Master Baiter's fishing report for week of July 8 2007 for Master Baiter's Sportfishing and Tackle. Written by Stan Gabruk
With the last couple of years being less than "normal", I've been a little reluctant to announce the arrival of High Season (for fishing that is). But it looks more and more that the "Season" is shaping up to be a normal year. Now we all know fishing is unpredictable, but at least we're not seeing the water temperatures doing weird things like this time last year. So I think we can safely say El Nino has "left the building" so to speak.
This week El Banco has been the place to be. I know I haven't been talking much lately about The Bank, but that's because for some reason, it hasn't been happening. But that's changed now with the arrival of Marlin and Monster Tuna! Now don't go off and buy that airline ticket just yet. We're seeing some promising signs of big gamefish arriving daily. This past week I've gotten reports of Yellowfin Tuna being boated in the 140 lb. range, with one report of a Yellowfin Tuna over 290 lbs. ! The Blue, Black and Striped Marlin are out there in big numbers also! These aint no off season Marlin either, they're big and abundant. If you head out to El Banco, don't just hover around the high spots. The Bank is an area about 14 miles around, shaped like a weird kidney bean. If you're going to the Bank and "sitting" on the high spots, you may not be in the best place for that particular day. That's right folks, the high spots at El Banco are always good, but there are other places that many ignore, especially the charter companies here in Marina Vallarta. Another thing people don't think about, although everyone knows about it, the outer edge of El Banco there is a sharp drop off which runs into the Continental Shelf. This means deep, warm water currents that Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna prefer. The Bank is "on the way" to where ever they're headed, which really means they're following the bait, where ever that may take them. With all the bait just hanging around El Banco, you can understand why I call it a "Marlin McDonalds"…. Super Size Me!!
If that wasn't enough, Corbetena is alive with action. Just take the boat for a spin around the rock and you too will be playing "Fish Roulette". Just present your bait, you won't have to wait! Strikes for the most part are from Yellowfin and Striped Marlin, but Sails, Dodos (Dorado or Mahi Mahi), Pargo and more are on the menu as well.
El Morro, Yellowfin Tuna in the 40 lb. range, nice size Dorado, Snappers, Jack Cravells, and lots more to choose from here. Nothing really over 50 lbs, but if you're looking for a quick day with "smaller" fish, this is the place. 8 Hr. trip will get you back at the dock by 3 O'clock in the afternoon before the heat wears you down.
Punta De Mita and points North have been neglected as late, just too much action with really large fish else where. But if you're out that way, Dorado, Sails, Snapper, and more. You won't be disappointed. You can even take that just boated Dorado to one of the beach restaurants all over the area, then get back on the boat and maybe do some snorkeling. Remember the boat is yours; you make the calls (within reason). Why not try some thing new and different while in Puerto Vallarta (PV). I have lots of customers that are interested in trying something a little different, and this is. If you have any ideas, feel free to bounce them off me. Just send me an email to: stanray55@yahoo.com (my personal address) and I'd be happy to make suggestions on any activity you want to try while in town or for family when they arrive…
Master Baiter's is still sponsoring the Graffiti clean up project between the Marina Neptune Statue, into El Centro. We check daily to make sure the Graffiti Spots don't "reappear". If they do, it won't be there long! We're still collecting donations in the Marina Vallarta Master Baiter's location next to Suzie Wong's on the board walk. Remember we all benefit from this work, so help be part of the solution by caring and donating money, paint, brushes, labor, we won't turn down a donation! You can also call the shop (322-779-7571) and volunteer over the phone. For you business owners, we'd be happy to come to your location and "erase" the graffiti, just call me, no donation obligations.
Well the fishing is incredible, the season is shaping up nicely and if you're in the Marina in the afternoon after Three O'clock, you could see "Sea Monsters" in the form of 200 lb plus Yellowfin Tuna, or Giant Marlin. It's free, fun and you can cruise the Marina, maybe have a Margarita, who know….
One last thing, for those of you trying to figure out the differences between Celsius to Fahrenheit the formula works like this: Celsius Temperature (X) 2, Plus 32 will give you Fahrenheit. Opposite for Fahrenheit to Celsius. So now when you see the temperatures, you know how hot it really is.
UPDATE: July 14th latest news, Marlin are EVERYWHERE, Dorado are jumping in the boat, Yellowfin Tuna are out there for the Taking (140 lbs and up towards 250lbs.)… River mouths are a little dirty from rains, but if you're looking for Big, Big Fish, the Season is here, it looks like a season to remember. People around the Marina are saying they haven't seen a year like the way this one is shaping up for five years. Water Temperatures are perfect, Bait everywhere from Sardines to Bonito, Calm Seas (even with that small trop. Storm that blew threw in a day).
The Paradise Village Tournament started today. Word floating around was that there weren't that many entries. But I know of a few that came in late. Minimum sized Marlin is 275 lbs, I'm glad to see that. Prize money in total $100,000.00 usd, not to mention the brown bag jackpots!
Keep your eyes on the Moon Phase, more light at night means Sunrises and Sunsets at the fishing grounds if you're looking for Tuna. There's only a morning or evening bite at the extreme time frames during the full or filling moon. Keep that in mind…..
Attendance is down this year which means affordable rooms in Puerto Vallarta. The weather here has been unseasonably cool, but still very warm by anyone's standards. Smooth seas, beautiful Sunsets, not to mention the World Class Fishing now in Season in Puerto Vallarta…..
That's it for now, until next week, don't forget to kiss your fish!
At Master Baiters Sportfishing and Tackle, we pride ourselfselves on being the Number 1 Sportfishing Charter Company in mainland Mexico. We have the best equipped and fastest boats in Puerto Vallarta. Our goal is to provide you the fishing experience of a lifetime at a price that won't be beat! Last year we boated more Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna over 300 pounds than we could keep track of.
We also have a wide selection of unique high quality Hats, T-Shirts, souvenirs and novelty items to surprise your friends and family back home with something truly unique as seen on Jay Leno, Conan and David Letterman! We're also recommended in the 2007 Fodor's Travel Guide for Puerto Vallarta (Pg. 156), if you're a travel agent this is impressive since you can't buy advertisement with them.
Come the Marina Vallarta store (Tel: 322-779-7571) located at the Light House. Facing the water, we're located between docks F and G or Email me at stanray55@yahoo.com . Come in and say hello to Stan or Carlos. And remember, at Master Baiters "WE WON´T JERK YOU AROUND!"
