Rollercoaster Fishing Conditions

We’re at that time of the year again where we have a hard time predicting where the fish are. After a few days of incredible fishing, things have taken a step back. We’re still in a state of limbo as we’re still waiting for our world class species to show up. The fishing in Puerto Vallarta at this time of the year is normally a little more active than what we’re seeing now. For now your short day fishing trips inside the Bay of Banderas is full of action, if you hit the bite right. Your other best options is the Corbetena. El Banco was showing signs of life with those huge Black Marlin last week. But after that, there have essentially been no charter or private fishing trips to this area. Well, let’s just say I couldn’t dig up any information from this world famous deep water fishing area. But as always, things change in a heartbeat as tourism high season begins now.

Corbetena, blue water, smooth seas, and plenty of bait in the water. The conditions are actually very good in the area. Blue Marlin at 200 to 250 lbs are running the area. Yellowfin Tuna Footballs at 30lbs are smaller this week, but still fun to catch and great bait for larger species. And the Sailfish are running the neighborhood as well as numbers are picking up by the day. With plenty of bait in the area Corbetena is where you want to go for larger species. El Banco last week had some monster Black Marlin and frankly, I have no reason to think they’ve left the area. So I guess it’s a bit of a gamble as to which one to hit. Good luck amigos. Update: I just got word there are 25 to 30 lb Dorado and the sailfish numbers are picking up. Magnifico went out today and boated three Sailfish and two Dorado at 25 lbs. Update: I just got word there are 25 to 30 lb Dorado and the sailfish numbers are picking up. Magnifico went out today and boated three Sailfish and two Dorado at 25 lbs.

There really isn’t much to say when it comes to the area from El Morro to Punta Nayarit aka Punta Mita. You may get lucky and boat a Sailfish, maybe you’ll find a Dorado if you find debris or a trash line. Yes you’ll find smaller game and if you’re fishing out of Punta Nayarit, it may be worth the time to head north of San Pancho for Sailfish and Dorado. Again, good luck amigos. Update: All of a sudden there are 20 lb Dorado four miles off the point. And I’d be surprised if there weren’t any Sailfish in the area since they run together. Update: All of a sudden there are 20 lb Dorado four miles off the point. And I’d be surprised if there weren’t any Sailfish in the area since they run together.

What is surprising to me is the action in the bay. I sent one boat out this week, a group that arrive late and wanted to jump on a boat. The afternoon bite is very weak and frankly if fishing in the bay after 1:00, things can be a little strange. Hit the early bite about 08:00 and anything is possible. There are strangely enough sailfish (small) in the bay. We also have Dorado, but most are on the small side under 10 lbs. But there are some reports of Dorado in the 15 lb range, so again, anything is possible. Large Skipjack Tuna are running the Yelapa area. I’d pretty much go straight to the Los Arcos area and give it your best shot there.

We haven’t seen too much rain this season. So the trash line hasn’t been much of a factor. But there is a trash line, such as it is in the bay and there is action around it. So it’s still a good idea to work the trash line. As mentioned earlier, the bite is about 07:30, but remember the sun is coming up now about 06:30 and Mexico stopped the Daylight Savings plan like Arizona. So 06:30 is the latest you want to leave the dock if fishing in the bay. Now if you’re heading out to the deep water fishing grounds, you should be leaving about 05:30. Use the Skippies aka Skipjack Tuna for bait and run a lure that mimics Dorado and again, anything can happen amigos. Stay positive and enjoy your day on the water.

Until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish!

Written by Stan Gabruk

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