Fishing Report for June 21, 2009 for Master Baiter's Sportfishing and Tackle
Written by: Stan Gabruk.
Big Fish, Deserted Fishing Grounds, Cheap Charters, Where are You?
This is the time of the year when the Black Marlin and especially the Yellow Tuna Monsters return to our world famous fishing grounds. With money being tight in the States and around the world, we´ve seen a dive in demand for Sportfishing in Puerto Vallarta, just like the rest of the fishing world. For the consumer of course, this creates an opportunity to find an affordable boat that will fit your needs. The ¨cherry¨ on top is the fact you can have the fishing grounds to yourself these days. I have never seen the industry in the shape it is in now. With more and more charter start-ups every day, 16 new internet sites this year alone in PV, you really need to do your homework! But good boats at great prices are available to those with the cash! Just remember deals that ¨ sound too got to be true¨ rule! Safe and insured boats are what you want, more about this at the lower half of this article.
The Summer rains have set their pattern and now if you are in Marina Vallarta in the late afternoon and morning, you could get wet. In fact there is a good chance this will happen. But no worries amigos, the salty fisherman out there will know this is actually a good thing for us here in PV. It brings the fish to the surface, the rain on the surface looks like splashing bait, so they get a little excited. Kinda like finding a forgotten hundred dollar bill in your wallet. It´s a nice surprise!
With so few fishing charters heading out fishing these days, it´s hard to get a feel for what is happening out there. But those lucky enough to head to El Banco or The Bank this week found clear, blue water, Black Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna in the 60 lb. range. This is exactly what we hope for at this time of the year. Bait fish are plentiful and the water temperatures are perfect. The rain teases the Yellowfin into thinking there are jumping baits splashing on the surface and before you know it, everyone is excited as the reels start screaming in multiple hook-ups! The only down side is the fish can be spread out anywhere from the high spots to ten miles north of the high spots. So if you are serious about your Marlin and Yellowfin, then be prepared with a full tank and live well! Don´t forget to make bait when you can, this is never a given when there are huge schools of Yellowfin Tuna. Large Dorado and Sails are also in the area.
Corbeteña is still ¨on again and off again¨ with the available species there. The rock, deep channels and structure make this area perfect for all types of fishing. Cubera Snapper, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna and of course Striped and Blue marlin are always there for the adventurous. Check the daily reports for accurate up the minute information or call me at the office and I can answer any questions you may have or email me at: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx office: (322) 209 11 28 if you are in town.
Punta Mita and points north are still very, very active and always a reliable location for those looking for a shorter day with less ¨risk¨. Snappers, Sailfish, Dorado, Rooster fish, perfect for the light tackle enthusiast! The rocks or islands as the locals say are a hot-bed of action for any species in the area! Worth a try on the way out to El Banco or on the way in.
Of course in the bay, we start seeing action in the areas with structure at the south end of the bay. Northern areas with sandy bottoms can produce just about anything. It´s not unusual to get thirty hook-ups on Mahi or Bonito. Some small, some larger, just remember to let the smaller ones and females go! Who needs thirty fish anyway?
Through the world, Sportfishing companies are hurting and many will not survive the next six months. Because of this, there is a panic mentality out there as people begin (boat owners) to realize there is more money going out, than coming in. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are considering a charter anywhere in the world
The big issue though these days is boat maintenance. These boats, old and new alike are maintenance hogs, especially older boats with the ¨better prices¨. Boats like a 32 ft. Luhrs express can expect to put close to a thousand dollars a month in maintenance on these floating ¨aircraft¨. I say aircraft, because the maintenance schedule on a boat is like working with an airplane! Everything is listed by hours. Oil changes, filter changes, impeller changes, Injector replacement, pumps, hoses, switches, shaft, props, everything is on the list. When income is good, many will do a minimal maintenance schedule. This means when something starts acting up, the owner will fix the problem as cheaply as possible. Nothing strange about that. But when times get tough, like they are now, maintenance, especially preventive maintenance, will fall by the way-side. As maintenance problems arise, the boats will compensate for things like shaft vibrations by going slower, but not fixing the problem. This is not uncommon, it could be on a spectacular boat that is very new. Yet you head out to the fishing grounds at 15 miles an hour. If you take a fifty mile trip, ordinarily this would be a two hours out, two hours in, 8 hrs fishing. ON A FAST BOAT IN GOOD CONDITION! With these beautiful and slow boats with maintenance problems, you´re three hours plus out to El Banco, three hours plus back leaving you with six hours, maybe of fishing time.
If maintenance isn´t enough to think about, the captains and operators of these Sportfishing boats, some famous, will not let you keep your fish! You have essentially subsidized this guys business with your catch. They sell the fish, to make up for the low price they gave you. This is becoming common place and you should ask about this before dropping a deposit down.
Equipment suffers from lack of business also. Line doesn´t get changed, drags go longer before being changed (if at all). Lost lures are not replaced, no matter how good they work. Live bait provided is reduced making this a follow on expense you should not have to deal with. Some even charge for fishing licenses, which of course are never purchased!
One thing to remember, about PV anyway, I know this is not the fact outside of Mexico, is that 60% of all the charter fishing boats are not ¨legal¨. What does that mean, well they aren´t insured for one thing. Something that would never be allowed outside of Mexico. It´s not exactly legal here either, but in the land of corruption, for a monthly payment to the harbor master will get you out of these burdensome requirements. Life preservers, and other safety equipment only necessary in an emergency are most likely absent. The only charter companies who have their feet held to the fire are American companies that are ripe for fines and confescations if the necessary licenses and insurance documents are not in perfect order! Reason enough to own an American owned and operated business.
On top of all that there have been crew layoffs, I have never seen this before. Those still having a job are getting half salaries. This is a sad statement and frankly it is an example of what is happening everywhere. I am just using PV as my home base for an example. In the states and elsewhere these folks would just be laid off.
Then, here in PV, you have these guys who used to be with the timeshare companies who are now selling boat charters on the boardwalk of Marina Vallarta. These guys are called Pirates (illegal vendors who if seen get arrested with your deposit) and will sell you anything from tours, to charters, to hookers. They have no legal business status and they prey on innocents who think they can trust them! But when things are hard, the deposit you give this person is as good as gone. I actually know one guy who looked for one of these guys for a week and finally caught up to him! If you talk to some freelancer with a folder of 25 boats that are his, run from this guy or better yet, ask him for his business license before you drop a deposit.
If possible, you should always ask to see the boat or make an appointment to see the exact boat you plan on reserving! Looking at some ten year old picture in a book is not seeing the boat. Not unusual to rent one boat, owned by another operator, then in the morning just before you´re taking off, a different boat shows up. One different than the picture as you are told that this boat is just as good or better! I have seen this many times and ultimately the people who are excited about going out, bite the bullet and board the boat. Talk about a lousy way to start your day … especially on vacation.
One good way to avoid these problems is go on the professional fishing sites, not Bloody Decks. Sites like World wide fishing guide, Mexfish, Salt water Mag. Online, Marlin Mag. Online, etc will all be dealing with world class boats and captains. This is because for the most part, professional companies will advertise and post weekly fishing reports on sites like these that require a financial commitment. Something more than a book of pictures on the boardwalk in Marina Vallarta or other locations.
If you really want to know how to avoid a bad boat, I have special articles I´ve posted on the previously mentioned sites that I would be happy to send you free of charge. These articles focus on all areas of fishing in all locations. These universal articles can make the difference for a good or bad day on the water. Protect yourself, get informed, then get your best price!
For the last nine years Master Baiter´s has guaranteed you´ll catch fish! We are the only company I KNOW OF that does this anywhere! Only on specific company boats (company boats only in Marina Vallarta Store on the boardwalk). We are also giving a free hour fishing with every charter (except 12 hr charters) and a free T-shirt to who ever catches the biggest fish! That's about a $125.00 usd value. Take advantage of this limited time offer.
That's about it for now, until next week, don't forget to kiss your fish!
Visit Our Web Page at: www.MasterBaiters.com.mx and go fishing with Master Baiters, We're Number one in Puerto Vallarta and are the only company with a Guaranteed Catch on our specific company boats! Email me Stan at: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx for details. Come visit our store in Marina Vallarta, (at the light house, on the Boardwalk facing the water turn left, we're down nine shops 1 door down from Tikul Restaurant). We have World Famous T-shirts, Hats and other souvenirs items to choose from. We're recommended in Fodor's Travel guide for PV. Fishing and Tours Phone from Canada / USA: 011 52 322 209 11 28.. In P.V.: (322) 209 11 28
Remember, at Master Baiter's, We Won't Jerk you around! MasterBaiters® is a registered trade mark and is protected under Mexican law. See our Daily Catch photos www.Flickr.com under Masterbaiters.com.mx name
