El Banco is Hot!

For the last couple of weeks I’ve been writing a series of informational reports so the average person can better understand why things, including cost for charters, are what they are! We’ve talked boat cost / expenses, Captains and where they come from and then into Equipment / Tackle basics. Today we’re going to talk about the service end of the business.

I’ve talked before on how to choose a charter company when you survey the lay of the land. Service is first and foremost, no matter how much you paid for your day on the water. Naturally lower cost providers should come with lowered expectations. Having said that, I don’t care if you live in Mexico or on Mars, service is a basic fact of life in any business. Service doesn’t cost the operator or Owner a thin dime more than he’s already spending. It all comes down to getting the most from your people and making sure clients are not only having fun, but are being provided the service they don’t know they need. Do they meet you on time at the boat? Is it fueled up with bait and ice, ready to go? Are there any money issues that you’re unaware of until that moment? Do you have your contacts phone number if need be? Do you know your boats name / location? All important stuff that should not be a mystery! Are they courtious and pleasant? Do they interact with you? Do they listen to your request? Do they release when informed of this desire or not? Did they tell you they speak English, just to discover they know ten words of English? And the list could go on for ever.

Now Consider the Charter Company. There are companies in Marina Vallarta that are the flavor of the month. One guy or company which just sprung up this past summer, was went out of business selling Broasted Chicken and now is an expert in the field of fishing? What’s up with that? But hey they’ve got a nice, cheap office with pretty furniture and a nice logo.

Then you’ve got the guy who’s standing on the board walk asking you if you need anything from a tour to a fishing charter and how this guy who can’t tell you what kind of baits are working right now, but he’s quick to talk of his twelve boats.

So how do you know which direction to turn. Well the internet is a good location, but the sites themselves. Check out the forums for negative comments, people not happy with the service, etc. I’ve always found that flattering words may go unsaid, but a bad time will get plenty of volume when it’s time to speak of horrible experiences. Look for recommendations from travel agencies, articles, locals are the best.

This week the water temperatures have been all over the place. Corbetena last week was warming up with signs of Yellowfin Footballs, but just as fast as it warmed up, it cooled down. Water temps in the last few days could fluxuate ten degrees or more. Hot spots have been changing by miles and miles from previous days. But this isn’t bad news amigo!

The hot spot, literally, was North of El Banco by about ten miles to thirty miles north from there. Yellowfin Football Tuna, Mahi Mahi although smaller, Jack Cravells, Sails, but not many Marlin of any species this week.

Sayulita has been warm right up to the shore areas and this has brough in really large Rooster fish, see photo, for the guy who wants to spend six to eight hour trips, yet still want a fight. Well Roosters are what the doctor called for. Captain Hector’ fish box this week on one particular day looked like an aquarium full of several species of fish for that evening Blue Plate Special.

Right no there are a host of different fish available to the vacationing Angler so there’s no reason to not hit the bay for some tired arms and happy faces!

This week Carlos informs me that the Master Baiter’s Graffetti project is moving ahead nicely. He hasn’t received his paint as yet, still waiting. But we’ve had some new people come in and support the cause this week. Roscoe from a week earlier donated again, along with Bill and Nancy Goupda of Atlanta Georga and Fred Walt from Seattle. Remember you too can be part of this community project by donating time, money or services. Master Baiter’s will continue to support the Graffetti project with the continued support of the good people of PV.

That’s if for this week, Until next time, don’t forget to kiss your fish!