Roosters Return, Dorado Surprise and Slight Condition Improvements

Here in Puerto Vallarta, we have many different levels of Sportfishing. Right now we’re in what I calll a ”Transition period”. The winter to spring transition can be dramatic. We’ve already seen the common signs of the transition, dirty water, red tide, breeding fish and massive amounts of bait in the water. Right now we’re at the point where the currents are changing direction and coming from the south as we expect. With these currents will also come the blue water fish prefer.  We’re now seeing some summer species moving into the area, Dorado being a perfect example. So it should be no surprise that the month of May as you know, isn’t the best time of the year to target world class species like Yellowfin Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish and more when it comes to fishing here in Puerto Vallarta. Now that doesn’t mean the fishing is bad and this week we’re seeing many “positives”. It just means if you want to target a summer species, then you’re a little early for the party amigos. Now if you’re in town looking for a little action fishing in the bay, then we can help you out! Right now your best bang for your fishing dollar is either six or eight hour fishing trips. With water temperatures ticking up slightly, warmer currents moving in from the south are bringing with them even more bait. But the surprising news is Rooster fish are back at Caballeros and small Dorado are moving into the bay. That’s a bit of a surprise, but we’ll just be thankful and take full advantage of another fun day fishing in Puerto Vallarta.

Starting with Corbetena, the area is still a little disappointing. Not too much action in the area unless you’re targeting Jack Crevalles, Bonito, Skip Jack Tuna and not much else. Forget Sailfish, Striped Marlin, they’re not hanging around the rock. Frankly these conditions will improve shortly, but for now Corbetena isn’t your best fishing option. If in the area, try dropping baits about ten miles to the north. El Banco is still “iffy”. But with Spinner Dolphin, Yellowfin Tuna are still running with them. Feeling lucky?

Looking to the area from El Morro to Punta Mita, things are much the same as last week. Jack Crevalles are here of course running about 35 lbs, Bonito at 15 lbs, Sierra Mackerels at 10 lbs and that’s about it. Now if you have an itch for Dorado and Rooster fish, then you need to head north to Caballeros located just north of the point of Punta Nayarit. This would be an eight hour trip and frankly the fishing is good. Dorado are only around 10 lbs, but we’re happy to see Dorado in the area as a hopeful indicator of things to come. The Rooster fish are good sized at 35 lbs plus and the action is great. While in the area you may see some Sailfish or Striped Marlin, they’re still running the neighborhood. But they’re feasting on massive amounts of never ending bait. So there are some challenges, but if you’re up to the challenge, then your reward will be a day you’ll never forget.

Inside the bay, things are actually pretty good. A four hour fishing trip will produce plenty of great action and you’ll have a great time. Remembering a four hour trip means we go where they were yesterday and hope for the best. A six hour trip in the bay gives you time to find where they went today. With plenty of Jack Crevalles to 40 lbs in the bay, Sierra Mackerels, Bonito and now baby Dorado, things are looking up. Now don’t get too excited about the Dorado, they’re small at 10 lbs and should be thrown back, maybe keep one for dinner. But show you care about future populations by releasing the small Dorado and all the females of course. There may also be some Rooster fish off the Garza Blanca beach or Punta Negra for the locals. Sandy beaches with some structure means surf fishing in the area could be a lot of fun.

Once again this week, the bite is still after 09:00, with surfacing bait balls and plenty of opportunity. But we’ve been seeing great action earlier than the full on bite so we’ve been putting people out at 07:30. So get up a bit earlier and you’ll be a happy puppy amigos. Water temperatures are ticking up between 76 to 78 degrees. As we get deeper into the month, water temperatures will continue ticking upward and the water should be turning blue any day now. Hard to tell you what baits to use, local baits in the area are still your best option, but Rapallas and dead bait should not be ignored.

Right now conditions are pretty stable, but conditions can change quickly. From this point forward, southern currents and warmer water will be the norm. It’s exciting to see Dorado move into the area so early in the season, but when we have Dorado, Sailfish numbers normally pickup shortly afterwards.

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

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