After several weeks of the same boring information, we finally have something to talk about! With the tropical storms finally showing up, fish are moving, pushed would be more accurate, into the area.
Now, I’m not saying everything flipped overnight, but when you’re finally boating Marlin and Sailfish, you know the ‘fish log-jam’ has finally busted.
We’ve seen Spinner Dolphin, which means Football Yellowfin Tuna. Marlin and Sailfish are picking up in numbers and are now targetable. With no rain, the trash line is thin at best but still working. Water temperatures are stuck at 83, but we’ll take it because it’s not an issue. The water is mostly clean and blue in the deep water locations. Plenty of bait and warm weather, but that’s how it’s played. Are you ready to get into the game, amigos?
Ok, we have something to talk about. If you take a heading of 315 to 330 from the Punta Nayarit point, head out 25 miles, and you’ll find Spinner Dolphin. It just so happens that you’ll be over the ‘ridge,’ and this is where most of the action has been happening. This, of course, means you’ll find Football Tuna in the 30 to 40 lb range. That is if they’re taking bait! That’s the issue; you can find them, but if you don’t hit them right at the bite, you could be left wondering, ‘what happened?’
You’ll also find Blue and Black Marlin running north from this area in the 300 to 500 lb range. Again, catch the bite and get ready for some incredible action. Now that we’ve finally got some fishing, not to mention clients, the tides have turned for the positive. Sailfish are also in this area of good size.
Live bait is king but lures also work, starting with a Petrolero. But be advised, the fish are spread out, and you’ll need to push a little water, possibly as far as El Banco. Make sure your charter company isn’t stingy on fuel; it may cost you a Marlin experience. Good luck!
Closer in, from Punta Nayarit to El Morro, anything is possible. We’ve seen some nice-sized Dorado in the 20 lb range, and they came out of nowhere. Well, they’ve always been out there, but now they’re taking bait!
With blue water and massive amounts of bait, fishing is turning into what we’d expect at this time of the year. The area between El Morro and north Corbetena is a hot spot that shouldn’t be ignored. If you’re lucky enough to come across a log or a buoy, that will be a Dorado gold mine.
Right now, an eight-hour trip will pay for itself in arm-burning action and memories for a lifetime.
For some reason, even with the warmer water, we still have Jack Crevalles at 25 to 40 lbs running the entire bay from Yelapa to La Cruz. Not known as the best-tasting of species, the fight alone makes them a local favorite.
Bonito, at 20 lbs, another cold water species, are still in the bay, part of the tuna family; they can be fun to catch and better to eat. They’re also great for family fishing with younger family members, where you want to avoid a super strong, intimidating fight for younglings.
Dorado are also in the bay; they’ve been on the small side, under ten pounds, but this could be changing now. They are near La Cruz Marina, Los Arcos, Punta Negra, and Garza Blanca. Smaller Roosterfish, under ten pounds, are hanging at the shore in the surf lines in the same areas.
Four hours will get you action, but six hours in the bay guarantees ‘better action.’ Ask about our new 30 ft Super Duper Panga, priced like a 28 ft Panga. Oh, it has a bathroom also.
You may run into some dirty water, but don’t be shocked; this is normal. After the rain, the dirty water forms a trash line, and small fish eat the organic leaves, twigs, and trash. Drop a bait or lure in front of the trash, troll the line, catch fish; not complicated and easier if it’s a mature trash line that’s been out there for a few days.
The bite has been a moving target these days, and it seems there are two in the morning hours.
For trips longer than six hours, I’ve been putting people out at 06:15. This way, you get to your selected fishing grounds at the correct time. Water temperatures are still at 83 degrees. That’s low for this time of year, but it doesn’t seem to be impacting the species moving in, so we won’t complain.
And, of course, the all-important question, ‘Which bait to use?’ Well, live bait is king, sometimes dead bait. However, lures that mimic Dorado are also a good idea to run.
Until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish!
