Fishing Report for Wk of August 29, 2007, Master Baiter's Sportfishing and Tackle
Written by: Stan Gabruk
Hello everyone and welcome back to another week of incredible fishing here in Puerto
Vallarta. It's been a real mixed bag this week, Rain, Sun, Wind, Waves, Big Fish, More Rain, with lots of smoking action mixed in with all the Elements this past week.
First we had a few days where the remnants of a tropical storm in Acapulco sent nine foot swells and rain to our world famous fishing grounds. If you were on a decent sized boat, something over 30 ft. you were still thrown around like you were fishing in a washing machine. Difficult at the very least, but when you see Monster Tuna hurling themselves out of the water, you just can't leave! Those who braved the conditions at El Banco or Corbetena returned a little bruised, none the worse for wear and tear, but returned with Yellowfin Monsters on their decks and smiles the size of Puerto Vallarta.
But just as suddenly as the swells turned up, the next day, the seas were smooth and sweet with Karnada or bait to English speaking people. Fish were everywhere to be found with fantasy conditions. Blue, Black Marlin have set up camp at the Rock or Corbetena. But this is nothing new, for the past few weeks I've ranted about how this area was the place to be and things have not changed. There have been a few Wahoo boated here, with Mahi Mahi up to 50 lb. range at this moment.
Again this week, very little attention is being cast the way of El Banco. With so many options at Corbetena the justification for the extra fuel expense just isn't there and it may continue on like this for some time. There are those who are bucking this trend and reporting some nice Yellowfin Action in the 150 to 275 lb range, with Marlin and Sailfish sightings. Bait for the most part has been plentiful, but there are days that will drive you crazy. The good news is The Yellowfin are hitting jigs or lures that are Dorado or Mahi Mahi colored. The Wilkinson Little Tuney is a good thing to have handy when you can see those Yellowfin Freight Trains out there just waiting to be presented with something they can't refuse! The main point here is, if you take that extra hour out to El Banco, you won't run into any crowds driving the fish into deep water! It could be a chance worth taking. But when you are out there, don't forget the North West corner of El Banco, those fishing in this area; have been coming in with full fish boxes. Please, keep this just between us……
Marietta Islands, El Morro, Punta Mita, all have been alive with Dorado, Sails, Rooster fish, Mackerels, Needle fish (Mexican Barracudas), Jack Cravells, you name it. Every game fish in the book is out there RIGHT NOW! Remember, it's Fishing High Season and it won't be getting any better than it is right now! Same old story, find bait that turns their head, and brace yourself for quite a ride.
This week I want to take a minute and help people understand some fishing basics. We've all heard the Battle Cry of Catch and Release and the controversy of which type of hook to use, but what exactly does all of this mean. It seems obvious, but it isn't. In the world of fishing, there are basically two kinds of hooks, a "J" hook and a "C" or "Circle" Hook. A "J" hook is used when you have no intention of releasing your catch. There are some variations on this hook, but they're basically the same, standard hook that's been around since the beginning of time. "C or Circle" hooks are basically a wider throat hook with the sharp end bent abruptly toward the inside of the hook. This bend will lodge itself in the lip of the fish with very little penetration so the fish doesn't get hurt of damaged. With a C hook, you have to constantly keep tension on the line when reeling it in. If you lighten up on the tension, or have a long "stroke" there is a very good chance the fish you were hoping to bring in, will "spit" the hook. This is a common term that is 100% accurate. A "J" hook pierces the fishes lip or lodges itself in the mouth (hopefully). J hooks are the standard that's been used for ever. A fish can still "spit the hook", but its unlikely if the hook is set well and in a good spot. I've seen J hooks used where the fish was hooked in the bill! C hooks; since they're not embedded in the mouth of the fish will come out easily buy just letting slack in the line. There are times when a C hook needs to be removed manually, nothing is perfect. Those interested in Catch and Release should always ask the Charter Captain if they use C or J Hooks. If Catch and Release is something you as an Angler are truly interested in, then C Hooks are the way to go!
We're still "Erasing" Graffiti all over town and the support is growing daily. We're doing out part to keep PV Beautiful, now you can help also with a donation of time, cash or collecting donations. Master Baiter's of Marina Vallarta with the Mayors office is spear heading this project with great results. If you'd like to volunteer, contact me at: letsfish@mbsportsfishing.com or go through my web page at: www.mbsportsfishing.com. We'd be happy to make you part of the team. Thanks again to all those who have donated time and money, and Puerto Vallarta thanks you.
Update Aug. 30: A Hurricane is marching its way up the coast of Mexico and just outside of Acapulco where it's located now. It will pass Puerto Vallarta 180 miles out from Corbetena or 215 miles in total. It doesn't look like it will come on land, but the swells for a day or two are going to be hard to deal with. Most likely, they'll close the port in Marina Vallarta. Now that the full moon phase has passed us, the fishing will get to frenzy stage in a few days. The storm, while making it impossible to fish, will be bringing in fish with the currents after the storm has passed. So another silver lining, so to speak. Tuna are ranging still from 75 to 300 lbs, just depends on the school you run into….. Like normal, bait is getting sparse, but there are lots of fish, so make sure you make bait when you can right now. Lots of Marlin and Sailfish out there right now, Yellowfin will be coming on strong now….. and water temperatures are perfect!
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. All Master Baiter's stores are operated independently and separately.
Come to our 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, Carlos or our newest employee Erik. And remember, at Master Baiters "WE WON´T JERK YOU AROUND!"
