Sailfish, Blue Marlin Return in Blue-ish Water

You know, every few years or so we go through the “Nino’s”. This means either we’re going ‘into’ or ‘out of’ a La Nina or an El Nino. We all know what this condition is, but we normally don’t see this change in the middle of summer! Which makes this very strange as we move from a mild El Nino, back to a La Nina condition. With this happening, the currents have more or less stopped. This explains the stagnant water conditions and the extended period where the dirty water didn’t move out. Normally those types of conditions last a few weeks before it all cleans out. After more than six weeks of dirty water in the area, things are changing. Finally, slowly, we’re seeing some current movement as conditions improve. When it comes to fishing in Puerto Vallarta the Billfish action normally begins in July. Right now we’re seeing Sailfish and Blue Marlin at the deep water locations of Corbetena and El Banco.

One thing that never changes is the massive amount of bait in the area. For now, we’re seeing mostly baby Bonito, Baby Skip jacks, Sardines, Flying fish and the list goes on. We know there is ‘current’ movement since water temperatures stepped up to 83 degrees and most areas now are sporting light blue or clean green water. This goes for both Corbetena and El Banco. But the water is mostly a light blue color with Clean Green spots scattered throughout the area. This alone is a major improvement, but I can finally report we have Sailfish and Blue Marlin trickling in. The first thing you need to know as a local angler, Corbetena is not showing much of a pulse right now. I couldn’t tell you why. What I can tell you is there is a ‘belt’ of action from about five miles or 12 kilometers west of Corbetena (this side of Corbetena). Sailfish and Blue Marlin are running this narrow band straight onto Punta Mita. The point being all the action is before you come to Corbetena! Now you can go for Cubera Snapper at the Rock for a fallback position, but in reality, right now the Rock is not happening.

Now if you go about seven miles north of Corbetena, there have been some spinners running from there to El Banco. The assumption that Spinner Dolphin always run with Yellowfin Tuna Footballs is flawed thinking. Right now they are running with some Football Tuna, but very few. Find the spinners they should be good for at least a couple of 40 lb Tuna, but you’ll be working for those. Right now your best fishing grounds are what I call the golden triangle. The area inside Corbetena, to just inside El Bancos high spots to the area between El Morro and Punta Mita. Not exactly a triangle, but close enough. This is where a majority of the action is happening right now. Things can change quickly around here, but for now, I think with our recent history, things will be slow to change.

Inside the bay, we’re seeing the dirty water from the seasonal rains. This is normal and if you remember this is fresh water coming down the mountains. This freshwater doesn’t mix easily with the saltwater, so this dirty water is only on the surface. Different than when currents swirl and stir up the sediment on the bay floor. This surface dirty water can be inches to feet thick. The locals know how to deal with these yearly conditions. So there can be great fishing when you see dirty water, it just depends on the specific situation of the dirty water at that time. Also, when the rains come, we get a ‘trash line’. This is like an organic ‘barrier’ for lack of a better word. It’s made of organic stuff like twigs, leaves, seeds, and an assortment of real trash. On one side, the ocean side, the water will be clean and clear. On the other side of this trash line, the water will be dirty. So dirty water can be deceiving if you don’t have this information. We haven’t had that much rain so far this year, but there is a trash line out there in the bay right now.

The more mature this trash line, the better the fishing. For those heading out for a short day trip, the bay is alive with Jack Crevalles at 30 to 45 lbs, Bonito to 20 lbs, Skip Jack Tuna at 10 lbs, Sierra Mackerels of good size and a host of smaller species around structure. Jacks have been thick up around La Cruz Marina and lots of baby Dorado. Now when it comes to these baby Dorado, they’re only 8 lbs or so. The other day my captain jumped on another boat captain for killing like 20 of these babies!! Conservation doesn’t exist in Mexico, they kill everything. Don’t be like them. Keep one or two for ceviche or dinner, but throw the rest back. We are finally seeing Dorado number come back and we all need to do our part. So if you’re fishing and your captain’s chest gets all puffy from being the “great fisherman”, don’t tip this guy and let him know before heading out, his tip depends on him doing the right thing. Enough said.

As mentioned earlier, the water temperatures have finally risen to 83 degrees, Yahoo!! But this is only on the surface, twenty feet down the water is 75 degrees. So we’re not in full swing summer currents as yet, but this is a step in the right direction. With currents moving again, this temperature rise is only the beginning. With Sailfish and Blue Marlin moving in, this a good sign and I feel positive about the summer fishing season this year. With all the bait available right now, lures have been working well, if using Dorado colors of gold, black or blue. With the massive amounts of live bait in the area, many times dead bait will work better, so keep that in your back pocket. The bite, I have been putting people out about 06:30 and it’s been working pretty well. Be at your chosen fishing grounds before 07:30 and you’ll be “on time”.  

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

Written by Stan Gabruk

Web page:  www.MasterBaiters.com.mx, Local Phone at: Our international number is: +52 322 209 1128. #MasterBaitersSportfishing on Instagram, Facebook: Master Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle. The trade mark Master Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle is protected under trade mark law and is the sole property of Stan Gabruk.

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