Think Puerto Vallarta, Big Black Marlin, Sailfish & Dorado
Think Puerto Vallarta, Big Black Marlin, Sailfish & Dorado
Wriitten by: Stan Gabruk owner of Master Baiter´s Sportfishing & Tackle
You know I wait all year long to write my best articles about Puerto Vallarta’s World Class Fishing so this report is a real treat for me. We are seeing some of the best fishing of the year with no signs of things changing as we’re smack in the middle of tournament season! Superior Conditions, with moderating air temperatures as we move deeper into fall makes for comfortable days with fish the size of your car. These are the “Bucket List” days. Come join us for the time of your life!
El Banco aka The Bank has shown some signs of life, some smaller Tuna and one big one was boated the other day. Some Black and Blue Marlin but the problem is not too many bait fish in the form of Skippies (aka Skip Jack Tuna). Blue Water, Smooth seas, conditions are favorable. Corbetena has seen more action and is more reliable, but it’s time El Banco got a pulse again. Stay tuned, they’re always bigger at The Bank, if they’re there!
Corbetena continues to be the place to be. Big Black and Blue Marlin running on average at 500 plus lbs are picking up in numbers and they’re here to party! The good news about Marlin is they’re all spread out so anything, anywhere is possible. They seem to be more abundant at the Rock, but anywhere from El Morro / Marietta Islands out are fertile territory amigos. One secret, run dead baits for Marlin. Skip Jack Tuna are the bait of choice right now for most species, lures are working as well, but if you come across schools of Skippies go ahead and fill the Tuna Tubes. This will almost guarantee a “screaming reel Marlin Party”! Dorado running 20 to over 60 lbs are more abundant by the day, which is saying something from last week! Sailfish are getting thicker also and they’re anywhere from 7 to 9 feet long! Yellowfin Tuna are a little disappointing this week running mostly in the 40 to 80 lb range (I’ve seen picture of some at 200 lbs as luck is a factor). But they’re taking baits and ready to take your presentation! So you have the idea, this is where you want to be and the sooner the better. Days like this you can’t go wrong. There have been two inch flying fish everywhere as bait. Krill shrimp are tasty for Dorado, Sails and Tuna so be prepared with Hoochies and related rigs.
The Marietta Islands are still in “neutral” and I have no explanation. If you’re a touch north of here the Point at Punta Mita have seen Sailfish and 30 lb Dorado spread through the area. Find a clump of debris and you’re hit the Dorado Jackpot. Just 7 miles or so off the point on a 310 heading you will find Sailfish and yes, more Black and Blue Marlin! Eight hours and longer are producing at least three strikes a day. We’ll put you on fish, it’s up to you to boat it! Around El Morro there are Skippies, so this area is drawing in larger fish. Black and Blue Marlin are roaming the area so a shorter day could produce nicely if you’ve got any luck at all. The trick here is to ride the current. That means the fish will surf this current, being pushed and this is where the bait is. So get in the current, not crossing it and you’ll see the difference. Locals worth their “salt” know this, experience pays.
Inside the bay it’s reliable, affordable and fun! There are 10 to 20 lb Football Tuna around Yelapa and can be larger. Dorado in front of the Los Arcos Rocks in the 20 lb range. Sailfish are chasing Skippies in the bay as are some freak smaller Marlin around 300 lbs. Bonito are a stable and in the 30 lb range and great tasting. More Needle fish seem to be in the area, but not really catching many for now. For now even a super cheap four hour trip will pay off in sore arms and face hurting grins. You can’t go wrong fishing anywhere in PV these days.
The bite has been inching it’s way earlier and earlier so be ready to go early and be at your chosen fishing grounds by eight-ish in the morning. Water temperatures jumped five whole degrees to 88, not causing any issues though. Blue water and clear skies as we exit the rainy season. Live bait is working for some species, but Marlin are preferring dead baits as some Sails will take lure and dead bait before live bait, go figure. Lures of blue and white, purple Petroleros, iguanas that mimic Dorado are also working well. Flying fish are only two inches long, but they’re out there in the Billions! Some days can be more difficult than others, these fish have plenty to eat and they’re not shy about it. The fish are there, the challenge it to find the correct bait for the day, so bring your bag of tricks and good luck.
Remember to visit our new location on the Malecon or boardwalk on Morelos right at El Faro or the light house (next to Sr.Frogs). And don’t forget about our Marina Vallarta Store as well! Benjamin can fix you up with Tours if you’re looking to do something other than fishing as well.
The Marina Store Location is still at the end of Marina Vallarta between Docks A & B. It is being said by my competition that Master Baiters, the guy who owns it is Dead. I am happy to say I am still alive and kicking, but obviously my so called “competition” is scared to death you’ll talk with me and then they’ll be a forgotten thought. We’ve been fishing here in PV for 17 years and counting. We’re the oldest fishing company in Puerto Vallarta so don’t believe them. If asking where we are, mention you want top purchase a t-shirt, they seem to let that go…. it’s a mexican joke I live with daily!
Until next week, Don´t forget to kiss Your Fish!
Fire me an email and get on my mailing list so we can send you these reports directly fresh and useful! Or visit the web page and subscribe, it all works the same!
Web page: www.MasterBaiters.com.mx , Local Phone at: (044) 322 779 75 71 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Master-Baiters-Sportfishing-Tackle/88817121325
The trade name Master Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle is protected under trade mark law and is the sole property of Stan Gabruk.
