My fishing reports are becoming carbon copies of the ones previously. Regarding fishing in Puerto Vallarta, things haven’t changed much. We’re seeing stagnant water temperatures and stagnant currents, which, of course, means fish aren’t moving into the area.
What we usually expect for this time of the year isn’t happening. Why, you may ask? Well, we’re changing from an El Niño condition to a La Niña condition, where the currents switch from warm to cold. This is unusual to happen in the middle of the summer, but that’s where we are presently.
Now we do have action, even if the Marlin are running late. When you’re living in the world of Sportfishing, you understand that you can’t accurately predict what will happen. We can speak in general about the future. And we can tell you what’s happening. But I dropped my crystal ball, and with the giant crack, it’s hard to see the future now!
Corbetena, this week, is much the same as last. Water temperatures are at 83 degrees. What’s changed is the water below the surface is also at 83 degrees. This means currents are finally bringing in warmer water. This will bring Sailfish, Dorado, Marlin, and Yellowfin Tuna into the area.
We have seen a small increase in Blue Marlin, but not enough to get excited about. The same goes for El Banco right now. But don’t worry, amigos, we do have fishing; we just have to open our fishing minds and look to other areas.
Of course, I’m talking about the area in between these two world-famous fishing grounds. Follow the ridge, and if anything is going to happen, it will happen there. It’s been like this for a couple of weeks now, and things can change in a heartbeat, so stay tuned.
If you’re expecting much more in the area from Punta Nayarit to El Morro, you’ll be disappointed. I’ve gotten a few reports of Sailfish running the ridge, but that has yet to be seen. Just like last week, take a heading off the point of 295, head out from there about 14 miles, and run the ridge.
Yes, there are Jack Crevalles, possibly Dorado, and probably Sailfish. We’re not seeing as much rain as we normally see, so the trash line has been weak at best. The good news is the water is mostly blue and there is just tons of bait. But to be straight up, I’d wait a bit before targeting anything that frankly isn’t there right now.
The good news is now that we’re into August, things will change shortly. So keep your ears on for any news.
Inside the bay, frankly, if you’re looking for action, this is where you want to be. For some reason, Jack Crevalles, normally a cold water species, has taken over the bay!
Four hours near Nuevo Vallarta has been very productive and a lot of fun. There are still tons of baby Dorado in the bay. Remember, they will get bigger and should be thrown back, amigos. But there are some at the 10 to 15 lb range. Anything larger than 15 lbs is fair game.
Bonito are still in the bay, although they’re thinning in numbers. Roosterfish are around the far end of the bay at Mayto or Cabo Corrientes and be anywhere from 30 to 60 lbs. Feeling lucky?
For now, I’m recommending six-hour trips in the bay. This gives you time to find the fish, yet the shorter day on the water means you’re not exposed to the elements for too long. But be advised, all our boats have plenty of shade and water!
Here are the details: Water temperatures are between 83 and 84 degrees right now, and that will be increasing in short order. The water is mostly blue at all the fishing grounds, but remember, rain will produce dirty surface water in the bay. We’re not seeing much of a trash line, but this will change when we get back into a seasonal rain pattern.
The bite is a moving target right now. I’ve been putting boats out at about 07:00, which ensures that if the bite is early, you’ll be where you want to be. If the bite is a strange day where it’s after 09:30, you’ll still be in the right neighborhood on a four-hour trip. If you’re ready to roll the dice, we’ll get you out about 06:00. Confused? Ha ha, me too.
With plenty of baby Bonito, Flying fish, Sardines, and the list is endless, dead bait may work better than trolling live bait. Lures of Dorado color are also effective when live bait is not producing any arm-burning action. Be patient; things will change soon, I promise!
Until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish!
