The fishing in Puerto Vallarta right now is showing a stronger pulse by the day. The fishing is finally getting exciting, with more fish moving into the area. The numbers of individual species are picking up nicely, and why wouldn’t they be? Conditions are close to perfect. We’ve had a calm hurricane season, but the ones that have occurred have pushed fish into the area.
Water temperatures are considerably lower than expected at this time of year, but it doesn’t seem to be impacting fish from moving into the area. With a broad range of bait types, it’s a fish smorgasbord, which can be a bit of a challenge.
The season looks promising, with more Dorado, Sailfish and Marlin moving into the area daily. The only downside is that these fish keep moving and are pretty spread out. So you better be ready to use some fuel out there. But for those fishing outside the bay, ‘bucket list’ species are now there for the lucky angler in Puerto Vallarta!
For the last few weeks, Corbetena has been a little on the ‘dead’ side. We all know this wouldn’t last long, and we’re finally seeing some action off the rock. There have been some spinner Dolphin and this time, they’re running with Football Tuna in the 30 to 50 lb range.
Sailfish are also running a bit north of Corbetena Rock. Dorado are still small in the area but getting larger by the day. Blue Marlin are also just north of the rock in the 250 to 400 lb range.
But the most interesting thing this week is the appearance of Striped Marlin. Usually a late spring visitor, the water temperatures are in their comfort range at 83 degrees, so why not?
Now, you’ll first notice how the fish are spread out. There isn’t any one particular place they’re hanging out. So, nothing is guaranteed out there, but if you have the fuel and can move around, you’ll catch fish on an eight-hour trip.
Finally, a trip to this area will produce some results. And by the way, the water is blue, and there are plenty of squid baits with shells, about three inches, so use a squid jig if running a lure.
Flying fish and tiny sardines, about half an inch long and almost transparent, are everywhere. We should call these rice fish as the locals just swim with their mouths open. Corbetena is worth the time and money right now; good luck!
Turning our attention to the point of Punta Nayarit (formerly Punta Mita), 10 to 15 miles off the point, there have been Sailfish and nice-sized Dorado. Master Baiter’s has partnered with Arrecho Sportfishing and they found a floating tree that turned into a Dorado goldmine. Once you’re in this area Blue Marlin and Striped Marlin are also running in the neighborhood.
With Flying fish, Shelled squids, Bullet Bonito, and Skip Jack Tuna, bait is abundant. Once you’re in this area, you’re close to the high spots at El Banco, so anything is possible. You’ve got plenty to work with blue water, favorable water temperatures, and lots of bait. All you have to do now is get off your butt!
Inside the bay is still mostly about Jack Crevalles near la Cruz and in the Nuevo Vallarta areas. South in the bay, there are still baby Dorado; remember to throw them back. There are also Bonito, Needle Fish, Jack Crevalles, Skip Jack Tuna, and more.
Remember, Cabo Corrientes, located at the extreme south end of the bay, is a ten-hour fishing day It’s a Roosterfish playground running 25 to 45 lbs. People always ask me when the best time of the year is to target Roosterfish. My answer is simple: when the rain starts, Roosters show up. They love freshwater, or ‘agua dulce’ in Spanish. Get behind the shore break and start casting. So, if you’re fishing in the bay, there are options you may have never considered.
Slowly, conditions are improving. With the Marlin and Sailfish spread out, it’s hard to predict which fishing grounds to target. I would head 10 miles off Punta Mita and look around. With three-inch squids with shells showing up, it’s challenging to grab a ‘locals’ attention. Yet we do it all the time. But, bait is wildly abundant with Flying fish, Squids, and Skipjack Tuna; the list is endless.
As mentioned earlier, water temperatures remain unchanged from the steady 83 degrees. When we look at the ‘bite,’ it’s two-tiered. Some species are hitting early, or they won’t hit at all. Some are later in the morning. Be at your chosen fishing area at about 07:00 and plan on fishing in the bay for six hours. You’ll catch both bites and maximize your chances. When it comes to baits to use, sometimes dead bait is the answer when there’s too much bait, but it’s worth a try.
Until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish!
