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Marina Vallarta Las Palmas I Local 3

Yellowfin Tuna  in the bay, even I go fishing on occasion, that's me in Blue (Stan Gabruk)!
Yellowfin Tuna in the bay, even I go fishing on occasion, that's me in Blue (Stan Gabruk)!

Written by Stan Gabruk, owner Master Baiter´s Sportfishing and Tackle

Normally as we enter June we don’t expect much in the way of Tuna Fishing, but then again we only think we can predict what is going to happen around Puerto Vallarta and the world famous fishing grounds we are known for. Famous or not, we never really know what we’re going to get out there. So I guess fishing is like a box of chocolates, you never really know what you’re going to get until you sink your teeth into it! Right now we are sinking our teeth into Yellowfin Tuna, nothing considered monsters or Cows for sure, but big enough to be worth your while and fuel dollar to head out to El Banco! Now that I’ve got your panties wet, the Yellowfin are the primary species in any of the fishing grounds right now! So now what are you going to do? Summer is here and it´s time to put your money where your finned fantasy lies. Stay tuned!

Let’s start with the real news. For the last couple of weeks we’ve had bait, perfect water temperatures, clear green water, and nobody heading out to the fishing grounds due to the seasonal slump that normally comes in May and early June. But we are moving out of that period now and we have Yellowfin Tuna coming out of our ears at El Banco! That’s right folks, El Banco has come to life with good sized fish in the 40 to 80 lb range. Plentiful, hungry, aggressive, all those words apply to what is happening out there right now. As normal when the Yellowfin Tuna invade El Banco, the abundant bait is less abundant as they stuff themselves. Right now if you rigged your car keys with a hook, you would be catching fish as fast as you could boat them. Now this is some straight up news amigos and this may not last for long as these Yellowfin Tuna have a tendency to move in, and then move out. But for now, they are here and hanging around the high spots. But if for some reason you’re a few miles off the peaks, no worries, there are Yellowfin everywhere. One strange thing is you won’t see diving birds indicating where the fish are! So don´t be fooled, they are there and they are looking for a free meal, plastic, wood or living, they will hit anything you put in front of them for sure, so you don’t need much more than a pole and a shinny hook! Lures, Cedar plugs, it is all working so just get your butt out there! And do it now! For the record, the water is BLUE, 85 degrees with smooth seas.

Yellowfin at El Banco!
Yellowfin at El Banco!

Something I have not mentioned lately is that Marlin are trickling into the area. Again off El Banco there have been some Striped Marlin in the 250 lb range and some Sailfish sightings with very few being boated! This is just the beginning so be patient.

Corbeteña, if you are at this moment looking for Yellowfin at Corbeteña, forget it. Not there and for some reason the conditions are perfect for every sportfish we have there as well. So until things start firing there, don’t waste your time, money or fuel here. Of course we have Cubera Snappers, and other smaller fish, but nothing I would be hunting for at this moment… stay tuned, this could change before you finish reading this report!

The Marietta Islands after a winter of nonstop action has slowed down. There are still Rooster fish, but not abundant. There are lots of Jack Crevalls, but they will be moving out shortly, frankly I am still surprised they are in the bay with water temperature climbing by the day. Bonito, Skippies (small skip jack tuna), Needle fish or False Marlin as they are called are picking up in numbers. A weird looking tubular fish, they fight very well and are perfect for kids in the bay or at the Islands. For now a day will produce smaller gamefish, perfect for light tackle days.  Now when the Sailfish move-in with larger numbers the Marietta Islands will have Sailfish as well, so save those pennies and dimes for a few weeks more and we should see some changes. Or that is what my crystal ball shows, but it’s a little hard to see around the cracks and duct tape so don’t hold me to this!

Off Punta Mita, a place I haven’t spoken much of in the last few months, but there are Sailfish off the point about seven miles. The numbers have been increasing, very few heading out for Sailfish right now, but this will change shortly since an 8 hour day will get you some Billfish! Live bait is king and they are taking baits if you come across one. So good luck and send me a picture of what you caught!

Inside the bay is still alive with some great light tackle action. Skippies or Skip Jack Tuna have been all over the southern end of the bay from Yelapa to the tip of Cabo Corrientes. Magnifico the other day was boating 40 lb Yellowfin Tuna like crazy.  Jack Crevalls, Needle fish, Bonito and when the rains start shortly you´ll have the trash line to work as well. So hang in there, the field is ready for all the players to arrive.

Just a reminder, the Marina Vallarta is empty, yet it is still the ¨Other Malicon or Boardwalk¨ in Vallarta. With 15 restaurants and tons of shopping you can find that little something you just have to give _____ insert name… Don’t forget to visit El Faro Bar or the Light House Bar depending on if you speak Spanish or English. It is atop the light house on the boardwalk in the village in Marina Vallarta. With appetizers and a great drink menu they can order Italian food from my favorite restaurant in Marina Vallarta, Dante Ristorante. So tell Teresa in the El Faro Bar that Stan from Master Baiter’s said to come by and check out a sunset in the most romantic view and bar in Puerto Vallarta. You´ll be glad you did…

That’s about it for now, until next week, don´t forget to kiss your fish!

As the oldest fishing company in Puerto Vallarta and the only company with any World Recognized Fishing Championships like the WBS Billfishing Series Grand Champions (2000 and 2001) under our belt. Nobody, but nobody in Puerto Vallarta can come close to us in quality or price when it comes to world class fishing boats. We work for your business which explains why seventy percent of my business at Master Baiter´s is return business! You work hard for your precious vacation, money is hard enough to come by, you don´t need to worry about the companies you are dealing with! Remember, at Master Baiter´s Sportfishing and Tackle, We Won´t Jerk You Around! If you have any questions on any subject regarding fishing or Puerto Vallarta, feel free to ask!

For questions or suggestions you can reach me at: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx

The trade name Master Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle is protected under trade mark law and is the sole property to Stan Gabruk.  Always ask to speak with Stan to insure product quality and to insure you are working with the true Master Baiter´s ® and not an imposter