We’ve officially moved past ‘High Season’ for tourism, and most visitors have either left or are preparing to depart. The crowd, including Americans and Canadians, has dwindled down to the hardcore salty feet types, fondly known as ‘Pata Saladas’.
As we enter May, the changes become apparent. The humidity rises, and a slight perspiration sets in. The afternoon heat prompts you to finally switch on the A/C for the first time since last November. Water temperatures are on the rise, signaling that summer is just around the corner. Banderas Bay is gearing up for Puerto Vallarta’s ‘High Season for Fishing’, with vibrant blue waters and increasing bait activity.
Let’s dive into the exciting news! Roosterfish weighing between 35 lb and 50 lb are plentiful and aggressively taking baits off Punta Nayarit (also known as Punta Mita), just half a mile offshore. When water temperatures fluctuate, Roosterfish often migrate into the area, usually in pursuit of Sardines that follow ocean currents. We’ve also spotted scattered Roosterfish around the Marietta Island Reef and further north. For now, these Roosterfish are easily accessible and put up a fierce fight—definitely my favorite species to target.
Additionally, we are beginning to see promising signs of Dorado entering the area. They thrive in 80-degree water, so it’s no surprise they are following the shifting currents. However, I want to temper your excitement; the Dorado caught so far are in the 15 to 20 lb range, and most boats have only brought in one for the entire day. That said, catching Dorado early in the season is a positive indicator, and where there’s one, more are sure to follow! There could also be Sailfish nearby, but I haven’t heard any reports yet. It’s possible there are striped Marlin further out, but with so few boats heading out, it’s hard to predict what might be out there.
Our other ‘hot spot’ is in the Bay of Banderas. Jack Crevalle up to 50 lbs are being caught by the lucky few, not to mention Bonito weighing in at 12 to 20 lbs and, of course, Sierra Mackerels. Some 15 lb Dorado have also been boated in the Punta Negra area. For those with time and resources, Roosterfish can always be targeted at Cabo Corrientes, though it entails a ten-hour day on the water.
This week, Corbetena and El Banco are virtually devoid of fishing activity. No boats are heading out there, not even private ones. While this isn’t surprising, the promising blue water indicates that anything could happen. We should have more information by next week. Honestly, at either of those locations, there could be Yellowfin Tuna lurking, but I won’t speculate on their size just yet. Stay tuned for updates!
Looking into my Crystal Ball: As previously mentioned, water temperatures have risen about ten degrees in the last two weeks. We’re witnessing the arrival of summer currents, which signal the approach of species like Sailfish and Striped Marlin. We’ll also be monitoring the Tuna action closely. Jack Crevalle are typically cold-water species, but they can thrive in warmer waters if bait conditions are right. With spawning season in full swing, the fish won’t all be active at once; instead, they’ll take advantage of baits when hungry. This highlights the importance of timing the bite in the upcoming months, as this may be one of the few times some breeding species will be more inclined to take bait. Interestingly, the afternoon bite may prove better than the morning bite, as is often the case.
By mid-June, we can expect to see more fishing action as Blue Marlin start to appear. With a bit of luck, by mid-July, we’ll see Dorado fully invested in all our fishing grounds. Once August rolls around, the game truly begins! Use this as a quick guide to plan your fishing vacation, as these are the conditions you can expect in the coming months. Be sure to follow these articles for the latest, up-to-date information!
Fishing Conditions: Currently, water temperatures range from 76 to 82 degrees, with the warmer blue water being the prime option. The best bite occurs between 08:00 and 09:30, but as always, it’s a moving target, so head out early to ensure you’re at your chosen fishing grounds on time. And remember, live bait remains king!
Until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish!
