This is a strange year for fishing. As many of you know, our world-class fishing in Puerto Vallarta is difficult to predict. Things are changing daily in the Bahia de Banderas.
One of those changes is Dorado are thin in numbers. What happened? Who knows, but we do know the currents have been very weak, and we’re still dealing with the conversion to La Niña in the middle of the summer season. This is very strange, but we’re dealing with it.
I know this sounds like a bucket of excuses, but the simple fact is, this report is designed to help you make an informed decision based on present conditions. I know I make some predictions; they’re normally close if not on the money.
With these ‘freaky fishing’, hair-pulling conditions, the silver lining is there are very large Black and Blue Marlin running the deep water areas of Corbetena and probably El Banco. There is bucket-list kind of action here in Vallarta for those lucky enough to be here or coming in the near future.
We’re still experiencing warmer-than-normal temperatures along with the La Niña change. I don’t know if this is a benefit or a hindrance. But I do know this, there are Big Black Marlin in the 450 to 700 lb range, with Blue Marlin right there with them.
We’re talking about Corbetena to El Banco, of course. Sailfish numbers are also picking up, which is normal for this time of the year. I haven’t seen any Yellowfin Tuna action this week, but that doesn’t mean they’re not out there. Yellowfin Tuna are always work and move. You should be able to find them with our Tuna Safari excursions and, of course, if you’re looking for larger ‘Cow’ Tuna. Those serious about boating a world class Yellowfin
Tuna well over 200 lbs should consider a trip to the Tres Maria islands. We have some great options for those who have Yellowfin Tuna on their ‘Bucket List’.
Dorado are also near the Rock of Corbetena, the numbers are thin, but they are fair-sized if you’re lucky enough to hook into a few. For now the deep water locations are your best bang for your fishing dollar, like normal for this time of the year. Well worth the time and money.
Now, if you’re not interested in putting in an extended day, an eight-hour trip will put you out 28 miles where the primary players are Sailfish and, with some luck, decent-sized Dorado. Personally, I suggest heading to El Morro, drop baits, and head toward Corbetena. But if you head to the north, you could have the same results. If you’re off the point of Punta Nayarit, at about the ten-mile mark, you could wind up hooking into a decent Marlin. So be prepared for just about anything.
Inside the Bay has been a little disappointing. But this is normal as we’re in the ‘big fish’ season.
Dorado are usually abundant in the Bay, but for some reason, right now, they’re a little AWOL. Having said that, anything is possible, and we know when it comes to bay fishing, it can change in a blink. Strangely enough, Sailfish are becoming more and more abundant in the Bay.
Don’t expect to boat one of these ‘finned fantasies.’ But the chances and the odds say you’ll probably have several strikes. The Bay is full of Bonito and Skipjack Tuna. Your best options in the Bay are around the La Cruz Marina and Los Arcos to the south end of the Bay. Jack Crevalles are now mostly gone, so Sailfish, Dorado (small if you can find them), SkipJack Tuna are the main players.
For the adventurous, Roosterfish are still a great option in the Cabo Corrientes area. It’s an extended day for sure, but the simple fact you can reliably find Roosterfish off those rocky and sandy shore beaches makes it easier to take a shot.
The bottom line this week is the simple fact there is a bit ‘too much’ bait in the entire area. It’s not unusual to have Sailfish or Marlin ‘smash’ your bait. This is when they chase your bait, play tag with it, then leave. So be prepared for this frustration. But, then again, they’ll take bait if you’re lucky.
The bite right now is around 09:00. But I suggest you get to your chosen location before that. There is plenty of bait in the form of Skipjack Tuna, Goggle eyes, Flying fish, Green runners in the deep water locations and the list goes on.
We have had some fairly strong breezes come mid-day, so the chop will beat you up a bit. Times like this, it’s a real luxury to have a heavier boat.
I suggest heading to El Morro, dropping baits, and troll towards Corbetna. The area is probably the best place to be for the next few days, amigo.
Until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish!
