Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - All the conditions for world class sportfishing exist in the Banderas Bay area right now. Warm water at 85 degrees, super sapphire blue water, bait in mega amounts... the only thing missing are large fish in any real numbers. That's right folks we're held for fish!

As we enter July we get excited because we know it's just a short while before we see world record sizes on many of the species we normally see at this time of the year. So, "what's the problem?" you may ask. Well, I didn't promise an answer. Frankly most of the saltier Captains in Marina Vallarta, in a Mexican laid back voice, tell me that I need to be patient. That they are coming, and all we need are some current changes and we'll be "swimming" in fish. Don't get me wrong, right now, as I write this, the fishing is about 50/50. You'll see fish, they'll chase your baits, and they'll laugh at you as they turn their heads away from your presentation.

Corbeteña, once again, is primed and ready to go. As mentioned earlier, bait is not an issue. Here we have tons of smaller Skip Jack Tuna, aka 'Skippies,' the favorite baits of Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna. Mix in some Goggle Eyes, nine inch flying fish, and bait balls as far as the eye can see, you'd think this is fish heaven. It is, but they haven't found it yet and that is the whole thing. We all know fish move and it's just a matter of time before they move into the area. Once this happens there will be no reason to leave the area.

For now you can expect to find Smaller Striped Marlin in the 200 to 350 lb range. Sailfish are more abundant, but fickle when it comes to baits. Cubera Snappers are there for the jiggers running 60 lbs. Dorado are still in the area, but the numbers have thinned out. The good news is if you find Dorado they're in the 45 lb range.

All and all Corbeteña is a great place to start, but if you don't find any interest in your baits head north a ways, this could help with the Marlin and Sailfish.

El Banco, same situation, if you go 1/2 to 2 miles north of El Banco you'll find Sailfish, Small Blue Marlin, Dorado in the 35 lb range, plenty of bait in the form of flying fish and Skippies. All and all maybe not the best place to spend your fishing dollars. This information is coming from the commercial fisherman who are coming in with light loads as well.

For now, Marieta Islands fishing is not much better than the deep water locations. Very large Needle fish have all but taken over this area. Needle fish are a strange looking fish that is long, skinny and has a bill. They fight well, taste good, not great, but good qualifies. They are great fighters and will jump often and are an indicator that warm currents have arrived.

At the Marietas, you'll find Bonito in the 25 to 35 lb range, Skip Jack Tuna, smaller Dorado and a host of other fish. If you can find any stumps or objects floating in the area (from the rains) then you've got a gold mine for Dorado. All and all, you may want to wait a few days before heading out, give the fish a chance to come in.

The Punta Mita Area, same story as last week, plenty of bait, Sailfish and Dorado... if they take your bait. Not too much to tell you. If you're in the Punta Mita area, then a short trip off the beach pangas would be worth a four hour trip or so, but frankly, more than that in the area is wishful thinking.

Ok, here's the deal, for the moment if you head out your chances of coming in with a fish is about 50/50. For the angler in the area right now, I would suggest a short trip in the bay. The trash line is the only thing happening right now. The area around Yelapa is doing well with Bonito, Skip Jack Tuna, Small Dorado and various other species.

Six hours will bring home something for the dinner table, won't cost you a fortune and if you’re with the kids or the wife, then they can normally take this time frame without losing their minds... That is if they still have their minds intact!

Until next time, don't forget to kiss your fish - and remember, at Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle "We Won’t Jerk You Around!"