You know, every few years we go through the “Niño’s.” This means we’re going ‘into’ or ‘out of’ a La Niña or an El Niño. We all know this condition, but we usually don’t see this change in the middle of summer!
This makes this very strange as we move from a mild El Niño, back to a La Niña condition. With this happening, the currents have more or less stopped.
This explains the stagnant water conditions and the extended period where the dirty water didn’t move out. Usually those conditions last a few weeks before it all cleans out. Things are changing after more than six weeks of dirty water in the area.
Finally, slowly, we’re seeing some current movement as conditions improve. When it comes to fishing in Puerto Vallarta, the Billfish action normally begins in July.
Right now, we’re seeing Sailfish and Blue Marlin at Corbetena and El Banco’s deep water locations. One thing that never changes is the massive amount of bait in the area. For now, we’re mostly seeing baby Bonito, Baby Skip Jacks, Sardines, Flying fish, and so on.
We know there is ‘current’ movement since water temperatures stepped up to 83 degrees, and most areas now are sporting light blue or clean green water. This goes for both Corbetena and El Banco.
But the water is mostly a light blue color with Clean Green spots scattered throughout the area. This alone is a major improvement, but I can finally report we have Sailfish and Blue Marlin trickling in. The first thing you need to know as a local angler is that Corbetena is not showing much of a pulse right now. I couldn’t tell you why.
What I can tell you is there is a ‘belt’ of action from about five miles or 12 kilometers west of Corbetena (this side of Corbetena). Sailfish and Blue Marlin are running this narrow band straight onto Punta Mita.
The point is that all the action is before you come to Corbetena! Now you can go for Cubera Snapper at the Rock for a fallback position, but in reality, the Rock is not happening right now.
Now if you go about seven miles north of Corbetena, there have been some spinners running from there to El Banco.
The assumption that Spinner Dolphin always run with Yellowfin Tuna Footballs is flawed thinking. Right now, they are running with some Football Tuna, but very few. Find the spinners. They should be good for at least a couple of 40 lb Tuna, but you’ll be working for those.
Right now, your best fishing grounds are what I call the golden triangle. The area inside Corbetena, to just inside El Banco’s high spots, to the area between El Morro and Punta Mita. Not exactly a triangle, but close enough. This is where a majority of the action is happening right now.
Things can change quickly around here, but I think with our recent history, things will be slow to change.
Inside the bay, we see dirty water from the seasonal rains. This is normal, fresh water coming from the mountains.
This freshwater doesn’t mix easily with the saltwater, so this dirty water is only on the surface. Different than when currents swirl and stir up the sediment on the bay floor. This surface dirty water can be inches to feet thick. The locals know how to deal with these yearly conditions.
So, there can be great fishing when you see dirty water; it just depends on the specific situation of the dirty water at that time. Also, we get a ‘trash line’ when the rains come. This is like an organic ‘barrier’ for lack of a better word. It’s made of organic stuff like twigs, leaves, seeds, and an assortment of real trash.
On one side, the ocean side, the water will be clean and clear. The water will be dirty on the other side of this trash line. So dirty water can be deceiving if you don’t have this information.
We haven’t had that much rain this year, but a trash line is in the bay. The more mature this trash line, the better the fishing. For those heading out for a short day trip, the bay is alive with Jack Crevalles at 30 to 45 lbs, Bonito to 20 lbs, Skip Jack Tuna at 10 lbs, Sierra Mackerels of good size, and a host of smaller species around structure. Jacks have been thick up around La Cruz Marina and lots of baby Dorado.
Now, when it comes to these baby Dorados, they’re only 8 lbs or so. The other day, my captain jumped on another boat captain for killing like 20 of these babies!! Conservation rarely exists in Mexico; they kill everything. Don’t be like them. Keep one or two for ceviche or dinner, but throw the rest back.
We are finally seeing Dorado numbers return, and we all need to do our part. So if you’re fishing and your captain’s chest gets all puffy from being the “great fisherman,” don’t tip this guy and let him know before heading out; his tip will depend on him doing the right thing. Enough said.
As mentioned earlier, the water temperatures have finally risen to 83 degrees, Yahoo!! But this is only on the surface; twenty feet down, the water is 75 degrees. So we’re not in full-swing summer currents yet, but this is a step in the right direction.
With currents moving again, this rise in temperature is only the beginning. With Sailfish and Blue Marlin moving in, this is a good sign, and I feel positive about the summer fishing season this year.
With all the bait available right now, lures have been working well if using Dorado colors of gold, black or blue. With the massive amounts of live bait in the area, dead bait will often work better, so keep that in your back pocket.
The bite, I have been putting people out about 06:30, and it’s been working well. Be at your chosen fishing grounds before 07:30 and
you’ll be “on time.”
Until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish!
