Welcome to Winter Fishing, Dorado, Marlin “Iffy”

                           Welcome to Winter Fishing, Dorado, Marlin “Iffy”

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

Recently we’ve witnessed many oddities in our world famous fishing grounds. For weeks now we’ve witnessed cold swirling water mixed with warmer water temperatures that frankly are perfect for this time of the season. What this means is the warm water species are moving out, cold water species are moving in and they’re all mixed up in this fish bowl we call the Bay of Banderas. Targeting Marlin and Tuna at this time of the year is a diminishing prospect with chances of boating these treasured game fish dropping by the day. Having said that we still have some Dorado in the area and Sailfish. As the currents continue to swirl we’re also seeing species like Jack Crevalls move in with strong numbers and decent sizes. Needle fish are not exactly abundant, but increasing. Bonito are saving the day in the bay and even with all this “Swirling” going on there are still “some” Striped Marlin to be had. If you’re feeling lucky try an eight hour trip to Punta Mita. If you want more of a sure thing when it comes to action, a nice six hour bay trip will be fun, but you won’t be targeting Moby Dick!

Those heading out to Corbetena and El Banco have come back mostly disappointed this week. There is still abundant bait in the area, but that in itself is a problem. It’s a fish smorgasbord out there with so many different kinds of baits it’s tough to get them to turn their head in the direction of your “presentation” aka bait! Having said that we’ve seen the return of Spinner Dolphin which run with Football tuna (at 40 lbs) as they are now. Cuberra Snappers are not exactly “in” but there have been some boated. Regarding Sailfish and Striped Marlin, you’ve got a 50/50 chance, same goes for Dorado in the 25 lb range as well. Those with private boats are having fun and will catch these species but it’s not automatic and if you’re there for a few days you’ll have a great time. The guy that heads out for the day trip can find his time and fuel dollar better spent closer in.

The area from El Morro and the Marietta Islands to Punta Mita will find conditions a little better. Striped Marlin to 250 lbs have been boated four to six miles off the point, Dorado are in the 25 lb range with Sailfish locally for the lucky. I mean all these species are a 50/50 shot. Out of ten boats, two will have come back with fish. So check your internal fishing meter as to what level of risk you want to take. Remember it’s fishing, a risk based sport at best…. Jack Crevalls and Bonito anywhere from 35 to 50 lbs are around the area and a super outside chance of a Sailfish on the Corbetena side of the island(s).

Inside the bay is still “Action City” with the same old players, even if they’re not where they’re “supposed” to be. Sailfish are still being boated occasionally around Los Arcos / La Cruz area as are Dorado from 20 to 30 lbs. Bonito are a stable species for the area and these are what we see in the local Tuna Cans. Running anywhere from 20 lbs to 45 lbs now you’ll have a great arm burning action day. Six hours is a great fishing day and a good value for your fishing dollar. Needle fish are still small but picking up in numbers. Striped Marlin is not impossible in the bay, but mostly not probable. Sierra Mackerels at 15 lbs, Snappers for the guy wanting table fare are in the 3 to 5 lb range. There is some nice action in the bay as long as you’re looking for fun and not Moby Dick!

The bite is still in the mid-morning time frame. It seems as the tide comes up is when the fish are striking, so follow the rising tide and that would be a good indication as to when to head out. Sleep in a little, it won’t hurt a thing. Water temperatures are still at 79, a constant for the last three weeks. Bait conditions are still excessive. Krill Squids and Shrimps, Three inch Squids, Flying fish, Sardines, it’s just crazy. No wonder the fish that are here are being picky. Then again, that’s why the Whales are here in big numbers this year, they’re just swimming around with an open mouth.

There have been several articles of late how we have a 75% chance of La Nina, the opposite of El Nino. We see the swirling currents coming up from the south which to the locals is the first indication. This may mean some last cold water situations for fishing. You can read more about La Nina here:

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-la-nina-20161110-story.html and here:

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.shtml

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

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.