Warm Water Keeps Dorado, Sails and Rooster fish in PV
Warm Water Keeps Dorado, Sails and Rooster fish in PV
Written by: Stan Gabruk owner of Master Baiter´s Sportfishing & Tackle
As we read the news and watch television reports of how the entire USA and Canada are basically under a blanket of snow or ice, things couldn´t be better in Puerto Vallarta. Warm Weather, delightful tropical breezes in the afternoon and for the fishing enthusiast we have a nice cherry on that cake and it´s called Rooster Fish amigos! Yes we are looking at three weeks straight of very large Rooster fish in the 60 lb range hanging off the Anclote Reef near Sayulita. For now the winter species has a touch of summer in air with Marlin and Sailfish still hanging out in the deep water areas north of Punta Mita. Warm weather, beautiful scenery and world class fishing, what the heck else could you ask for?
To be straight up with my loyal readers, all 54 of you, February is not the best month of the year to be fishing here in Puerto Vallarta, Banderas Bay to be exact. Not that the fishing is lacking, but because most people are looking for Monster fish like Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna and Wahoo to name a few. Now we still have Dorado, Rooster fish and Sailfish if you are in the right location, which is not in the bay amigo. Yes we´re moving into winter fishing which means Jack Crevalls coming out of our ears, billions of Sierra Mackerals that are great tasting, but not large. Snappers are picking up in numbers and size, just depends on where you head out to. Water conditions are the big factor here, cold water fish are here because at seventy something degrees, these fish are cold. As long as you keep this in mind, you´ll have the time of your life on the water with all the action you could ask for. So it all comes down to your expectations mixed with a strong shot of reality. The bottom line is there is a lot of fun to be had in the bay and it won´t cost you an arm and a leg.
For those lucky enough to head out to the deep water locations of Corbeteña and El Banco, well you´re seeing Blue Marlin in the 400 lb range sprinkled throughout the area. Water temps are warm enough at 77 degrees for them to tolerate. With abundant bait what self respecting fish would leave a favorite and abundant meal, a fish McDonalds if you will? Cubera Snappers taking trolled live bait to 70 lbs as well at Corbeteña. Find the spinner Dolphin and you´ll find Football Tuna in the 35 to 50 lb range. Not much else to say about these summer spots for the next few months, but for those looking for Marlin, this is where you want to be.
The point off Punta Mita is still, after three weeks running now the place to be. Rooster fish in the 60 lb and up range are still chasing Sardinas all over the place. A large bull Dorado was boated also in the 45 lb range, but this was not common place then or now. Still, the Dorado are in the 40 lb range and a little less abundant daily, so keep this in mind and get out there asap. Sailfish are taking live and trolled lures with Green and black combinations (petrelaros). Now this is not abundant fishing, which means your captain and crew will be changing baits on a regular basis (15 to 20 minutes). But you´ll find fish out there if you´re patient and positive minded!
El Morro and the Marietta Islands are seeing some strong Pompano action. A great tasting fish, you´ll be able to boat your fill in a few short hours. Snappers are in and out in the 30 lb range. Sierra Mackerals, Jack Crevalls, Amber Jacks, Bonito, Skip Jack Tuna, and even a shot at a Rooster fish in the 30 lb range. So it´s not exactly bad fishing out there!
Inside the bay it´s like fishing in a barrel. If you don´t catch at least one Jack Crevall never use that captain or boat again! Yelapa is seeing some football tuna in the 35 lb range and seems to be setting up house again. Bonito, Sierra Mackerals (good tasting) and a host of other possibilities like Snook or Robalo at the river mouths are always a possibility. Water flows are down and this may affect the number and size of the snook, but if near a river mouth give it a try. 
Those heading to the Tres Maria Islands, or the prison islands will find sizeable Yellowfin Tuna. But remember to keep your distance from the islands of 12 miles. Otherwise you may find the Federalies chasing you down. Also when you see those Monster Yellowfin Tuna posted on the various bloody decks post, if you´re inside the limit area or boundaries and you´re catching fish, then you too are a POACHER! No way around it, just because there are some popular boats and web sites boasting the size and amount of Yellowfin they´re catching, they´re POACHING and they know it. You don´t, that´s why I´m here…. So keep your distance, keep your boat and keep out of jail! It all just amazes me how ¨sportfishing companies¨ will kill future fishing populations for today´s illegal rewards. Where can this all lead but to disaster?
Until next time don’t forget to kiss your fish and remember at Master Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle “ We Won’t Jerk You Around”!
Master Baiter´s has changed locations in Marina Vallarta and are now near Victors Café Te Cuba. Look for me at the least traveled end of Marina Vallarta and I will be there in my new place. Email your Questions to me at: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx Web page: www.MasterBaiters.com.mx , Local Phone at: (044) 322 779 75 71 or if roaming: 011 52 1 322 779 75 71 (this is my cell phone directly until the shop phone is workingFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Master-Baiters-Sportfishing-Tackle/88817121325The trade name Master Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle is protected under trade mark law and is the sole property of Stan Gabruk.
