Summer Pushes Forward, Water Temps Up, Sailfish Hungry

Summer Pushes Forward, Water Temps Up, Sailfish Hungry

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

If you were in Puerto Vallarta you´d think it was summer. Water Temperatures are back up around the 78 to 81 degree range. Bait is thick, Breeding Season is coming to an end as all the species are taking bait again. It´s still the clear green water conditions for the most part, but that´s OK since it really doesn´t hurt anything, blue is still preferable for visibility reasons. Dorado are moving back in, early actually for the season, but Dorado have been in the area all winter long, so why would this surprise any of us? Sounds great, right? Well for the ¨salty¨ captains this is the situation, they´re catching fish. Lesser Captains and crews are still coming in ¨wanting¨, again nothing new there. From this point on, it will only get hotter, both for the weather and for fishing. So get your loose change together, it´s time to think ¨World Class Fishing¨!

Shortly after the last report, things began to break loose. Rooster fish are sizeable at 60 lbs, but will now take Goggle eyes for bait, not only the abundant Sardines. You´ll have to hit the area around Anclote, the reef off Sayulita, north of Punta Mita. While there, find a Buoy and you´ll also find Dorado in the 25 to 35 lb range. Not exactly abundant, but there. North of Sayulita near San Pancho the Sailfish are still having a fiesta as they party around bait balls the size of McDonalds, parking lot and all. Plan a ten hour fishing day and you too can join in the fun.

Marietta Islands are also coming back to life with Rooster Fish as well. Also running in the 60 lb range, these quill backed demons will show you what Deep Sea Fishing is all about. Not the best tasting of species, as long as they´re a little under cooked, they´re not too bad. Dorado are here as well, but not in numbers you can rely on. This will change in the next few days so don´t get your panties in a bunch, be patient. Snappers in the 12 to 35 lb range are perfect as a blue plate special. Amber Jacks are thicker as they are running 40 lbs or so and they´re great tasting. Bonito, Jack Crevalls, Skip Jacks Tuna round out what´s happening in the area. It´s an eight hour day, it´s going to be very warm to hot (warm for acclimated types) and worth the time and money to boat a Sailfish here. Yes I said Sailfish, not thick like San Pancho, but picking up in numbers as we speak.

Corbeteña and El Banco are still a little quiet, this will change in the coming weeks. Still lots of Jack Crevalls, Cubera Snappers in the 50lb range, Amber Jacks to 60 lbs and Orca Whales everywhere. Can´t figure that one out since these are cold water fish, must be the abundance of bait! For now, save your fuel dollar for better days in this area. Now if you just absolutely, positively have to have a Monster Yellowfin Tuna, then head to the Tres Maria Islands. Yellowfin Tuna are running over 250 lbs for the lucky angler. Average size for this past week has been 140 lbs. Just remember keep your distance, it´s still a fishery and the local authorities will chase you out of the restricted area or grab you, your boat and your equipment. You could also be stuck on that prison island like some have been for a good stretch of time. So be smart or you may find yourself in a high security prison even the hardened criminals can´t get away from! Plan on a 16 hr day minimum when making this trip, overnight trips make the most sense.

Inside the bay, believe it or not small Dorado in the 15 to 20 lb range (babies that need to be thrown back) are picking up in numbers. A great indication of things to come. I would not be surprised if Sailfish move into the Bay of Banderas chasing these delectable bait treats! Remember, Billfish love to eat Dorado, but when you troll a Dorado as bait, they die too quickly. But they will chase them so if you´re in the bay and find Dorado, keep a peeled eye, you may be glad you did.

We are still seeing some swirly currents, water temps are still a little streaky, but we´re a little early for fishing’s High Season to begin. The bite is moving earlier in the day and by the end of the week will be earlier than later, so plan accordingly. Bait is plentiful, maybe a little too plentiful. An experienced captain knows how to maneuver around these challenges, just make sure you´re paying for a superior captain or the few bucks you saved will result in disappointing day fishing. One piece of advice, fuel prices are going up at least thirty dollars a trip, per month with the fuel pricing strategy the Mexican Govt has. The smart money is booking boats before the prices jump considerably and they are moving upwards now. World Class Deep Sea or Sportfishing as it´s called is not for people looking to save money. Now I am not saying throw your money away, but stop and think about it, we all have the same expenses, legit companies that is, why are some boats or companies so much cheaper than others? One reason is Insurance, well paid crews, fuel usage on fast boats, electronics, fresh line, smooth drags, radios (no joke) and a service oriented company will always be ¨cheap¨ insurance for a fun, productive and safe day. Be smart, what you don´t know can hurt you and your family…..

Master Baiter´s is now producing a weekly news letter and posting up to the minute fishing conditions on my blog. Fire me an email if you care to get on my travel agent list so you have the up to the minute information that can make or break your day amigos.. YeHa! I´ll be standing by to hear from  you…..

Until next time don’t forget to kiss your fish and remember at Master Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle “ We Won’t Jerk You Around”!

Master Baiter´s has changed locations in Marina Vallarta between docks A and B on the boardwalk. Email your Questions to me at: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx  Web page:  www.MasterBaiters.com.mx , Local Phone at: (044) 322 779 75 71 or if roaming: 011 52 1 322 779 75 71 cell phone direct 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.