Punta Mita Sees Return of Sardines, Rooster Fish, Pompano

Punta Mita Sees Return of Sardines, Rooster Fish, Pompano

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

Every year at about the second week of April winter begins to change into summer. When this happens we call it a ¨Transition period¨. Those involved in the fishing business (Captains, Crews, etc.) know and understand that this is essentially the worst time of year to go fishing. First and foremost is the fact that the local species are just full of eggs keeping their interest anywhere except in taking your bait. Then there´s the annual change of currents as they flip directions now moving south to north. As warm water moves in the sun hangs longer daily in the Tropical Skies of Puerto Vallarta. This churned, swirling water conditions can result in brown, coffee colored water as the sediment on the sea floor inside the bay gets churned up. Typically all at the same time, we have warm currents, cold currents and fish that are not interested in your trolled baits. That´s the bad news, the good news is; that will shortly be behind us. May brings stability, dominant summer currents and of course world class species, Sailfish being the first to arrive in thin numbers. For the last month, I´ve done my best to make this sound as positive as I possibly can and still keep the truth factor firmly in place.

Having said all that, some of the best news this week was the fact that Sardines, which have been in, then out, are in again. Water temperatures are still moderate and on the cool side, but inching their way up to 75 degrees or so on average. Not exactly blue water, but the clear green water we have, getting clearer everyday, is not hindering the fish. Blue water is preferable, green works. Now you may be asking yourself ¨Where¨ is it getting better? One place, the best place, is still off the point of Punta Mita. To be exact, the area around Sayulita and a bit north are just exploding with Rooster fish in the 35 to 60 lb range, Pompano running 45 lbs, Snapper are also taking trolled baits and are running the same general size of 15 to 30 lbs. Sailfish are in the area, but sparse. Dorado, forget about them for now. Eight hour trips are mandatory if you’re looking for any sizeable fish to put on the table. Sorry, that´s just the way it is.

Forget about the deep water locations of El Banco and Corbeteña, same issues, cold water, no fish. Don´t waste your money heading out to these distant locations until you hear word of any action first. For the guys looking for sizeable Trophy Game fish, then you´ll need to bite the bullet when it comes to the fuel budget. Not to mention the sheer time it will take to get there and back on a slow boat conserving fuel so you can actually make it back under power, a biggie for sure. Yellowfin Tuna are about the only players at the Tres Maria Islands, so don´t go expecting anything other than Yellowfin Tuna. The Tres Maria Islands are a fishery, so I have a real issue with those fishing in this area, legal buffer zone or not. Once they fish out the fisheries, like the Seiners are doing now, then we can fold up the fishing industry and sell T-Shirts to tourist… wait, I already do that!

Those looking at short day fishing will still find fun action in the bay with Jack Crevalls, Bonito, Skip Jack Tuna, smaller snappers to 20 lbs max and more Sierra Mackerals than you can count. For younglings or those looking for some fun on the bay with a limited budget, then a super panga on the bay for four to six hours will do you nicely.

For now the fishing could be better, but it´s not bad. For now the latest fishing information for the locals or visiting tourist is key. You need to know when the bite is, mid morning by the way, what the water temperatures are and where the ¨hot¨ spots are. I started to put updates out to my Facebook friends. If you would like to receive my weekly updates, normally about two a week if things change, then send me an email and I´ll put you on my contact list. I will also start a video fishing report shortly, I have done one already, but I´m as exciting as watching paint dry, so we´re working on that as well. So if you want to be informed of the latest and greatest, especially if you have local clients like the travel agents I work with, then this is a free service that is invaluable when you need it. My contact information is at the bottom of this article…  Looking forward to seeing your responses and questions amigos…..  

Until next time don’t forget to kiss your fish and remember at Master Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle “ We Won’t Jerk You Around”!

Master Baiter´s has changed locations in Marina Vallarta between docks A and B on the boardwalk. Email your Questions to me at: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx  Web page:  www.MasterBaiters.com.mx , Local Phone at: (044) 322 779 75 71 or if roaming: 011 52 1 322 779 75 71 cell phone direct 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.