Marlin and Sailfish Roaming from Corbetena to El Banco

                            Marlin and Sailfish Roaming from Corbetena to El Banco

                  Written by: Stan Gabruk owner of Master Baiter´s Sportfishing & Tackle

As we move deeper into the best time of the year for fishing here in the Banderas Bay of Puerto Vallarta, we see things change slowly. Daily there are small improvements that all add up to world class fishing. We’re seeing Marlin, Sailfish and Tuna moving in and out of the area. Nothing is set in stone and remember fish move. At this time of the year we see the inshore fishing less attractive with the dirty water, the results of heavy rain in Guadalajara and locally. This is normal, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have great fishing in the bay, on the other hand 500 lb Marlin won’t be on the “menu” in the bay. Decisions, Decisions….

This week we’ve seen the same conditions for the most part as we’ve seen for the previous two weeks. Perfect water temperatures, perfectly blue water and tons of Skip Jack Tuna aka Skippies. Once again the area between El Banco and Corbetena is alive with action, but they’re all moving around. This means you may need to “move a little water”, but the payoff is a 400 to 700 lb Black Marlin. Blue Marlin are in the 500 lb range with Sailfish picking up in numbers, but mostly to the south of El Banco. Cubera Snappers at 50 lbs. are at El Banco for the bottom fishing or Jiggers. Yellowfin Tuna have been thin, several in the area at 30 to 80 lbs but they’re picky, not exactly taking baits on a regular basis. The good news is you’ve got a shot. Larger Tuna can move in, in a minute and it’s that time of year when what could be a slow day turns into a “bucket list” day! Corbetena is much the same, same with Marlin mostly to the north about five miles. Porpoise have left the area, finally. Yellowfin Tuna are a little sparse for now, but things change. No Dorado have been seen in the area for a while, this should change soon as we move deeper into peak season.

We’ve seen some action in the area of Punta Mita, about six miles off the shore, Sailfish are picking up in numbers here and north of Sayulita. Dorado can be found if there is some local debris or a floating branch. Other than that Dorado at 20 to 30 lbs are challenging at best. Not too much exciting at the Marietta Islands for now, this will change shortly. Blue Marlin are on a heading of 315 from the point about ten miles, they’ve been in and out so take a shot if in the area. All and all you’re better off with a ten hour trip for the next twenty minutes or so. There has been a nice Trash Line in the area, with some luck it could pay off with larger Dorado.

Inside the bay we’re still seeing some dirty water from the rains, but if you’re in the south of the bay the water will normally be blue. Yelapa is seeing some smaller Football Yellowfin Tuna in the 20 to 35 lb range, but some have boated 60 pounders. Bonito are thing and smaller for the most part for now. Jack Crevalls thinning in numbers are closer to La Cruz, Nuevo Vallarta and in the middle of the bay. All sorts of snappers and dinner fare around structure and closer to shore around the south end of the bay. The funny thing is there is great fishing in this area, but the fish will not be the big names. If action is your goal, think about smaller fish that are great tasting and more abundant than Dorado etc. in the bay. You’ll always have fish in the bay, the captains experience and knowledge can make the difference.

Water temperatures are still there at 86 degrees, the bite is happening about 9 a.m. in the morning with the afternoon bite about 2:30ish… With plenty of bait in the area, Flying fish around the moth of the bay. With Green, Blue and Rainbow runners, Goggle Eyes, Flying fish and the list goes on, there are no bait issues. Lures at times are working better for Sailfish and Marlin than live bait, so make sure you have Petroleros, Iguanas and Gucamayos. Even running dead bait, which seems kinda weird with all the live bait in the area will work. Give it all a try, change your baits often, something will work, but it will be a bit of work. For most of us it’s a labor of love!

Master Baiter’s is proud to announce our newest boat dedicated to Monster Yellowfin Tuna in the range of 200 lbs and up! It’s a 2.5 day trip in a luxurious 54 ft. Delta that’s first class all the way. You know this is a long trip, but it will be in a luxury cabin, with professional grade equipment and crews who learned their trade from Master Baiter’s years ago and are professional and capable on all levels! We are coming into High Season for Tuna Fishing at the Tres Maria Islands. Four people max, priced affordably for what you get and of course with Master Baiter’s you should have expectations! Contact us to discuss prices or visit my web page for more specific details.

We’re starting our Tres Maria Fishing Charters heading out in a few weeks. This is a world class fishing trip targeting Yellowfin Tuna in excess of 200 lbs with world record possibilities! 2.5 day trips, luxury accommodations, super service and to be honest it’s very competitive to the “Cattle Car” boats heading out. Contact us for more information and reservations. Four people max, ESPN has already said it’s the premier Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Charter Company in PV! What else would you expect from Master Baiter’s?

And, last but not least, I’m a little slow, but I’ve come around and now I am posting mostly fish pics on Instagram. We’re under the name: Master Baiter’s Sportfishing. Come follow us for the kind of post that will get you excited and ready to boat a Monster Yellowfin Tuna! So come check it all out.   

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. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Master-Baiters-Sportfishing-Tackle/88817121325

The trade name Master Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle is protected under trade mark law and is the sole property of Stan Gabruk.