Puerto Vallarta Tourist Season Slumps, Wide Open Fishing, Conditions Improve Daily
Puerto Vallarta Tourist Season Slumps, Wide Open Fishing, Conditions Improve Daily
Written by Stan Gabruk
One of the nice things about this time of the year is as things change, it is always to the positive. Water temperatures continue to increase as the humidity increases as well. Just a few signs summer is slowly makes its presence known. The days are a little warmer each day, the bait is moving into the bay, Skip Jacks or Football Tuna are chasing that bait. Larger fish are chasing them and we´re seeing the results. Dorado are at their preferred locations of the Marietta Islands, Punta Mita, Corbeteña, El Banco and at a floating long anywhere in the bay. Blue Marlin are starting to move in, which is early for them, June is more normal. But the biggest indication that we´re aggressively moving into summer is the first tropical storm warning came into my inbox this morning. We normally don´t see tropical storms or Hurricanes which they can turn into in May. NOAH is predicting heavier weather or I should say rain and tropical storms for the Americas this year and believe it or not, for fishing that is not bad news either. So stay tuned, we have something to talk about this week!
With the down turn in tourism there really are very few boats going out fishing which of course makes it difficult to report on what happened when there is nobody going out. But those that are going out are doing well. Dorado at the Marietta Islands are getting a touch bigger in the 25 lb range, Snappers are still taking bait in the 20 to30lb range, Skip Jacks are coming in the area as well, with the increases in baitfish Rooster fish have been nice sized in the 35 lb range as well. Sailfish off the Reefs are becoming more abundant as they should be. Jack Crevalls are thinning out as they should with warmer water moving into the area. All and all this area is still one of the hot spots for those looking for action and not a huge price tag. We´re moving into that time of the year when what is happening at the Marietta Islands will most likely be happening off Punta Mita. Which can be said for now. Rooster Fish off the Anclote area (Sayulita), Dorado off the point and if you were lucky enough to find a log, dead something, anything small bait fish can hide around you will find Dorado. Buoys from commercial fisherman when found are always a gold mine. They don´t much like the idea of you fishing their little ¨stand¨… Oh well.
The area off the Marietta islands have been sailfish city all the way out to Corbeteña. Football Tuna, Cubera Snappers, Rainbow Runners and Amber jacks about 45 lbs it you don´t mind some bottom fishing. Blue Marlin sightings but as yet nothing boated to get any pictures. Stripers still in the area on the smaller side of 175 to 250 lbs. Those targeting Wahoo now would be a great time to take a shot off the fingers to the south side under the water. These ridges are about the best place to find Wahoo early season.
El Banco is also seeing smallish Striped Marlin, Rainbows, Yellowfin in the 60 to 80 lb range, Sailfish are like everywhere else. We have seen some flying fish moving in. If they do remember if you´re trolling you´ll have to run a little faster to mimic baits. Another reason to run wire leaders and cable rigged lures is Wahoo are no stranger to El Banco and can show up about now. As a non schooling fish Wahoo are loners for the most part. The will school, but not in huge schools like Yellowfin Tuna, Snappers, Dorado etc. Be prepared and come in with something the cheap boats aren´t equipped for and never get.
Inside the bay, it´s all Skippies, but we have seen some needle fish which are the first indications of warm waters moving in.
The famous ¨they ¨are predicting via NOAA that in this corner of the world we will see heavier than normal rain and humidity. We already know it´s going to be hot enough to warm pools to hot tub temps. We are seeing now the first tropical storm of the year which is early by any measurement. This storm is not predicted to turn into a Hurricane before it fizzles. But this is an early indication of summer moving in aggressively. Update: The tropical storm turned into a tropical depression that is not moving at all and will fizzle out shortly.
Normally the first weeks of June have the first signs of Blue and Black Marlin move in suddenly in a wave that last just a few days. Now this has happened consistently for years so we can look for this, but expecting is another thing. For those who want to plan a summer trip for Monster Yellowfin Tuna and who have no interest in heading out 80 miles to the Tres Maria Islands then Mid August is when the larger Yellowfin Normally show up. Now this year they may show up a little early so keep your ears on. But trips targeting Yellowfin Tuna and Marlin would find September and October are your best ¨local¨ chances to boat a Monster over 300 lbs, but 200 lb Cows will be abundant. Those looking for a world record fish could possibly during this time frame. Fishings high season is normally extended into the holiday season. Christmas and new Years still have warm water and Trophy sized Gamefish for those looking for cooler weather and no rain.
One thing to take into consideration when booking trips for here in Fish City is the weather. Summer is when we south of the American border see´s our weather. Tropical Storms, Hurricanes, unexpected systems springing up, trust me, we have weather. Hurricanes always go to the north, rain is a daily thing. But hitting the fishing grounds right after a Hurricane has passed is when you get Trophy sized everything.
Master Baiter´s is putting together three and four day packages where lodging and fishing are included for an unbelievable price point. You will get more on this as I put it together. But the boys at Fishhound.com are putting together some affordable deals for the normal guy who isn´t rolling in money and still has a mortgage to pay.
Master Baiter´s has changed its location to a larger shop located directly in front of Dock D in the shops behind the grassy area in the Puesta Del Sol complex half way between the Oxxo and Las Palomas Restaurant. Come in and get your PV Mirror there and say hello to Stan. Please tell your friends where they can find the Mirror and of course Master Baiter´s.
You can come be a ¨Fan¨ on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Master-Baiters-Sportfishing-Tackle/88817121325 looking forward to meeting you online. Reports, Fish Pic of The Day, Local information, Tournament information and all that good stuff that keeps you informed and not wasting your time or money on B.S.,if you know what I mean. Also Facebook Fans get special perks you won´t find in my reports.
That´s about it for now from PV… Until next time, don´t forget to kiss your fish!
Master Baiter´s Sportfishing & Tackle is located in Marina Vallarta on the Boardwalk in front of Dock D. Facing the water turn to your right and we´re down four doors or so from Las Palomas the 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 Web page: www.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.
