Fishing Report for April 26, 2009

Written by: Stan Gabruk.

Good News / Bad News For Yellowfin Tuna Hunters!

The pace has definitely slowed down in Marina Vallarta. Sportfishing in Puerto Vallarta in general is in the “slow” time of the year. By that we mean the tourist and vacationing angles have for the most part all gone home until the end of May. This is nothing new and we’ve learned to roll with the seasonal tourism changes. But this doesn’t mean the fish went anywhere! They’re still out there, but you’ll have to work for your catch these days, especially if you’re looking for large Yellowfin tuna.

That’s right, I said Yellowfin Tuna. That’s the good news. The bad news is they’re at the Outer Islands or Tres Marias, which are eighty miles out from Puerto Vallarta. That’s eighty miles out of Marina Vallarta, but again, they’re out there and taking bait like “nobodies business”. Live bait, lures, it doesn’t matter. For Yellowfin Tuna to be in the area and in the size range they’ve been running, this is highly unusual. Normally the Yellowfin Season starts as the water temperatures head up towards 84 degrees in early June. We’ve also seen several species of peligics (Billfish) like Blue, Black and Striped Marlin up north for the whole winter. The water temps have stayed fairly consistent up north around the Tres Marias for some time now. There has been a lot of speculation why it’s like this, but for now, it’s “smokin” out there!

Trips last week to Corbetena and El Banco for the most part was “Iffy” at best. One day its off, the next it’s on. Some days there’s boils everywhere, others, you would have been better off heading north of Punta Mita or just heading out to the Marietta Islands.

Speaking of the Marietta Islands, we’re still seeing heavy Rooster Fish action and they’re all larger than what we’re used to seeing. Many are running in the 35 to 60 lb range with many that are larger. Torros, Jack Crevalls, Bonito, Snappers and others are there as well. Definitely worth a 8 hr day on the water.

The rocks or islands off Punta Mita have been showing strong action on Mahi Mahi (aka Dorado), but the size is varying from small to large. Again, it just depends on what the day brings. Live bait is working well, so load up on Gogle eyes (live bait) on the way out from the bait vendor at the fuel docks. They can run a buck to five bucks a bait, but it’s still easier than making bait for yourself in the morning!

The bay is still happening with Skip Jack Tuna, Bonita, Sierra Mackerals, Snappers, Jack Crevalls to name a few. So when you’re ready for a short time or money. Cool mornings and mid day breezes make this a great choice for a short fishing trip. Especially if you’ve got kids or you’d like to do some fishing, but don’t want to spend the entire day on the water.

With the increase lately in the number of start-up fishing charter companies in Puerto Vallarta, there are deals to be had. It seems that everyone wants to live the Jimmy Buffett lifestyle and live in Margarita Ville. But be careful, the company you went fishing with last year may have the same company name, but they may not the same company. If you want to head out to the fishing grounds at 25 mph per hour, not 8mph, then listen to your inner voice when making charter company choices. Also, protect yourself. Don’t give a deposit to some guy telling you he can save you money while you’re walking down the boardwalk. If they don’t have an office with a door, don’t deal with them. I think the easiest thing I can say to you is this, don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home. It’s just that easy and remember, you get what you pay for and many times not even that.

With the seasons changing, the water temperatures will soon be changing and the Summer High Season for Fishing will be upon us soon. Make your reservations early. Not because of availability, there is always a boat in Puerto Vallarta for you. The better companies will book early. Go to mexfish.com to read reports and to choose reputable fishing companies from around the world. World wide fishing guide is another site to check out. Where as we hope you’ll choose Master Baiter’s Sportfishing and Tackle®, you’ll find the companies worth their salt there. You see, we all pay to publish on these world renound sites and if you’re looking for a charter company, this would be good places to start.

Last week I announced my new web page was up and we’re still working it daily to get content up, etc. If you’d like to get on my real time fishing reports list, fire me an email this week at: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx or try my web site at: www.MasterBaiters.com.mx and send me a message from the site.

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

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 with 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). We have World Famous T-shirts, Hats and other souvenirs items to choose from. We’re recommended in Fodor’s Travel guide for PV. Fishing and Tours
Phone From Canada / USA: 011 52 322 209 11 28 .. In P.V.: (322) 209 11 28
Remember, at Master Baiter’s, We Won’t Jerk you Around ! MasterBaiters® is a registered trade mark and is protected under Mexican law.