Welcome to the best time of the year to be fishing in Puerto Vallarta! Finally, we have our world-class species all over our world-famous fishing grounds. But fishing always has challenges because of the simple fact that fish move. We do have fish all over our fishing grounds, but since fish move, that means you have to be ready to burn a little fuel.
With beautiful blue water, abundant bait, perfect water temperatures, and plenty of fish. You couldn’t be in a better place to go fishing with friends and family. The most beautiful thing is you’ll boat large Dorado in the bay and even larger Dorado are at the deep-water fishing grounds! Marlin as big as your car. Yellowfin Tuna from 60 to 150 lb and some at 200 lb, depending on your duration. Sailfish, Roosterfish, you name it. If you have a bucket list species, right now, you can pretty much pick your fish. All you need is the time and, of course, the money!
Alright, let’s get to the juicy stuff. Starting with Corbetena, the water is super clear, high visibility blue water, hell, it’s almost purple. Bait is abundant, and it’s not an issue.
It’s tournament time of the year, and for good reason.
Once you pass the Marietta Islands, you should drop baits there heading to Corbetena. With plenty of Skipjack Tuna as bait, Sailfish are in the area, some Dorado as well, but as you get closer to the ‘rock’, Marlin will come into the picture. Most days, the best place to focus your trolling is about five to seven miles north of the rock, depending on the currents and where the bait is. Skipjacks have been boiling all over the area, so anything is
possible. Blue Marlin from 200 to 450 lb, Black Marlin from 250 to 600 lb have been a daily catch lately.
Yellowfin Tuna have been around the rock as well and can run from 60 to 200 lb, depending on how lucky you are. But be warned, Yellowfin Tuna roam, and what’s there today may be at El Banco Tomorrow. Sailfish are in abundance, but you can get bait in front of other species; that’s a good thing.
Dorado to 30 lb and averaging over 20lb. If you’ve been saving your pesos, it’s time to break the piggy bank and get your butt on the water. Your wife’s credit card may be a better option; if she gets mad, blame me!
Again, since fish move, and the entire area is wide open, anywhere from Corbetena to north of El Banco is a fish wonderland. Most people focus on Corbetena and El Banco, since they’re the ‘go to’ locations. So, it’s good to make a plan, but be willing to adapt to the conditions and, of course, listen to the radio for what other boats are saying.
These days, the high spots at El Banco aren’t the automatic fishing area they used to be. But it’s still a great spot to start. The last few weeks have been amazing for fishing. Big Black Marlin have been running about ten miles north of the High Spots. Yellowfin Tuna will be running the area as well, but will generally be a bit more north than the Marlin, for some reason.
But once you’re in this area, Yellowfin Tuna to 200 lb or larger have been running the area.
Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Sailfish, and of course, Dorado are all on the ‘fish list’. Plenty of varied baits, blue water, perfect water temperatures. I usually say ‘they’re bigger’ at the bank. The downside is that some days are better than others. We finally have people heading out to this area, so the information is more accurate.
So, how do you know where to go? Which is better, El Banco or Corbetena? Lately, Corbetena has been the ‘go-to’ location, it’s closer to Marina Vallarta. And any species you’re looking for, maybe except for larger YF Tuna, is there.
It’s a bit of a crap shoot, but either choice is a winner for fishermen. For the Yellowfin Tuna fanatics, we have extended day trips that head out at 05:30, and it is a 15-hour day and is worth the effort. Our Tuna Safaris are designed for the hardcore fisherman who doesn’t want to fool around, as we target Yellowfin Tuna where they are. We’re developing extended day trips at a great price for groups of six or less, check the website for details.
Looking at the eight-hour duration range, Sailfish are readily available. Dorado at 20 lb and possible Marlin in excess of 200 lb are running the neighborhood still available species without having to spend excessive hours on a boat.
Near Calleyeros, a bit north of Punta Nayarit, we’ve been seeing nice-sized Rooster fish at 35 lb plus, and of course, there are other varied species in the same area. The entire area from El Morro to Punta Nayarit is full of fish waiting for you to arrive, amigos. You’ll want to drop baits about five miles off the point to start. Once you’re out about ten miles, you’ve got an outside shot at Blue Marlin at about 250 lb.
Inside the bay, for the last few weeks, have been less than exciting. Then all of a sudden, about five days ago, large Dorado at 20lb moved into the bay. Sailfish are also picking up in numbers. If you’re at or near Los Arcos, the Dorado are running from 15 to 20lb. Sailfish are here at Los Arcos and in front of the La Cruz Marina. But to be straight up, Dorado and Sailfish are all over the bay right now, and just getting on the water means you’ll have
great action.
I had a boat head out the other day for six hours and had two Dorado and a Sailfish. So, the fish are out there with plenty of arm-burning action. We also have some Sierra Mackerels, Jack Crevalles, Skipjack Tuna and don’t forget about the bottom fishing.
So finally, a four-hour trip with the family is worth the money. Conditions are pretty much perfect right now. Water temperatures have dropped a bit and are now about 86 degrees, which is perfect. The Red Tide that was threatening last week has moved out, and we have high visibility blue water at all the fishing grounds. The bite is now at 08:00ish, so be where you want to be by then.
Bait conditions are perfect with Sardines, Goggle Eyes, Skipjack Tuna, Bullet or baby Bonito, and the list goes on. Live bait is king, but then again, a dead bait may work too. If running lures, Dorado mimics of green, yellow, and black design is working.
Until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish!
