierce fighting, unpredictable actions and raw strength. They’re called Roosters because they have an extending “Quill” like fin, when you see these on the surface they look like a floating demon, I didn’t know what to make of it, then Wham, Fish On! Rooster fish can hit over 90 lbs easily depending on where you are and the luck of the draw. Normal ranges for Roosters are in the 30 lbs and up range. But you can  always find  baby Rooster fish around the shore line on sandy beaches, around structures or just outside of reefs where legal. Around  here  they love Sardines or Sardinas in Spanish. Water temperatures don’t seem an issue with this  species.

Yellowfin Tuna “Footballs”, now you may say “footballs?” And I’d say yes. Yellowfin Tuna can put on more than a hundred pounds in less than a couple of years. Footballs normally are in the 35 to 60 lb range, averaging in the 40 to 55 lb range mostly. They all start small and hope to make it higher up the food chain as larger Yellowfin Tuna are basically Cannibals. We presently have roaming schools moving from Los Arcos up past Yelapa to Quimixto. Tuna favor many baits,  but nothing  more than Squids, Red Tuna Crabs, Krill Squids and Krill shrimp (Whale food). But they will hit many baits, baby Dorado and Sierra Mackerels are tasty to them  as well. “Footballs” will run with their friends Spinner Dolphin if you’re outside the bay. Many times in the bay as well, not guaranteed, but will be with them more often than not. Not to be confused with SkipJack Tuna which looks exactly like it’s larger cousins, but only reach maybe 10 lbs, average size  is 6 lbs and is everybody’s favorite bait.  You can  catch anything with this bait, tasty too. Many times  I’ve “eaten the bait”, ask Jeff Coats. For  you  locals with boats, you are allowed now somehow to fish for your dinner, so head to Yelapa, stop if you see birds!

Dorado, I know i wasn’t going to mention  Dorado or Mahi as it’s known in Hawaii. Bay Dorado are a bit different, they’re normally smaller, won’t see many over 30 lbs in the bay. Beautiful and wildly targeted species it’s also one of the best tasting fish available anywhere. Depending on the currents and levels of bait, water temperature correct doesn’t hurt as well, the season  now starts around the end of August. Recent changes in the law have turned the demise of this great species around. Now we’re seeing them return  earlier and earlier each year as export of this species is not almost impossible. Available until normally mid February at Punta Mita, but frankly larger ones are all over the place, stay tuned to my articles.

Quick reminder, May 18 tours and sportfishing start back up, June 1 Hotels open back up, do a search, get the information directly…

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

We’re being told the port will open June 15th, We’re taking reservations now for just after that date and I have no reason to believe this will change. So there is a light at the end of the tunnel amigos… Stay tuned.

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 InstagramMaster Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle is protected under trade mark lawand is the sole property of Stan Gabruk.