Once we enter mid-June, we get past a rough spot where the season and Spawning for many species end. We see massive amounts of baby Dorado get larger by the day. We see Blue Marlin move in, Sailfish are picking up in numbers and it’s all about Blue Water! Water temperatures are now in the perfect range of 84 degrees. Bait is everywhere and Hurricane Barbera is passed us by 250 kilometers pushing even more fish into the area. ‘High Season for Fishing’ is here again as we see the very beginnings of our summer species beginning to move in. Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish, Roosterfish and more are available to those both lucky enough to be in Puerto Vallarta and secondly, those with the fishing budget to get that ‘Bucket list’ fish you’ve always fantasized about.
Here we are at the end of May ’25 and we’re looking to the weeks ahead of us as we seem to be entering a normal, summer pattern. We’re even seeing the first Hurricane of the season as it passes the Bay of Banderas. We will normally see these Hurricanes push fish into the area as they pass our world-famous fishing grounds here in Puerto Vallarta. It’s part of the fishing cycle we missed last year. Water temperatures are about where they should be and the water is getting bluer by the day. Sardines are hanging out around the area, so we’re still seeing Rooster fish, this has been happening now for the last three weeks and their bite is still strong. It’s still Spring conditions; fish spawning is an issue we’ll need to deal with. Tournaments are already starting to spring up from Barra Navidad to San Blass. Blue Marlin are showing up in the surrounding areas, Yellowfin Tuna * Monsters are at the Tres Maria Islands. So, there are some positive signs of a normal season after two years of ‘WTF is happening out there’?
As we enter the Spring Fishing Season here in Puerto Vallarta, the Bay of Banderas is alive with action. Presently, we’re seeing the seasonal transitions we experience yearly. Cold water species will be moving out, as they’re beginning to do now, as warm water species begin moving in the area. And in the middle of all this, we see the spring spawning season has begun. Yes folks, the fish are in breeding mode. This is nothing new and it happens every year at exactly this time. So, the fish can be a little fickle, but in reality, if you are a little flexible with your departure time in the morning, the fishing can be great. Right now, it’s a mixture of timing, luck and the local knowledge expertise. It’s all about action fishing, if you can get their interest from the call of mother nature.
Well, we’ve run completely through ‘High Season’ for tourism. The people have for the most part left or are getting ready to leave. The Americans, the Canadians, everyone. Those that are left are the hardcore, salty feet types, aka ‘Pata Salada’. Once we enter May, things change pretty quickly. First you notice the increased humidity, then you’ll notice a slight bit of perspiration. The house is a little warm in the afternoon, so you turn on the A/C for the first time since last November. Water temperatures are increasing along with the climate. Summer is coming on and soon we’ll be roasting like Jalapeno’s in the sun. The water is finally getting blue; the bait is moving in as we see Banderas Bay move into ‘High Season’ for fishing in Puerto Vallarta.
I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again, fishing in Puerto Vallarta, the Bay of Banderas has been nothing short of weird this year. In my last article, Dorado were thin in number, but still at El Morro to Punta Nayarit. Then, all of a sudden, Dorado move back into the bay, even with the cold water. Sailfish numbers are still strong, but the Blue Marlin Population is getting smaller in both size and numbers. Water temperatures are prematurely dropping, and massive amounts of bait are coming into the area. And on top of that, the Whales are back! It won’t be long before our warm water species bug-out. For those looking to catch that bucket list fish, the clock is ticking amigos.
As all my loyal readers know, we went from a La Nina condition, which changed to an El Nino Condition. Then they changed back to La Nina conditions all in eleven months. Very strange indeed and the aftershocks are erratic fishing. For those fishing in Puerto Vallarta’s world famous Banderas Bay, there is still plenty […]
If you’ve been reading my articles, you know that the world and fishing in Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas have been dealing with a mid-summer switch from El Nino to colder La Nina conditions. You may say, what does this mean to me? Well, we know that water temperatures affect weather patterns for one thing. But we’re talking about fishing; cold water is bad for the warm water species. This week water temperatures went from 87 degrees to 81 degrees, a drastic drop. Then all of a sudden Jack Crevalles are back in the bay and Striped Marlin are moving in. Now this may sound like a good thing. But in reality, it could mean an early “winter fishing” season. Black and Blue Marlin are still running the neighborhood, but we’ll be keeping an eye on the coming weeks to get a better feel for what’s happening. But for now, the fishing is great! With Sailfish, Striped Marlin and yes, even Jack Crevalles in the bay all add up to great fishing action in Puerto Vallarta’s world famous fishing grounds.
As we continue moving deeper into the best time of the year to be fishing in Puerto Vallarta, we’re seeing Marlin and Sailfish numbers increasing. Yellowfin Tuna are running around the “Rock” at Corbetena. Dorado are also picking up in size and number. This all may sound perfect, but we all know perfect is a ‘moving target’. With Bluewater and perfect water temperatures, the conditions are just this side of perfect. But we all know nothing is ever ‘perfect’. The challenge this week is how to deal with fish that have all the bait they could want. Skip Jack Tuna are massive at Corbetena. The bite is a moving target. So there are some challenges, but these challenges can be overcome with determination and a positive attitude. All of PV’s Fishing grounds are alive with action. It’s also tournament season, so if you’re here in PV it would be a shame if you don’t get on the water amigos!
What a difference a week can make fishing Puerto Vallarta’s Bay of Banderas! Last week I was thinking there really wasn’t any reason why we’re not seeing larger Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna, then BAM, they show up! Those lucky enough to be in Puerto Vallarta, fishing right now will be surprised to find Sailfish and Dorado in the bay as well. We’ve finally moved into tournament season and the fishing from this point forward will be as good as it gets for most of the year. Conditions couldn’t be better with plenty of bait, smooth seas, and mostly blue water. We’ve been waiting all year for the coming months and I for one plan on taking advantage of being a local in ‘Fish Heaven’.
After last week’s article where I was saying things are improving by the day, I was a little nervous that things may have turned in the other direction. But I’m happy to tell you that fishing this week took another small step towards perfect fishing conditions. Corbetena is alive and well with a strong pulse. In fact, all our fishing grounds are ticking in the right direction. Fish numbers are increasing along with all the favorite species like Yellowfin Tuna which are both increasing in numbers and size. After experiencing the La Nina / El Nino switch, I’ve been waiting to see what kind of results we would have this week and if things continue as they were. Now I’m thinking we may have an impressive fishing season this year. With perfect high visibility blue water, plenty of skipjack tuna and other baits, I have every reason to be positive and hopefull for the following months. It’s a good bet you’ll have memories that will last a lifetime after heading out fishing in Puerto Vallarta’s Bay of Banderas. The fishing just got world class and the only thing missing is you!
