Marlin Take Over the High Spots at El Banco
You may have noticed that I haven’t written an article last week like I normally do, nothing had changed and frankly the fishing wasn’t worth writing about. Tourism is down, so very few boats are heading out. But the private boats have been rocking at El Banco. The simple fact is we’ve just gone through the seasonal change where the warm water species are continuing to move in as the winter, or cold-water species are trickling out. We’ve had an interesting summer so far, not much rain so the trash line has been neutralized for the most part. But we’re seeing warmer water temperatures right on time. Bait is perfect, the water is a high visibility blue and the Marlin are rolling in. We’re in tournament season now and conditions will only get better from this point forward.
The main story this week is the area Between the high spots at El Banco, all the way to Corbetena. With plenty of Skipjack Tuna for bait, Sardines, flying fish, Ballyhoos and more, Marlin have come in to join the party. Blue Marlin are a normal resident at Puerto Vallarta’s fishing grounds. But we normally need a touch warmer water to see Black Marlin. They seem to like the water temperatures at the 88 degree mark and up. We’re presently seeing 89 degree water temperatures and Black Marlin have been running anywhere from 250 to 450 lbs. or larger. Blue Marlin are running in the 250 to 350 lbs range. Remembering these finned fantasies are roaming the entire area, it’s hare to decide where to start. Most of my information is coming from private boats and the number of Marlin strikes they’re getting out there is impressive. One day, they had seven Marlin Strikes, the next day there were 4 Marlin Strikes and then the following day there were 5 Marlin Strikes. This was all at the high spots at El Banco amigos. So, my suggestion for now is go straight to the high spots at El Banco and use your best judgement from there! For those heading to Corbetena, it’s been a touch slower, but that could just be the ‘momentary’ conditions. For the Yellowfin Tuna lovers, we’ve seen some in the 25 to about 40 lbs. range just free roaming the area. Same deal as the Marlin, they’re at both locations and everywhere in between. We’ve also seen Spinner Dolphin, aka Spinners, running with 25 lbs Yellowfin Tuna Footballs. Again in between the Rock and the high spots. Marlin have been the primary species on the menu for now. But we all know when conditions get like this, they won’t stay quiet for long. For now we haven’t really seen any Dorado or many Sailfish, but give it a day or two, everything now will change. And remember, bottom fishing is always an option for those days when you just can’t get a any strikes from the locals.
This week the distances that would be considered 8 hr. duration fishing grounds have been less than exciting. Those heading to the point of Punta Nayarit, aka Punta Mita, with some luck may find some Sailfish. But the simple fact this entire area for some reason has been disappointing. Again, things can change in a heart beat and with plenty of varied baits and perfect conditions, Sailfish will be moving in shortly if they’re not already there. There are still Skippies or Skipjack Tuna at the 8 lbs range, perfect for your tuna tubes. Dorado will be moving into this are soon, so keep your ears open and contact us if you’re in town or coming to town and I’ll fill you in on the latest and greatest.
Even though we haven’t seen much rain in the local mountains, that doesn’t mean dirty water isn’t flowing into the bay from the local rivers. Rain inland will also produce a trash line, but the quality is lacking. If you can come across a mature trash-line anything is possible. Inside the bay we’ve finally been seeing some 10 to 12 lb Dorado, they’re still on the small side, but they’re taking baits. Remember, under 10 lbs., they should go back in amigos. We’ve also got the basic Skippies, Bonito to 12 lbs., Sailfish around the La Cruz Marina. Jack Crevalles at 20 lbs. near Nuevo Vallarta hotel area. We’ve even started to see some nice sized Snook. Robalo in Spanish, white meat and great tasting. They like fresh water so they’re around the rivers, Ameca is one worth working and this is a secret so keep it to yourself. For now, it seems your best fishing grounds in the bay is near or at Los Arcos / Garza Blanca hotel area. Most of the Dorado you’ll find will be in this area, so use this information wisely… ja ha.
We’re finally in the time of the year that will continue Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as a world class fishing area, but not at this moment. For now we’re on hold until the players show up. But they’re coming, no worries there. Water temperatures hit 89 degrees in most areas with ‘high visibility blue’ water and there’s plenty of bait to attract even the ficklest fish. Live bait is king, but lures of green and blue have been working as well. And finally, the bite is still about 09:00. I’m putting boats out about 06:30 right now, in the dark. So, if you’re leaving early remember these boats are contending with floating logs, crap of all kinds and if you hit a ‘dead head’ or stump just under the surface, well it can ruin your day and the boat. So be a bit patient in the morning when heading out. Once the sun comes up a bit and the visibility increases, you’ll be out of the ‘danger zone’ and they’ll tap the throttle up a bit.
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Until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish!
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Written by Stan Gabruk
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