The fishing lately has not been worth writing about. Tourism is down, so very few boats are heading out. But the private boats have been rocking at El Banco.
The simple fact is that we’ve just gone through the seasonal change, where the warm-water species are continuing to move in as winter, or cold-water species are trickling out. We’ve had an interesting summer so far, not much rain, so the trash line has been neutralized for the most part. But we’re seeing warmer water temperatures right on time.
Bait is perfect, the water is a high visibility blue, and the Marlin are rolling in. We’re in tournament season now, and conditions will only get better from this point forward.
The main story this week is the area between the high spots at El Banco, all the way to Corbetena. With plenty of Skipjack Tuna for bait, Sardines, Flying Fish, Ballyhoos, and more, Marlin have come in to join the party.
Blue Marlin are regular residents at Puerto Vallarta’s fishing grounds. But we usually need a touch warmer water to see Black Marlin. They prefer water temperatures at or above 88 degrees. We’re presently seeing 89-degree water temperatures, and Black Marlin have been running anywhere from 250 to 450 lb or larger.
Blue Marlin are running in the 250 to 350 lb range. Remembering these finned fantasies are roaming the entire area, it’s hard to decide where to start.
Most of my information is coming from private boats, and the number of Marlin strikes
they’re getting out there is impressive. One day, they had seven Marlin strikes, the next day there were 4, and then the day after that, there were 5 Marlin strikes. This was all at the high spots at El Banco, amigos.
My suggestion for now is to go straight to the high spots at El Banco and use your best judgment from there! For those heading to Corbetena, it’s been a touch slower, but that could just be the ‘momentary’ conditions.
For the Yellowfin Tuna lovers, we’ve seen some in the 25 to about 40 lb range just free roaming the area. Same deal as the Marlin, they’re at both locations and everywhere in between. We’ve also seen Spinner Dolphin, aka Spinners, running with 25 lb Yellowfin Tuna Footballs. Again, in between the Rock and the high spots.
Marlin have been the primary species on the menu for now. But we all know when conditions get like this, they won’t stay quiet for long. For now, we haven’t really seen any Dorado or many Sailfish, but give it a day or two, and everything will change.
And remember, bottom fishing is always an option for those days when you just can’t get any strikes from the locals.
This week, the distances that would be considered 8-hour duration fishing grounds have been less than exciting. Those heading to the point of Punta Nayarit, aka Punta Mita, with some luck may find some Sailfish.
But the simple fact is, this entire area, for some reason, has been disappointing. Again, things can change in a heartbeat, and with plenty of varied baits and perfect conditions, Sailfish will be moving in shortly if they’re not already there.
There are still Skippies or Skipjack Tuna at the 8 lb range, perfect for your tuna tubes. Dorado will be moving into this area soon, so keep your ears open and contact us if you’re in town or coming to town, and I’ll fill you in on the latest and greatest.
Even though we haven’t seen much rain in the local mountains, that doesn’t mean dirty water isn’t flowing into the bay from the local rivers. Rain inland will also produce a trash line, but the quality is lacking. If you can come across a mature trash line, anything is possible.
Inside the bay, we’ve finally been seeing some 10 to 12 lb Dorado; they’re still on the small side, but they’re taking baits. Remember, under 10 lbs., they should go back in, amigos.
We’ve also got the basic Skippies, Bonito to 12 lb, and Sailfish around the La Cruz Marina. Jack Crevalles at 20 lb near the Nuevo Vallarta hotel area. We’ve even started to see some nice-sized Snook – Robalo in Spanish – white meat and great tasting. They like fresh water, so they’re around the rivers. Ameca is one worth working, and this is a secret, so keep it to yourself.
For now, your best fishing grounds in the bay are near or at Los Arcos/Garza Blanca Hotel
area. Most of the Dorado you’ll find will be here, so use this information wisely… ha, ha.
We’re finally in the time of the year that will continue Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as a world-class fishing area, just not at this moment. For now, we’re on hold until the players show up. But they’re coming, no worries there.
Water temperatures hit 89 degrees in most areas with ‘high visibility blue’ water, and there’s plenty of bait to attract even the ficklest fish. Live bait is king, but lures of green and blue have been working as well.
And finally, the bite is still about 09:00. I’m putting boats out about 06:30 right now, in the dark. So, if you’re leaving early, remember these boats are contending with floating logs, crap of all kinds, and if you hit a ‘dead head’ or stump just under the surface, well, it can ruin your day and the boat.
So be a bit patient in the morning when heading out. Once the sun comes up a bit and the visibility increases, you’ll be out of the ‘danger zone’ and they’ll tap the throttle up a bit.
Until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish!
