March 1st, 2009 Puerto Vallarta Fishing Report

Spring has Sprung in the Puerto Vallarta Sport Fishing locations!

Welcome to spring everyone! If you’re looking for Big Game Fishing in Puerto Vallarta, winter usually isn’t the time of year you’d expect to see the species and size of the fish we’ve been seeing. The season has been fickle with some days being fish city, other days will have you pulling your hair out when we put you on fish, but they won’t take your baits.

We always know when the seasons are changing from the number of Spring Breakers walking around Marina Vallarta. As always, spring represents new beginnings and this year is no different. Soon the days will be warmer as the sun stays in the sky for a greater part of the day. Along with warmer days comes warmer water temperatures and the ever present hope of another incredible fishing season. If what we’ve seen lately is any indication of things to come, then the coming summer hopefully will be a season to remember.

One indication that Spring is here is the changing water currents outside of Bandaras Bay. Ixtapa, Manzanillo, and other points south of PV usually have great fishing prior to spring. But the last month the fishing in these normally active spots have been less than exciting. With reports of the Yellowfin Tuna and large Mahi Mahi in the area, those looking for action have been gradually making their way into the area and with good reason. This week, my friend Capt. Manny of Pacifico came in with several Yellowfin Tuna (which is nothing new for him) from 15 miles outside of El Banco, like I’ve been writing about for the last two weeks. Marlin and Mahi Mahi are there as well in trophy sizes. But there is change in the air as dirty water moved into this area crushing the hopes of few vacationing anglers hoping to boat a finned fantasy. When you see this condition and it’s not raining, it’s an indication that currents are changing which stirs up sediment on the ocean floor somewhere. This in turn follows the currents and you can find dirty water in places that just yesterday was blue water! The same goes for the next day as well, it could be gone. So remember everything is subject to change in a heart beat. If you catch a “blue water” day, then anything from here out into next winter is possible! Just have plenty of bait on hand!

For those looking for action but don’t want to spend a 14 hr day out there on the water, then the Marietta Islands is just what the doctor ordered. Roosters up to seventy pounds have been boated and they’re plentiful. The one thing that can get you scratching your head is their feeding habits. One day they’re taking bait, the next you can’t find them. Then all of a sudden out of nowhere you’ll come across a giant boil as you hear the screaming reels and the captain yelling “FISH ON”! Jack Crevalls, Skip Jack Tuna, Bonito, Pompano and others are here as well. So if you’re looking for the best bang for your “buck” then this is the place to be amigos.

If you’re looking for action in the bay, then a four to six hour trip will put you on Yellowfin tuna in the 30 to 40 lb range, Bonito, Snappers (Pargo in Spanish), and the list is endless for what you will come across. One down side has been the sheer numbers of tiny squids, Shrimps and Sardinas that are in the water. This will make a picky Yellowfin Tuna turn its head at what ever you’re offering! But don’t be discouraged, using small baits that replicate these Squids can do the trick. The area between Yelapa and Cabo Corrientes is the place to be. I had a client Mynde Bruhn go out for four hours and never threw a line in the water. With camera in hand she was just happy to photograph the jumping Manta Rays, Whales and of course with all the babies in the bay, they’re jumping for joy! Who wouldn’t happy in the protected waters of Puerto Vallarta!

This week the reports from Corbetena and north of Sayulita have been non-existent with all the action happening in the Marietta Islands.

Also this week I’m showing some very nice Mahi Mahi caught on our 36 ft. Luhrs convertible outside of El Banco. Capt. Carlos and First Mate Juan or our 36 ft Luhrs convertible came across some impressive boils and these (pictured) were the results! I’ve also included a picture of the Shoup group and their four hour trip results for your viewing pleasure.

Remember amigos, make it well known that you want to release your catch before you get on the boat in the morning and that they agree and understand what you told them. Many of the Captains in Marina Vallarta have started selling YOUR fish to the local markets. This is bad for two reasons; the first being sport fishing charters are not commercial fisherman and it’s illegal for them to sell fish and it takes the commercial fisherman out of business. The second is the simple fact you’ve just subsidized the captains illegal activities and he’s making money of your “risk”. If this happens don’t tip the boat, not a peso! These guys are hurting everyone with their actions and you’re paying for it.

If you’re sitting at home thinking of setting up a world class fishing experience, for Big Game fishing or Deep Sea Fishing, remember you get more bang for your buck when compared to places like Cabo San Lucas. Once you’re in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll see why people come back often!

While in town come to Marina Vallarta, ask the taxi driver to take you to the Light House in Marina Vallarta or in Spanish; El Faro en La Marina. This will put you in the heart of one of the top ten private marinas in the world. Most people have no clue we’re here with some of the best restaurants in Vallarta, and plenty of shopping, so spread the word once you’re here about the Marina.

Master Baiter’s would like to extend our heart felt condolences to Capt. Carlos from Mamba Negra and Capt. Manny from Pacifico whose mother passed away this past week.

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

Written by: Stan Gubruk