After last week’s severe drop in water temperatures due to cold currents pushed down by northern storms water temperatures have snapped back a little. This week we’ve seen the water warm up a little so we’re seeing some, not many, summer species like Dorado still lingering taking advantage of the plentiful bait conditions. As we move deeper into the winter season these lingering Dorado will be moving out. In fact I’m surprised we still have even small numbers of Dorado and Blue Marlin, but they’re out there for the very lucky. So keep this in mind, just because there are “some” out there, doesn’t mean you’ll be the lucky one to boat a Marlin, but then again you may.
Once we get past the second week of January we normally see water temperatures drop. This is when the warm water species begin bugging out if they haven’t left already. Sailfish are widely spread out and thinning in numbers. Dorado can still be had, but again this is a summer species that’s hanging around for the bait. Jack Crevalls, which normally move in when the winter season starts are here and growing in numbers. All and all the summer fishing season is over, expectations now for Billfish is not realistic any longer. Fishing is still great, but from this point forward its great winter fishing amigos. Don’t be disappointed, be happy there is arm burning action for the family!
As is normally the case, coming into the middle part of January we’re seeing the abundance of warm water species start to thin out. Amazingly enough water temperatures are at 79 degrees. Which is a comfortable temperature for if you’re a Sailfish or Striped Marlin. Once again this week the bay continues to be an “all you can eat bait smorgasbord”. It’s like peole going to a food fair, we just have to try everything until we can’t put another “anything” in our mouth. But we do anyway. Same deal, the “locals” have so much to eat you have to find the one with the “munchies”. That may sound dire, but in reality for right now we’re doing well and you can get fish to take baits. If you’re looking for more of a sure thing fishing, you have the bay with action at the ready. Yes we have good fishing, but it’s never automatic amigos. For the last week or so I’ve been suggesting shorter days closer in. For the person looking for larger fish and willing to take a chance, then there are larger fish to be had.
Recently we’ve witnessed many oddities in our world famous fishing grounds. For weeks now we’ve witnessed cold swirling water mixed with warmer water temperatures that frankly are perfect for this time of the season. What this means is the warm water species are moving out, cold water species are moving in and they’re all mixed up in this fish bowl we call the Bay of Banderas. Targeting Marlin and Tuna at this time of the year is a diminishing prospect with chances of boating these treasured game fish dropping by the day. Having said that we still have some Dorado in the area and Sailfish. As the currents continue to swirl we’re also seeing species like Jack Crevalls move in with strong numbers and decent sizes. Needle fish are not exactly abundant, but increasing. Bonito are saving the day in the bay and even with all this “Swirling” going on there are still “some” Striped Marlin to be had. If you’re feeling lucky try an eight hour trip to Punta Mita. If you want more of a sure thing when it comes to action, a nice six hour bay trip will be fun, but you won’t be targeting Moby Dick!
As we come to the end of another High Season for World Class fishing in Puerto Vallarta we’re still seeing scattered species in all the different locations. For those looking for Black Marlin, Blue Marlin and Striped Marlin and your fantasy then now would be a good time to hit it. The overabundance of bait is still a bit of an issue, but we have fish and that’s a good thing. Fishing is never without it’s challenges. There is no such thing as perfect fishing conditions, but we’re not too far from it amigos!
We’re seeing cold currents continue, but they’re coming up from the south, not north. We’re also seeing these cold currents in a swirling pattern that means we have warm water species and cold water species all sharing the same neighborhood. With all the “crowding” there is still plenty of bait in the bay. Now this is normally a positive, but when there is so much bait that they don’t give your bait a look, this can be a bit of a problem. The up side, we have lots of fish to choose from! Those with a little luck will be going home with memories of a lifetime!
As we begin to wind down from the summer season into fall we’re seeing cold water currents moving into the area as we normally do. To me it seems a little early this year and indeed when you see cold currents coming up from the south, not north as normal you have recognize that there are some unusual conditions springing up. Because of this we’re seeing warm water species mixed in with winter or cold water species which doubles your fishing options. Those looking for Monster Marlin may be disappointed. The fishing is great, but just like a box of chocolates, you never know what exactly you’re going to get.
After all these years of writing articles many consider me an expert on the fishing world of Puerto Vallarta. For the moment we’re seeing some interesting conditions, primarily cold currents coming up from the south, not north. This is changing the water conditions and the species we’re presently seeing in the area. Yes we still have Marlin of all varieties, but we’re also seeing cold water species like Jack Crevalls, Sierra Mackerel’s and Needle fish mixed in with our normal summer species. The added “plus” side is that we have even more fish to choose from for your daily fishing list. The down side is this indicated the early arrival of winter waters. Stay tuned!
Just when you think you have things figured out, all tied up with a nice fish bow, everything changes. You’ll find Marlin at the deep water locations here in our world class fishing grounds. Then again, you could find a freak Marlin around Los Arcos. With Massive amounts of bait moving into the area as is normal for this time of the year, freaky fishing is possible. Now you may say “What does that mean”? Well when you see a 600 lb Blue Marlin boated in the bay, that’s “freaky”.
You know the thing about fishing is, it’s never what you expect it to be and it’s as predictable as the weather. We do what we can to forecast the future, but that all depends on the quality of your crystal ball. What happened yesterday or last week is no indication of what will happen tomorrow. Lately we’ve experienced some great, absolutely wonderful days which build expectations for the following days. Many times things work out, then there are the days when it seems like the “lights are on, but nobody’s home”. Such is the case lately. We always, always have great fishing, but there are times when expectations are not met due to the forces of nature and the fickle mind of a fish.
