As we continue moving deeper into the best time of the year to be fishing in Puerto Vallarta, we’re seeing Marlin and Sailfish numbers increasing.
Yellowfin Tuna are running around the “Rock” at Corbetena. Dorado are also picking up in size and number. This all may sound perfect, but we all know perfect is a ‘moving target.’ With Bluewater and perfect water temperatures, the conditions are just this side of perfect. But we all know nothing is ever ‘perfect.’
The challenge this week is how to deal with fish that have all the bait they could want. Skip Jack Tuna are massive at Corbetena. The bite is a moving target. So there are some challenges, but these challenges can be overcome with determination and a positive attitude.
All of Vallarta’s fishing grounds are alive with action. It’s also tournament season, so if you’re here in town, it would be a shame if you don’t get on the water, amigos!
Ok, Corbetena has been alive with action; that’s the upside. The downside is it may take you all day to boat your ‘bucket list’ fantasy fish.
First, Black and Blue Marlin are still running just north of the rock. Last week, we saw a few Yellowfin Tuna in the 150 lb range. For the last few days, the Yellowfin Tuna have been in the 60 lb range. And again, it’s going to be work, and it may take all day to find and boat one.
But the fact is, they’re out there, and it all depends on your Captain’s skill and luck, amigos. Sailfish are also picking up in numbers, as is normal for this time of the year.
For the last couple of days, we’ve had a bit of a breeze that gets a little windy in the afternoon choppy conditions.
Swells have been mild at four feet with 20-second intervals. Seasick types should definitely use their favorite motion sickness medication!
Dorado seem to have diminished in numbers, but they’re still out there, so be patient.
One last point: to target Yellowfin Tuna, you’ll need a long day, 15 hours to be specific. I have a nice 32 ft center console that will find you Tuna, but you’ll need to put in the time and the distance. I have options that will put you on Tuna, but it’s not a short day, amigo. For those interested, contact me; it’s cheaper than you may think.
If a ten-hour day is too much, Eight hours will get you to El Morro, where you’ll find plenty of Sailfish and a possible Blue Marlin. Remember, they made the Marietta Islands a reserve, so we can’t fish legally around there anymore. But off these islands, there are possible Dorado and Sailfish as well.
About ten miles north of El Morro, you’ll find yourself off the Punta Mita point. An eight-hour trip duration will put you on Sailfish, Dorado, and Skip Jack Tuna if you’re really lucky.
To be honest, if you’re going to do an eight-hour trip, you’d be better off doing a ten-hour trip where your options increase dramatically. If money is the limiting factor, I’ll work with you and find you a professional option, but the boat may not be ‘pretty.’ And remember, the fish isn’t interested in how the boat looks; they’re chasing the bait!
Looking in El Banco’s direction, there is no news from this area. With fuel hitting seven dollars a gallon, Corbetena is closer and performing. But there is no reason why El Banco isn’t working like the fish machine we know it can be. Feeling lucky? You’d definitely have this famous fishing area all to yourself!
A great option is the area in between; I call it midpoint, but the Mexicans have a name for it. Many a tournament-winning fish has been boated in this area.
Again this week, inside the bay can be your best option. It depends on what you’re looking to do. If you want some great, arm-burning action, the bay will provide that. But the species are smaller.
It’s becoming more ‘commonplace’ to boat a Sailfish in the bay, especially near the Los Arcos area, where there are still lots of Dorado. The downside is they may be too small to keep. But there are also 20 lb Dorado.
Punta Negra may have some small Roosterfish as well. For the Roosterfish fanatics, the place to be is Cabo Corrientes! With perfect conditions of sandy beaches with structure, aka rocks, it’s the perfect time to be there. Roosterfish can reach 60 inches in length, and you won’t believe how strong a fight Roosterfish can put up! FYI, Cabo Corrientes is at the extreme south end of the bay, so plan for ten hours if you are heading to this location.
The simple fact is six hours will put you on fish you’ll never forget. For the more adventurous, Cabo Corrientes is a location you should consider if the budget is there.
With water temperatures stuck at a perfect 87 degrees, the fish will mostly be on the surface. Locations like Corbetena are just stuffed with Skipjack Tuna in the 8 to 20-lb range. This is a perfect bait. Naturally flying fish, Goggle eyes, green runners, and so on.
Remember, when fish aren’t taking bait, then dead bait, as weird as it seems, will work! This is important because many of the Marlin and Sailfish will come, bump your bait, then move on. This will drive you crazy and is a condition you must deal with when bait is as abundant.
The bite has been a moving target; I’ve been putting boats out about 06:00 because the bite will begin about 07:30-ish, but Marlin and Sailfish will take bait the entire day.
So, what may not work in the morning may work well in the afternoon. So don’t get ‘brain lock’ – stay flexible. Perfect 87-degree water means the best part of our fishing year is guaranteed to have fish at our world-famous fishing grounds.
Until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish!
