Lots of Fish, Tons of Bait, There lies The Problem!
Bait, Bait, everywhere there is bait. May not seem like a bad thing, but when there is too much bait in the water, why would a fish pay any attention to what you are presenting to them? Such is the case this week with plenty of nice sized game fish at our world famous fishing grounds. Jack Crevalls, Snappers and the reappearance of Rooster fish, but don´t get excited, it´s not a piece of cake out there right now.
For those of you looking for the big game fish of Sailfish, Marlin, and Yellowfin Tuna, well for the most part you are out of luck. It’s just the wrong time of the year for these species, which is why many will call this the slow season. There is Yellowfin Tuna at the Tres Maria Islands and you can get them in the 150 to 200lb size range. But they are 80 miles out and the folks around the Tres Maria Islands are not as flexible lately as they have been. If you are out there, be prepared with all the necessary documentation and if someone tells you they have a permit to fish this area, there is a 90% chance that is a bogus statement and they are taking chances with YOUR money and vacation fishing trip! I cannot stress enough how the islands have a 15 mile limit, but they will allow 10 miles for a buffer. Boats like the Anna Marie who was grabbed and the captain was held for four days should be enough to get these guys straight. But the Anna Maria is still making the track daily. So even if they get busted, they don’t learn. Maybe if it the money was coming from their pocket and they told you the real situation then you may not choose to head out there. There are very many boats in the marina, seasoned boats with seasoned captains that don’t see fishing the Tres Maria islands as a risk they are willing to take. One of these days a boat will not be given back and the crew will be kept in the prison. I guess that is when these ¨envelope¨ stretchers will learn a lesson the old timers already stress, but like most older types are ignored! Don´t let the lure of big fish blind you to what can happen out there!
Now if you’re looking for more modest sized fish then Puerto Vallarta is the place for you come February, March and April. If you find yourself at the Marietta Islands you’ll be trolling for Snappers, Jack Crevalls, Sierra Mackerals, Groupers, Rooster fish, Bonito, and the list goes on. Now these fish may or may not want what you are presenting so be mentally prepare d to come in empty handed. One fact that will help is knowing when the bite is so you have the best chance of actually catching something out there! Right now it pays to be out there at or around, earlier is better, 2:00 in the afternoon, but be warned, the bite can change in a heartbeat so check the reports or contact me for the latest information….
Anywhere inside the bay you are dealing with the same situation, Jack Crevalls, Sierra Mackerals, Snappers, some Bonito and more are there waiting for you. But like I mentioned earlier getting them to take bait when there is just so much of in the water is where the challenge is!
Sayulita is still full of Rooster fish and African Pompano, same condition with bait, tooooo much is a bad thing. But if you are in the area, give it a shot. Those that have been boated are running between 35 and 50lbs. The Marietta Islands are still the same. At the risk of sounding a little cookie cutter here, Snappers, Jack Crevalls, Snappers, the odd Rooster fish, Bonito, Small Grouper and more are still there! They will take baits, but you better be creative and running at least one lure may be a good idea since they seem to be taking plastics!
The big secret this week is the area around El Morro, just south of the Marietta Islands. The currents are such where there are upwelling where the currents clash with the island and forces nutrients up from the bottom. Now Rooster fish love this sort of thing as they do the trash lines in the summer. For some reason here at El Morro the Rooster fish, Jack Crevalls and Amber Jacks are attacking baits. The Roosters and Jacks are all in the 35 to 60 lb range. On light tackle this is a day you won’t forget! This is where the fish are at this week and not everyone is heading out this was as well, so you may have the area to yourself, now that is a fantasy!
That’s about it for now, until next week, don´t forget to kiss your fish!
Remember, if you have any questions or suggestions you can reach me at: www.MasterBaiters.com.mx or CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx
The trade name Master Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle is protected under trade mark law and is the sole property to Stan Gabruk. Always ask to speak with Stan to insure product quality and to insure you are working with the true Master Baiter´s ® and not an imposter