It’s funny how things work out around here. When winter arrives, tourism’s high season begins. But as high season begins, fishing high season comes to an end. There is a small timeframe where great weather and great fishing overlap. Sadly that timeframe is not right now. That doesn’t mean the fishing is “bad”. It just means most of our summer species favorites like Dorado, Marlin and Sailfish are not on the catchable fish list for now. While one of the top favorites, Yellowfin Tuna is always in the area, but they’re smaller at this time of the year. Yes we have Striped Marlin, but they prefer cooler water temperatures, but frankly I’m surprised they’re still in our world class fishing grounds. But things change around here rapidly. Soon the water temperatures will we warming up, the Whales will be leaving and Sailfish will be the first Billfish to come back into the area. For now we’re seeing shorter day action for those not looking to boat Moby Dick. It’s a great time for family fishing where your younger family members are going to be larger than the fish they just caught!
After weeks and weeks of Yellowfin Tuna ignoring any bait put in front of them things are finally changing. My good friend Joel called the shop today to let me know I was full of “BS” and that there were Tuna hitting baits like Poppers and Goggle eyes at Corbetena. Well I had to laugh because I publish articles on the web and on my webpage. I always update the web page, but I can’t update articles in the PV Mirror for instance. But Joel is right, about three days after my last article things changed. Now I’m not talking about anything drastic, but small changes are better than no changes. One nice change is Yellowfin Tuna are still at Corbetena and the YF Tuna are taking baits again finally. That can only mean that the three inch Squids which are still there are finally thinning in numbers. Finally a trip to Corbetena is worth the effort and the fuel expense, YeHa!
Hello everybody, well it finally happened, water temperatures have dropped like a rock and we’re seeing the larger Game Fish species bugging out! We’ve seen water temperatures drop for near 80 degrees to now 64 degrees, unheard of ! To our “local” species thats like a snow ball hitting you in the face! Frankly I’ve never seen a drop in water temperatures like this in the last twenty years I’ve been writing articles. Now don’t stress, fishing did not come to an end. It just means that we’re moving into the transition and frankly it’s right on time. The Jet stream north of the boarder has been snaking all around and we’re seeing cold weather in much of Mexico due to this snake like jet stream.
First, let me say the fishing is fantastic! It’s the time of year to turn your “finned fantasy” into a reality! Welcome to Puerto Vallarta. Officially we’re in Peak Fishing Season. Just about any species of fish you’ve heard of or would like to catch “someday” is available right out our front door now. Of course that means it’s also tournament season.
One reason why catching a big fish is so exciting is because it’s not as easy as you think. You don’t just drop a line in the water and Bam, you have a trophy gamefish! Especially now as we deal with Tropical storms, the occasional Hurricane, and weird currents to name a few challenges. You can also throw in there wild currents, dirty water, water temperatures and bait availability. Experienced captains know how to handle it all. Big Talking captains follow the ones out who know what they’re doing. At times it can come down to having the right colored feather or the right lure. Yes folks welcome to my world. But when you mix it all up in a bowl and bake it in the Tropical sun, it all adds up to some of the best fishing in the world. Right now it all comes down to skill, luck and your captains’ intuition. Throw in the quality and many times the amount of equipment you have then check your pulse. Of course there’s the other side of the equation, the “pay off” of big Black Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish, Dorado and more.
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!
