Fishing Seasons Slow Start, Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna Moving Frustrations
Written by: Stan Gabruk owner of Master Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle
Last year was what we call a “La Nina” year. Being the opposite of an El Nino where the water is warm, La Nina is when the currents and water temperatures are lower than normal. We’re now into the second year of this, highly unusual, but accurate none the less. With Bluewater at the deep water fishing grounds of Corbetena and El Banco is a huge plus. Plenty of bait, perfect water temperatures, and moving fish. We’re finding that where they were yesterday isn’t where they’ll be today. What does this mean, well first off it means you’ll need a full fuel tank on the boat because you could be moving around the area a lot. Listening to the radios can be depressing some days and of course exciting other days.
Corbetena has been less than exciting lately, but this week there was some signs of life with Blue Marlin in the 600 lb range. Yellowfin Tuna in the 150 lb range. Not many, but they’re out there, spread out and well they’re picky. With many different baits to choose from trying to figure out what they’ll bite is not easy. Cubera Snappers are here as well for the jiggers but don’t think it’s automatic, out of ten boats in the area, two will catch fish so there’s the challenge. Feeling lucky?
The area between Corbetena and El Banco is going mostly ignored, fuel cost being the driving factor. Now Fishing isn’t cheap and if you can’t afford the fuel then heading out this far and not being able to move around and chase the birds is cutting yourself short. It’s like not dropping that last nickel in the slot machine, you just don’t do that! There are some channels and ravines that have been the area of many a tournament winner, but keep this to yourself, our secret! Not much news from El Banco, but frankly Corbetena has been the automatic choice these days. Worth a shot at El Banco, if you’ve got a full fuel tank.
The area around Punta Mita, El Morro, and the Marieta Islands have seen some slight signs of life. El Morro this week was amazingly productive, for a few days that is. Fish moving around the area means you have to check everywhere in the area. For now, Dorado in the 25 lb range are being caught, but not daily. Marlin are about six miles off El Morro to 600 lbs with the possibility of Sailfish throughout the entire area, let’s hope the fish and you find the same place at the same time. Punta Mita around any debris or trash line Dorado are a big “possible” as is Sailfish and six miles or so off the point on a 300 heading you’ve got a shot at Blue and Black Marlin. Feeling lucky??
Inside the bay is still the best fishing option for your fuel dollar. Sailfish are still a freak thing that seems to be happening daily. In fact this week we had a few Blue Marlin caught off the beach of Anclote Reef. The Los Arcos area has been seeing small to tiny Dorado, but some nice 25 pounders are mixed in. So throw the babies back, keep the adults. Sailfish are also cruising the superabundant bait here and around the La Cruz Marina! Snook around the shoreline, and at the river mouths. Jack Crevalls to 35 lbs are still running the area, even though they’re a “cold water” species. Throw in Bonito from 10 to 30 lbs are very tasty. And a host of other structure species as well. Be warned every day is not a wonderful day fishing in the bay. You have to make sure you hit the bite just right, which is about 9 a.m. right now or you could find these picky fish will ignore your presentation! It can be ugly when that happens.
Water temperatures are a perfect 85 degrees with blue water outside of the bay. With so much live bait in the bay, it’s hard to suggest a specific lure or bait! Start with the Google Eyes, try lures, and switch baits every twenty minutes if nothing strikes. You’ll have to work for the attention of these fish. But if you’re not only targeting billed fantasies you’ll have a wonderful time in the bay and you’ll catch fish.
Remember, the boat is yours if you charter it. This means you don’t have to just go fishing. We have snorkel equipment on all our boats, so why not do some fishing, do some snorkeling then who knows, go to the beach in Yelapa and have that fresh fish you just caught made into Ceviche and enjoy a cold beer… like three tours in one for a third of the price! Think about it, you’ve got options with Master Baiter’s!
As I’ve mentioned recently we’re putting together luxury 2 ½ day fishing trips for only up to four people to the Tres Maria Islands. It’s a luxury trip with bells and whistles you won’t get on those cattle car boats stuffed with twelve people. So think accordingly. But for the person looking for world record sized Yellowfin Tuna, this is your trip. Right now at the Tres Maria Islands, we’re seeing ever-increasing amounts of Yellowfin Tuna bordering on world record sizes. Your expectations should be well over the 200 lb Cows and go straight to “Monster” Status where you’ll be reeling on a “Once in a Lifetime” Bucket list Tuna! We’ll be starting the Tres Maria trips soon so inquiries can contact me on our web page listed at the bottom of this article. We’re excited about this. It’s a First Class trip, first class food and accommodations on a beautiful, professionally maintained fishing yacht, with world-class professional level equipment. For the person and their friends, it separates you from the masses in what may well be the most luxurious fishing expedition in the world. I’m not kidding. Puerto Vallarta is known as one of the top ten fishing locations in the world, why not enjoy this journey with a world-class organization. Oh, the entire crew speaks English!
Master Baiter’s now has two locations, one in Marina Vallarta and the other on the Malecon, next to Sr. Frogs under Murphy’s Bar. We can save you some money on tours and are willing to always answer any questions you may have. But you’ll have to buy your timeshare somewhere else!
Remember at Master Baiter’s, We won’t Jerk you around!
Until next week, Don’t forget to kiss Your Fish!
Web page: www.MasterBaiters.com.mx
Local Phone at: (044) 322 779 7571 or our international number is: 011 52 322 209 1128 10 to 9 local time.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Master-Baiters-Sportfishing-Tackle/88817121325
The trade name Master Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle is protected under trademark law and is the sole property of Stan Gabruk.
Last Updated on 27/07/2018 by Puerto Vallarta Net
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