Striper Hook

Striper Hook

Stripers Working The Puerto Vallarta Area

By: Jim Scherrer

To many of us retirees, one of the more exhilarating moments in life is being front and center to a striper dance. Obviously, this article has the undivided attention of many of you geezers while you women probably just assume the author can't spell; however, stripers are not to be confused with strippers!

Stripers, stripeys, spikefish, spearfish, etc., are terms often used for striped marlin, a billfish of the Tetrapturus audax species of the Istiophoridae family of fish.

Of the billfishes that occur in Oregon, California, and Mexican waters, the striped marlins are easy to recognize. Marlins have scales, fins on the belly, and a rounded spear which set them apart from swordfish which have no scales or ventral fins. Sailfish have an extremely high dorsal fin not found among the marlins, and short bill spearfish do not have the long spear on the upper jaw nor the body weight of the marlins. The striped marlins are much smaller than the blue or black marlins but larger than most sailfish. The striped marlins are unique in that they normally develop conspicuous lavender to blue stripes along the sides of their bodies after death.

Because striped marlins are found in waters from 20°C to 25°C (68°F-77°F), they are often found all along the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula during the winter months as the Pacific Ocean water cools and they migrate south to the warmer water. On the other hand, the blue and black marlins prefer warmer water, typically in the 25°C to 30°C (77°F-86°F). Therefore, the large blues and blacks are found off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico during the summer months when the Pacific Ocean water temperature is in the low 80´s. Seldom do those same waters drop in temperature low enough to attract the stripers. Consequently, winter fishing in Vallarta will generally yield yellow fin tuna, dorado, and some sailfish but no striped marlin.

This year the climate along the Mexican Riviera has been somewhat different than that seen for quite a while (obviously due to climate cooling!). Pacific Ocean water temperatures that are normally expected to be around 75°F are closer to 72°F and the game fish that live in the 75°F water are nowhere to be found around Vallarta early in March this year. On the other hand, striped marlins that are usually found around Cabo San Lucas during the winter months have migrated south and are now being caught offshore from Vallarta.

During the second week of March while trolling with lures at a speed of 10 knots, approximately 50 miles offshore from Vallarta, we spotted a magnificent striped marlin about 15 feet from our boat. He was heading the opposite direction at about the same speed, just minding his own business in search for food. What an incredible sight; seeing this 150 pound striper, with his dorsal fin and tail well above the surface of the water, pass along the side of our boat heading in the perfect direction to spot our delicious looking lures. Of course, everyone onboard started shouting instructions in English, Spanish, and perhaps a couple other undistinguishable languages!

As that beautiful striper approached our lures, we were ready for action. He checked out the first lure, then the second, and finally the third. After making his decision, he dropped back perhaps 30 feet and then charged at high speed (they can accelerate to 70 miles per hour), attacking the third lure. Wow, all hell broke loose as we set the hook. He came flying out of the water, did a full flip with a triple twist (degree of difficulty rating of about 2.9), and then proceeded to dance across the surface on his tail; the best striper dance we had ever seen!

After playing with this 150 pound beauty of nature for a half an hour, man once again conquered beast. After grabbing him by his long bill, we were able to safely remove the hook and free this magnificent specimen, allowing him to search for a more nutritious meal and live for a better day.

Some of the finest sport fishing in the world can be found in the Puerto Vallarta area. The months of October, November, and December are probably the best for most game fish, however the summer months can also yield some mighty fine catches. That being said, it still doesn't get much better than being out in the Pacific waters with your best fishing buddy in the middle of the winter when the air temperature is 80°F during the day and 70°F during the night, the winds are gentle to non-existent, and the sky is clear blue during the daytime and absolutely cluttered with millions of stars during the nighttime.

During the past decade, Puerto Vallarta has exploded with growth which has brought with it every activity imaginable including about eight new championship style golf courses. Still, sport fishing, the original activity of Vallarta, remains one of its top draws and definitely of world class caliber.

Whether you're interested in stripers or strippers, you're apt to find them in the Vallarta area! One thing is for sure, you'll have the best time of your life enjoying the winter activities in this incredibly beautiful Paradise south of the border. So, why wait; with the recent 35% devaluation of the Mexican Peso, everything is now on sale and the time for an action packed trip to PV has never been better.

About the Author

Jim Scherrer has owned property in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for 25 years and resided there for the past eleven years. The mission of his series of 50 articles pertaining to retirement in Puerto Vallarta is to reveal the recent changes that have occurred in Vallarta while dispelling the misconceptions about living conditions in Mexico. For the full series of articles regarding travel to and retirement in Vallarta as well as pertinent Puerto Vallarta links, please visit us at PVREBA

StylePlus Athletic Field Striper $99.95 StylePlus Athletic Field Striper

Cleaner,Baseboard Striper $157.99 CLEANER,BASEBOARD STRIPER

ACK Striper Oval Sticker by CafePress $5 Lets be honest, the real reason you drag the family to Natucket is to give you the opportunity to hook into some stripers Oval Sticker Our stickers are printed on 4mil vinyl using water and UV resistant inks 150; meaning no fading in the sun or bleeding in the rain. Measures 3 x 5 oval. Printed on durable 4mil vinyl.

Striper Surf $34.87 Everything from equipment to lures and baits is covered in this how-to book, including the history of striper fishing, how to fish successfully and safely at night, and sure-fire baiting techniques.

2 Marlin A Blue And A Striper $39.99 Randy Sprout 2 Marlin A Blue And A Striper - Giclee Print

Mens Striper $39.97 Why wait until summer to enjoy this nautical classic style? The Original Sperry Top-Sider Striper gives a neat, crisp touch to a classical American style. Soft twill canvas fabric upper, five eyelet laced up rope style front. Padded collar and cushioned striped inlay/insole. Boat shoe.

Single Line Striper Set striper set $55.3 Set includes a striper and eight wheel tip assemblies (1/64 in., 1/32 in., 1/16 in., 5/64 in., 1/8 in., 1/4 in., 3/64 in., and 3/32 in.).

Wire Striper(Pack Of 24) $31 Wire striper 7 metal with plastic hand grips metal blades marked with wire cutter information....

Hook $9.99 Hook

Nixon Striper Trucker Hat (Charcoal) $20 The men's Nixon Striper Trucker hat features a mesh back, a stripe front panel, a logo patch, and an adjustable back.

Nixon Striper Trucker Hat (Surplus) $20 The men's Nixon Striper Trucker hat features a mesh back, a stripe front panel, a logo patch, and an adjustable back.

Portable Parking Lot Striper $217.29 Portable parking lot striper has no set-up or clean-up time. Portable parking lot striper automatically adjusts paint can nozzle to eliminate mess. Spray head adjusts to make stripes from 2" to 4" wide for any application. 20oz can covers 160 ft. Stores up to 12 cans of striping paint.

Mens Striper LL CVO $49.97 Why wait until summer to enjoy this nautical classic style? The Original Sperry Top-Sider Striper gives a neat, crisp touch to a classical American style. Soft twill canvas fabric upper, vulcanized bonding for a secured upper and outsole and cushioned striped inlay/insole. Great for a relaxed weekend wear! Boat shoe.

Mens Striper Slip On $59.97 Why wait until summer to enjoy this nautical classic style? The Original Sperry Top-Sider Striper gives a neat, crisp touch to a classical American style. Soft twill canvas fabric upper, vulcanized bonding for a secured upper and outsole and cushioned striped inlay/insole. Great for a relaxed weekend wear! Boat shoe.

Air Tank Striper $1671.39 Air tank striper saves paint and application costs on large jobs. Air tank striper pressurizes paint for better coverage. 35% faster than hand pump for up to 1/2-mile uninterrupted. Fill self-contained tank with compressed air for use. No need to replace belts, hoses or engines. 4 gallon tank paints 2,200 ft. of 3" striping without refilling; 1 gallon paint (sold separately) provides the coverage of 15 aerosol cans - a savings of over $130 per gallon! Welded-steel withstands heavy use. Adjustable spray head marks lines 2" to 6" wide. Instantaneous shut-off valve eliminates mess and waste.

Athletic Striper $130.83 Weighted construction for stabilityGuide arrow keeps lines straightComfortable anti-fatigue handleEasy to use trigger Sturdy constructionAdjustable stripe from 2.5" to 4.5"Big 10 wheels for smooth rolling over uneven terrainWindscreen keeps stripes crisp, even on windy daysKan Shakers let the wheel shake the cans

206346 - Striper $102.11 [8267908] Truck Delivery

Alpinestars Striper Boardshort - Red $55 It’s impossible for you to lose a competition whenever your buddies challenge you. Your competitive attitude takes over and you turn into a big mean green giant we’re all familiar with. Cool down by throwing on these Striper boardshorts from Alpinestars and hitting the waves. They feature engineered stripes with a side pocket that includes a wax comb to make your life a little bit easier. We’re not saying get rid of that competitive edge; you’ll need that on the water!

Athletic Striper Paint - White: SP $87.92 This is the Case of White Paint only, not the mechanical striper, which is SP_PG011D • Weighted construction for stability • Guide arrow keeps lines straight • Comfortable anti-fatigue Handle • Easy to use trigger • Sturdy construction • Adjustable Stripe from 2.5” to 4.5” • 10” wheels for smooth rolling over uneven terrain • Windscreen keeps stripes crisp, even on windy days • Kan Shakers™ let the wheel shake the cans Athletic Striper SP_PG011D Case of White Paint for SP_PG011D SP_PG012D.....12 cans

Weathered Striper Hobbies Cap by CafePress $17 This is a hand drawn, striper illustration. Hobbies Cap . Our adjustable, 100% brushed cotton Cap is unstructured and an ideal way to beat the heat. Wear it anytime you want to keep the sun off or cover up a bad hair day. It features a sturdy low profile brim, sweatband, and adjustable closure, as well as Pre

SOC Striper owners club Sweatshirt by CafePress $42.5 Striper Owners Club Striper owners club Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Warm up in our stylin' Hanes Heavyweight 90/10 cotton/polyester sweatshirt. Thick but not bulky, for maximum comfort and durability whether you're working out or hanging out. 10.1 oz. patented PrintPro174; fabric in a 90/10 cotton/polyester

SOC Striper owners club Cap by CafePress $17 Striper Owners Club Striper owners club Cap . Our adjustable, 100% brushed cotton Cap is unstructured and an ideal way to beat the heat. Wear it anytime you want to keep the sun off or cover up a bad hair day. It features a sturdy low profile brim, sweatband, and adjustable closure, as well as Pre

SOC Striper owners club Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $48 Striper Owners Club Striper owners club Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

Athletic Striper (Field Marker): SP $127.92 • Weighted construction for stability • Guide arrow keeps lines straight • Comfortable anti-fatigue Handle • Easy to use trigger • Sturdy construction • Adjustable Stripe from 2.5” to 4.5” • 10” wheels for smooth rolling over uneven terrain • Windscreen keeps stripes crisp, even on windy days • Kan Shakers™ let the wheel shake the cans Athletic Striper SP_PG011D Case of White Paint for SP_PG011D SP_PG012D.....12 cans

Anglers Book Supply Co 1564402789 Striper Surf $39.08 Striper expert Frank Daignault covers all the essential details of this exciting sport. 36 photos; 5x8 256 pgs. A howto book for surfcasters Striper Surf is a compilation of information on striper fishing methods which include fishing with baits plugging rigging an eel and fly fishing. Four parts Locating Stripers Where and How ; Surf Tackle and Equipment ; Methods and Striped Bass Trends Traits and Behavior. This last section contains a fascinating 50 pg. section on the natural history of this most popular species. Comparisons of today s linesides with the socalled good old days and a dreamy look at what has been experienced in the past with the truly huge some over 100 pounds moby stripers. Daignault is the last of a dying breed who knew and fished with the legends of heady days when surfcasting was in its infancy. Things that have never been written anywhere are revealed about striper behavior and evidence of their presence. As a result Daignault has an almost cult following in his wellstoried striper surf. Striper Surf has been printed 7 times. Softcover

Striper Fishing Kids Hoodie by CafePress $26 A Kid's Sweatshirt with a very unique, original artwork striped bass illustration in a dark gray brush stroke. This striper hoodie sweathshirt will keep your little fisherman warm. Fishing Kids Hoodie Stay warm while lookinrsquo; casual-cool in this kid version of an adult favorite - our ash grey Hanes Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. Deep front pocket and hood for extra protection against getting slammed by bad weather. Made of cotton/polyester blend that

Striper Fishing Hobbies Cap by CafePress $17 Striper fishing is a sport for everyone. Just grab a pole and give it a try. Hobbies Cap . Our adjustable, 100% brushed cotton Cap is unstructured and an ideal way to beat the heat. Wear it anytime you want to keep the sun off or cover up a bad hair day. It features a sturdy low profile brim, sweatband, and adjustable closure, as well as Pre

Volcom Girls Shadow Striper Dress (White) $45 The women's Volcom Shadow Striper dress is made of 100% cotton. It features a lightweight woven dobby dress, form fitting at the bodice, a stone inset at the back panel, contrast stripe at the straps, fully lined, and a slight shirttail hem.

Metal Mulisha Striper Tall Sock - Black $9.5 The devil is in the details my friend, so make sure your hardcore style starts with a firm foundation of Metal Mulisha attitude by wearing these Striper socks. These comfortable socks boast woven MM graphics on the cuff and sole.