Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - For the last few years, the fishing has been anything but normal, and so far there is no reason to think things are going to change.

Normally from February to mid April the water temperatures are in the mid to very low seventies. Since we are in another La Nina year, (the cold water version of El Nino) you would expect even colder water. But this is not the case, especially at El Banco and Corbeteña where water temperatures are hovering above eighty degrees.

Basically these are summer water temperatures with currents from Hawaii cutting off the cold water from the north. It explains why we have seen Football Yellowfin Tuna at El Banco and Corbeteña. Find the Spinner Dolphin and the Footballs will be with them.

Striped Marlin are still at our world famous fishing grounds, but not many. Sailfish and Dorado are also out there if you have the luck of the Irish. I guess to put things in a nut shell, you'll have to work a little to find fish and it may take some time, but the good news is there are fish to be had.

Last week things were a little slow and not exactly favorable for heading out to the deep water conditions due to the ten to twelve foot swells and long intervals. With the chop from twenty mile an hour winds, you got pounded, but that did not seem to stop those who were determined to head out to the Tres Maria Islands. For those fanatics the Tres Marias has been the promise land and for those seeking Monster Yellowfin Tuna in the 300 lb range. That's right, I said 300 lbs and hungry!

But there is a big, big issue with the Tres Maria Islands, besides being a prison island with some of the worst, hardened criminals in Mexico, it is also a GAME RESERVE. Protected Waters are protected waters, and it is illegal to fish inside the 12 to 15 mile buffer zone. Those charter companies fishing inside the limit are not only breaking the law, the clients are being put at risk.

These boats and companies are heavily promoted but be sure, and I can't stress this strongly enough, if you are heading out this way to fish, you make it clear you do not want to be inside the legal boundaries.

There are some serious repercussions for you the client if the boat you're in gets confiscated by the Mexican Navy. Be warned those fishing inside the restricted area are subject to arrest. This goes mostly for the captain of the boat, but they can keep you on the islands for weeks to months if the boat is confiscated.

More importantly these guys are fishing a Game Reserve. They know it and all have been warned to keep out, yet the self served agenda to make money at your risk continues. If this was happening in the States, the fines alone would put these guys out of business. The law could put them away for several years, yet these companies are still venturing into these resticted waters and risking their clients well being.

The clients paying to go on these charters are trusting these companies to do what is legal since most of them are not aware of the laws in this country, and they assume they are in the hands of people who will make sure the right things are done. It just makes me sick that Americans are running companies that are fishing in prohibited waters and risking peoples safety for a few dollars.

Really enough cannot be said about this situation, but it's time to get down from my soap box and give you more of the good news... the fishing report!

El Banco and Corbeteña are seeing some blue water and lots of Cubera and Chilango Snappers from 30 lbs up to the about 60 lbs. The Dorado are moving in and out as are the Striped Marlin, so the possibility of hooking a prize this late in the season remains. Plenty of bait in the form of Bonito and Skip Jacks are running with Spinner Dolphin. It's still hard for me to recommend this area, but this could change soon.

The Marietta Islands have slowed down a little for a few days, but the Rooster Fish, Jack Crevalls, Snappers, Sierra Mackerals, Skip Jack Tuna, Pompano, are still being caught. All are running from 10 to 40 pounds.

Don't forget the area south of El Morro to the point of Cabo Corrientes and around Chimo, all of which have been strong, with varied species.

Inside the bay it's been slow. A four hour trip in the bay is not producing as well as you would expect for this time of the year. But for those with six hours, you’ll find Jack Crevalls, Sierra Mackerals, Bonito, Snappers and if you're lucky a small Dorado.

Right now we have a mixed bag out there. We see a strong bite some days, others are not so strong. But there are plenty of fish at our fishing grounds and if you are flexible and have the notion to catch fish, we can make it happen! There are summer species out there now that shouldn't be. So be sure to get on the water before you head home!

While you are in Puerto Vallarta don`t forget to visit "the other Malecon¨ at Marina Vallarta. It`s the second most popular tourist attraction in town with Restaurant Row and 150 shops of all kinds. I'll keep an eye out for you!

Until next time, don't forget to kiss your fish!