Usually, writing these fishing articles isn’t anything too complicated. As the week goes by, I talk with several Captains and friends with private boats as well as my own recent experiences. Then you just put down what they tell you and try to make it as interesting as possible.
Many people who read my articles about world-class Sportfishing in Puerto Vallarta aren’t even interested in Sportfishing, also known as Deep Sea Fishing. This week is different, it’s now September, the slowest tourism month of the year. It’s not hard to see why, with daily temperatures in the 90-degree range. Not to mention the humidity level of 80% on average. So, it’s easy to figure out why tourism is slow.
Having said that, the Sportfishing game has, for the most part, come up short this week.
I did get some news just prior to posting this article, but the information here is based on a minimum of input. I hope that lead-in didn’t sound or feel like a ‘Doom and Gloom’ prediction. In September, we normally see Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, and more move into the area and call Puerto Vallarta their vacation home.
We’re having difficulty determining the actual conditions at our deep-water fishing grounds of Corbetena and El Banco. I waited until the last minute to write this report so I could get the ‘latest.’
For the last three weeks, it’s been a ‘bait overload’ situation where there is so much bait in the area, it’s hard to get the attention of any gamefish, or it was. I’ve been telling everyone that north of Corbetena is where you want to start dropping baits.
That’s now changed. Yellowfin Tuna are running about five miles south of the rock and in the 60 lb range. Sailfish have followed some baits, but no strikes. There are Cubera Snapper taking trolled baits in this area as well.
This information is from yesterday. To be straight up, it was a lot of work and mostly luck. You see, there are just fields of bait all over the place. Conditions are super calm, no currents, no hurricanes and we’re on hold waiting to see what happens next.
We know there are fish in the area, but they’re ‘fat and happy.’ For now it’s worth watching, but until there’s more news, I’d keep the fuel money in the bank.
Some positive news, El Banco or The Bank, has some 450 lb Blue Marlin action. Some Striped Marlin and Cubera Snapper were also taking trolled bait. But not many.
The varied and available bait to a fish right now, is like an unlimited credit card to Nordstrom’s to my ex-wife. There is so much bait out there; even looking at a trolled bait is too much effort for lazy fish.
And that pretty much sums up the entire Bay of Banderas. To expand a bit, there are fields of Skip Jack Tuna in the 12 lb range, a local delicacy if there ever was one. Ballyhoos, Baby Bonita (Bullets), Flying Fish, Sardines, Goggle Eyes, and the list is endless.
But there is a secret, hit the bite right and be early. Try running lures and dead baits if you’re coming up empty. And remember, you’re having fun… ja, ja.
If you’re off the point of Punta Mita, there has been a mature trash line with Dorado around any debris or something like a floating log. Jack Crevalles are there, Bonito as well.
But, if you’re in the area, it’s best to start close to shore, about four to five miles off the point, and work your way out toward El Banco. Give it a try and cross your fingers, amigos.
There are sailfish North of Sayulita in the Gaviotas area, but that’s a ten-hour duration with no guarantees.
Inside the bay, things, as usual, are on par. Everything is normal, and if you’re interested in heading out fishing, a six-hour trip will get you action. Possibly the only predictable action in the entire area right now.
Jack Crevalles are still in the bay from 20 to 45 lbs. Bonito in the 15 lb range, and the baby Bonito, aka Bullets, are thick at the south end of the bay. Some interesting news is the high levels of baby Dorado at 6 lbs in the bay. Now, they’re too small to keep, so please release the babies for when they’re a little older.
Down near Yelapa, they’ve been seeing some larger Needlefish. Another great option is targeting Roosterfish at Cabo Corrientes.
In the Mayto area, the beaches are mostly sandy with some boulders in the surf line. This is Roosterfish heaven; anything is possible if you cast baby or bullet Bonito in the shoreline. Be warned: this is a ten-hour trip, but I’m confident you’ll have a good day if you target Roosterfish.
It’s a little hard to determine the bite, so be where you want to be early! Be prepared to run lures that mimic Dorado in green, black, and yellow. Also, try a dead bait, with your trolled live baits. The water temperature has inched up to 86 now; that’s a positive. The water is mostly clean, even in the bay, with a complete lack of rain again this week. And most of all, be patient and cross your fingers!
Until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish!
