Reverse Season Fishing Strangeness Continues

Reverse Season Fishing Strangeness Continues

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

It´s all over the news now no matter where you live. El Nino is here for the next year or so and we´re seeing the beginning stages in the form of unusually warm water conditions which are keeping summer species in the area as winter comes to an end. Weather patterns always follow water temperatures, which of course means things are upside down. Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado, even huge Yellowfin Tuna possibilities are alive and well at our deep water locations of Ël Banco and Corbeteña. As a local here in Puerto Vallarta (PV) I´ve come to learn that predicting fishing conditions are impossible. So for now, we´re just flying by the seat of our pants. One good thing, PV´s winter visitors have Sportfishing opportunities that don´t exist in March unless El Nino is in full force.

The fishing has been great, but it´s anything but automatic. With the bluest of blue water conditions, visibility for baits is as good as it´s going to get. Water temperatures hovering around 80 degrees are perfect for species like Yellowfin Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish and Dorado. We never see these fish in predictable numbers in February or March. But that is not the case right now. Corbeteña this week had 300 lb Yellowfin Tuna just off the rock about ten miles to the north. El Banco is alive with 50 lb Dorado and Black Marlin in the 450 lb range. Sailfish all over the place north of Punta Mita about ten miles. It´s just a mixed bag and depending on the day anything is possible, even the seemingly impossible like Monster Yellowfin Tuna. To be fair there was a storm way north of us here in PV and it pushed  cool water currents south down the California coast. Well of course the cooler water is uncomfortable and these warm water species headed south as would be expected. These two or three days were just like summer with Black Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna being boated in the ¨Golden Triangle¨ between the Marietta Island, El Banco and Corbeteña. The good news is we know they´re out there. The bad news is we don´t know exactly which direction to point the boat. Since fish move, where they were yesterday is a good place to start. But don´t linger if you don´t have any action. Another plus and negative are bait conditions. Plenty of bait and a variety of baits mean that you may find hungry fish taking baits you don´t have. Google Eyes are the standard bait here and they´re available for sale every morning from the local bait boats. The last few days purchasing bait has been necessary of course, but you will be making bait once you arrive at the fishing grounds to make sure you´re trolling what they´re looking for. Baby Bonito or Bullets are everywhere and are a favorite bait for all the species we have in the area. What I call them sardines, the locals call them Sardinas. are like candy to our local fish and that´s a problem. Jack Crevalls are just chowing down on this delicious ¨fast food¨ so forget about turning their heads if you come across a boil. Nothing more frustrating that finding fish and not being able to get a hook-up. You could gaff them on the boat, but that wouldn´t be sportsman like now would it?!

The Marietta Islands are alive with acton. Dorado in the 25 to 40 lb range have moved back in and are there for the moment. Of course this could change in a heartbeat, but this area is a great option for fish on a simi-short full day of fishing. Rooster fish are in schools all over the place and are feeding on Sardinas as well, but will take lures and more importantly if you can find bullet Bonito you´ll get Roosters for sure. No bullet baits, you´ll be in the frustration boat like the rest of us. Jack Crevalls, Bonito in the 35 lb range, Snappers 15 to 30 lbs, Sierra Mackerals, Pompano, and the list goes on. Plenty of action for sure and great for kids to experience Big Game fishing and not hook into Moby Dick! 

The bite has been happening between 9 and 10 a.m. so sleep in a little. Live bait is king, but if you can´t get the baits they´re looking for, run six inch silver diamond jigs, Poppers of grey and black or Rapallas of any color, but in the six inch range as well. The fishing is great, but you will have to work for these fickle creatures since they have plenty of bait choices. So don´t get frustrated, just keep changing baits, keep your ears open and be ready. Locals can take action when the conditions are perfect, so keep a finger on the fishing pulse, you could come in with a world record fish amigos! YeHa

 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/88817121325The trade name Master Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle is protected under trade mark law and is the sole property of Stan Gabruk.