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Marina Vallarta Las Palmas I Local 3

Written by: Stan Gabruk owner of Master Baiter´s Sportfishing & Tackle

This past week Puerto Vallarta has lived up to its “rainy” reputation. Yes folks we have finally started to get rain on a regular basis. As a result, water temperatures have dropped a bit inside the bay to a comfortable “fish” temperature. Yet we’re seeing reduced numbers of Dorado for some reason. Corbetena has slowed a bit, but there are still reports of Marlin and Tuna. Fishing is never predictable, but we’re looking at great conditions, plenty of bait and some world class fishing. It’s going to take some time and effort, but the fishing is great! One interesting thing, the Hurricane season has been very mild. No open water issues at all!

With the various species of fish roaming the area, they’re all “checking out” the neighborhood. What that means is one day they’re at Corbetena, next they’re at El Banco and then the next day they’re in between. Corbetena and El Banco has seen several Yellowfin Tuna over 100 lbs, but they’re not automatic. There have been many smaller Yellowfin Tuna 60 to 80 lbs about two miles before you come to the Rock. So anywhere around the area is active. At El Banco six miles to the north of the high spots has seen several Yellowfin Tuna from 60 to 180 lbs. Blue and Black Marlin at both locations averaging 400 lbs. Sailfish and Cubera Snappers at 50 lbs are also at both locations. Dorado have thinned out around this area but this can change before you finish reading this article. Water temperatures are still up in this area in the 86 degree range in this area. Remember to give yourself some extra time heading out to avoid the floating obstacles that can ruin a prop or support. Update 8/7/2019: Large Dorado have moved into the Corbetena area shortly after I finished this article. Also Black Marlin and Sailfish have picked up in numbers, no change with Yellowfin Tuna.

For those looking for a shorter day and great fishing the area around Punta Mita to El Morro is still a great fishing option. Things here have slowed down a bit as well, fishing does that. Sailfish off El Morro and the back side of the Marietta Islands all the way north of Punta Mita to Guyavitos. Rooster fish are north of Punta Mita, many say there aren’t any, but Captain Oscar has a secret location we’ll share with you when we’re heading out. Dorado are still feeding off any trash line or debris but they’re smaller this week. Dorado are running in the 10 to 15 lb range. Not exactly keepers, so throw the females back at the very least to breed future trophy Dorado. Striped Marlin possible ten miles off the point at a 320 heading. When conditions are like this, some days can be better than others. Be patient, make sure you have plenty of color on your lures and have a good quality captain. Remember we always get the quality we pay for and every guy with a boat will tell you “he’s the best there is”. Cheap boats, cheap captains and crews, limited equipment, slow to the fishing grounds, something to remember.

Inside the bay we’re seeing the same general conditions. With plenty of trash lines and dirty water in the bay so the smaller species are doing well. Dorado are small for the most part around 10 lbs. Sierra Mackerels are back in the bay, surprising since they’re normally a cold water species. Some Jack Crevalls are still roaming the area. Freak Sailfish are still being boated around Los Arcos, but don’t depend on it. Bonito to 30 lbs and various smaller species around structure and rocks. All and all a four hour trip in the bay could leave you a little short, I’d suggest six hours if staying in the bay to find them as they roam around.

My last report from the Tuna Grounds off the Tres Maria Islands is they’re “killing” it out there. With the Tuna Season coming on big time, Yellowfin Tuna are anywhere from 175 to 350 lbs, just depends on what hits your bait. Juanito is the place to be for the moment, but all the areas are open and producing not just Tuna, but Black Marlin, Blue Marlin and big Rooster fish around any rocks or structure. For those interested in a 2.5 or 3.5 day trip on a luxury Sportfisher, contact us. We’re offering a superior boat and product at the High Density long range Tuna Operations price, actually lower per person… Less money, luxury accommodations, contact us for more details! Its world record season out there, don’t get left behind.

Once again we’ve seen rain become part of the equation by reducing the water temps in the bay. At the deep water locations we’ve seen a slight drop in water temperatures which won’t hurt anything. With plenty of Skip Jack Tuna in the area of the deep water locations this will help insure Yellowfin will stay in the area. Gratefully with plenty of bait in the form of Sardines, Skip Jack Tuna, Bonito, Flying fish, Goggle Eyes and the list goes on the great fishing should continue. Now the bite is still happening from around the 10:00 hour to about 3:00 in the afternoon. So sleep in a bit, you’re not helping your cause getting out there too early. The good news is you’ll be moving a touch faster as the captains can see the floating obstacles and dangers. As we continue deeper into the summer months we’ll continue to see Marlin, Sailfish and Tuna Numbers increase dramatically. Dorado are hard to call, but we expect them to be abundant as well as we get a little deeper into the fishing season. One thing to remember is the fishing is better in the rain! Something about the rain drops hitting the water excites them so don’t look at rain as a bad thing. You won’t melt, there is always some protection from the elements even on Pangas. Bring a lite raincoat, the rain is warm and the breeze is comfortable so rain is a good thing, unless you’re made of sugar sweetness….     

Until next week, Don´t forget to kiss Your Fish!

Web page:  www.MasterBaiters.com.mx , Local Phone at: (044) 322 779 7571 or our international number is: 011 52 322 209 1128 10 to 9 local time. #MasterBaitersSportfishing on Instagram, 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.