Hawaii Fish Report

As we enter the new year, fishing conditions in Puerto Vallarta couldn’t be better. In fact, I can’t remember the last time we had the favorable conditions of many world class varied species, all taking bait at the same time. We had a current come through the area bringing “trash” and with-it large Dorado. More on that later. Right now, we have world class fishing at all, and I mean all of our world famous fishing grounds. If you’re heading out, you’re catching fish, it’s just that easy and predictable. The only thing missing is you.

In my last article, all the action was at El Banco. To me that was a surprise since The Bank hasn’t been performing like it has been, for at least ten years. Then all of a sudden, the area explodes with fish? This week, I understand why things played out like they did. It all came down to bait. There was a ton of bait at El Banco and none at Corbetena. But the Tuna were hitting there at El Banco, they were anywhere from 30 to 100 lbs, but when you found them, they were slashing through Krill like demons. It was impossible to get their attention and at that point, it’s just a frustration. This week at El Banco, it’s still the place to be, but the level of Kanada or bait dropped drastically. This sounds like a bad thing, and it’s not good. But we can play these conditions to our advantage. The solution, go find Skipjack Tuna or Bonito for the Tuna Tubes. This is mandatory, it’s BYO-Bait at El Banco and Corbetena! But we still have Sailfish of good size, Dorado from 25lbs. plus, Blue Marlin are starting to thin out as you’d expect, but we have Striped Marlin moving in as water temperatures are dropping predictably. Now this may sound like bad news, but in reality, a smart and capable captain will know he needs to ‘make bait’. That means catch SkipJack Tuna or Bonito and stuff those precious babies in your tuna tubes. At times like this, you understand how important Tuna Tubes are. So that’s the secret, get the morning bait boat guys to load you up, but you’ll still need to make bait because Skippies are the preferred dish on the menu. When it comes to Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna that is, they’re out there. But they will soon be leaving for southern, warmer waters or maybe Japan. You can expect the same conditions at Corbetena as well. We’ve also seen some Spinner Dolphin, Tornio’s as the locals call them. They’re anywhere from 20 to 50 lbs and they’re taking bait, so if you see them, don’t ignore them.

When we discuss the eight-hour distance from El Morro to the point of Nayarit, aka Punta Mita, is absolutely on fire. Anywhere from 3 to 13 miles off the point, you’ll find Dorado in the 25 to 35lbs. range. Sailfish of good size, Blue Marlin and Striped Marlin. The good news is there are Skippies in the area and the action has been very good. But we have to remember, fish move and what happened today can be a hint of what to expect. But all too often, we forget fish move! That’s why I think right now your best bang for your fishing dollar is the 8hr. duration trips. So in comparison, here’s the deal, the El Banco area, if you have the required Skippies, is going to have bigger fish, but they’ll be less abundant and it’s a full day of fishing. But the eight-hour distances have a better chance of more action, but smaller fish. Decisions, decisions. Now keep this to yourself, two hot-spots are in front of Garza Blanca Hotel or Punta Negra. And La Cruz around the hotel area, you won’t go wrong.

Once again, inside the bay was spectacular this week. With many Striped Marlin being boated in the bay, very surprising, you may just catch the fish of a lifetime in a six-hour trip. Dorado, they’re very large in the bay in sizes over 20lbs and impressive to be honest. Now here’s the deal, the Sailfish are close to Los Arcos and La Cruz Marina. Dorado are running the entire bay, anywhere you go, you’ll find Dorado. Jack crevalle’s have been very large at 30 to 50lbs and are great family action species. Don’t avoid the Sierra Mackerels, they’re smaller, but great tasting and are available in the bay, close to the mouth of the marina is a good place to cast a few small Rapalas. Throw in 15lb Skipjacks, 15lb Bonito, and possible Snook or Robalo near the rivers. And of course there are Roosterfish off Cabo Corrientes. There is just too much to write about. Normally I try and steer people off the four-hour trips, but right now four hours will put you and your family or friends on some great action and not destroy your vacation budget.

Ok, so here are some important details; We have beautiful, high visibility blue water everywhere! We had a strange current come through and with it came a bunch of trash and Dorado! Find that current and get the camera ready! Water temperatures have dropped to 80 degrees, which is heaven for Striped Marlin. Blue Marlin will hang for a while longer, especially if the bait conditions improve. As normal Krill have arrived with the Whales and they present their own special challenges. Because of this, pink lures have been working pretty well, but not as well as live and dead bait, naturally. The bite is still at about 08:30 and most boats head out in the mornings. But there is an afternoon bite most people never consider. My competition won’t tell you about. But this past week the afternoon bite happening after 2:30, several sailfish were boated about this time in the bay. So, you don’t have to leave early to catch fish, but if you go in the afternoon, your captain has to load up on bait from the “Bait guys” and keep it in the live well. Many are lazy and don’t want to tell people this. Something to keep in mind amigos. And that pretty much sums things up this week!

Until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish!

Thank you very much for visiting my site. We do all of this to earn your confidence and your business. If you come in the shop and mention that you’ve been reading my reports, I’ll give you a free T-Shirt with a charter. And as a customer we will freeze and store your catch. This is an exclusive service for Master Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle’s clients! We’re the only full service fishing company in Puerto Vallarta.