On Again Off Again Thin Fishing, Dorado, Striped Marlin

                          On Again Off Again Thin Fishing, Dorado, Striped Marlin

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

 

As is normally the case, coming into the middle part of January we’re seeing the abundance of warm water species start to thin out. Amazingly enough water temperatures are at 79 degrees. Which is a comfortable temperature for if you’re a Sailfish or Striped Marlin. Once again this week the bay continues to be an “all you can eat bait smorgasbord”. It’s like people going to a food fair, we just have to try everything until we can’t put another “anything” in our mouth. But we do anyway. Same deal, the “locals” have so much to eat you have to find the one with the “munchies”. That may sound dire, but in reality for right now we’re doing well and you can get fish to take baits. If you’re looking for more of a sure thing fishing, you have the bay with action at the ready. Yes we have good fishing, but it’s never automatic amigos. For the last week or so I’ve been suggesting shorter days closer in. For the person looking for larger fish and willing to take a chance, then there are larger fish to be had.

Last week we were looking at a heavy duty full moon and it did seem to effect the fishing, but we’ve moved past that now so we’re actually seeing some warm water species hanging around El Banco and Corbetena this past week. The same week I told you to avoid this area, so much for my crystal balls stats! At El Banco some 10 to 15 miles out you’ll find 250 lb Striped Marlin, Sailfish are also in the area. Look for Spinner Dolphin which are running with Football Yellowfin Tuna in the 25 to 45 lb range. There could be some Dorado around the high spots but no one has reported any. If in the area worth dropping some baits. Corbetena has been much the same as El Banco with Striped Marlin in the 250 lb range. There was a 500 lb Blue Marlin hook-up this week but it was lost at the gaff. Possible Dorado in the 25 lb range. If you find Spinner Dolphin or birds head in that direction! Your chances of boating fish in these areas is just a bit better than 50 / 50.

El Morro is seeing Cubera Snappers at 40 lbs, Punta Mita is still running with 25 lb Dorado or so around the buoy and a touch farther out. 6 to 8 miles off shore you’ll find Striped Marlin as well with possible Sailfish. Not a bad area to head out to and your chances of boating fish are better than farther out. There are plenty of Sierra Mackerels at 12 lbs, Bonito to 35 lbs and of course there are Jack Crevalls all around the area including the Marietta islands. Eight hours are worth the effort. A worst case scenario is head back into the bay and get smaller game fish action.

Those looking for shorter and less expensive days will find the bay is still alive with arm burning action with the extra advantage of Whales. Bonito are more abundant from 20 to 30 lbs over by Yelapa with some Skippies as well in the 12 lb range and tasty. Sierra Mackerels can be found in the middle of the bay or around the Ameca River on a daily basis. Smaller in size they make up for it in flavor on the table. Don’t ignore these when you come across them. Dorado are still being caught by the lucky in the 20 lb range by Los Arcos as is the freak Sailfish. With plenty of Sardines in the bay you’d think we’d have Rooster fish, but those that are here are small, too small to keep. With massive amounts of bait fish in the bay it’s amazing we’re getting anything to take a bait. Goggle eyes, Flying fish, Sardines, Krill Squid and Shrimp, but they’re all moving. This means if you come across a hungry fish, you’ve got action, good luck with that one amigos! I still suggest six hours in the bay allowing you find where they’ve roamed to today.

If as I discussed La Nina Last week, the fishing for the near term will remain normal with winter species hanging around in the cooler winter waters. When summer comes along we’ll know how deep this is going to be. It could be a little later in the year for us to see warm water species. But this also means they hang around a little longer so this time next year will be good fishing. Then again I consulted my crystal ball, I’ll just cross my fingers and hope for the best. For now water temperatures are holding at 78 / 79 degrees. A touch chilly for Marlin, but with abundant bait they’ll hand around for the easy meal. Bait in the bay is super abundant. As mentioned earlier Sardines are in the area, Flying fish at five inches, Google eyes, Krill Squids and Shrimps and of course the list goes on. The funny thing is when it comes to baits or lures to use this week, trolling dead baits and lures are working best. Go figure. The bite after six weeks now is still anywhere from 10 to 11:30 as the tides have a very subtle change this quarter. Early morning types are not doing themselves any favors getting to the fishing grounds too early, so sleep in a bit, the bite is to your advantage right now.

Until next week, Don´t forget to kiss Your Fish!

We have decided to continue our Shared Boat Fishing Parties! 2 people, half a super panga for eight hours heading to Punta Mita or El Morro area $275 usd (that’s for two people amigos) which makes this the cheapest fishing you’ll find in Puerto Vallarta. Contact us via email and put your name on the list so we can hook you up with others looking to fish a quality boat at a super dooper affordable price!

Our Malicon or Boardwalk Store at the Light House is rockin. Come visit us and see the new location and say hello to Carlos in the evenings, Ben in the days and who knows, maybe I’ll even be there to answer your questions about fishing or just talk things in general. We closed the store heading out to Conchas Chinas and moved to this new and better location, check out the map below…..

One last thing: We have all sorts of new products, Beer coolers or Koozies are on their way after running out in a real hurry. We have new cool Posters, Coffee Cups, Shot glasses and Cell Phone waterproof protectors…. all affordable and fun!

Web page:  www.MasterBaiters.com.mx , Local Phone at: (044) 322 779 75 71 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.