Normally I don’t like “cookie cutter” fishing reports that is unless they’re like this one. When things get rolling it can be a bit of an up and down type thing with changing bites, currents and weather conditions. At this point we’ve finally reached the kind of fishing reports that are going to be similar from week to week now. At this time of the year experienced fisherman understand that the “big fish” action is happening at the deep water locations. Corbetena and El Banco is where the summer fishing action is. This week we’ve seen a welcome explosion of fishing in the bay as well.Yes folks, fishing high season is here!
Fishing is never an exact science and it’s never what you think it’s going to be. It’s always challenging and right now is no exception. After weeks of rains, Hurricanes passing, Strong currents and dirty water, conditions have improved greatly. Does that mean the fishing is perfect, of course not. But it does mean we have fish. Marlin, Tuna, Sailfish, Rooster fish, we’ve got them. Their jumping and having a great time. Now if you can convince them to take a bait you’ll have the time of your life.
One thing about living and fishing in Puerto Vallarta is you’re a slave to the weather. Hurricanes passing, high pressure zones, dirty water and strong currents. We have to deal with these situations and more. Sometimes things come up short for fishing. But we’re past that now and after two weeks we have fish at our world famous fishing grounds!
So far we’ve had a great fishing season and it’s only going to get better. With some challenges naturally, we’re moving into the High Season for fishing in Puerto Vallarta. With Yellowfin Tuna in and out, there is no guarantee you’ll run into Yellowfin Tuna at Corbetena or El Banco. Having said that there have been some impressive reports of occasional larger YF Tuna boated. Black Marlin are a little larger by the day, Dorado are disappointing in size, but the numbers are going through the roof. With very few boats heading out to our world class fishing grounds you couldn’t ask for better conditions amigos!
As we come into the summer season, for the most part now the ‘breeding season’, you know Spring fishing season when the fishing is not at it’s best. No worries, it passed us by this year, but that means we’re coming into the beginning of High Season for Big Game Fishing! Sailfish will be picking up in numbers, Striped Marlin may already be roaming PV’s deep water locations and this is just the beginning. It gets pointed out to me all the time that most people don’t have my level of knowledge about the bay. Now I am a long way from being an expert, but I am familiar with the local area and this is what we’ll be seeing in the next few coming weeks. Puerto Vallarta is coming back to life, Fishing is open, but the supporting local businesses open June 1st and we’re already getting reservations.
For the last three weeks now I’ve been surprised at the amount of Striped Marlin in the bay. As water temperatures rise we normally see Striped Marlin leaving the area. But when there is so much “Fast Food” why would you leave? Smaller Dorado are in the bay which is encouraging. For now we’re focusing on the “water” conditions. We’re in a “current” transition period where clashing currents can create dirty water and hair pulling frustration.
Every year like clockwork we see the changing of the seasons just about the second or third week of January. This means the water temperatures drop, currents change, and abundant “Whale Food” in the form of hard shell Squids, Red Crabs and massive amounts of Krill Shrimp and Squids. And this is just the tip of the iceberg amigos. At times “too much” bait can be a problem for the vacationing Angler looking for a bucket list Fish to be checked off. But never fear, we have fish if you can get them to take your bait.
These days there has been a lot of talk about the Tres Maria Islands. When you ask a Yellowfin Tuna Fanatic, they don’t know much more than the “rumors” they’ve heard and the Pictures they’ve seen. And yes, they’re impressive. For the Pacific side of Mexico, Yellowfin Tuna are revered as the top game fish Sportsmen are looking for. With the secret out, there has been a lot of attention turning in the direction of Puerto Vallarta. I’ve stolen some information and inserted my own slant to develop what seems to be the only real independent description of the Tres Maria Islands. He I have stolen a little history and there’s a little “Wikki” in there too. To my knowledge this is the best description of the area and the fishing conditions available.
One thing is for sure, nothing stays the same for long in “Fish City”. Things have stepped down a notch from last week and we’re seeing what was concentrated around Corbetena and El Banco has spread out again. Marlin and Sailfish are out there, but for the next few days you’ll need to move some water. In layman terms that means you’ll be moving around from El Banco to Corbetena so you’ll need longer days on the water. The good news is there are fish out there!
In the world of Big Game Fishing, nothing ever stays the same from day to day. For the last few weeks it’s been wide open. By that I mean the fish are moving around the area with no real concentration for any real length of time in any one location. So, this means you have to be prepared to move around and find the fish. This is actually normal, but for those on a thin fuel budget this could be an issue if targeting large Marlin, Sailfish or Tuna. We have fish, but we don’t have them in a barrel.
