Water Temps Drop, Abundant Bait, Picky Fish!

Water Temps Drop, Abundant Bait, Picky Fish!

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

Sometimes what seems like a good thing can actually turn into a ¨pain in the drain¨. Right now there is abundant bait to the tenth power. And there is a variety of bait to choose from if you’re a game fish here in Banderas Bay and vicinity. Water temperatures have returned to 74 degrees, not a bad thing, and the fishing is great, but only if you hit the bite. Which of course means we know the place, we just have to be there at the right time which of course now is mid afternoon with a full moon. As the moon fades like it is now, there will be a morning bite. The full moon was causing problems this past week as fish were using the light of the moon looking upward to zero-in on the baits. As far as winter fishing goes, it´s still great, but the summer species may be harder to find until the water warms up a little. Since it´s spring, that won´t be long.

Instead of going into the normal report this week, I am going to use a situation to describe what is happening in our world famous fishing grounds. Every boat gets bait in the morning as we leave Marina Vallarta, we pay about a dollar or so a bait and get ten to fifteen, standard procedure for the fishing boats. But that doesn´t mean that the fish will prefer these baits (Google Eyes). If you head out to an area and find there are plenty of targeted fish, you could gaff them up on the boat (but that´s not being a sportsman), but they won´t take the bait you have. At that point, you better have the bait they´re seeing around them which of course means you have to catch what they´re biting. Once you catch what they´re hitting, then you too have a chance to get one or several as well. You may also find these fish are so ¨full¨ from a nite or super early morning feed, they won´t even glance at your presentation. This has been the case as well this week at all the fishing grounds, period.

Inside the bay the Snappers are picking up in numbers, the bite will be great in the next few days as the full moon continues to fade. They are running 20 to 30lbs if you can get them to take a bait. Jack Crevalls are just thick in the Los Animas / Mahuitas areas. Sierra Mackerals are great eating, but better for bait to lure Rooster fish. Bonito, Skip Jack Tuna, the normal winter species are all here as well. Late Day fishing is great, but the morning hours are not working, so sleep in a little and keep an ear to the wind amigos.

The Marietta Islands and the Punta Mita Point are great with action with a variety of species available. Just like everywhere this week, finding fish is not difficult, getting a fish like a ¨stuffed to the brim¨ Rooster fish from feeding all night long to take your bait is the challenge. Rooster fish in the 35 to 50 lb range, hitting Sierra Mackerals or their favorite bait of bullet Bonito. Sailfish and Dorado are 3 miles off the point and the Marietta Islands are stuffed as well. Snappers to 35 lbs, mostly smaller in the 15 lb range are picking up in numbers. Bonito, Skip Jacks in the 30 lb range are abundant as are Jack Crevalls to 40 lbs. Mucho Pompano, and the list goes on. Next few days should show improvement.

El Banco, Corbeteña, the same story. Cubera Snappers to 60lbs, No Marlin, No Sailfish and smaller Yellowfin with the spinner dolphin in the 35 to 55 lb range. Not enough reason to head to this area. Wait a week, things could change and normally does. Water everywhere is back to the bluest it can be. Next week could be a different story.Rooster Fish off the Marietta Islands

This past week we´ve seen White Tip Sharks hanging around the Marietta Islands. They´ve been biting your baits in two and there is nothing you can do about it amigo. So for now keep an eye open and avoid the shark infested waters or you won´t be getting any fish, Sharks si, they are never around for long.

Look for the bite to begin again in the earlier morning hours after the moon fades, so get out early if you can. The afternoon bite is going to be about 2:00 P.M. so plan accordingly.

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 between docks A and B on the boardwalk. 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 cell phone direct Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Master-Baiters-Sportfishing-Tackle/88817121325The trade name