Puerto Vallarta Fishing is Great, Large Fish, Small Fish, Conditions Improve!

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uerto Vallarta Fishing is Great, Large Fish, Small Fish, Conditions Improve!

January 21, 2011

The unpredictable season continues with more fish moving into the area. With the fish moving in and out it is difficult to say what you´ll find on any given day, but anything is possible, including coming in empty handed. With tourism being down, fewer than normal boats are heading out in the mornings which keeps incoming information on where to head out to a guess, making it all a crap shoot. This is the time of the year where some captains will consistently come in with fish, while others promise that they are the best, but can´t walk the talk. Experience pays off in times like these and it doesn´t hurt to have a well stocked tackle box and a little luck in your back pocket.

Let’s start with the outer fishing grounds. The primary locations of Corbeteña, El Banco and the Tres Maria Islands…. The Tres Maria Islands: Commonly known as the Prison Islands, this area gets larger fish all year long. The only question is how big will they be, with the primary species being Yellowfin Tuna and Striped Marlin for the time being. Some days the Yellowfin Tuna are in the 200 pound plus range, then other days you´ll be lucky to get a strike. The down side besides the iffy conditions is that it is 80 miles one way and that makes a 14 hr day! Most are not up for this length of a trip, while others who are used to heading out this far from places like California will consider this normal. The bottom line here is if you are looking for sizeable Yellowfin Tuna, the Tres Marias are the place to be. For those of you heading out there, good luck and call me when you come in to fill me in on the details.

Corbeteña and El Banco are two locations that have been hot and cold just like everywhere else. Striped Marlin have been boated, and I don´t mean just one or two, a few miles off the high spots and off the rock. Trolling is the way to go, not many boils to find or birds diving, but if you keep your eyes peeled you´ll see them jumping off in the distance. Striped Marlin in the 150 to 250lb size range have been released this week. But just as many days have gone by with nothing. So it’s always a good idea to keep your ears open for when they are striking, you normally have a two day window to get out there before things change. If heading out for Striped Marlin, make sure your captain has teasers, if not don´t get on the boat amigo. This equipment is essential to draw fish in or as we say it, make fish come! Lack of equipment can make or break your day so ask the question and ask to see it if you´re heading out for Marlin before you leave the dock. You´ll be glad you did.  The good news is the species that are there are interested in your bait. Google Eyes, Skip Jack Tuna, Bonito, no worries just make sure you have bait .

Things have gone from fair to good at the Marietta Islands. We are still seeing Rooster fish in the 35lb size, with Pompano in the 30lb range, Jack Crevalls 35lbs, Bonito, Sierra Mackerals, just about any fish you will find in the bay is at the Reefs near the islands. The big change this week is the huge areas of Red Snappers that are in herds in the area surrounding the Marietta Islands and El Morro. There are so many Snappers out there the sea is fluorescent red in color in an area the size of WalMart, parking lot and all. Look for them, you may not see birds diving into them so if you see dark patches off in the distance, make a b-line to it, you´ll be glad you did.  For the last week this area has been the spot, most of the time out performing the deep water fishing grounds. You can for the most part expect to see at least six fish of varying species, Roosters and Snappers being the dominant species at the moment. So the day is fun but be warned, not everyday is perfect, but most are productive. If some pirate agent tells you that Black Marlin are out there, run…. You´re being played as a sucker.

In the bay the story remains the same with Snook at the river mouths, Snapper in close where there is structure along with small groupers and several fish I don´t even know the name of available. Six hours is still my recommendation for in the bay, but four hours can be productive if heading up near Yelapa. Skip Jack Tuna, Bonito, Sierra Mackerals are automatic these days.

Up by Punta Mita at the Litibu area you will find Rooster fish in the 40lb range, Tons of Sierra Mackerals, Snappers and even African Pompano.  Why it is like this up here now is a mystery to me, but who’s complaining. 8 hrs will do the trick.

Just a reminder, when people in the area say the fishing is slow, I have a hard time hearing this as a negative. If you look at the picture these this is an African Pompano and the guy in the picture, Scott Turnipseed couldn´t be happier. Scott also boated three nice Rooster fish not pictured in the 35lb to 45lb range. The last I saw of them they were filleting the Pompano for dinner… They´re tasty so dinner will be special for everyone involved. So if this is a slow day for 8 hrs, I´ll take slow everyday…

That is the latest and greatest for now. I would like to say thanks for reading my articles and my blog, I never really know who is out there… But I have had some positive responses and if you would like to get on my mailing list, fire me an email to catchfish@44.237.204.92 and I will set you up on the direct mailing list. Tell your friends about my articles and hopefully I will have 31 readers next week!

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

Remember, if you have any questions or suggestions you can reach me at: www.MasterBaiters.com.mx or CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx

The trade name Master Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle is protected under trade mark law and is the sole property to Stan Gabruk.  Always ask to speak with Stan to insure product quality and to insure you are working with the true Master Baiter´s ® and not an imposter