Marlin, Sailfish, Puerto Vallarta Fishing Improves

After last week’s article where I was saying things are improving by the day, I was a little nervous that things may have turned in the other direction. But I’m happy to tell you that fishing this week took another small step towards perfect fishing conditions. Corbetena is alive and well with a strong pulse. In fact, all our fishing grounds are ticking in the right direction. Fish numbers are increasing along with all the favorite species like Yellowfin Tuna which are both increasing in numbers and size. After experiencing the La Nina / El Nino switch, I’ve been waiting to see what kind of results we would have this week and if things continue as they were. Now I’m thinking we may have an impressive fishing season this year. With perfect high visibility blue water, plenty of skipjack tuna and other baits, I have every reason to be positive and hopefull for the following months. It’s a good bet you’ll have memories that will last a lifetime after heading out fishing in Puerto Vallarta’s Bay of Banderas. The fishing just got world class and the only thing missing is you!

So, let’s get into it. Corbetena took a major tick-up with 100 lb Yellowfin Tuna turning up off the rock. If you remember last week we were seeing 20 to 30 lb Yellowfin Tuna and we were happy to have them. Now is the time to hit Corbetena. With tourism in its starting stages, there are very few charters heading out. Now this may sound negative, but in reality, it’s an opportunity to have our world class fishing grounds pretty much to yourself! Blue and Black Marlin in the 300 lb range are running the area as well. Remember Black Marlin never found their way to PV Fishing grounds last year. Sailfish normally dominate the entire area and finally, their numbers are looking better also. Dorado, of course, they’re in the 20 to 30 lb range, but there could be much larger in the coming days. For now, Corbetena is ready for action!

I’d like to give you some information on El Banco, but in reality, nobody is heading to this area. It’s farther than Corbetena and when fuel is pushing 7 dollars a gallon, consumption becomes an issue. But there is no reason to believe Yellowfin Tuna and Marlin aren’t in the area. There have been Marlin off the point of Punta Mita, about ten to fourteen miles off the point. So there has to be Blue and Black Marlin at El Bancos high spots. And normally where there’s Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna can’t be far behind. Feeling lucky?

This week the entire area from El Morro to Punta Nayarit aka Punta Mita, is alive with Sailfish and Dorado. That’s a 180 degree flip from last week. Forget about any trash line, we’ll have to wait until next summer to see those again. With Bluewater and plenty of Flying fish, Goggle Eyes and skipjack tuna for bait, the fishing in this area should only improve. As mentioned earlier, a 300 lb Blue Marlin was boated just 12 miles off the point of Nayarit. Last week they caught a Blue Marlin at the four-mile mark of the point. So stay positive amigos, anything is possible from this point forward. I have seen some Roosterfish pictures off the Malenar rock off Punta Mita. It is Roosterfish season, so anything is possible.

For those looking for plenty of action and a shorter duration, then a six hour trip in the bay will leave your arms dead tired with a smile plastered on your face until you walk back in your workplace! Capt. Oscar of Black Diamond fishing charters caught 18 Dorado at the Los Arcos / Punta Negra (Garza Blanca area). Four were over 20 lbs. But like the previous weeks, most of them were at the 8 pound mark and were thrown back to catch another day. Sailfish, yes I said Sailfish over the last few years have become common place in the bay once we get into October. Good sized Sailfish I might add. Six hours in the bay, Sailfish and Dorado, that gets me excited. Throw in Bonito, Skipjack Tuna, Jack Crevalles and who knows what else, a good time for all is pretty much guaranteed from now until we start the cycle again.

Water temperatures are stuck at 87 degrees. A touch cool for this time of the year, but it seems to be working so we won’t complain. The bite is still happening before 08:00. If heading to a deep water location, be sure you’re leaving the dock no later than 06:30. Right now we’re looking a very strong full moon. Yellowfin Tuna will be biting about an hour or so before daybreak. And an hour or so after sundown. Sailfish and Marlin for the most part don’t give a hill of beans about the moon phase. But a Dorado at times will be a little strange. The best solution is to hit the bite early and be ready for action.

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

Written by Stan Gabruk

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