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.
Under big blue beautiful skies Puerto Vallarta is a fishing wonderland right now. Normally we have colder water than we do so it’s interesting to see warm water species all over the area in their “off” season. Yes folks Punta Mita is alive with some of the most desirable species we have and they’re not too far out. An eight hour fishing trip can almost make you think it’s summer! It doesn’t matter what you’re looking to catch, you have a shot, maybe a low percentage shot, but hey, it’s a shot, take a pic!
In the world of Deep Sea Fishing the only ¨constant¨ is that nothing stays the same for long. With a drastic drop in water temperatures last week I thought we had seen the best fishing fade away for the rest of the year. Then the Illegal Long Liners bugged out, and the fishing improved greatly. Water temperatures are still at 80 degrees which I would say is cold for these warm water species, but in San Diego where the water temps are considerably colder they´re still boating Marlin and Dorado. So what does this all mean? Your guess is as good as mine, but if they´re ¨playing¨ in colder water up north that means the season if far from over for Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado and we even have Wahoo in the area. Now if we could find a way to coax a Yellowfin Tuna in the area we´d be happy campers!
It´s been no secret that the endless string of tropical storms and Hurricanes which have taken their toll on fishing in PV this year. Normally Hurricanes are hundreds of miles out, but this last one, Hurricane Odile was a little too close four out taste. But it´s past us now, so it´s a mute point. The result of the storms is Dorado are finally here with the currents. El Banco and Corbeteña are the primary locations for now for these desired species, but soon we´ll be seeing them in the bay so cross your fingers. Marlin and Sailfish are still on the job, increasing in numbers. Even the moon phase is in our favor, so be happy, the best part of fishing season has just started!
The headline this week pretty much sums it up. First the Hurricanes have drifted off throwing their energies and swells to points like Malibu in Southern California. We had some rough days also, but the seas are smooth and inviting. The Water tempts are still too warm for comfort at 89 to 91 degrees, not bad for Marlin, not good for Tuna in the Yellowfin Variety. Dorado for the most part is still touring Manzanillo, Small Dorado at the trash line. Jack Crevalles are still taking baits, plenty of bait. The conditions are all and all wonderful and with Marlin and Sailfish, two world class species, picking up in numbers, which means we have fish! And I am happy to say they´re taking baits after so many weeks of just being ¨lookie-lu´s¨ they started getting a little more aggressive, YeHa!
As we move deeper into Summer the conditions still could not be better. Outside the bay the blue water is clear and just beautiful. A deeper blue than the Caribbean, the visibility is amazing. Bait is everywhere and varied in species. Bullet Bonito, YF Tunas favorite bait is all around the point of Punta Mita and in the bay. Flying fish in the four inch length are all around the reefs and the Marietta Islands. Goggle eyes, Chorras (bonito, small tunas) are boiling all over the place. Once again it´s a bait smorgasbord, all you can eat for fish. Sounds like a good thing right, well the down side is there should be more fish here than there are. Maybe this is just my impatience, it is still a little early in the Big Game Fishing season, it´s like Christmas and the presents aren´t under the tree yet, but you know they´re coming.
All and all things have not changed much from last week. We still have perfect conditions, perfect water temperatures and more than enough bait. The water is blue, the seas are fairly smooth and frankly the only thing that that could make it all perfect are the seasonal Gamefish we´re still waiting to see. But there are signs of change, Sailfish are taking bait, Dorado are still small, but increasing in numbers and while there is a too much bait in the water, they have a chink in their fish armor. While still held for fish, we´re optimistic and we should see some positive changes by next week, I think, but then again, I´ve been wrong before, just ask my ex-wife.
This week we´re looking at similar conditions as we have had for the last couple of weeks. As mentioned Sailfish are the main players around the bay for the time being. Sailfish are showing up in larger numbers off the point of Punta Mita from five to ten miles. Dorado as well off the Anclote Reef and buoys near Sayulita. Buoys are your friend amigo if you can find one. Dorado, which have been mostly on the smaller side, will be running about 15 to 20 lbs. These are throw back sized fish and any self respecting sportsman will throw them back. You may find some Snappers in smaller sizes of 10 to 15 lbs, perfect for the dinner table, fun on light tackle. Those heading to San Pancho will have had no better luck than around the point of Punta Mita or the Marietta Islands….
All year long we wait for High Season. We know the tourist are back and we know we´ll see more people coming to Puerto Vallarta by the day. This time of the year we see the days grow shorter and cooler. Yet the water temperatures will take weeks and weeks before they begin to drop. For now, conditions could not be better and when fish are abundant, you have a recipe for success. But first you have to be on the water to take advantage of our world class fishing in the Bay of Banderas!
