Monster Yellowfin Tuna at Tres Maria Islands, Rooster fish, Snappers and more at the Marietta Islands.

Monster Yellowfin Tuna at Tres Maria Islands, Rooster fish, Snappers and more at the Marietta Islands.

Written by Stan Gabruk of Master Baiter ´s Sportfishing and Tackle

Ok, twenty minutes after I wrote the last weeks report everything got better at most locations. Yellowfin Tuna for the fanatics have gone into the Monster Size mental frenzies as Yellowfin have gone in the 180 lb plus sizes and are everywhere around the Marietta Islands. There are some local companies now that have cattle boats heading out this way so if you´re interested, let me know, we´ll fix you up. But be warned this trip is going to take you 80 miles in one direction just to get there. But be warned, just because there is a lot of noise on the web, you can still come in empty handed. Those who are more ¨normal¨ staying in a lot closer still has great ¨spring¨ fishing in February!  We have some fishing options as we continue to enjoy the strangeness.

Lets just jump in, there have been some non-qualifying world record sized Yellowfin Tuna around the north end of the Tres Maria Islands (North Island) for sure. There was one boated in the 430 lb range just this last week. For the fanatics out there, now is a good time to be one if it means you´ll get off your back side and get it in gear. For we all know that things change so quickly that it all may fall apart in a few days. Just remember to keep your distance and you won´t have any problems.

El Banco and Corbeteña are still in the thick of things running Yellowfin Tuna from 30 pounds and up before you come to the high spits. Striped Marlin, Cubera Snappers and the odd large Dorado. It´s a fair distance and like always can leave you scratching your head. Fishing is fishing, we   all know this so be ready to come in empty handed if you take the chance, but you can always fall back to the Marietta Islands for the afternoon bite. With plenty of live bait, blue water and favorable currents we´re finding Blue lures are working well along with whatever local live bait you can put in front of these picky fish. Squid chunking works for those who can afford the bait.

The Marietta Islands to El Morro and a little farther out is still the ¨promise land¨ when it comes to producing fishing grounds… Running Blue tiger print Rapallas is working very well for Jack Crevalls, Rooster fish and Dorado in the 25 lb range. Live bait is working on everything else. But for some reason the fish have moved out a little from the islands so be ready to search for birds amigo. Bonito, Snappers, Sierra Mackerals and even a shot at a Sailfish. Strange conditions for sure, but we´ll take the fishing any way we can get it. Those heading out for an eight hour trips are doing well and this will continue in the next few weeks as my Crystal ball is telling me, but it´s been wrong before.

Not hearing much from Punta Mita and points north. Guyavitos should be running strong with Sailfish since this is where they normally hang out for the winter here in PV. Dorado and Rooster Fish are still in the Sayulita area so don´t forget to look into these areas as everyone else is all basically heading in the same direction where the action was hot yesterday.

I was concerned that people would think the fishing here is always like it is now, of course it is better than this in the summer. But for now this is not the case, we are seeing some very unusual conditions with warm currents coming in from the west. This means warmer water and warm water species hanging out in the area. Now for those who live here you can wait for things to improve, but those here on vacation will find most fishing agents will tell you whatever you want to  hear, anything  that will get you on their boats. Watch the docks, read my reports and feel free to ask what the present conditions are in the area. They can change by the day so get it fresh for best results.

While you are in town don`t forget to visit Marina Vallarta with the ¨other Malicon¨ in Puerto Vallarta! It`s the second most popular tourist attraction in Puerto Vallarta with Restaurant  row and 150 shops of all kinds… I´ll keep an eye out for you!

Until next time, don´t forget to kiss your fish!

Master Baiter´s Sportfishing & Tackle is located in Marina Vallarta on the Boardwalk between the light house and Porto Bellos restaurant. Come by and say hello!  Remember, at Master Baiter´s Sportfishing and Tackle, We Won´t Jerk You Around! If you have any questions on any subject regarding fishing or Puerto Vallarta, feel free to ask at my email: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx

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