PV Fishing High Season Arrives with Huge Dorado

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on October 2, 2014

PV Fishing High Season Arrives with Huge Dorado

Written by: Stan Gabruk owner of Master Baiter´s Sportfishing & Tackle

Well it´s finally here, High Season for fishing here in Puerto Vallarta which coincides with October 1 which is the official beginning of High Season for tourism in PV as well. The summer is all but over, the kids are back to school, Tourism is picking up as you would expect and the fishing is incredible. Yellowfin Tuna have pulled back a little, less available these days, but the Black Marlin are filling the void. Dorado have moved in at all the fishing grounds and not any too soon. Water Temperatures are perfect, the water is as blue as you could ask for, when it comes to fishing in Vallarta, if you´re lucky enough to be here, then you´re in the right place at the right time amigo. Fishing in Puerto Vallarta is as good as it will get and if you´re a serious fisherman and this doesn´t excite you, then you´re dead!

Those looking for Yellowfin Tuna right now missed the boat from last week when they were circling the Rock and the High Spots. For now it looks like they´re ¨somewhere else¨ but they´ll be back. With bait thinning out in the area with Bonitos and Skippies at the deep water locations the larger fish will be in these areas. That is how the fishing cookie crumbles, but we´ll be ¨baking¨ more shortly… stay tuned.

Get the whole Report at my web site (past reports for years also) or just click here: http://masterbaiters.com.mx/2014/09/pv-fishing-high-season-arrives-with-huge-dorado/

Or send me an email and get on my weekly Newsletter list and get this fresh off the keyboard! Tell your fishing friends . . . . Take care

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

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on December 13, 2011

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

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on December 10, 2011

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

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on December 6, 2011

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!

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

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

Large Rooster Fish Invade Punta Mita and the Marietta Islands

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on November 29, 2011

Large Rooster Fish Invade Punta Mita and the Marietta Islands

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

Well we are now seeing some great weather in Puerto Vallarta as the tourist / Snow birds begin their annual trek back to our little corner of Paradise. Whales are moving in and getting thicker by the day. Water temperatures are still on the downward slide, but not cold. Rooster fish (30-65 lbs) invade the Marietta Islands and off the Reef at Punta Mita. At Corbeteña as we move into winter fishing conditions does not mean the fishing is tapering off, for those still interested in Big Fish, we still have them, but don`t delay if you´re looking for Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna.

Corbeteña is still doing well with Sailfish, large Dorado in the 45lb range. Black Marlin are thinning out a little and a little smaller in the 400lb range. Cubera Snappers to 60lbs, Yellowfin Tuna in the smaller ranges from 45 to 160lbs if you can get them to turn their head with all the Krill Shrimp in the area. This is the favorite food for Yellowfin Tuna and when they are in the area, if you are not running squid or Shrimp, then target something else. One thing to remember is the bite is happening in the morning hours around 7 a.m. if targeting YF Tuna.

The bay is smoking and a six hour trip is a great value and there is plenty of action for your fishing buck amigos! Off Yelapa, Los Arcos and north near Nuevo Vallarta there have been Yellowfin Football Tuna for weeks and right now for those catching the bite right they are in the 35 to 60lb range. Probably the best fishing deal in PV for sure. Sierra Mackerals, Jack Crevalls, California Bonito that are great eating, Snappers and the list goes on.

Butch and Bob Drake, 8 hrs, Mi Jenny, Capt. Chema Holding Fish

As we move deeper into winter we are seeing an invasion of Rooster fish at the Marietta Islands and at the Reef off Punta Mita this week. For those interested in taking a shot at some Dorado, then you are still in luck, but again, don`t doddle amigos, you may find yourself wondering where they went. Sailfish are also around these two locations as well, so take 8 hrs and go have some fun! Money is tight, no worries, I have options! Bonito, Sierra Mackerals, Sailfish and more are here at the Marietta Islands and around El Morro as well. After months of slow action at the Marietta Islands it´s great to see some action here!

All and all the fishing is still great, but we are moving into a transition period from summer to winter fishing conditions as we speak. Moby Dick and his brothers will be moving out shortly, but his cousin will be in the area all winter in the form of Sailfish some Striped Marlin, but not many up north near San Pancho.

Now that I have the report details finished I want to talk about why it is important to remember seasonal weather patterns and water temperatures. When we come into the winter, one of the first signs we are seeing winter currents and weather conditions are the arrivals of species like Jack Crevalls, Sierra Mackerals and of course the Whales. Another thing that happens is the arrival of Krill Shrimp and Squids, Tuna and of course Whale food. When we see these colder water conditions coming into the area you have to be aware of what is happening and then improvise and adjust to take advantage of these changing conditions. If you are a boat that is not equipped to take advantage of these conditions, then you just paid too much for the boat you´re on. I am sure you expected a well equipped boat for the money you paid. Now being well equipped means having squid rigs or squid lures on hand. It means running light line on these lures or you´ll scare away a line shy Yellowfin Tuna. Small or large, they are Yellowfin!

Jake Robbins, 1st Mate Fleco, Capt. Pepê , Bella Del Mar, 8 hrs

Now when you are talking about YF Tuna like we are, Fluorocarbon leaders are a basic necessity if you are targeting Yellowfin Tuna of any size as I just mentioned. Many people know to ask for it, but asking for it seems simple enough and the answer will automatically be yes. But in Mexico you have to ask the second question that seems like it is unneeded like ¨How heavy a line are you using?¨ Now this is the correct fluorocarbon question, because the answer is most likely 400 lb leader. Now this is like running a telephone cable expecting it to be invisible in the water and do the job when it is impossible. So the follow-on questions are important and nothing should be taken for granted when negotiating a price. Or use your regular guy if you are satisfied he is looking out for you and now only the money he is going to get!

The reason I am mentioning this is because I forgot, yes I forgot to tell you all this is important and noticed some clients heading out on a boat I was surprised they paid to get on. They were heading out to Yelapa with reels that were WAY too big for the job and I notice heavy fluorocarbon leader. It was leaving the dock and it was too late to help them. I never burn people at the docks as they are going out. But when you are the only boat in the area not catching fish, then there is a reason and in this case it can´t be the fault of the captain, or is it? It is their responsibility to fix you up with the correct equipment, the correct bait and all the other stuff you pay for which is expensive any way you look at it. So if you are focused only on your bottom line, this that is where you will feel it, in the bottom as you kick yourself later!

Another very import ant question is when the bite is happening. Now every single captain and first mate that is heading out fishing will be able to tell you this with no hesitation at all, they know! Agents who are out for commissions only and don´t give a flip will tell you anything that will sell you a boat. This is why I mention the bite times in my articles along with other important information. Why, because if you are on a small boat for four hours, you at least want to make sure you are on the water for the correct four hours, don´t you?? Of course you do. If you put out clients for four hours and they come back to the dock before the bite happens, they will think there are no fish. No fish, what, this is Puerto Vallarta, there are always, always fish in PV. So ask these questions and be a little more informed than the other guy and that happens by keeping your ear to the wind and eyes on the dock. If you can´t do that, then read my articles and I WILL give it to you straight amigos. My promise to you is to tell you when the fishing could be better. I will tell you when a short trip is a better deal than heading out fifty miles, like now! I hate the idea some ¨joker¨ who is such a ¨nice guy¨ sells you a bucket list dream just to be scammed. It reflects badly on a business made mostly of honest people who want to help you have a once in a lifetime experience. So listen, learn and be informed for your own sake and keep the wife off your back, which in some ways is the real pay off!

Thanks for reading. If you want to sign up for my weekly and biweekly post on my web site sign up for a subscription at: www.masterbaiters.wordpress.com and you will receive a notice of when I post articles, pictures or other stuff you will want to know about….. on my blog that is. Origional and uncopied content will always be on my web page reports like this. On the docks sort of informat ion and inside fishing tricks are ear-marked for the blog. So now you know the difference now.

One more thing, they tell me this is not a good thing for me to do, but screw who ever had this attitude… If you are looking for a great source of local information in English, I have a couple of sites I would like to recommend to you. First, The PV Mirror (www.pvmirror.com) , a local paper in the summer and an internet publication in the summer. They have local news and information along with interesting articles when it comes to what to do, see or go in Puerto Vallarta. The other site is The Banderas News site (www.banderasnews.com) where local events, news, services and just about any thing else you could imagine is available on their site. B ot h publications have a heart and support the locals in charities and benefits of all kinds around the area. If it is happening in town, you´ll find it in a refreshing format and in English, which helps with the language barrier amigos… !!

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

As the oldest fishing company in Puerto Vallarta and the only company with any World Recognized Fishing Championships like the WBS Billfishing Series Grand Champions (2000 and 2001) under our belt. Nobody, but nobody in Puerto Vallarta can come close to us in quality or price when it comes to world class fishing boats. 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!

For questions or suggestions you can reach me at: 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.

Hot and Cold Conditions, Corbeteña Still Cooking, Sailfish Invade PV

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on November 16, 2011

Nathan Howard, Jim Hughes, Ric Robinson, Bruce Anderson for 8hrs on Bella Del Mar

Hot and Cold Conditions, Corbeteña Still Cooking, Sailfish Invade PV

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

Well I don´t know where to start so I am just going to jump in. Even with the La Nina Conditions this week the fishing has remained exceptional. We still have Black Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Sailfish, Rooster fish and the list goes on. The water is as blue as you could hope for. And the 56th Pez Vela Tournament is in full swing here in Puerto Vallarta. Visitors in Tourism’s high season still have a chance to boat a bucket list fish. Puerto Vallarta is kicking into High Season and you can feel the energy in the air. It´s time to party amigos!

This week we had our Annual 56th Annual Pez Vela Tournament and the conditions were and are exceptional. Those looking to win the tournament have all headed out, for the most part, to Corbeteña. The Rock is still producing very large Yellowfin Tuna, but you better be there early, early in the morning. I mean at sun up looking to catch a brief but important morning bite if you are looking to place in the Yellowfin division. With the closing gun going off at 6:00 PM the late bite around 5 is not helping those who miss the morning bite. Those at Corbeteña from 4 O´clock in the afternoon and later are finding an easy bite with 250 lb Yellowfin. The secret for now is the bait you are using. Lots of bait, but the Yellowfin Tuna are partial to what we call ¨bullets¨ aka baby Bonito or Skip Jack Tuna. They are hitting the bullets, but if you are running larger baits, nothing. Hell the Tuna are striking the bullets as you are making bait!

Marlin are mostly Black Marlin and on the small side from 200 to 500lbs or so. Anything over 500lbs is considered large for what we have been seeing. Sailfish are tournament winning size at the moment of 85 to 105 lbs or so. Dorado are still large, but thinning ranging from 35 to 55 lbs averaging around 40lbs. All the fish or species are biting for the majority of the day, it´s only the Yellowfin Tuna during this full moon that is making the participants pull their hair out… One secret is the Marlin are hitting lures with purple, or petroleros of brown and orange.

El Banco is alive with Black Marlin, but you have to be on the ¨rim¨ a few miles off the high spots. Sailfish and Yellowfin Tuna are there as well. If you are a in the mood to head out this way, remember the same rules apply for the daily bite.

The points and the islands of El Morro and the Marietta’s have taken off when it comes to action. Sailfish are thick and large in the 35 to 45 kilo range. Dorado are still around the points and the reefs from 25lbs and up. Rooster fish are mid range around 35lbs and of course you have the regulars of Bonito, Snappers, Jack Crevalls, Sierra Mackerals, and whatever else decides to show up. My suggestion is take a super panga to any of these spots for an 8 hour day and just enjoy the day.

The bay is slowly changing to winter fishing as water temperatures continue its downward slide. Yellowfin Tuna are still around Yelapa and are smaller by the day Dorado. Snook at the river mouths, Snappers around structure and rocks, Jack Crevalls everywhere, Bonito, and the list goes on of course. Short days are still fun and the young ones will enjoy smaller but constant fish around the bay. It´s all good when it comes to fishing in Puerto Vallarta right now. Something to be aware of there has been some red tide in the area just south of Yelapa and of course fish hate this. If you see red water, move on…

The weather is perfect, the water is blue, tourists are coming back and the peso exchange rate is as good as I can remember. The only thing missing is you amigo.
Thanks for reading. If you want to sign up for my weekly and biweekly post on my web site sign up for a subscription at: http://www.masterbaiters.wordpress.com and you will receive a notice of when I post articles, pictures or other stuff you will want to know about…..

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

As the oldest fishing company in Puerto Vallarta and the only company with any World Recognized Fishing Championships like the WBS Billfishing Series Grand Champions (2000 and 2001) under our belt. 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!

For questions or suggestions you can reach me at: 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.

Yellowfin Tuna at Corbeteña, El Banco Craps Out, Perfect October Fishing in PV!

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on October 25, 2011

Yellowfin Tuna at Corbeteña, El Banco Craps Out, Perfect October Fishing in PV!

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

I was hoping the few days after Hurricane Jove would push some much desired game fish to El Banco and it looked like this was going to be a jump start for this normally producing location. But his year El Banco has been anything but productive by any yard stick. T here were a few days after hurricane Jove passed by that were good, but that was short lived. Now the action is back at Corbeteña and what is happening now is the stuff finned fantasies are made of! Yellowfin Tuna, Blue Marlin, Big Dorado, Sailfish, Cubera Snappers, I mean the Rock is Rockin for sure. People always ask me when the best time to be in Puerto Vallarta is? My answer is always the same, NOW! That´s right amigos, you are looking at the best time of the year to catch a Bucket List, Monster Finned Fantasy in our world famous fishing grounds of Puerto Vallarta. Welcome to Tournament Season amigos, the game is on!

Yellowfin Tuna @ Crobetena on Izak wCapt. Richard

Let´s just start with El Banco or The Bank as it is also commonly called. Now remember everything can change before I finish this article, but for my money, there is no reason to head out to El Banco, none. The fish you will find there are Sailfish, Maybe some Marlin, come Cubera Snappers (aka Dog Tooth Pargo) and football sized Yellowfin Tuna. Essentially the Footballs are bait for Corbeteña. For the next ten minutes (or so) heading to Corbeteña is your smartest move. There, I said it and I am sticking with it. Corbeteña Yes, El Banco, No. Enough Said. Update 10/19/ 2011 all of a sudden El Banco explodes with Yellowfin Tuna and larger Black Marlin. Like I said earlier in the article, before I could post it, things changed! Plenty of live bait and by that I mean full sized Chorra (any kind of bait including t he following), Skip Jack Tuna, Bonito and Sardines like nuts now!

Sailfish off Punta Mita Point

Now Corbeteña has turned into the fishing ¨promise land¨ as late. Marlin is kinda sparse here right now, with most of the Marlin in the area between the rock and El Morro. Lots of Blue Marlin in the 500 lb range hanging out there looking for a live Skippie (aka SkipJack Tuna) or bullet Tuna / Bonito. Dorado are huge with some in the 50lb range, Cubera Snappers are in the 60lb range, Sailfish are large and in tournament winning size ranges. Yellowfin tuna in the 160 lb range (several over 200lbs). I mean what more could you want for perfect fishing conditions? Plenty of bait, blue water, perfect water temperatures in the 84 degrees range. It is all coming together here and now. If you are heading out of the bay keep your ears open about El Banco, but plan on Corbeteña.

Both the points off Cabo Corrientes and Punta Mita are doing well with plenty of Dorado and nice sized Sailfish as you may expect for this time of the year. In fact normally we have a heavy season for Sailfish once the middle of October arrives. It´s just their pattern and many times these days with all the bait in the bay, they will come in and take advantage of the abundant bait fish. Between Cabo Corrientes and El Morro is fertile territory for these beauties. Which site is better, it depends on the day, so keep your ears on amigos.

The bay is insane with great fishing. Now four hour trips are producing well. But on a super panga for two more hours it will only cost you 50 bucks… and for six yours you can expect to limit out on everything. Yes I know nobody enforces the regulations yet, but you know what I mean. Remember to throw w the female Dorado back for obvious reasons. One dead female is like killing a small school of fish, remember that when you start keeping the females amigos.

I have been keeping a keen eye on the water temperatures as late and they are hanging in the area we would prefer in the 84 to 86 degree range. With NOAA declaring this another La Nina Year, very rare, we are expecting the same weather patterns as last year as well. But with a little luck it will be a mild la Nina year and we will see winter set in around normal. What does this mean to you if you are coming down in December and early January, well it means there should still be very large gamefish at the deep water fishing grounds. For the seasonal traveler or Holiday traveler this means you will have cool weather in PV and you will have hot fishing. I see this as a good thing since everyone wants to catch Moby Dick if they can. But remember Marlin at rare times will come into the bay, but almost never. You need longer distances to get larger fish in PV. Keep this in mind so you don´t get into some situation where you pay for something you would never have a chance to catch.

For those of you looking for local news, I suggest two different online places, One is: BanderasNews (dot) com and the other is PVMirror (dot)com … Both are outstanding publications that you can access online to receive the latest and greatest in Puerto Vallarta´s daily activities and news on Mexico.

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

For questions or suggestions you can reach me at: 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.

Hurricane jova Fizzles, El Banco Comes to Life, Tournament Season Begins!

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on October 17, 2011

Hurricane jova Fizzles, El Banco Comes to Life, Tournament Season Begins !

Written by Stan Gabruk, owner Master Baiter´s Sportfishing and Tackle

We were under a Hurricane watch for what seemed like an eternity but Hurricane Jova passed us without any issues. Not so for Barra Navidad and Manzanillo who are south of Puerto Vallarta by about 150 miles. Now you may ask how this affected fishing in Puerto Vallarta and my answer would have to be favorably! In front of Hurricane Jova we saw every species we look for coming in closer in front of the storm in larger numbers. The report may be a little short this week, but I am sure you understand.

Dorado, Nathan Howard, Punta Mita

We had been watching two hurricanes, Jova and Irwin. Irwin is still spinning around, but is little more than a threat of rain and wind about Mid Mexico now on the west coast. Jova on the other hand had us wondering. Most of the time when Puerto Vallarta is threatened it is a series of tropical storms pushing one in the direction of the Mexican coast. Such was the case with Jova this past week and dominated my blog reports. Jova is gone now, short lived once it hit land. As you would expect we got a fair amount of rain which washed down the mountains of all sorts of organic materials like seeds, leaves, roots, bugs, you name it. Just what ¨they¨ like in the bay and these are the materials that form the trash line we speak so much about at this time of the year. So things have taken off to say the least in the bay these last few days with nice Football sized Tuna and tons of Dorado. Nothing fancy, just find your way on the bay and catch fish. Not much more complicated than that. The Football Yellowfin Tuna are running in the 40lb range, great for eating and the Dorado are in the 25lb range as well, large for the bay. There are also Roballo or Snook just stuffing themselves at the river mouth in dirty water, they don´t care. So if you are looking for a short trip, lots of ¨Table¨ fish then you don´t need to go any farther than the bay.

Looking for something a little larger in size, then Corbeteña is the place to start looking. With Marlin hovering between the Marietta islands and the Rock, anywhere past the Marietta or El Morro Island is fertile ground for a smaller Blue Marlin. If you find yourself looking for Yellowfin Tuna at the Rock, it turned a little funny out there after the storm. The Yellowfin moved out for a little while, but I am sure this is short lived and will return shortly like they always do. But there are larger Dorado in the 40lb range, Sailfish, Dog Tooth Pargo, aka Cubera Snappers, Marlin and with a little luck Yellowfin Tuna in the next day or so.

Dorado and Sailfish at Corbeteña

El Banco has for some reason sprung to life with Yellowfin Tuna, something that has been missing at this normal Yellowfin Tuna Heaven for sure. Sailfish in the Area as well and there is the chance of a Black Marlin for sure. While the Yellowfin Tuna are not Monsters for sure, still at 100 lbs upwards to 200 lbs can be worth your fuel dollar, finally! With plenty of bait in the water it may just pick up enough for the Pez Vela Tournament to be worthwhile this year.

The points of Punta Mita and Cabo Corrientes are still smoking with action, Dorado and Sailfish mostly. By the reefs at Punta Mita there is always the chance of Rooster Fish on a shinny lure or live Google Eye. Worth your time and money which ever location you choose to hit.

With the port only open a couple of days the sizes of fish are hard to call or predict. We are still waiting to see people heading out to the fishing grounds. As far as sizes go, not enough reports to actually give sizes. But the fishing is happening and in a few days I will have a better feel for what is happening out there. But before the storm as everyone was nervous the fishing exploded as you can expect in the path of a Hurricane or even tropical storm. The trick here is to get your fishing days in as the pressure pushes the game fish in the direction of where you are at. This does not always work, it just depends, but with us here in Puerto Vallarta we found two storms pushing in our direction and that is when if you find yourself in the right place, you can enjoy the benefits as you cross your fingers hoping the Hurricane heads elsewhere.

Mexican Footalls, YF Tuna that is, Good Eating!

Keep an eye on my blog with a more detailed report for this week since the port has only been open for a few days (www.masterbaiters.wordpress.com)

The good news is the water temperatures are holding true even at 84 to 86 degrees with the oncoming of another La Nina year with colder than normal water temperatures circulating enevitable. Plenty of bait and blue water. But we are coming to an end of the rainy season and soon the trash line will be a thing of the past until next year. No worries amigos, fishing will hopefully remain great into January!

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

For questions or suggestions you can reach me at: 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.

Hurricane Jova (10 11 2011) Weakens a Little, Still a Cat. 2 Hurricane, PV will get Tropical Storm Force Winds and Rain

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on October 11, 2011

Below is the link you want to keep in touch with. It is up to the minuet, you can reduce or enlarge the picture and it gives much more visual information as to what is happening with Hurricane Jova. Copy and paste into your browser, you`ll be glad you did, book more the location for future reference.

http://www.wunderground.com/wundermap/?lat=18.3&lon=-105.4&zoom=6&type=hyb&rad=0&wxsn=0&svr=0&cams=0&sat=0&riv=0&mm=0&hur=1&hur.wr=0&hur.cod=1&hur.fx=1&hur.obs=1&fire=0&ft=0&sl

It looks like Jova will enter the mainland around Manzanillo and may go towards the south or straight in to the center of Mexico . Most models are showing the Hurricane or Tropical storm as it reaches the Puerto Vallarta area hitting us in PV around 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon with diminished winds of Tropical Storm Force, much weaker than full Hurricane force. Once Jova makes land it is expected to rapidly weaken to a cat. 1 as it continues to weaken as it marches along.

Presently: The storm has dropped in strength (weakened) to a Catagory 2 from a Catagory 3 yesterday. This is a little strange since the warmer water close to shore should reinforce this storm. But it has been working now for almost a week and with a little luck may hit the coast with Tropical Storm force. We would be lucky if this happens amigos. PV would then be ou t of the woods. Yes we will get our hair blown around but the fact is the Hurricane is running out of gas as we speak. It can change in a heart beat for the worse so keep your ears open.

By now you should be prepared with the essentials like water, batteries, no refrigerated foods, Candles, charged computers and cell phones is a good idea. You should expect power outages for what could be possibly days because the whole area will be pounded for a couple of days and I can not imagine we will get through this with electricity.

This is part of the public warning issued by the authorities:

Storm surge...a dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding near and to the east of 
where the center makes landfall. Near the coast...the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.
Rainfall...Jova is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 6 to 12 inches over the states of michoacan...
 Colima...Jalisco... and nayarit...with possible isolated maximum amounts of 20 inches. These rains could cause 
life-threatening flash floods and mud slides over mountainous terrain.
Surf...swells generated by Jova are affecting portions of the coast
of southwestern Mexico.  These swells are likely to cause
life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

All the area warnings are posted below the pictures of the hurricane track if you want to read them.

Here is the latest and greatest tracking models and forecast:Click on the photo to enlarge for easier reading as you move along…..

Hurricane Jova 10 11 2011

Your 5 day model / forecast:

Hurricane Jova 10 11 2011 5 day forecast

And your computer models, if this does not confuse you nothing will, A computers best guess for sure!

Hurricane Jova 10 11 2011 computer Models

There you go, make good use of these projections. They are the best we have available for now.

Below is Jovas projected or Probable wind speeds by area. You will notice PV is looking like it will get wet and windy, but we may just dodge another weather bullet… check it out below:

2100 UTC Tue Oct 11 2011
at 2100z the center of Hurricane Jova was located near latitude 18.3
north...longitude 105.4 west with maximum sustained winds near 85
kts...100 mph...160 km/h.
Z indicates coordinated Universal time (greenwich)
   Pacific  daylight time (pdt)...subtract  7 hours from z time
   Hawaiian Standard time (hst)...subtract 10 hours from z time
I.  Maximum wind speed (intensity) probability table
chances that the maximum sustained (1-minute average) wind speed of
the tropical cyclone will be within any of the following categories
at each official forecast time during the next 5 days.
Probabilities are given in percent.  X indicates probabilities less
than 1 percent.
- - - Maximum wind speed (intensity) probabilities - - -
valid time   06z Wed 18z Wed 06z Thu 18z Thu 18z Fri 18z Sat 18z sun
forecast hour   12      24      36      48      72      96     120
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
dissipated       x       1      30      47      na      na      na
trop depression  x      17      38      25      na      na      na
tropical storm  13      61      18      14      na      na      na
hurricane       87      21      14      14      na      na      na
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hur Cat 1       60      15      10       8      na      na      na
Hur Cat 2       24       4       3       3      na      na      na
Hur Cat 3        3       2       1       2      na      na      na
Hur Cat 4        x       x       x       x      na      na      na
Hur Cat 5        x       x       x       x      na      na      na
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
fcst Max wind   85kt    50kt    30kt    25kt    na      na      na
ii. Wind speed probability table for specific locations
chances of sustained (1-minute average) wind speeds of at least
   ...34 kt (39 mph... 63 kph)...
   ...50 kt (58 mph... 93 kph)...
   ...64 kt (74 mph...119 kph)...
for locations and time periods during the next 5 days
probabilities for locations are given as ip(cp) where ip is the probability of the event beginning during an 
individual time period (individual probability) (cp) is the probability of the event occurring between 18z Tue 
and the forecast hour (cumulative probability)
probabilities are given in percent
x indicates probabilities less than 1 percent
probabilities for 34 kt and 50 kt are shown at a given location when
the 5-day cumulative probability is at least 3 percent.
Probabilities for 64 kt are shown when the 5-day cumulative
probability is at least 1 percent.
- - - - Wind speed probabilities for selected  locations - - - -
from    from    from    from    from    from    from
  time       18z Tue 06z Wed 18z Wed 06z Thu 18z Thu 18z Fri 18z Sat
periods         to      to      to      to      to      to      to
             06z Wed 18z Wed 06z Thu 18z Thu 18z Fri 18z Sat 18z sun
forecast hour    (12)   (24)    (36)    (48)    (72)    (96)   (120)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
location       kt
Mazatlan       34  2   3( 5)   4( 9)   6(15)   x(15)   x(15)   x(15)
Mazatlan       50  x   x( x)   1( 1)   2( 3)   x( 3)   x( 3)   x( 3)
San Blas       34  5  18(23)  11(34)   3(37)   x(37)   x(37)   x(37)
San Blas       50  1   2( 3)   7(10)   3(13)   x(13)   x(13)   x(13)
San Blas       64  x   x( x)   1( 1)   1( 2)   x( 2)   x( 2)   x( 2)

 p vallarta 34 43 29(72) 3(75) x(75) x(75) x(75) x(75)
 p vallarta 50 2 15(17) 4(21) 2(23) x(23) x(23) x(23)
 p vallarta 64 x x( x) 1( 1) 1( 2) x( 2) x( 2) x( 2)

 barra Navidad  34 98   2(99)   x(99)   x(99)   x(99)   x(99)   x(99)
barra Navidad  50 75   8(83)   x(83)   x(83)   x(83)   x(83)   x(83)
barra Navidad  64  3   1( 4)   x( 4)   x( 4)   x( 4)   x( 4)   x( 4)
Manzanillo     34 94   3(97)   x(97)   x(97)   x(97)   x(97)   x(97)
Manzanillo     50 32   8(40)   x(40)   x(40)   x(40)   x(40)   x(40)
Manzanillo     64  1   1( 2)   x( 2)   x( 2)   x( 2)   x( 2)   x( 2)
l Cardenas     34  3   2( 5)   x( 5)   1( 6)   x( 6)   x( 6)   x( 6)
Zihuatanejo    34  2   1( 3)   x( 3)   x( 3)   x( 3)   x( 3)   x( 3)
Islas Marias   34  4  10(14)   9(23)   3(26)   x(26)   x(26)   x(26)
Islas Marias   50  x   2( 2)   5( 7)   4(11)   x(11)   x(11)   x(11)
Islas Marias   64  x   x( x)   1( 1)   1( 2)   x( 2)   x( 2)   x( 2)

$$
forecaster Beven  

Here is your Marine Forcast:
2100 UTC Tue Oct 11 2011

changes in watches and warnings with this advisory...

none

summary of watches and warnings in effect...

a Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Punta San Telmo northward to Cabo Corrientes Mexico

a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for... * Lazaro Cardenas northward to south of Punta San Telmo Mexico * north of
 Cabo Corrientes to El Roblito Mexico

hurricane center located near 18.3n 105.4w at 11/2100z
position accurate within  20 nm

present movement toward the north-northeast or  30 degrees at   5 kt

estimated minimum central pressure  973 mb
eye diameter  15 nm
Max sustained winds  85 kt with gusts to 105 kt.
64 kt....... 15ne  15se  15sw  15nw.
50 kt....... 40ne  40se  40sw  40nw.
34 kt....... 90ne  90se  80sw  80nw.
12 ft seas..150ne 300se 300sw 150nw.
Winds and seas vary greatly in each quadrant.  Radii in nautical
miles are the largest radii expected anywhere in that quadrant.

Repeat...center located near 18.3n 105.4w at 11/2100z
at 11/1800z center was located near 17.9n 105.5w

forecast valid 12/0600z 19.3n 105.0w
Max wind  85 kt...gusts 105 kt.
64 kt... 15ne  15se  15sw  15nw.
50 kt... 35ne  40se  40sw  40nw.
34 kt... 75ne  90se  80sw  80nw.

Forecast valid 12/1800z 20.4n 104.8w...inland
Max wind  50 kt...gusts  60 kt.
50 kt... 15ne  15se  15sw  15nw.
34 kt... 50ne  90se  80sw  60nw.

Forecast valid 13/0600z 21.4n 104.8w...inland
Max wind  30 kt...gusts  40 kt.

Forecast valid 13/1800z 22.2n 104.8w...inland Post-trop/remnt low
Max wind  25 kt...gusts  35 kt.

Forecast valid 14/1800z...dissipated

request for 3 hourly ship reports within 300 miles of 18.3n 105.4w

next advisory at 12/0300z

$$
forecaster Beven

And the Public Warning: 

...Center of category two Hurricane Jova moving toward the coast of
Mexico...
summary of 200 PM PDT...2100 UTC...information
----------------------------------------------
location...18.3n 105.4w
about 85 mi...140 km SW of Manzanillo Mexico
about 145 mi...235 km S of Cabo Corrientes Mexico
maximum sustained winds...100 mph...160 km/h
present movement...NNE or 30 degrees at 6 mph...9 km/h
minimum central pressure...973 mb...28.73 inches
watches and warnings
--------------------
changes with this advisory...
none
summary of watches and warnings in effect...
a Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Punta San Telmo northward to Cabo Corrientes Mexico
a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for... * Lazaro Cardenas northward to south of
Punta San Telmo Mexico * north of Cabo Corrientes to El Roblito Mexico
for storm information specific to your area...please monitor
products issued by your National meteorological service.
Discussion and 48-hour outlook
------------------------------
at 200 PM PDT...2100 UTC...the center of Hurricane Jova was located near latitude 18.3 north...longitude 105.4 west.
 Jova is moving toward the north-northeast near 6 mph...9 km/h...and this motion is expected to continue with an 
increase in forward speed this evening. A turn toward the north is expected later tonight or on Wednesday. On the
 forecast track...the center of the hurricane will cross the coast of Mexico tonight...and move over western Mexico
 Wednesday and Wednesday night.
 Maximum sustained winds are near 100 mph...160 km/h...with higher
gusts.  Jova is a category two hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson
scale.  Some fluctuations in strength are possible before
landfall...with weakening expected after the center crosses the
coast.
Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 15 miles...30 km...from
the center...and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105
miles...165 km.
Estimated minimum central pressure is 973 mb...28.73 inches.
Hazards affecting land
----------------------
wind...tropical storm conditions are spreading onto the coast of
Mexico in the southern portion of the warning area and will spread
northward through the remainder of the warning area tonight.
Hurricane conditions are forecast to reach the coast within the
Hurricane Warning area during the evening.
Storm surge...a dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding near and to the east of
 where the center makes landfall. Near the coast...the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.
Rainfall...Jova is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 6 to 12 inches over the states of michoacan...
Colima...Jalisco... and nayarit...with possible isolated maximum amounts of 20 inches. These rains could cause
life-threatening flash floods and mud slides over mountainous terrain.

 Surf...swells generated by Jova are affecting portions of the coast
of southwestern Mexico.  These swells are likely to cause
life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Next advisory
-------------
next intermediate advisory...500 PM PDT.
Next complete advisory...800 PM PDT.

$$
Forecaster Beven

El Banco D.O.A., Corbeteña Still Rockin, Water Temps Up, Tons of Bait!

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on October 2, 2011

El Banco D.O.A., Corbeteña Still Rockin, Water Temps Up, Tons of Bait!

Written by Stan Gabruk, owner Master Baiter´s Sportfishing and Tackle

One nice thing about Puerto Vallarta´s fishing grounds, the fishing is always, but always great! This week the song remains the same with action in every location you could hope to find it. Corbeteña is still the best bet for your fuel dollars as El Banco sees some improvement, but not enough to justify the extra time and money for the moment amigos. Dorado are still t hick in the usual places as water temperatures climb a little.

Lisa Frick Sail , 80 inches, Magnifico

For those of you out there thinking it is about time El Banco kicked in, I couldn´t agree more amigos. But that is not the case. We have seen some Tuna action yes, if you want to head out two plus hours straight for 20 to 80 lbs with very little else to choose from. Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado, they are all absent from this traditional hot spot. This can not last forever and sooner or later El Banco will explode. When it happens I will be sure to let you know.. Stay tuned.

What can you say about Corbeteña, it has the most reliable and flexible fishing ground PV has. Yellowfin Tuna this week were on the slow side and this was a surprise with the area being so hot with Monsters out there. Now, the water temperatures have risen a little to 88 degrees and this may have sent them down searching for cooler water. Another thing that is still the same is the clear green water that is there now that strong currents have moved into the area. This is normal, but we prefer the deep blue water since visibility in blue water is better for fish in the water than green water. Sailfish is still larger than average in the 90 inch range. Dorado are not very impressive this week with smaller Dorado than at Punta Mita. If you want to target Black Marlin, Sailfish or try using a down rigger for Yellowfin Tuna. Remember to use your sounder looking for the temperature breaks or find the fish themselves to set your depth for the down rigger.

Dorado in the bay on the trash line

Inside the bay, same story, find the trash line, find fish or all sorts. The rains seem to be subsiding so finding clear or clean water in the bay is getting easier by the day. Yelapa and vicinity is s till strong with Skip Jack tuna, small Dorado, Snappers, Snook or robalo around the river mouths, Needle fish and the list goes on. Remember not to ignore the entire bay. Days when Yelapa may be slow, Nuevo Vallarta Beaches can be hot. The bay can be a challenge sometimes, right now I suggest nothing shorter than a six hour trip. Eight hours will guarantee you Dorado of good size.

Between the bay and El Morro off the point of Cabo Corrientes has been doing well with Sailfish in the 85lb range and Dorado in the 25 t o 40 lb range, not too bad for Dorado. Sometimes it´s just the luck of the draw and what you run into. For now, you will run into something near the mouth of the bay, so don’t be shy with those fuel dollars.

Punta Mita is still working with fair sized, maybe a little smaller than last week, Dorado in the 30 to 45 lb range. Sailfish are still ten miles or so out from the point. Don´t forget to pay some attention to Sayulita and give the Rooster fish a shot.

Ron Hewitt, Jason & Melisssa Reiner, Magnifico,CCorrientes

This week we have seen some changes in the conditions at the deep water sites. Like I mentioned earlier we have seen a two degree spike in water temperatures that have sent the Yellowfin Tuna at Corbeteña out or down. With the strong currents, possibly a result of Hurricane Hilary passing by, it took with it the blue water we had at Corbeteña as well as raising the temps. When it comes to bait there is plenty of Skip Jack Tuna and Goggle Eyes out there. So live bait is king for the moment. It looks like things could change with suspect conditions like we have now. What change s are coming, well your crystal ball is better than mine. But when you are in high season for fishing, it won´t exactly go bad, so keep your ears open for what is happening and I`ll be sure to keep you up to date!

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

For questions or suggestions you can reach me at: 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.

Special Article: Yellowfin Tuna, What Do You Really Know of These Spectacular Fish?

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on September 30, 2011

Yellowfin Tuna, What Do You Really Know of These Spectacular Fish?

Written by Stan Gabruk

Owning Master Baiter´s Sportfishing and Tackle in Puerto Vallarta it seems come summer time everyone walking in my door wants to hook into a Yellowfin Tuna, I don´t blame them. Most people will tell me how they have always wanted the chance to challenge a Monster Yellowfin Tuna on their ¨Bucket List¨. But other than that, what do you personally know about Yellowfin Tuna? For most of you out there you`re going to say ¨not much ¨. Well amigos, we´re going to change that, at least a little, right now!

Yellowfin Migration Ranges between latitudes of approximately 40°N to 35°S

Yellowfin tuna are pretty much everywhere in the world except the Mediterranean Seas and will migrate between latitudes of approximately 40°N to 35°S, is a highly migratory species but in the Pacific Ocean there is very little evidence of east / west or north / south long range migrations. This means there is little opportunity to intermix species forming sub species. To me this means they follow the bait and water temperatures wit h no specific migration patterns.

Yellowfin Tuna have gone by many English language ¨common¨ names which include: Yellowfin Tuna, Yellow fin tuna, Allison tuna, Long Fin Tunny, Longfin, Pacific Long-Tailed Tuna, and Tuna. Other common names include, Ahi (Hawaiian), Albacora (Portuguese), Rabil (Spanish), and the list goes on…

Habitat

Yellowfin Tuna prefer it between 65 to 88°F (18-31°C). I know we have seen YF Tuna sound to 150 feet or deeper to adjust body temperatures to surrounding water temperate as the surface water temps were over 90°F which of course is uncomfortable for them. Yellowfin will stay in an area if there is plenty of bait and clean water. But when Areas like Puerto Vallarta has warm water temperatures YF Tuna will migrate north in to the Cabo San Lucas area where historically water temperatures are slightly cooler than PV. So like we saw in El Nino a few years back, Tuna sounded or moved north to cooler water as an example of this. Normally YF Tuna will go as deep as 330 feet if they have a reason to do so. Yellowfin tuna’s circulatory system acts to retain metabolic heat. This warms their bodies above ambient temperature and allows them to process food and transport oxygen more efficiently. Their ability to stay warm does not match the near warm-blooded bluefin tuna, and as a result, their migration range is more limited by water temperature as I just mentioned. Their sensitivity to cooler temperatures also limits vertical movements to the relatively thin layer between the thermocline and surface.

Schooling Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna are more likely to ¨School¨ with other species of the same size than their own. Here in the Eastern Pacific off Puerto Vallarta you will find them running with several Dolphin species including Spinner Dolphin. When we see this we know we`ll be catching Football sized Yellowfin at the smallest. Spinners are always our friend here in PV! This example of YF Tuna ¨schooling¨ with other species is not seen anywhere except in this area. The rest of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans do not see this which makes this behavior unique.

It also seems that Yellowfin Tuna tend to school only on the surface, the deeper they are the less likely they are to ¨school¨ and will fragment or scatter.

200 pound Yellowfin Tuna caught in Puerto Vallarta, Felipe Bravo of Gueroazteca

Distinctive Features

The Yellowfin is a large tuna. Its body deepest under its first dorsal fin, while tapering considerably towards the caudal peduncle. Two dorsal fins are present. In adults, the second dorsal fin is very long, as is the anal fin, which is directly below the second dorsal. These fins become relatively longer in larger individuals. The pectoral fin is also long, reaching beyond the space between the dorsal fins. The caudal peduncle is very slender and includes three sets of keels. With seven to ten dorsal and ventral finlets are present. A swim bladder is present. The eyes are small; teeth are small and conical.

Below are some descriptions of Tuna species running in the Eastern Pacific:

Coloration

The body is metallic dark blue or greenish above, while the belly and lower sides are silvery white and crossed by many vertical, interrupted lines. Perhaps most distinctly, a golden stripe runs along the side. The second dorsal and anal fins and finlets are bright yellow, and the finlets are bordered by a narrow band of black.

Size, Age, and Growth

The maximum length reported for Yellowfin is 110 inches ( 9ft or280 cm) total length and the maximum weight is 880 lbs. (400 kg). The all-tackle record recognized by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is 388 lbs. 8 oz. (176.4 kg). This latter example is more indicative of the common maximum size for the species. But that doesn´t mean there are not larger YF Tuna out there. We have had Yellowfin Tuna larger than 400 lbs boated with our certified scale in Cabo waiting for calibration so nothing official for us. And he 388lb record is suspect since this information is from a few years back.

Food Habits

Primary prey include fish, cephalopods (ceph·a·lo·pod [sef-uh-luh-pod], noun, 1. any mollusk of the class Cephalopoda, having tentacles attached to the head, including the cuttlefish, squid, and octopus.), and crustaceans (crus·ta·cean [kruh-stey-shuhn] noun, 1. any chiefly aquatic arthropod of the class Crustacea, typically having the body covered with a hard shell or crust, including the lobsters, shrimps, crabs, barnacles, and wood lice.). A study by Watanabe (1958) found 37 families of fish and 8 orders of invertebrates in Yellowfin stomachs. Fish species consumed by the yellowfin tuna include dolphinfish, pilchard, anchovy, flyingfish, mackerel, lancetfish, and other tunas. Other prey are cuttlefish, squid, octopus, shrimp, lobster, and crabs. Yellowfin are sight-oriented predators, as their feeding tends to occur in surface waters during daylight.

Reproduction
Reproduction occurs year-round, but is most frequent during the summer months in each hemisphere. It is believed that 79°F (26°C) is the lower temperature limit for spawning. In the tropical waters of Mexico and Central America, it has been determined that Yellowfin spawn at least twice a year. Each female spawns several million eggs per year. The juveniles grow quickly, weighing approximately 7.5 pounds (3.4 kg) at 18 months and 140 pounds (63.5 kg) at 4 years.

Yellowfin tuna larvae:
A. 5.1 mm NL, B. 6.0 mm SL, C. 8.5 mm SL, D. 46.0 mm SL

(NOAA Tech Memo NMFS-SEFC-240)
Parasites

Yellowfin tuna can host up to 40 parasites including protozoans, digenea (flukes), didymozoidea (tissue flukes), monogenea (gillworms), cestoda (tapeworms), nematoda (roundworms), acanthocephala (spiny-headed worms), and copepods.

Well there are, the basics when it comes to Yellowfin Tuna and how it relates to us as fisherman. Useful information if you are an angler looking for the challenge of boating a Monster Yellowfin Tuna or if you are a lure manufacturer looking to understand what the species prefers when it comes to feeding habits.

Hopefully you know a little more now about Yellowfin Tuna and their habits than you did a few minutes ago….

Written by Stan Gabruk, owner of Master Baiter´s Sportfishing and Tackle (http://www.MasterBaiters.com.mx)

Hurricane Hilary Tracking

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on September 22, 2011

Winds have surpassed 75 mph making Hilary a full fledged Hurricane.

Hillary is only moving ten miles an hour so it is another slow Hurricane. Heading towards open ocean I predict once it hits cooler water it will fizzle out as the others have this season….

Could help the fishing, nothing to worry about, stay tuned….

Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish, Marlin Abundant, Deserted Fishing Grounds!

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on August 29, 2011

Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish, Marlin Abundant, Deserted Fishing Grounds!

Written by Stan Gabruk, owner Master Baiter´s Sportfishing and Tackle

As we move deeper into summer we see conditions to improve as expected in Puerto Vallarta´s world famous fishing grounds. Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna are still abundant and increasing by the day. But this is fishing and while it may seem like fishing in a bucket not everyday is the stuff dreams are made of. With more and more bait choices for these fish it is hard to keep up with what they are striking. This is normally important information since we all can keep a finger on the pulse of fishing when several boats head out daily. But that is not the case and while we know the fishing is great, fewer reports means we´re on a fishing safari looking for Big Game fish daily.. Stay tuned!

Big Black Marlin at Corbeteña and El Banco

The recent and sketchy rains have keep the bay full of mostly dirty water, which of course most fish are not too fond of. But there is with the dirty water a trash line. I know I make the trash line sound like it is fishing in a bucket as well and it can be. But for those again who go out often, not every time is going to be fantastic. Especially if it is a few days old. But if you suspect there are fish and they are not taking your bait a simple trick you can use is to open single sheets of newspaper and spread it on top of the water. It will float and create an artificial floating structure that will attract fish and could help. This is an old Florida Trick and worth keeping in your back pocket. This is if you are looking for Dorado and can´t get a bite, give this a try. Yet there are still Yellowfin Tuna Footballs in front of Yelapa and around the blue water spots in the bay. Near the points the water is normally blue, so give Cabo Corrientes and Punta Mita at the opposite ends of the bay a shot. Jack Crevalls are still around, Dorado, Football Tuna, Needle fish, and more are in the bay. If you are at the points of Punta Mita and Cabo Corrientes there is a 75% chance you will hook into a Sailfish. For a short day if you can find clean water you will have a great day. My suggestion is take at least six hours which will get you to the area around the points. You´ll come in happy.

Another thing to remember when fishing in the bay, the dirty water is many times only on the surface or a few feet thick. If this is the case then using a plainer that will get the bait down into cleaner water which can mean the difference between coming in with dinner or your hat in hand. Just run smaller baits and see what happens.

El Morro and the Marietta islands are still about the same. Dorado, some Sailfish, Bonito, Skip Jack Tuna, Needle fish, Jack Crevalls are all possibilities. Most people heading out for eight hours are hitting the point off Punta Mita up to Guyavitos where you`ll find nice sized Dorado to 35 lbs, Rooster Fish around Anclote the reef off Sayulita. Sailfish are about five to ten miles off the point as well so this area has been the main choice for those targeting the fish mentioned. No worry about bait, Google Eyes, Lures, Skippies, they are still working. But you may find what worked yesterday is not working today. Also there have been a lot of small shrimps and squids moving into the area. Be sure to run baits that mimic them on at least one line…

Yellowfin at El Banco on Magnifico

The Primary deep water, Deep sea fishing locations of El Banco and Corbeteña are still working well. El Banco is showing many Yellowfin Tuna in the 70 to 120 lb range and some larger ones in the 200 lb range. Sailfish are here as well, naturally. Dorado are in and out, but when they are in they are in the 35 to 50 lb range, it just depends on your luck. For the most part the last two weeks for some reason have seen the action focused from seven to ten miles south west of the high spots. Don´t ask why, just get out there! Cubera Snappers have been more plentiful lately, so this is a very flexible location for those looking for the biggest fish in the area. Good Luck and look for me out there with you as well…

Corbeteña, the most consistent location has had days with some 200 pound Yellowfin Tuna one day, the next you couldn´t get a YF Tuna to look at whatever you presented. Big fish eating tiny little krill squids have been causing some headaches, for fisherman that is!

Just like the economy and the stock market in the United States the fishing industry, not only in Puerto Vallarta is taking it hard. Three years ago I was one of among more than twenty five fair and honest fishing companies that owned and operated their own boats. Today there is less than a handful and they are the survivors. Just like up north there was too much euphoria. Too many people jumped in when the free money was flying around and now they all went belly up. Many companies that used to be reputable are now timeshare locations. The guy walking around or hounding you with stupid jokes is not a fishing company, hell he doesn’t know anything about what is happening in the bay and will tell you whatever you want to hear. So make sure you get references from friends or go with people who will tell you the truth and do yourself a favor upfront . Remember you never worry about what paid for a thing unless that thing did not deliver what was promised.

Cubera Snapper and Dorado with my friend Robert Bryant of Virgina

Water conditions are still where they should be. There is plenty of bait in all locations so making bait is no problem. Plenty of fish and plenty of blue water out past the points. The only thing missing at the fishing grounds are fisherman. Now I understand the news is putting out crap that would make you think you will die if you cross the border, but we all know this is not the case. But it looks like the news will not stop putting out these bold face lies. So I am going to continue to enjoy deserted fishing grounds and keep as much Tuna as I can get. Frankly it´s a real luxury to be able to fish Corbeteña with no other boats coming in too close and cutting your lines. If you are lucky enough to be here, all the fish that are out there are potentially yours, or mine as the case may be. In fact I am looking for plastic Machetes to give away with each T-shirt I sell. Why not make a joke of it? I will say something like ¨I lost my head at Master Baiter`s¨ .. let me know if you have any ideas!

For those of you thinking of entering our local tournaments from Barra to Manzanillo, Master Baiter’s Captains are the best in Puerto Vallarta with many being multi-tournament winners. We keep our prices down as much as possible for tournaments because we like to be in the action too! So if saving some money and not paying double the regular price of a charter per day appeals to you, then contact me about the tournament you are interested in and we will fix you up with tried and true captains, boats and crews with fresh line, top notch equipment and tackle and of course English speaking, professional crews of course! So come be part of Team Master Baiter’s and find out for yourself that “We Won’t Jerk You Around!”

That’s about it for now, until next week, don´t forget to kiss your fish!

For questions or suggestions you can reach me at: 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.

Fish Porn (2), Safe 4 Your 12 Yr Old!

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on August 22, 2011

I have put a few recent photos for your viewing pleasure… High season for fishing has come to Puerto Vallarta with any fish you could want to catch. Here are some examples of what Master Baiter´s has been coming in with amigos… Enjoy and if you like what you see, tell your friends. I need more subscribers!

Yellowfin Tuna Footballs.. Dinner tonight,Yellowfin Tuna, 100 lbs, Capt. Victor and his brother 1st Mate Fleco, Tres maria Islands

then fill the freezer…

Groupers at the Marietta Islands... Largest Grouper I have seen caught here in PV!

Milk Fish at the Marietta Islands, very unusual to find these locally!

Sailfish started to show up in June... this is an example

August was a great month for Rooster Fish this year...

Michelle Stewart Crosby with Yellowfin Tuna, El Banco, Animal House, 12hr day

06 26 2011 Dorado, Magnifico, 8hrs, CaboCorrientes Trash Line. Late for Dorado this year

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

Shannon Trahan, Bella Del mar, 8 hrs, Football Tuna City!

Snapper On The Gaff

Ok, that is about it for now… Enjoy and tell your fishing friends to check out this blog…. who knows maybe I will actually get someone to read the thing. And don`t forget to visit my web page at: http://www.MasterBaiters.com.mx

Yellowfin Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish, Cubera Snappers, Corbeteña Explodes!

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on August 14, 2011

Yellowfin Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish, Cubera Snappers, Corbeteña Explodes!

Written by Stan Gabruk, owner Master Baiter´s Sportfishing and Tackle

We wait all year for August to bring with it Monster Yellowfin Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish and more. Those that have the money, the time and the inclination will find everything they are looking for when it comes to Trophy Gamefish here in Puerto Vallarta´s world famous fishing grounds. For the last three years we have been stuck with unusual weather conditions due to El Nino and the following year, last year, buy El Nina. Extreme water temperature fluctuations have subsided finally this year. As a result we are seeing places like Corbeteña, one of the hot spots for sure, explode with what serious Deep Sea or Sports fisherman are looking for. If you were asked to describe the perfect conditions you would hope to experience while going after huge Game Fish, then this is the time to be here in Puerto Vallarta! The only thing missing at our fishing grounds is you! High season for fishing has taken a great leap forward this week, so hang tight, the fishing just got great!

Cubera Snapper at Corbeteña

This week we have seen sleepy Corbeteña wake up and Roar! Thirty five miles out from Marina Vallarta is Corbeteña, also referred to as the rock. With a rock in the middle, deep Chanels and volcanic structure Corbeteña is the most versatile fishing site we have in Puerto Vallarta. We have been seeing large numbers of Yellowfin Tuna in the 25 to 200lb range for weeks now, but getting them to take your bait was not easy. Changing baits every twenty minutes hoping to tease these elusive Yellowfin Tuna was work and no two baits would work twice in a row. Frustrating for sure, but this has changed. One good thing about fishing, it won´t be bad for long. My glass is always half full when it comes to fishing! Right now Yellowfin are finally taking Skippies. Skippies refer to Skip Jack Tuna or small Yellowfin Tuna and right now that is about all they want. Now for some reason Dead bait (Skippies) are working well, in fact to be exact, fresh dead bullet Skippies of about five pounds and dead Google Eyes are your best option. Now lures are working also, but if you come across a boil a surface popper or surface Iron like a diamond jig will all work. So try those first before you go to kites and other methods of getting Yellowfin Tuna to come!

There is also larger Black and Blue Marlin hitting baits, but not exactly hitting every bait. Lots of Black Marlin strikes, but few being boated for some reason, we´ll blame the angler here. Once they are on the line, it is normally slack that is the reason they get away. So remember, tight lines are a common term, but a line with slack in it will result in spit hooks! And who goes out to lose Moby Dick? So keep the pressure on amigos, it will make the difference. Oh, Marlin are in the 450 t o 650 lb. range right now and will gradually increase in size as we sink deeper into the summer season. Stay tuned!

Sailfish, yes I said Sailfish are getting more abundant by the day. Corbeteña is full of them and they are running in the 95 to about 120lb range, large for Sailfish for sure! They are a lot late, but we`ll count our blessings and be glad we have them around. Same goes for bait with them, as with the Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna.

An unexpected surprise is the abundance of Cubera Snappers in the 60 to 80lb range. Now they love the volcanic structure around Corbeteña but will school and attack surface baits. They fight like a Sailfish, but taste much, much better. You bring some of that fish to Victors Café Te Cuba in Marina Vallarta, tell them Master Baiter´s Stan sent you and sit back, You will have a meal cooked four or five different ways fresh off the boat . It doesn’t get any better than that amigos! Me, I would rather have Cubera Snapper for dinner, Sails, they need to be released for sure!

Yellowfin Tuna Monsters on High Maintenance

Noticeably absent is Dorado, why, who knows. Fish come and they go, but for now they are not hanging around the Rock. Now this will change twenty minutes after this article is written, but that is fishing for you. Keep your ears on and it won´t be but a few days and it will all change for the better on these species. If you are looking for these great tasting fish, I suggest in the bay and the 20 to 30 pounders if you are lucky enough to find them. Look for floating logs or anything smaller fish can hide and you will find Dorado… this will change soon so stay tuned.

The Marietta islands are being ignored. With Corbeteña, Punta Mita and the bay firing on all cylinders, there is little need to take a chance when there are some hot locations you don´t have to guess about. It all comes down to the fuel dollar and what you are willing to spend to find that finned fantasy of a life time! Decisions, decisions, but don´t ask the wife what you should spend your fuel money on, she`ll tell you a new purse for her!! Been there, done that, got the T-shirt!

Sundown at the fishing grounds

I know I just spent some time discussing Corbeteña, but no mention of El Banco. The reason for that is I have no reports from El Banco! It may be every bit as good as Corbeteña, but it is farther out by 15 miles or so and with the cost of fuel getting more expensive by the day, 15 miles in and then double that for a round trip, you just saved yourself some dinero amigo! Always a concern in these days of shrinking fun money…. Or if you prefer, disposable income.

Another area I have not talked much about is the point off Punta Mita! Normally by this time of the year this location is a Sailfish machine. Well it has been anything but a machine up until now, but this area has exploded as well. Sailfish are about seven miles off the point and they are abundant. For the guy with 8 hrs to spend, this is a perfect place to target! Same deal with bait, dead Skippies and Google eyes, as well as a few lures will get them striking all over the place. Just remember to release the babies, I don`t need to see any juvenile Sailfish or Marlin on the docks just for a picture, do that out there and release the babies. In case you have not heard diminishing populations of fish are not the result of the Sport fisherman, but we need to do our part and that starts with caring. That means when the captain kills the billfish, even if he knows you want to release the fish, then don´t tip him. He is coming in and planning on selling your fish to make ends meet which means you just subsidized his income and paid for his business day! Remember, it is illegal for sport fishing companies to sell fish commercially.

Sayulita and Guyavitos are seeing Rooster fish, but not in huge numbers. For those in the La Cruz marina or on the beaches in the Punta Mita area, it may be worth your time and effort.

Sailfish at Punta Mita on Magnifico

Inside the bay it is still Football season as in Football Yellowfin Tuna to 40lbs. Some days they are around the trash line, other days they are chasing bait around the bay. And still others are in the shallows or near structure like rock jetties. Bonito, Needle fish, Skip Jack Tuna and Dorado are in the bay as well. Anywhere between Cabo Corrientes and Punta Mita is alive with action so listen to the radio on the way out in the morning.

I know this article is on the positive side, but I have been waiting for conditions like this since February! Right now you will find blue water just three miles off the point of Punta Mita all the way to the deep water fishing grounds of Punta Mita and Corbeteña. I mean deep, deep blue! Water temperatures are great if not perfect at 86 degrees. When it rains in the morning or while fishing, the Yellowfin Tuna have been coming up to enjoy the ¨sweet¨ water and freshness of the cooler water on the surface. The rain hitting the water always gets fish excited. You see they think it is bait fish returning back into the water after trying to leap to safety! So they like the freshness, the temperature and they like to be fooled! Casting a surface popper will drive them Crazy to get to your bait. So keep this information handy and to yourself amigo. Rain is the fisherman’s friend so don`t let little things like rain keep you from boating that bucket list fish you always dreamed about!

So conditions are about as good as you will get in summer if you are interested in Big Game or Deep Sea fishing in Puerto Vallarta. Prices on charter boats are doing their best to hold even with the raising fuel cost like in the states. But losing money is no way to stay in business so I suggest making late summer reservations as soon as possible and lock in the better prices before everyone raises prices, including myself.

Master Baiter’s is starting a new fishing program for those who want to go fishing when in Puerto Vallarta, but find it hard to squeeze it in when it comes time to make sure they are all having fun. So what my plan is, is to take payments and apply this money to your fishing trip when you come down, when ever that is. Here is the concept, Fishing is expensive and getting more expensive every day with fuel, maintenance cost, salaries and the list goes on. What I am in the process of now is setting up an investment account where I will deposit your money, in your name, and when you do come down, whatever amount you have in your account will go towards your fishing trip. Send a little, send a lot, don´t send anything. But whatever you send forward by week or month, this money is there so you don ´t have to take the hit to your vacation budget for taking a fishing trip. This way you don`t have to feel guilty if the family doesn´t get that tour in or your wifey doesn´t get that new outfit. This way they get what they want and you as the responsible ¨provider¨ can still go fishing and not even notice the money is gone. So smart planning will always make your life easier… If there is excess money in an account, you can always pull it out or pay it forward to the next trip. Kinda like a lay-away plan for fishing. If you are interested in something of this nature, feel free to contact me at: www.catchfish@masterbaiters.com.mx and we`ll fix you up…..

For those of you thinking of entering our local tournaments from Barra to Manzanillo, Master Baiter’s Captains are the best in Puerto Vallarta with many being multi-tournament winners. We keep our prices down as much as possible for tournaments because we like to be in the action too! So if saving some money and not paying double the regular price of a charter per day appeals to you, then contact me about the tournament you are interested in and we will fix you up with tried and true captains, boats and crews with fresh line, top notch equipment and tackle and of course English speaking, professional crews of course! So come be part of Team Master Baiter’s and find out for yourself that “We Won’t Jerk You Around!”

That’s about it for now, until next week, don´t forget to kiss your fish!

For questions or suggestions you can reach me at: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx

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

Fishing in Puerto Vallarta, The Big Game / Trophy Fish are Here, Where are You?

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on August 9, 2011

Fishing in Puerto Vallarta, The Big Game / Trophy Fish are Here, Where are You?

Written by Stan Gabruk, owner Master Baiter´s Sportfishing and Tackle

Sportfishing is taking it on the shins in Puerto Vallarta. Bad Economies worldwide and people nervous about what the future may hold has given a lethal Blow to tourism in all of Mexico, not just Puerto Vallarta. This is a challenge to Sportfishing companies like Master Baiter´s Sportfishing and Tackle who has to deal with on a daily basis. But summer is here and the Magic is starting to happen big time at our world famous fishing grounds. What does this mean to you the Sports Fisherman, well it means opportunity at the fishing grounds without crowds. It means cheap packages on hotel rooms with airfare. It means if you have the time, money and can ignore the bad misleading press, you can have the fishing grounds almost to yourself! Yellowfin Tuna are increasing in population by the day. Black Marlin and Blue Marlin are picking up in abundance daily. Sailfish that were scarce just a few weeks ago have taken over the playground! Dorado in the Bay, The Points of Banderas Bay is doing well! In general, the Magic is happening in our world famous fishing grounds and the season looks very promising. This is it amigos, Moby Dick is in the house!

Dorado in the bay... Robert Dunn Party

As we inch deeper and deeper into summer we are beginning to see what we normally expect to see at this time of the year. Yellowfin Tuna are bigger by the day. Right now Corbeteña and El Banco are seeing Yellowfin in the 70 to 225lb range. They´re big for sure, but they are being finicky in the baits they choose. The larger Yellowfin Tuna can be like that, ignoring what they would normally go after, they may take unusual baits or baits you may never suspect they would attack. Right now cedar plugs, Kites, some live bait, all are working well but the secret for this particular moment is Mackerals. Not Sierra Mackerals, don´t get confused, I mean the Mackerals that look like Bonito. If you have one of these on the troll, you got a Tuna! There are also Black Marlin Mostly, but there are some Blue Marlin in the area, well they are in the 500 lb range with some smaller cousins in the area. But they are looking to be ¨woo-ed¨ as well. They prefer live bait, so Google eyes are still worth the time and money in the morning. Once more both Corbeteña and El Banco are about the same on this one.

The big surprise this week is the fact that the Sailfish have picked up in numbers dramatically. Anywhere from El Banco to Yelapa has a chance for some good sized Sailfish. Now we´ve been waiting for this since March, so they are not early by any means, but we are very happy to have them back. The Marietta Islands, Cabo Corrientes, and the point off Punta Mita is full of larger Sailfish. Hopefully this will continue and I have no reason to think they would not!

If you are looking for Dorado, Mahi Mahi, Dolphin, whatever you want to call them, they are finally more abundant and increasing in size. Naturally the deep water locations are seeing larger Dorado in the 35 to 50lb range. But in the bay you can find them in the 20 to 25lb range. Yelapa has been a hot spot to check out for Dorado that are fairly close in. Here at Yelapa you will find Skip Jack Tuna, Football Tuna, Mackerals, Jack Crevalls, and maybe even a Sailfish. No telling, but for a short day, this is a hot area for the time being.

Yellowfin Tuna with Karl & Marlise, 100 lb or pure fight here!

Right now if you have the fuel money, you will get just about whatever you could hope for in the area. The bay is strong with smaller fish, naturally. But even these smaller fish are great tasting and not that small! So it´s off the hook out there and well worth your fuel dollar to any location you could hope to head out to. I have not said that for months and months now amigo. For the next five to six months now we should be in the middle of some world class fishing action.

Naturally we are in the middle of the rainy season so the sediment washing down the mountains and into the rivers and streams are naturally putting some dirty water in the bay. For those snorkeling in this stuff, it can be a pain. But for guys like me the trash line that comes along with it is a welcome sight to fisherman. Now once you are in front of the trash line the water is clean and full of fish!

Water conditions are perfect and there is still plenty of bait in the water. All and all these are the conditions we wait for and they are finally here!

Sailfish everywhere, just ask John Kessler on Mi Jenny, 10 hrs, Corbetena

That’s about it for now, until next week, don´t forget to kiss your fish!

For questions or suggestions you can reach me at: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx

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

Fishing in Puerto Vallarta, Marlin, Tuna and Sailfish Waiting For You Now!

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on July 31, 2011

Fishing in Puerto Vallarta, Marlin, Tuna and Sailfish Waiting For You Now!

Written by Stan Gabruk, owner Master Baiter´s Sportfishing and Tackle

We have arrived at that time of the year where those looking for world class game fish like Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado and of course Yellowfin Tuna can find what they`re looking for! It doesn`t matter what you have in mind, they are out there right now. With perfect conditions, perfect water temperatures and perfect bait conditions the lucky ones heading out are coming in tired, happy and all smiles! High Season for fishing is here, are you ready to have the time of your life, then hang in there, I´ll tell you what you need to know amigos!

Jerry Dalebout and crew on Tournament winnier Animal House wCapt. Luis

Lets start with El Banco, there is every fish you could hope to find here. Like all things there is always an upside and a down side. The down side this week, just like last week is if you can get them to take your bait! Normally we see one or maybe two specific types of bait that are prevalent at any given time as the different types of baits move into the area and out of the area. But right now there are all kinds of bait type fish in and around the bay. This means that running just live bait is not your best option and I don`t know what is! At El Banco or The Bank in English, you need to be running four combinations at least! Yellowfin Tuna and Black Marlin are both being choosy, not finicky or fickle. Surface Poppers, Cedar Plugs, Lures, Live bait, Rapallas, you name it, run it, it may get a strike. That is the hard part or the down side. The up side is of course there are some big fish, even for early summer season fishing. Yellowfin Tuna have been ranging anywhere from 20 lbs to 200 lbs. Black Marlin are in the 400 to 500 lb range, which sounds like a huge fish, but for Marlin are not huge by any means. Sailfish are a little scarce, but they are here and will take baits as well. Dorado have been exceptionally large the last few days running anywhere from 25 to 45lbs. Again, it all comes down to what baits you are running and what they are in the mood to hit. So the secret is not to leave any one thing that is not working on for too long. One last thing on The Bank, don´t be afraid to venture out from the high spots, many times miles off the high spots are very productive! Hey, it´s fishing, anything is possible and most likely probable.

Corbeteña is about the same as El Banco. Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna and Dorado all about the same size and situation. The best action has been happening in the area five to ten miles around the rock. You may find fish on top of the rock itself, but you will be there with others, which is not always a good thing. But the water is blue, and the conditions are great here as well. Normally El Banco and Corbeteña have the same fish, but some days El Banco is better than Corbeteña. So keep your ears on and listen for the action while on the water. If you don`t speak Spanish, ask your captain, he will fill you in!

Yellowfin Tuna Footballs and Return client Shannon Trahan (middle), Bella Del mar,

The Marietta Islands have been all but neglected and frankly there are better spots to head to in 8 hrs. Cabo Corrientes, the southernmost point of the Banderas Bay is still alive and kicking and has been for several weeks now. Sailfish have been around the area, but with very few heading out these days the report information is sparse at best. Yellowfin Tuna in the 15 to 40lb range are here as well. Not much in the way of Dorado here for some reason, but there you are.

The Bay this week is the place once again to be. In front of Yelapa there have been Dorado feeding off the organic materials in the water and of f the trash line. They are mostly in the 20 lb range which is a nice size for them. There is also Football Yellowfin Tuna anywhere from the point to Yelapa. Again, remember fish move so be flexible in the area you are trolling and you`ll find the bay in my opinion your best option as far as fish for your fuel dollar goes. There are even small Sailfish in the area, but please throw the babies back….

On the other side of the bay, Nuevo Vallarta has had all kinds of action when it comes to 20 to 45 lb Yellowfin Tuna amigos. But again, just about anywhere in the bay can be explosive. The point is doing well, but why head out to Punta Mita if you can find the same sorts of fish closer and many times larger than farther out. Remember my goal is not to get you on an expensive boat, but in the know when looking for a fishing boat for sure. So be informed, be armed!

Marina Vallarta Sunset with El Faro Bar prominent

It´s no secret what the press is writing about in the States when it comes to Mexico. You hear how this cruise line stopped coming to Puerto Vallarta because of the dangerous conditions. Yet the Cruise line has not stopped it´s operation even after it´s false comments, yet that doesn´t make the news! You hear how dangerous it is in Mexico, yet there are no danger or caution warnings from the American Consulate in Jalisco, the largest state in Mexico. The H1N1 flue scare where America and the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) announced a flu epidemic you would most likely die from was all a fabrication by the W.H.O. and the American Press who went and flew off the handle and screamed the Sky Was Falling in Mexico. In fact the flu ¨Pandemic¨ started in Los Angeles, funny how nobody was warned to stay out of the states. But in a nut shell, the propaganda is killing the fishing business in Puerto Vallarta. As I read this horrible and over run articles by people with an agenda, I can´t believe how the press gets away with printing editorialized fiction. So for the record, Puerto Vallarta and 90% of the country is safe for anyone who isn`t looking to get into the drug trade. You wouldn´t walk at midnight in the worst part or your city, why would you look for trouble. In Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Cancun and other areas you are perfectly safe. Just ask those who were afraid to come, came and they couldn´t understand the commotion in the press…. Ok, if you have a question relative to your safety, call or email me. I live in a place where the press would tell you I am going to die. I live in a city that the cruise ship lines would have you believe is dangerous, but in fact the tourism trade is so bad here now that they can`t operate to locations like PV. Yet the Mexican Nationals are not detoured in the least. Trust me, the love their families as much as you or any other parent! So take this information, process it and then do some of your own research on what is happening in Mexico. To be honest, I feel safer in Mexico than I do in Los Angeles when I head back home to visit. OK, I will get off my soapbox now…..

That’s about it for now, until next week, don´t forget to kiss your fish!

For questions or suggestions you can reach me at: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx

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

Yellowfin Tuna Everywhere, Patience Pays Off, Sailfish at Yelapa

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on July 24, 2011

Yellowfin Tuna Everywhere, Patience Pays Off, Sailfish at Yelapa

Written by Stan Gabruk, owner Master Baiter´s Sportfishing and Tackle

It´s been interesting this past week since my last report. Hurricane Dora marched up the coast line a couple of hundred miles out from shore and while we did not feel any affects from this tropical storm, the fishing is still doing well. Yellowfin tuna, Marlin and Sailfish are still at El Banco (The Bank) and at Corbeteña (the Rock). That is the good news. The bad news is if you are targeting larger Yellowfin Tuna, you will need to have patience and complete line of lures and baits. You see not any one single thing is drawing the attention of these YF Tuna. Surface Poppers, Lures, Live bait, Kites, you name it, they all may work or they may not work. It just depends on the mood of the fish you are trying to coax! So keep changing your baits every twenty minutes or so. There are Yellowfin Tuna coming in daily, so it all comes down to how much you want to spend on a boat or fuel. If you want action, then a ten or twelve hour day is not necessarily your best option if you are looking for action. Now if you want Moby Dick, his cousin is at El Banco and Corbeteña. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions, what`s a fisherman to do?

Sailfish or Pez Vela in Spanish... In The Wild, Spectacular!

You know the funny thing about Yellowfin Tuna, they can be at your favorite location and they will be everywhere around the area. Jumping or in schools under the boat. But no matter how many you see, you can ´t make them take your bait. It´s kinda like giving your kids advice, they should take it, but they probably won´t. For those who have been to Corbeteña or El Banco, like those in last week’s tournament, they are just not taking the bait. This means they are eating something else and my guess would be krill shrimps. Now I have nothing to go on to make this call, not even a full belly of a tuna, but if it´s not them, it´s something else. I am not alone trying to figure out this dilemma, but with time all will make itself known. So the best we can do for now is hang in there and hopefully your experienced captain has a few tricks up his sleeve you can benefit from. For sure boats with a short line of lures and equipment will not help your cause. So make sure you get the best price you can get on a charter boat, but make sure you don´t pay for what you are not getting in the way of Equipment. I mentioned kites, there were a few boats that came in this week and if it was not for the kite, they would not have Tuna for dinner!

If it likes fish, you may hook into something you are not targeting! (Photo: jeff Illingsworth)

Black Marlin and Sailfish are both at Corbeteña and El Banco, but like the other species, they are picking and choosing what they want to eat. Marlin are still running in the 450lb range and the Sailfish are more abundant this week as they should be since it is late in the season for them to be arriving, normally it is March when we get the first of these spear headed beauties to show up, so they`re late! No worries, they`re here and we won´t complain! Water temperatures are perfect everywhere, the water is clear and blue at The Bank and Corbeteña and the conditions in general are perfect. If there were more people heading out we would probably have a better report, but with tourism down, it is hard to get a feel for what is happening at our world famous fishing grounds from day to day.

Inside the bay we are seeing a lot of action and is probably your best bang for your fishing dollar. Sailfish, I should say very small Sailfish are off Yelapa. No wonder there is plenty of bait in the water there and the fish are happy with the conditions. Dorado and yes Yellowfin tuna Footballs are here as well. Four hours out of Marina Vallarta will put you in the fish, I suggest six hours to give yourself some time to find them in the bay. But unless you are shooting for Monster Yellowfin Tuna over 200 lbs or a Marlin, then the fishing is better in the bay right now. So the guy telling you that you have to head out 35 to 50 miles to catch fish is just shaking money out of you! There are still Needle fish, Bonito, Skip Jack Tuna and more to choose from in the bay. So again, don´t lock your mind into one train of thought where it has to be one way or no way. Flexibility in these days is your best ally amigos! Dorado is mostly around Yelapa and the trash line we have in the bay for now. Dorado are anywhere from 15 lbs to 25lbs, perfect for dinner.

Blue Marlin in Puerto Vallartas Fishing Grounds like this one pictured now!

Around Sayulita there has been some, I say SOME Rooster fish action, but not enough to say you´ll hook into one for sure. Yet if you are in the area they are worth giving a try! Now the point of Punta Mita, just a touch south has been seeing some nice Dorado in the 30lb range around the buoys. I have mentioned this several times in the past and even wrote a few weeks past that these buoys will kick in shortly and it looks like they are. But like the Sailfish, Dorado are late moving in as well, but we won`t complain about this either!

Normally the Marietta Islands are Sailfish heaven this time of the year, but like Corbeteña and El Banco, you will have to be patient and ready to come in with an empty fish box. But if you are looking for smaller game fish, then Dorado, Needle Fish, Bonito and Snappers are still there. But for the distance and expense why head out this way when you can get the same thing closer in for less time and $$$ !

Lightening Storm in the Bay as viewed from El Faro Bar or the PV Lighthouse

So to summarize the state of fishing in Puerto Vallarta right now I would say the fishing is great in the bay, lots of YF tuna around Nuevo Vallarta in the 20 to 40lb range. You have Dorado in the bay as well which are pretty handy. For those looking for larger trophy fish, then El Banco and Corbeteña can drive you crazy, but there are big fish waiting to be tempted. Use small baits like Hoochies and see what happens, but the trip is worth the time and money.

Not too much to say this week with the weather conditions second guessing if they should go out fishing or not. But summer is here and the yearly Tuna Fanatics will start pouring in the next few weeks as the season moves into full swing. So hang in there with me, tell your friends of my reports and my blog (www.masterbaiters.wordpress.com) for info on things like the recent Hurricane Dora and to keep abreast of the action here in PV. Tell your friends or better yet, sign up on my blog and you will be notified when I post articles about the fishing here in Puerto Vallarta. My web page also has my latest fishing report and is always up to the moment when it comes to Sportfishing in Puerto Vallarta.

It´s not all about work you know.... Ujena Models from Bikini Jam in PV

That’s about it for now, until next week, don´t forget to kiss your fish!

For questions or suggestions you can reach me at: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx

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

Quickie Report: Hurrican Dora Fizzles Out!

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on July 22, 2011

Hurrican Dora passed Puerto Vallarta today without an incident and none was expected.

As I have been writing about the last few days, the warm water is closer to shore with cooler currents about 250 mles out. This is why I believe the last three hurricanes have run out of gas as they pass Puerto Vallarta….

As we stand Hurricane is now a category 1 hurricane with diminished winds and will soon be just a good blow on the water , not a danger…

It may still raise the ocean swells, but that will not last long as well…. The port was not closed today, so that is a positive sign we may see no affects from this storm at all.. lets hope…..

Hurricane Dora is now a Cat 1 and fizzeling out !

Quickie: Hurrican Dora Continues on Predicted path, No Public Warnings for Coastlines!

Posted by Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle on July 21, 2011

Hurricane Dora is still working its way North West….

Winds are from 155mph with gust to 190 mph…. It´s moving NW at 11 mph and will bring rain, thunder storms and wind for the next 24 hrs with lingering rain coming towards PV for today and probably tomorrow…

There are no public warnings for the coat line up to Cabo San Lucas although we should expect some swells to 12 ft w th short intervals anytime from this point until Saturday. Southern facing beaches will have some large waves of six feet and up …. surfers get your boards ready….

In the bay fishing is fantastic for Dorado and YF Tuna footballs… four or six hours is all you need if looking for action and not exactly looking to hook-up with Moby Dick, you´ll have fun!

Below is the latest and greatest for Hurrican Dora´s path… right now it h as been accurate within 15 Nautical Miles…

Hurricane Dora Track 7/21/2011

Marine Forcast link below for those interested….

Marine Forecast : http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/ep201104.marine.html#a_topad

Stan

Master Baiter`s sportfishing and Tackle

http://www.masterbaiters.com.mx

MasterBaiters's Sportfishing & Tackle Blog

Puerto Vallarta Deep Sea Fishing Report

Category Archives: Fishing Reports Puerto Vallarta

PV Fishing High Season Arrives with Huge Dorado

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

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

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

Large Rooster Fish Invade Punta Mita and the Marietta Islands

Hot and Cold Conditions, Corbeteña Still Cooking, Sailfish Invade PV

Yellowfin Tuna at Corbeteña, El Banco Craps Out, Perfect October Fishing in PV!

Hurricane jova Fizzles, El Banco Comes to Life, Tournament Season Begins!

Hurricane Jova (10 11 2011) Weakens a Little, Still a Cat. 2 Hurricane, PV will get Tropical Storm Force Winds and Rain

El Banco D.O.A., Corbeteña Still Rockin, Water Temps Up, Tons of Bait!

Special Article: Yellowfin Tuna, What Do You Really Know of These Spectacular Fish?

Hurricane Hilary Tracking

Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish, Marlin Abundant, Deserted Fishing Grounds!

Fish Porn (2), Safe 4 Your 12 Yr Old!

Yellowfin Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish, Cubera Snappers, Corbeteña Explodes!

Fishing in Puerto Vallarta, The Big Game / Trophy Fish are Here, Where are You?

Fishing in Puerto Vallarta, Marlin, Tuna and Sailfish Waiting For You Now!

Yellowfin Tuna Everywhere, Patience Pays Off, Sailfish at Yelapa

Quickie Report: Hurrican Dora Fizzles Out!

Quickie: Hurrican Dora Continues on Predicted path, No Public Warnings for Coastlines!

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