Striped & Blue Marlin at Corbetena

The fishing in Puerto Vallarta right now is showing a stronger pulse by the day. The fishing is finally starting to get exciting with more fish moving into the area. The numbers of individual species are picking up nicely and why wouldn’t they be? Conditions are close to perfect. We’ve had a calm Hurricane season, but the ones that have occurred have pushed fish into the area. Water temperatures are considerably lower than you’d expect at this time of year, but it doesn’t seem to be impacting fish from moving into the area. With a broad range of bait types, it’s a fish smorgasbord which can be a bit of a challenge. With more Dorado, Sailfish and Marlin moving into the area daily, the season is looking promising. The only downside is these fish just keep moving, and they’re pretty spread out. So you better be ready to use some fuel out there. But for those fishing outside of the bay, ‘bucket list’ species are now there for the lucky angler here in Puerto Vallarta!

For the last few weeks, Corbetena has been a little on the ‘dead’ side. We all know this wouldn’t last for long and we’re finally seeing some action off the rock. There have been some spinner Dolphin and this time they’re running with Football Tuna in the 30 to 50 lb range. Sailfish are also running a bit north of Corbetena Rock. Dorado are still small in the area, but they’ll be larger by the day. Blue Marlin are also just north of the rock in the 250 to 400 lb range. But the most interesting thing this week is the appearance of Striped Marlin. Normally a late spring visitor, the water temperatures are in their comfort range at 83 degrees, so why not? Now the first thing you’ll notice is how the fish are spread out. There doesn’t seem to be any one particular place they’re hanging out. So nothing is guaranteed out there, but if you have the fuel and can move around, then you’ll catch fish at an eight hour trip. Finally, a trip in this area will produce some results. And by the way, the water is blue, and there are plenty of squid baits with shells, about three inches so use a squid jig if running a lure. Flying fish and tiny sardines, about half an inch in length and almost clear are everywhere. We should call these rice fish as the locals just swim with their mouths open. Corbetena is worth the time and money right now, good luck!

Turning our attention to the point of Punta Nayarit (previously Punta Mita), 10 to 15 miles off the point there have been Sailfish and nice Sized Dorado. Master Baiter’s has partnered with Arrecho Sportfishing and they found a floating tree that turned into a Dorado Goldmine. Once you’re in this area Blue Marlin and Striped Marlin are also running the neighborhood. With Flying fish, Shelled squids, Bullet Bonito, and Skip Jack Tuna, bait is abundant. Once you’re in this area, you’re not far off the high spots at El Banco, so anything is possible. With the blue water, favorable water temperatures and plenty of bait, you’ve got plenty to work with. All you have to do now is get off your butt!

Inside the bay is still mostly about Jack Crevalles near la Cruz and in the Nuevo Vallarta areas. South in the bay there are still baby Dorado. Remember throw the babies back. There are also Bonito, Needle Fish, Jack Crevalles, Skip Jack Tuna, and more. Remember, Cabo Corrientes is a ten hour duration fishing day. It’s located in the bay, but this area is at the extreme south end of the bay. It’s a Rooster fish playground running 25 to 45 lbs. People always ask me, when is the best time of the year to target Rooster Fish? My answer is simple, when the rains start, Roosters show up. They love the freshwater or ‘agua dulce’ as the locals call it. Get behind the shore break and start casting. So if you’re fishing in the bay, there are options you may have never considered.

Slowly conditions are improving. With the Marlin and Sailfish spread out, it’s hard to predict which fishing grounds to target. I would head 10 miles off Punta Mita and look around. With three-inch squids with shells showing up, it’s challenging to grab a ‘locals’ attention. Yet we do it all the time. But bait is wildly abundant with Flying fish, Squids, Skipjack Tuna, flying fish, the list is endless. As mentioned earlier, water temperatures still hasn’t changed from the steady 83 degrees. When we look at the ‘bite’, it’s a two-tiered bite. Some species are hitting early or they won’t hit at all. Some are later in the morning. My suggestion is to be at your chosen fishing area about 07:00 and plan on six hours if fishing in the bay. You’ll catch both bites and maximize your chances. When it comes to baits to use, sometimes dead bait is the answer when there’s too much bait, worth a try.

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.