Puerto Vallarta Fishing Report - May 17 - 2009

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Fishing in Puerto Vallarta, Feels like Years Gone By

The American press for the most part has let the flu thing go now that there are more cases in the United States than in Mexico. So as you can imagine, the talk on the news services has stopped, but the underlying fears of Americans and Europeans remain. Those of us in Puerto Vallarta and the other tourism centers, have been wondering when the tragedy was going to arrive. It turns out the real tragedy is what is happening to local businesses and hotels. PV is still slow and that condition could remain until November when the Tourism high season returns before the Thanksgiving Holiday. All we can do now is wait for the world to put this Non-Event Flu Pandemic in the forgotten corner of their mind and focus on the important issues of the world.

If you want to check out an interesting video on YouTube, check out this video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DknNF51058w  It’s entertaining and positive for those who need to see it first hand! Check it out…. Turn your friends on to it and spread the word.

As with all situations, opportunities always arise and right now a huge opportunity is for the Vacationing public is PV. If you’ve ever said “I wonder what it was like before PV got discovered.” Well, now is the time to see. A hotel with airfare for a week is crazy cheap. I mean everywhere, Marriott, Westin, and all the other hotels in Puerto Vallarta. You can actually experience our world class fishing grounds and be the only boat out there. No worries about rude captains cutting you off to the boils or just getting in your way. Now that we’re coming into the last week of May, the water is warming up and getting blue-er by the day. For the vacationing angler who is interested in a vacation opportunity where he can boat Moby Dick and save money, now is the time to act amigo. Someone, Some day, will tell the story of “that flu scare” and how they boated a 200 lb Tuna … and were the only boat out at El Banco. Strange days indeed!

As you can imagine, there are very, very few boats going out of Marina Vallarta these days. But the lucky few who are out fishing are finding the fishing grounds empty of boats, but brimming with fish. If you head out past El Banco, there are Huge Tuna in the 200 lb range (on a good day, 100 lbs. on a bad day). Marlin, Large Mahi, all the fantasy fish people are looking to hook into. The Tres Maria Islands have turned into the place to be if you’re truly interested in boating trophy sized game fish. On a news worth note: I’ve heard of more people being stopped by the military off the Tres Maria islands. Remember, 15 miles is what they can enforce. They do enforce 12 miles and sometimes let you get away with 10 miles off the islands. So far everyone (boat) has been let go after some serious “Hat Dance Hassle” moves. Don’t be stupid and don’t be pushing any envelopes here, you’ll come out on the short end amigo. Don’t let the one that got away be your sportfisher!

El Banco or The Bank is firing again with Blue and Striped Marlin. Large Mahi Mahi are here as well, we’re waiting for some Yellowfin action which should start happening again soon. Again, live bait is king, especially when it’s scarce. But that’s how it works, plenty of bait, they’re not interested in what you’re offering. When you can’t get bait, that’s when the puerto vallarta fishing is best. But that’s fishing, if it’s not one thing, it’s another… Well worth the fuel dollar, but keep an eye on the Terafin reports…

Corbetena has finally had fish return to the rock! Yellowfin Tuna in the 60 lb range have been chasing poppers, but not taking them. Live bait, which is in scarce supply, is the only way to go amigos. So if you’re chartering a boat, make sure you’ll have bait, so reserve with the bait guy, your charter guy knows him. Or better yet, get your own the night before or before you head out. Remember, those who put the work in, come in with the Yellowfin!! Lazy never pays off in life or in Big Game fishing. Cubera Snapper in the 35 to 40 lb range in the structure, Sailfish as well. With few reports, all I can do is report on what was happening on our Master Baiter’s Company boats.

North of Punta Mita, the Mahi Mahi at the buoys have been running larger the last few days. The twenty pound chickens or smaller have given way to larger Dorado. Farther north is Sailfish in the San Pancho Area as pictured to day on Magnifico, out 31 ft. Bertram. This day we had five hook up, two releases, to spit the hook and we came in with this one. 8 to 10 hr trips will put you in the thick of it. Blue water, warm water temps, blue skies and smooth seas, what else could you ask for? El Moro and the Marietta Islands are boiling with Jack Crevalls, Roosters and more.

If you’d like to see our Daily Catch photos www.Flickr.com under Masterbaiters.com.mx name. I’m adding photos all the time, both present and past for your viewing pleasure. I’ll be adding videos of our company boats so you’ve got something better than a plain photo to make a determination from on boats! I’ve also gotten into the luxury Yacht rental business. I have several very nice, moderately priced luxury yachts.  We also now have a line of Yachts from 52 ft Cruisers to 100 Azimuths Yachts. All sorts of Sailboats and of course Sportfishing. And don’t’ forget to check out the PV video on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DknNF51058w)

I guess that’s about it for this week, until next time, don’t forget to kiss your fish!

Visit Our Web Page at: www.MasterBaiters.com.mx and go fishing with Master Baiters, We’re Number one in Puerto Vallarta and are the only company with a Guaranteed Catch! Email me Stan at: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx . The Marina Vallarta Location is the only official and legal Master Baiter’s ® store in Puerto Vallarta. Master Baiter’s of Marina Vallarta has the only Guaranteed Catch in Puerto Vallarta, only on our company boats. Don’t be fooled by imposters claiming to be us! Come visit our store in Marina Vallarta, (at the light house, on the Boardwalk facing the water turn left, we’re down nine shops 1 door down from Tikul Restaurant).

Fishing Report for May 10, 2009

Well it finally happened, the sky has fallen. As a result, there are literally no visitors to our fair city of Puerto Vallarta. President Calderon of Mexico has closed down the country again and it’s to be reopened on the 18th that is if they don’t change things from the moment this article was written! For most of us in Puerto Vallarta (PV) we see this whole thing like a Chinese fire drill, who lots of action, few results or clarity.

As you can imagine, there are also no people in Marina Vallarta. No people in the restaurants, no people in the shops and no people fishing as our High Season for fishing is coming upon us! But believe it or not, that’s good news for anglers that can find a flight to our Emerald City. But be warned, the seasons are coming on slightly now with warmer days, more humidity and the Equator sun is more intense daily! So there are deals to be had for the “brave”.

The last few weeks the Puerto Vallarta fishing action has been revolving around the area between El Banco and the Tres Maria Islands, which are 50 to 80 miles out from Marina Vallarta. So it’s a 14 hr day, but if you’re looking for Sailfish, Marlin Dorado and Yellowfin Tuna, it’s happening there! For those of you who are whining about having to head out so far, these Yellowfin tuna are about as far out of season as you could possibly imagine. They’ve been running between 60 and 125lbs and are plentiful. What really sucks is the fact that the serious Yellowfin Anglers aren’t in the area to enjoy what’s happening now. Especially since the bad summer we had last year. So if you’re really looking for an opportunity and not a chance to whine about what you didn’t catch in four hours, keep this in mind!

Corbetena has been showing some signs of Life with Sailfish and Blue Marlin. Not many reports from this area, but what have been seeing is looking promising. Cubera Snappers are here as well. Just remember to chin hook a “wounded” bait and let it sink to the bottom. But be quick on the pole and don’t let them turn their heads where they can disappear in the volcanic rocks and cut your line.

El Morro, The Marietta Islands, Punta Mita areas are all just boiling with Rooster Fish action. Mahi Mahi are in these areas as well, but they’re all chickens and you should always throw the small ones back amigo. Other fish like Bonito, Snappers, Torros, Crevalls, Needle fish, Mackerals etc. are still there for the taking. Well worth an eight hour fishing duration for this level of fishing.

Those looking for cheap action will have a hard time finding better than average “small” fish in the bay. Bonito, Mackerals, Snappers and other small game fish are still in the bay. But big expectations will only produce big disappointments for vacationing anglers listening to the wrong guy. Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna and Sailfish are no where near the bay. Now come summer, The Marietta islands are a different thing, but for now, come talk to me at Master Baiter’s Sportfishing and Tackle in Marina Vallarta or call me to get the latest and greatest info. After saying all of this, remember most of our small bay fish are still ten times more fight than that rainbow trout. So keep things in perspective amigos…. They’re still fun!

We know one thing around fishing in Puerto Vallarta, the fishing season is coming and the flu can’t stop that. Soon Yellowfin Tuna is the 200 plus pound range will be abundant in our world famous fishing grounds soon. If you’re a savy traveler or just savy with your check book, this summer should be one of the best vacation / fishing deals of the century. On the travel sites I’ve been seeing round trips for two for a week for less than $1,600.00 usd at places like the Westin or Marriott Hotels located here in the Marina. Booking trips into August is probably the smartest move you could make for your vacationing dollar. Once this flu scare has finally shown itself as just another flu bug that is no worse than any other flu bug, the prices will raise again as the people come back. Something to think about amigos.

Master Baiter’s has returned to our Guaranteed Catch Policy, where is you don’t come in with a game fish, we’ll give you a portion of your money back, GUARANTEED ON COMPANY BOATS! What does this mean to the average guy wanting to just catch a fish, it means that we take the risk with you. If you come back with no fish, the money back guarantee means we’re taking the risk with you, which means we’re about as motivated as you can get, to get you fish! Check out the web page for more details at: www.MasterBaiters.com.mx  . If you’d like to see some photos of our Daily Catch Photos you can find them on www.Flickr.com under Masterbaiters.com.mx name.

I’m adding photos all the time, both present and past for your viewing pleasure. I’ll be adding videos of our company boats so you’ve got something better than a plain photo to make a determination from. Stay tuned for more changes coming your way where it involves big game fishing in Puerto Vallarta and providing services not available through other Sportfishing companies. We also now have a line of Yachts from 52 ft Cruisers to 100 Azimuths Yachts. All sorts of Sailboats and of course Sportfishing. So check out the site and let me know if you have any ideas for it!

I guess that’s about it for this week, until next time, don’t forget to kiss your fish!

Magnifico - 31 Ft Bertram

This is Magnifico, Masterbaiters 31 foot Bertram.

A fine sea-fairing vessel is she, and a great rental Bargain for any Puerto Vallarta fishing Charter!

To ask a question, or to book this fine vessel, just drop us a line!

Amandes, Luxury 60 FT Fairline Squadron

Complete with 3 staterooms, Two heads and Main Salon.

Fully Air conditioned and ready for hourly, Daily or longer charters.

Great for cocktail evening cruises and parties up to 20 guests.

Fishing Report for May 3, 2009

Plenty of Fish in the Warm, Blue Water of El Banco.

Well the world is more than aware that Mexico is on the map these days. With the press blowing things out of proportion on issues like drug wars on the boarder and the latest media produced scare of catching the H1N1 Flu bug, you too may start believing the “Sky is Falling”.

After all, where there’s smoke, there’s fire, right? Here are some simple facts to keep in mind: The whole state of Jalisco, the Mexican equivalent of California, has had 0 cases reported of this flu. Cancun who now receives no flights from Europe have had 0 out breaks. The 150 deaths attributed to this flu just last week have been revised downward to seven deaths.

The only death of this flu has been a Mexican infant who had serious other medical complications and wasn’t even a citizen of the USA. Now if anywhere was going to see an outbreak, it would be Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico and they’ve had 0 outbreaks. With vice President Bidens comments about planes, trains, etc it has just fueled the fire. So for the record, it’s safe to come to Mexico! People are not being gunned down in the streets by drug people and you’re not going to get sick. The peso has headed back up to its recent peak and that makes Mexico, PV in particular, the best travel deal on the market. I wrote this paragraph for the folks that read my articles on line, not the locals, they know better. As an American living in Mexico, I’m ashamed of what the USA has presented to the world and it’s time a person living in this country came out and voiced an opinion….. OK, I’m off my soap box now.

The last couple of weeks my fishing reports have been pretty much cookie cutter reports and I wish I could say things have changed in the last few days. But we’re in the winter to summer transition period which is traditionally slim pickings on the shorter trips! But if you’re serious about getting in the game, and get some Puerto Vallarta fishing under your belt,  there are some out of season fish at El Banco which makes the distance and fuel expense well worth the effort! Yellowfin Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish and Mahi Mahi are there, but you’ll have to put the work in. No time for lazy fisherman to come in and brag! Sportfishing in Puerto Vallarta at this time of the year will put you through your paces. Big Game fishing on this level is not cheap. It never has been and this will never change.

Inside the bay this week, my competitors are telling unsuspecting vacationers that they’ll boat a marlin in the bay or barely outside of the bay. Here are the facts, the bay has small fish and if you’re shooting for Sierra Mackerals, Bonito, Jack Crevalls, Snappers and the like, they’re out there. Some days you will find it hard to find one of these, other days they’re out there by the boat load. That’s what makes fishing special, no guarantees makes that fish you caught all the better tasting. Unless you’re fishing at least a couple of days, you’re taking a chance on coming in with an empty fish box. But this holds true for any time of the year. Fishing is fishing and no matter how much I want to tell you you’re going to boat Moby Dick, there’s a chance you won’t!

Most of the charters leaving Puerto Vallarta this week were heading to the Marietta Islands or off the buoys at Punta Mita. Roosters are turning into a stable at the Marietta’s. With an abundance of Sardines in the water, it’s been making it tough to turn their heads. But persistence beats resistance and if you keep at it, you’ll get your fair share. You’ll need an 8 hr trip for this! Punta Mita and the islands off the point are still the place to be for Mahi Mahi. Some days they’re 35 lbs, other days they’re juveniles and should be thrown back.

The secret this week is find the warm, blue water. This is when saving a few bucks on a slow boat that only goes to one place is not a deal amigo! Cheap boats which don’t have the necessary electronics to measure water temperatures mean you just threw your money away, even though you saved a hundred dollars compared to the boat that has this necessary equipment. You may need to move around quite a bit as well since we’re seeing red tide or green (dirty) water in most locations. This is the time of year when you see who the good captains are and who the big talkers are. Anyone can boat a Monster Tuna in summer when it’s like fishing in a barrel. At this time of year, the Captains coming in with fish are the ones you want to go fishing with in August. But remember, Captains change on boats all the time and all are not created equal. When chartering a boat, ask questions, specific questions like how long has this captain been on the boat? What’s the captains name? What baits are working at the moment? What are the water temperatures? Is there a plume or red tide right now? If they can’t answer these questions, walk away from the guy. Simple questions like this will save you money on a decent boat that catches fish.

Master Baiter’s located in Marina Vallarta can answer your questions and make suggestions. We’re looking for your return business, that’s why we say “We Don’t Jerk You Around!