You know it never fails, we start seeing some great fishing which only promises to improve then “WHAM” something happens and machine stops. By that I mean we’ve seen strong currents and heavy rain. When this happens it’s hard to keep up with conditions let alone what’s out there roaming the neighborhood. For now we’re still in the post Hurricane hangover with spotty blue water and slim pickings fishing wise. This normally disappears after about four days, but with follow on storms and strong currents the fish are either deep or in the process of coming back. This is normal, but it doesn’t mean we have to like it.
ell, here we all are, stuck in a pandemic as Puerto Vallarta gets shut down like the rest of the world! This week’s report is about the bay and the possibilities which are mostly ignored. Fish don’t know there’s a pandemic so they’re ignoring the whole situation. With 68 degree water temperatures we’re still seeing the cold water species like Sea Bass, Snappers and Groupers around the river mouths. But there are some “secret” spots in the Bay where you’ll be alone and catch all you want. The point being you don’t need to go to the deep water locations, especially at this time of the year to get some wonderful action in our world famous Banderas Bay of Puerto Vallarta.
I have to tell you, I was wondering what happened to our fishing season. We had plenty of blue water just full of bait. But we weren’t seeing decent sized Dorado, the Marlin were here, just spread out so that meant burning fuel! The worst part was I couldn’t with any confidence say “You’d boat a Marlin or Dorado”. Well now I can! In fact Marlin are very thick, Dorado at varying sizes are essentially at every fishing grounds we have. Sailfish are also picking up in size and numbers as we normally expect. We’re moving out of the Hurricane season, that doesn’t mean we won’t see any more, but the possibility will diminish by the day. It’s this time of the year that built Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as being some of the best fishing locations in the world!
On a weekly basis we normally see gradual changes in our world famous fishing grounds. This week that doesn’t hold true. We’ve seen a massive invasion of bait throughout the area. Water temps jumped to late summer temp levels. Trash line is working now that we’re getting some rain, but there is also a lot of Sea Weed as well which is not a bad thing. When it comes to fishing, conditions are never perfect, but with the blue water, a trash line and more bait by the minute, great things can happen. But first you need to step up and check off another Bucket List life goal!
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.
As we begin to see the end of the peak fishing season we’re lucky to have good if not unpredictable action. Fishing is a “liquid” sport and I mean that in forms of the word. Fish move and they’re moving all around the bay. With winter here the Whales are back as are the Porpoise everyone but fisherman love. For those looking to boat that bucket list fish before another year passes, I’d suggest you “Get it in gear” before the Marlin head for South America.
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!
