Sailfish Spread Out, Yellowfin Tuna Bite Late in Day

Sailfish Spread Out, Yellowfin Tuna Bite Late in Day

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

 

Writing a fishing article weekly is like aiming at a moving target. We all know what the fishing was like yesterday is not really an indication for what will happen tomorrow in conditions like we presently have. Now the fishing in Puerto Vallarta is never anything but good. But, if you’re looking for Moby Dick, He’s out there, but he’s not in the bay. Last week things got hot, then cold, then hot again. It’s very difficult to get a feel for fishing this year, it normally is right after an El Nino, but that’s not to say fishing is bad. In fact the fishing is great, but if you’re targeting a specific species or area, you could be disappointed. If you are inclined, multiple days fishing will always pay fish dividends… Those with high expectations of specific species can be disappointed at times. Those looking to have a fun time and be happy with what hits your bait, then you’ll have a wonderful time.

Once again we see the deep water locations are hot and cold. When it comes to Corbetena, right at the rock it’s been very slow and not easy to find Marlin, Sailfish or Tuna. If you only circle the rock you diminish your chances of a trophy fish greatly. Corbetena is just the target spot, you have to find the fish once there. If you’re on a low rent boat that goes slow and doesn’t use fuel, then you’ll be circling the rock and “Oh Well, that’s fishing” comes from your crew. But for now it’s also the time you arrive. Lesser fishing companies lock you into a specific time to depart, mostly 6:30 to 7:00 a.m. If that’s the case now, you’re heading to Corbetena looking for Marlin and Sailfish you better be looking for fish north of the rock. If you’re targeting Yellowfin Tuna, then they’re hitting around 11:30 if you’re lucky, but their strongest bite has been at 7:30 P.M. when the sun is sinking fast. If you are targeting Yellowfin then you’re most likely back before the bite begins. Not what you want to hear, but rather what you got from uninformed, uninterested agents looking for money and not return clients. Enough Said… Right now if you’re north of the rock by about five miles you’ll find 60 to 100 lbs Yellowfin Tuna at sunset. Before the bite Yellowfin won’t take a bait for nothing. There could be Squids or other bait that they’re feasting on all day. But the evening bite has been happening. One boat I know had three strikes at this time just “yesterday” and boated them all at 70 lbs each. Now this is information you can use right now. Blue Marlin are in the 350 to 600 lb range and are taking baits nicely, I am sure there are Black Marlin in the area, but we’ve only seen Blue Marlin this week.  Sailfish are moving all around the area and are spread out. If you’re targeting Sailfish you can do this closer in from El Morro to Punta Mita. Now if you’re looking for Marlin or Tuna hit this area. No Dorado have been boated in this area as late, but this should change as it always does. El Banco once again is having trouble finding a pulse, for now the extra fuel cost does not justify the heading this way. I heard a rumor not long ago that nets from Seiners are stuck to the high spots like flags in the wind and are not helping conditions there much when it comes to bait fish hanging in the area. Something to think about, not sure if it’s true, but it makes sense as one of the best fishing spots in Mexico stops producing? Really? Something is going on here.

El Morro, Marietta Islands to the Punta Mita is great fishing for Sailfish, but they’ve spread out and are not hanging in one location for the time being. You may come across some Dorado, they’re not exactly large, but you can still find a 20 pounder or two. Rooster fish are around the shore line at Anclote Ref area, Bonito to 30 lbs, Jack Crevalls still everywhere to 40 lbs and assorted reef fish. The fishing is great even if there aren’t that many trophy fish “types” in the area. Worth the money for an eight hour trip. What was perfectly blue water in this area last week has turned clean green but the water temperatures as you would expect to be cooler aren’t. Fish don’t love green like this, but Sailfish don’t seem to mind and that’s your best species to target for now.

Inside the bay this week we can make the argument it’s the best fishing location for PV right now. We’ve seen some rain, but this year the rainy season is spotty at best. This means we’re not seeing the trash line as we would normally see. Having said that there are baby Dorado in the 5 lb range that are willing to hit just about any bait in front of them that isn’t bigger than they are. Don’t keep the babies, let them grow to adults and help the Dorado Populations that have been decimated over the last few years by Seiners looking to pick up the slack as they fished Yellowfin Tuna to the levels they are now. Don’t be part of the problem amigos. Now there are some larger Dorado to be had off Los Arcos in the 30 lb range if you’ve got the luck of the Irish. Sailfish are spreading out in the bay as well, La Cruz area is a hot spot as well as is the middle of the bay. If you’re in the La Cruz area the Rooster fish are still in close to shore and are in the 30 to 40 lb range and can be had easily surf fishing, but a boat is better. Surprisingly to me Rooster fish have been around the mouth of the Ameca River in the 40 lb range as well, worth a shot for sure. Jack Crevalls all over the place to 40 lbs and if you’re close to Yelapa there is always the chance of a Football Yellowfin Tuna in the 30 to 45 lb range, feeling lucky?

The bite this week has been a moving target. Inside the bay anything can happen from 8:30 a.m. on. If targeting Yellowfin Tuna then you may want to head out later as they’re bite is around 11:30 on.. And from 7:30 p.m. into the evening. Now you have the real information, use it wisely. As far as bait goes we’re seeing tons if baby Skip jack Tuna and this is causing a frenzy for Roosters and Sails. Lures are not working that well, but if targeting Tuna use the reliable Cedar Plugs, Blue and yellow lures and of course the Petroleros and Iguana Lures. Water temperatures are at a very nice and comfortable 87 degrees so there are no issues there.

Remember to visit our new location on the Malicon or boardwalk on Morelos right at El Faro or the light house. Also look at our web page, we have some new boats, removed older boats and have some different options. We are showing some less expensive boats for the budget hunters. Then we have the nice boats that are priced accordingly. Then we have a few new yachts for fishing or cruising. We’ll be adding Sailboats shortly for the Sailors out there. We also have some different products in the Boardwalk store I don’t have in the marina store as yet. So go in say hello to Ben or Carmen and check out my newest location!

Until next week, Don´t forget to kiss Your Fish!

Master Baiter´s is located in Marina Vallarta between docks A and B on the boardwalk

Web page:  www.MasterBaiters.com.mx , Local Phone at: (044) 322 779 75 71 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.