Fishing Report for Wk December 9, 2007 for Master Baiter's Sportfishing and Tackle
Written By: Stan Gabruk
Title: The season stays strong with Mahi Mahi and Sailfish leading the way!
You always know when the seasons are changing with the arrival of the Whales for mating season (Dec. to March) in our own Bay of Banderas. This is also an indication that the water temperatures are beginning to fluctuate a touch, although the Whales have gotten here relatively late this year. The smaller game fish have migrated more out towards the points where the current is warmer, so naturally it has brought the Sailfish and Mahi Mahi in a touch closer to shore.
The week has shaped up nicely and the fishing is noticeably better, but the Yellowfin are still running small for this time of year. Last year at this time we were seeing 300 lb. Yellowfin Monsters coming in daily, this week we're happy if we boat a Yellowfin over 100 lbs. But that's fishing and it's anything but an exact science.
El Banco has been uncharacteristically quiet. But the North end of El Banco is strong with Sailfish, Large Mahi Mahi, Black Marlin (diminishing numbers) and the occasional Stripped or Blue Marlin. Try trolling Lures, Rigged Goggle eyes, Kites, and every other thing you have in your bag of tricks until something works and something will, so don't quit!
Corbetena has been smoking like you'd expect with a long list of game fish, Sail, Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin if you're in the right spot at the right time, Pargo, and more. No special tricks here just go through your color (lures) and experiment. Blue and Purple colors were working last week, but I know a few Captains that are changing between pink and red with some success, so give it a try.
The bay has gone cold, the bait fish that draw the larger game fish in are following the bait to the points like I mentioned earlier. For that reason, Punta Mita has been the place to be for the last Six weeks and this week was no different. San Pancho or the San Francisco area is turning into the most reliable locations for sizeable game fish. Shorter duration trips are many times coming up short on count and species. Longer trips are working for Yellowfin or Black Marlin. But everyone knows you're not normally going to have a shot at Black Marlin in close, then again I've been made a liar more than once.
One area many people have a tendency to ignore is the point at Cabo Correntes, the other point to the south of the bay. Many times you can find this area thick with Billfish just lounging in groups or swimming in six packs, spectacular to say the least.
This week I want to take a second to discuss what you're actually paying for when chartering a boat. Most people come into the shop trying to get the best price they can get. You may want to think along these lines the next time you choose a charter company. Some boats go quickly to the fishing grounds, others are slower than tugs. All promise to catch fish, yet when you look at their tackle you have to wonder "With what, this?" What you wind up paying for and what you get is where the dilemma lies. The savvy fisherman will ask how long it takes to get to the fishing grounds? Is it worth the trip or can you get desired species closer in? Most importantly, how much time will I have my lines in the water based on average travel time there and back with normal sea conditions? One way to make a charter "cheaper for clients" or more affordable is to go out at a snails pace to El Banco or Corbetena. On average the slower boats will cause you lose two hours of fishing. But you saved yourself a hundred dollars. In that scenario, you actually paid too much and saw less value in your purchase, with it usually being a lower quality operation. Now most Americans and Canadians will figure this out once they've found their way to the fishing grounds where boats that passed them on the way out are now boating fish as you arrive. Now I'm not sure about you, but that would set me off like a Roman Candle!
Another thing that most people assume is that the newest boat they can find is the best boat. Well, not necessarily, you want a capable, safe and reliable boat, but the boat is for transportation. It gets you there and back, but it's the Captain and First Mate that make the trip. So the crew is the main variable, great crews produce fish, even if the boat isn't something you'd see on ESPN. So when you come to town, remember to ask how much of the trip duration will be with your line in the water? Then take your trip cost, divide by the hours you're actually fishing (exclude travel time) and this is your true cost.
Updated Info December 11: The water temperatures the last couple of days have dropped drastically at El Banco. Satellites show it being in the 71 degree range, which will affect the strategies for fishing here in PV. Water temperatures at Corbetena is still in the low 80's in degrees for my European readers. Yellowfin have dropped in size as would be expected with cooler water. But no worries amigos, Yellowfin Tuna are here in PV all year long and as long as a 70 lb. Yellowfin can still get your motor started, then you'll love it here all year. But this is normal every year and things could change just as quickly next week!
The water in the warmer areas is also dirty as late... but warm. So planers are working to get your bait down a little into hopefully blue water and you have a great chance of hitting a Sail. So don't worry, just get here amigo
Jack Cravells are making their way back into the area, another example of the seasons changing. Now if you've never caught one of these Tuna Family beauties, you don't know what you're missing. Fly fishing enthusiast love these, but bring your 8 to 10 weight poles, really!
Carlos is still fighting Graffiti in our fair community and is making quite a difference. Carlos fed up with the low rent eye sores that are born of uneducated and criminal elements. Let's keep the city beautiful by contributing time, money or support of any kind to this project and you'll be glad you did when you don't notice those eye sores…..
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. Surprise your friends and family back home with something truly unique as seen on Jay Leno, Conan, and David Letterman and recently on CNN and FOX News, Thank you Southwest Airlines! 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.
Remember, Master Baiter's stores are operated independently and separately, be sure you're talking with the correct shop or person in correspondences via email or over the phone. OR 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 Chema! If you'd like to become my friend on MySpace, send me an invitation to: stanray55@yahoo.com
