Fishing in Puerto Vallarta, Unpredictable, Frustrating, Fluctuating Bite, It´s Nuts out there?

Fishing in Puerto Vallarta, Unpredictable, Frustrating, Fluctuating Bite, It´s Nuts out there?

Written by Stan Gabruk, owner of Master Baiter´s Sportfishing & T ackle

 

Hello Everyone…. Lately the fishing conditions have been less than desirable. We have seen red tide, dirty water the color of coffee with cream, cold water and just tons of these tiny, tiny Sardines by the billions! I mean these Sardinas as they are called in Mexico are the size of your thumb nail and they look like clouds in the water when you see them. Which you would think is a good thing and it is, that is unless you are targeting Rooster fish and they won´t pay attention to anything but these Sardinas. Rooster fish are all over the place but getting one to pay attention to your bait is the problem. It´s not that there have not been any Roosters caught, I am showing pictures of them with clients, it´s just that getting one is not easy. I have been monitoring the bite, of Roosters that is and have been seeing all sorts of strange behaviors. One day the bite is in the morning, the next day the bite doesn´t happen for Roosters until after four in the afternoon. Then there is the chance there may not be a bite at all. When you´re in the business I am in, clients want you to assure them they are going to catch fish. So when you tell them what the deal is, many don´t step up to the plate. If you´re the kind of person who under stands what the word means, and will have a great time on the water if you boat a fish or not, then you are the type I am writing this brief article for. For if you are going to blow a gasket with these conditions, then maybe you´d be better of golfing, losing your balls and not your mind!

Pat Wrenski on Magnifico, 8hrs, Marietta Islands

As we enter winter fishing we normally see Jack Crevalls in much larger numbers and this has not been the case. I should say until today that changed. Jacks are all over the Marietta Islands and off the inner point of Cabo Corrientes. They are hitting just about anything you put in front of them and for now that is good enough.

Sierra Mackerals have taken over the bay and are running on the small side, about two to ten pounds. They are everywhere and they are biting, good for younglings but let’s face it we don´t spend hundreds of dollars to catch something that doesn´t qualify as bait.

Corbeteña, just forget about it unless you´re a gluten for punishment and have more time and money than common sense. Still, there is about a 30% chance you´ll come in with a Striped Marlin, the Blue and Black marlin are long gone. With the arrival of Striped Marlin we all know that the Summer fishing has been pronounced DOA!

Today, most who went out came in with lots of Jack Crevalls. I mean the least I have seen today was eight. Magnifico with Pat Wrzenski who boated these  nice Jacks and released 13 more. So the action is picking up and the conditions seem to be improving for the moment… Stay tuned!

One thing that has changed, the dirty water off the point near El Faro or the Light House in English is the water is almost, not quite blue. Now this is a good thing, blue water = more fish, Bigger fish and a better possibility for more species.

Soon we´ll see more Snappers or Pargo in Spanish, Pompano, Amber Jacks and who knows what else…

For my 38 or so readers, My blog is going to turn into a situational and dock report for what is happening on a daily basis about three times a week for those who want to ¨feel¨ the pulse of fishing in Vallarta. If you would like to read my more envolved / Detailed reports you can find them on my web page at: www.masterbaiters.com.mx

That is the latest and the greatest as of today.

My web page guy tells me I am ¨spamming¨ myself and it is hurting my rankings with the search engines.  Yet I still want to keep the blog. So book mark my web page, I will be linking to my blog from my site. You can also go to the web page and ¨Like¨ me by clicking the link to my facebook company site.

Welcome to the Banderas Bay Mixed Salad of Transitional Fishing or in real terms, WTF is going on out there?

Welcome to the Banderas Bay Mixed Salad of Transitional Fishing or in real terms, WTF is going on out there?  

Written by Stan Gabruk of Master Baiter ´s Sportfishing and Tackle

Well HERE WE ARE AGAIN, me in front of my computer in Marina Vallarta looking out over the Yachts and Sportfishers trying to figure out how to explain what is happening out there, it comes down to two words: Mother Nature. Yes, she is in control as we see the La Nina effects bring winter fishing early to our World Famous Fishing Grounds of Puerto Vallarta. With fields of bait balls of Krill sized Squids, Shrimps and Tiny Sardines, basically Whale food,( the main reason they come to our bay to breed and play) fish are still hanging out in this abundant environment. The bite is a moving target with plenty of Yellowfin Tuna Footballs near Yelapa to be found, getting them to pay attention to your baits is another thing. Marlin, Tuna, Dorado, Sailfish in the deep water locations, we have it all. So hang tight, this useful information coming at you.

12 08 2011 Joe and Wife, Baruk, 8 hrs, Marietta Islands

Ok, the action at El Banco is less than spectacular. My friend Ray took friends and family out to El Banco and boated a few 40 lb YF Footballs, no Marlin sighting and water temperatures were downright cold at 72 in some of the colder currents. And this is my only input from El Banco?!

Corbeteña is still alive with one again, off again action. It is iffy and if you are at the rock you have a decent shot at a smaller Black Marlin in the 250 lb range. Cubera Snapper are there as well around the 50lb range. Dorado running 45 lbs, Sailfish in the 100 inch size, Yellowfin Tuna can be anywhere from 60 to 150 lbs. The water is blue, but cool and the only reason any of these warm water species are still hanging in the area is the abundance of bait in the waiter. If you are thinking of hitting the rock looking for Billfish you better get out there while you still have a shot at these finned fantasies.

The Tres Maria Islands are alive with 250lb Yellowfin Monsters, but the islands have gotten tight with their regulations. The Tres Marias are prison Islands where they have been put ting these captured cartel guys. I head a few prisoners had jumped the island and were floating out to sea. Now a fishing boat can easily be an escape boat in their eyes quite easily. So if you are heading out this way, keep your Sh-t straight and stay the 15 miles off the island, even if t here are boils closer in. You wouldn´t want to be stuck and thrown in with the general population amigos. Ask Capt. Steven Torres (Anna Maria) who was quiet about being thrown in with these prisoners (with clients on board) as he pushed the envelope too many times. They shaved his head and held him for close to a week…. Many of those Bloody Decks type who think they are going to push the envelope learned that day to keep their envelope pushing somewhere else! Just like the Maximus the Bloody Decks boys push, same situation, no insurance, no fishing licenses, the permit they had to fish the islands were bogus and after the third time being warned, they finally got the idea. Or did they, they are pushing it again. So you´ve been warned…..

The islands are the place to be. El Morro to the Marietta Islands are alive with action of the Rooster Fish variety, right now! Running anywhere from 20 to 50 lbs, there arm breakers will not disappoint those looking for some light tackle action. Any shinny bait, poppers, Google eyes, these all are working well and will guarantee many hook-ups. All you need is eight hours and a fast Super Panga for this day on the water amigos! The Marietta Islands come with a little more action in the form of Sailfish, Snappers, Bonito, Dorado, Jack Crevalls, Sierra Mackerals, and the list goes on. For your  fishing buck this area is your best  bet .

12 06 2011 Joel, 6 hrs, Yellowfin, Bella Del Mar

Punta Mita is still producing Dorado, but much smaller and less abundant.  Sailfish are still about ten miles off the point and a little north of the Sayulita. If you are fishing out of La Cruz this may be worth your time and effort.

The bay is still producing fish or all sorts, Sierra Mackerals have taken over the bay and are everywhere you will be. So you don´t really have to hunt for these speckled beauties that are normally in the 10 to 20 lb range. They taste great and are wonderful for younger anglers. If you are looking for the Football Yellowfin Tuna, then you need to be patient amigo. With  the full moon we saw the bite erratic in the mornings and stronger in the afternoon.  Remember there is no reason you can`t take a Super Panga out in the afternoon and catch the late bite amigos, especially now when it is the best time to fish! Remember I have a Super Panga with a head for privacy for the ladies. The Footballs are there, no trouble finding them, but with all the whale food in the bay they are chowing down on this Krill and if you are running smaller squid baits, then you have a shot. My suggestion, if you want some morning action, be out of the Marina before 6 a.m.. You may find the bit e has ended before 11 a.m. For short times on the water you want to keep up with what the bite is like or you may just find yourself missing it completely.

Now that we hav e seen some very cold currents moving into the area we have officially moved into winter fishing and all that entails. The Yellowfin will only be around for a few more weeks at most. The Black Marlin are barely there as it is.  We should be seeing more Striped Marlin, but then again who knows. They like cooler water, so the conditions are rite for them. With  water temperatures at 72 degrees we seldom see cooler temperatures than that here. So it will be in teresting to watch and see if they dip any further, which is very possible. So keep an eye on the bite, the water temperatures and what is coming in on the docks. The fishing is great if you know the facts amigo….

While you are in town don`t forget to visit Marina Vallarta with the ¨other Malicon¨ in Puerto Vallarta! It`s the second most popular tourist attraction in Puerto Vallarta with Restaurant  row and 150 shops of all kinds… I´ll keep an eye out for you!

Until next time, don´t forget to kiss your fish!

Master Baiter´s Sportfishing & Tackle is located in Marina Vallarta on the Boardwalk between the light house and Porto Bellos restaurant. Come by and say hello!  Remember, at Master Baiter´s Sportfishing and Tackle, We Won´t Jerk You Around! If you have any questions on any subject regarding fishing or Puerto Vallarta, feel free to ask at my email: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx

The trade name Master Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle is protected under trade mark law and is the sole property of Stan Gabruk.

 

Master Baiter´s Fish Porn. . Safe for your 12 Yr Old

I have been receiving more request for more Master Baiter´s Fish Porn, Safe For Your 12 Yr Old  . . .  So Here are some recent photos, old photos, photos you may have seen before, but here they are again….

08 18 2011 Matt Miller.Capt Tory, Rooster fish 59´`

Great Day On Magnifico as Flags go up

06 17 2011 Michelle Stewart Crosby with Yellowfin Tuna, El Banco, Animal House

Michelle  and her friend Ed McClintoc went fishing with us and came in with Yellowfin Football Tuna caught  at  El Banco in June.. Michele is a facebook  friend now and I love to post her pictures…..

 

09 15 2011 300lb Black Marlin, Magnifico, Corbeteña

06 30 2011 Casey Hocker's , Bella Del Mar, 8 hrs , Cabo Corrientes

10 25 2011 Yellowfin Tuna, Dominic Beer and friends, Animal House

10 7 2011 Zwlema Saldivar, Dorado, Bella Del Mar, 6hrs

Dorado at Punta Mita, Magnifico, October 28, 2011

10 4 2011 Robert Bryant Marlin, Corbeteña, Magnifico,

Here are a few from days gone by, but still impressive…..

Monster Yellowfin Tuna, 400 lbs + !! Should have been a Mexican Record !!

3 Monsters and a College Student over 6 ft tall!

The kid above used to come to Vallarta Every August where his parents would pay for him to head out for Monsters like these. I  remember him fishing with us for the four  years he was in college… Don´t  see days like this very often any more!

A Great Day By Any Measure.....

 

Ok, I hope you all enjoy these… More to come…. Go to my facebook site and be a friend at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Master-Baiters-Sportfishing-Tackle/88817121325  or just search Facebook for Master Baiters Sportfishing &  Tackle.. ¨Like¨ me and this will come to you automatically!

 

Take care and enjoy your Fish Porn !

Stan

MasterBaiters.com.mx

Rooster Fish and Dorado at the points, Marlin & Yellowfin Tuna Thinning Out

 Rooster Fish and Dorado at the points, Marlin & Yellowfin Tuna Thinning Out  

Written by Stan Gabruk of Master Baiter ´s Sportfishing and Tackle

As we continue to move deeper into early winter we see the fishing conditions changing as colder water takes over our world famous fishing grounds. But this does not mean we are seeing the fishing go south as well as we see the bay explode with large football sized Yellowfin Tuna which continues to be primary player for short trip anglers.  No wonder with the amount of bait in the bay. The bite has moved closer to mid day as you would expect at this time of the month. Deep water locations of El Banco and Corbeteña see fewer anglers as Marlin and Yellowfin move out gradually. Yep, things are changing but if you don´t need to boat a fish over 100 lbs, then you are in for a great day at a more affordable price.

Yellowfin Foot ball Tuna, left at 6 back by 10, Yelapa, Bella Del Mar, Capt. Pepe

Normally at this time of the year the water temperatures are still warm so we normally have Large Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna, but with the La Nina Conditions we experiencing in back to back years, this is not the case this year, again. I am not saying you won´t find large fish at  El Banco or Corbeteña, I am just giving you a friendly warning that if you have high expectations for these locations, you may just experience the same level of disappointment if you´re looking for Moby Dick amigos! We have seen some strong southern currents and with them comes colder water. Now there are other things that will come with the colder currents as well, bait for one thing. We are seeing very large Squids in the 40lb range at Corbeteña so as you can imagine there are still some Yellowfin Tuna at the rock. Now they may be forty pounds or they may be 120 lbs, it just depends on the draw. Marlin are still hanging around the rock, but they are getting smaller by the day if you are lucky enough to find one! Sailfish who like water a touch cooler are still swarming, but you don´t need to hit the rock to find Sails amigos. Cubera Snappers are large and worth the time and money if you are a mind to head out this way. Remember to keep in mind the local bait! If you are lucky enough to boat a Yellowfin Tuna, check the stomach and see what they`re feeding on, simple tricks from the old timers can save your day, so remember the basics when fishing! Squid, Krill shrimps and squids (whale food), Sardines and more have moved into the area. For those who just have to have a Marlin before they go home, the best place at the moment is the area between El Morro and Corbeteña. For some reason there are warm areas around this area and with the bait being as abundant as it is, there are plenty of reasons for these finned fantasies to hang around.

Update: 12/06/2011, well as I sent this article off to press things as you may expect changed for the better at El Banco and Corbeteña. Now the Marlin are still MIA (missing in action) for some unknown reason, but Yellowfin Turned up out of nowhere and are thick around the perimeter of the high spots. The water is clear and clean green, water temps are hovering in the 78 degree range (normal would be 82 degrees) and the Yellowfin Tuna are running anywhere from 60 to over 200 lbs right now! You may expect these Yellowfin (YF) Tuna to be chasing Krill and Sardines like in the bay, but in fact they are hitting bullet Bonitos, another of t heir favorites to feed on! If you are here in Vallarta and you have been looking for Yellowfin Tuna Action, then you better hit it while it´s hot or this will be another ¨You should have been here yesterday¨ story. While there give the Cubera Snappers a shot around the drop off (jigging) the high spots, you may find it surprising!

The Marietta Islands have exploded after a less than exciting summer. Rooster fish ranging from 20 to 70lb s are back being their aggressive selves. Dorado are here as well, yet we don´t seem to see much demand for Dorado unless it´s in the bay and close to Marina Vallarta. Snappers are turning up in the area as well in the 15 to 40 lb range. Don`t forget about the Jack Crevalls, Bonito, Skip Jacks, Sierra Mackerals and the list goes on. For the guy looking t o get some action and still keep some bucks in his back pocket, this is the best bang for your ¨Blue Water Fishing¨ excursions. Leave by 7a.m. and get back before the wife knows you`re MIA!  Update 12/6/2011: Roosterfish have surrounded the Marietta Islands and have taken the area hostage! You need 8 hrs, but the action starts when you drop a line amigos. Don´t go there if you are looking to shoot the breeze and drink beer, you will only have moments between between strikes! They are running from small to ¨My God¨ sized… or 25 to 70 lbs. You may want to bring something larger than a Baitmaster casting reel and pole on this trip…. For you ¨Fly Guys¨ nothing under a 10 wt please! Snappers are here as well, with Jack Crevalls, Pompano, Bonito, Sierra Mackerals, and more. It´s OK to dip into that Xmas cash if you  don´t abuse it  too badly… tell you r wife I said it  was OK!

Punta Mita is still smoking with Dorado in the mid size range of about 30 lbs up. Sailfish are still about   ten miles off the point and of course the Rooster Fish have surged in both numbers and size. Nothing complicated here, just cast a silver diamond jig, popper or Rapalla and anything is likely to happen. If you are targeting Dorado, go here! Update 12/06/2011: Ok, Rooster Fish have taken over here as well and you get the extra benefit of Dorado in the area as well. Sailfish are still ten miles or so off the points with plenty of bait in the water to keep their attention.

Rooster City at the Marietta Islands, 8 hrs Capt. Chema Mi Jenny

As we move into the holiday season like we are now we see the ¨fishing client¨ change from the guy who wants Moby Dick to the guy who just wants a short day where he or she can catch something they can eat that night for dinner. We all understand that for sure and if you are this person then we have the fishing trip for you. Yellowfin Tuna Footballs anywhere from 20 t o 60 lbs have set up camp for the last few weeks and with more and more Krill and Sardines moving into the bay there does not seem to be much of a reason for them to be moving out. Now we know this is not going to last forever, no matter how much bait is in the water so if you are a mind to, get your lucky butt out there and take advantage of something that is kinda unusual.

The Bite update 12/06/2011: Well the bite has changed and if you are out there thinking the bite is in the morning, then you got stung with bad timing. From the time I wrote this report to now, the bite moved from early to early afternoon around 1 to 2 O´clock. We have seen some days were the Footballs were just think, you could walk across them, yet they did not take any baits. It could be we don´t have anything to offer them that gets their attention, or you missed the bite. Remember, if you are going out for a short day, you have to know when the bite is happening or you may find yourself in the right place at the wrong time… sounds like my last marriage.

Bait: Bait, bait and more bait … there are bait balls the size of simi-trucks of three inch Sardinas as they call them here… Whale food, but smaller fish appreciate them as well. Bullet Bonito are around the deep water locations, drawing in the larger Yellowfins as I discussed earlier. Krill are still in the bay, probably the biggest reason the footballs are lingering by Yelapa.   So keep an eye on what   the local bait is and mimic it if you find the Google Eyes are not working. Always good to have bait in the water!

While you are in town don`t forget to visit Marina Vallarta with the ¨other Malicon¨ in Puerto Vallarta! It`s the second most popular tourist attraction in Puerto Vallarta with Restaurant  row and 150 shops of all kinds… I´ll keep an eye out for you!

Until next time, don´t forget to kiss your fish!

Master Baiter´s Sportfishing & Tackle is located in Marina Vallarta on the Boardwalk between the light house and Porto Bellos restaurant. Come by and say hello!  Remember, at Master Baiter´s Sportfishing and Tackle, We Won´t Jerk You Around! If you have any questions on any subject regarding fishing or Puerto Vallarta, feel free to ask at my email: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx

The trade name Master Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle is protected under trade mark law and is the sole property of Stan Gabruk.