Remembering we are at the beginning of our fishing season, things are shaping up nicely. Water temperatures are where they should be. Bait is abundant and varied. Hurricanes have pushed fish into the area, and frankly, it’s a little exciting, not to mention motivating to get on the water.
But we don’t live in a perfect fishing world, and a little bit of knowledge about conditions can completely change your day. If you’re fishing in Puerto Vallarta’s Bay of Banderas right now, you’ll be glad you read this article. It could make all the difference in the world!
We may all dream of perfect fishing conditions, but in reality, that never happens. You always have to be prepared to deal with unexpected situations. Last week, I went out with a friend to El Banco targeting Marlin and Yellowfin tuna. Only to discover the ‘abundant bait’ had disappeared as I ignored my own advice! Never pass up bait! Get bait when you can, even if the ‘Chorra’ goes whacky in the Tuna Tubes after about 45 minutes.
A ‘whacky’, unresponsive bait is better than no bait, amigo. But, for now, it’s good advice, but not a problem since,at Corbetena and El Banco, it seems whatever bait you’re running is working.
Corbetena to El Banco is Blue Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna city. With beautiful, high-visibility blue water, you can pretty much pick your fish. By that I mean we have Blue Marlin and possibly Black Marlin in the 250 lb to 600 lb range anywhere from Corbetena to El Banco. That’s a 25-mile stretch of fishing grounds, amigos. The same goes for Yellowfin Tuna, averaging about 40 lb. But there are larger ones out there for the lucky.
Sailfish are also running the entire area as well. Looking for Dorado, they’re part of the excitement, and running about 15 to 20 lbs. For the moment, lures, live bait, Cedar Plugs, and if you don’t have any of those, try putting a hook on your car keys, that will probably work as well.
This is a completely different scenario from last week. With so few tourists or locals heading out, there isn’t any competition for fish, and is a perfect time to get out on the water, amigos.
The Point off Punta Nayarit has gotten a little barren when it comes to fish. There have been massive amounts of these tiny sardines, about one inch in length. There is an old saying ‘Elephants eat peanuts too,’ and this seems to be the situation. There is plenty of Skipjack Tuna and Baby Bonito, as a group name we call them ‘Chorras’. It’s probably a situation where the bait fish are chowing down on these tiny Sardines, and so are the Sailfish in the area. Now we don’t really know what the situation is, but it’s a fair guess. So, anything close to shore fish-wise will pretty much be feeding on these tiny baits for now.
Once you’re at the 8-mile mark, you’ve got a chance at Blue Marlin. So, take that as a hint, make bait at the point, then head out after Blue Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna Footballs. Sounds like a plan to me. Feeling lucky?
Inside the bay, you can’t go wrong. One amazing thing this week was the fact that Sailfish can be found from La Cruz Marina to Yelapa right now. Not abundant, but they’re being caught, and they’re chasing the very abundant and varied bait species in the bay. Sardines, Goggle Eyes, flying fish, Ballyhoo’s, Skippies, and more are making the action in the bay well worth a six-hour fishing charter.
This is where the ‘flip a coin’ situation comes in. You can go north, near Nueva Vallarta, and catch Jack Crevalles taking bait with an attitude. Or you can go near Los Arcos and target 10 to 15 lb Dorado. Not overly available, but there.
Same goes for Roosterfish at Garza Blanca or Punta Negra. You can go for all the arm-burning action you can handle with the Jack Crevalles. Or you can go for the Dorado, a less likely catch; it will take work, but you’ll catch a few. What’s better for you? Flip a coin and head out.
The Dorado that were babies just a few weeks ago, are now maturing and getting larger by the day. And, let’s not forget, with the rain, we have a mature trash line in the middle of the bay! Now, remember we’re in the rainy season, so the bay water can be a little dirty on the surface. This dirty water is from the rivers washing dirty water into the bay. It’s only a few feet thick, and the crews know how to get the local species to take your bait, so no worries there.
So, it’s obvious to see there are many fishing options for those looking to have great action on a budget. Or for those looking to catch a ‘freight train’ Blue Marlin in our deep-water fishing grounds, we’ve got you covered. But be careful, make bait early, get to where you want to be before 09:00, since the bite is a moving target.
Water temperatures are still a solid 86 degrees, and if trolling in the bay, I suggest using at least one lure that mimics Dorado colors. Finally, we are getting back in the game with some serious action, which will just keep improving from this point forward.
Mexico has specific laws that require things like insurance, certified captains, safety equipment, radios, and the list goes on. Master Baiters, as per law, insures all boats and they are completely safe. As a foreigner in Mexico, I provide the necessary insurance and safety items, classes, and crews to ensure your trip is safe and memorable.
Be smart and ask all the correct questions when looking for a fishing company. Enough said!
Until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish!
