When is the Best Time to Fish in Cabo?
If you didn’t already know, Cabo is regarded as one of, if not the best sport fishing destination in the world. There are a number of fishing tournaments held here each year, including the world-renown, Bisbee’s Black & Blue.
With a purse as high as $6M USD in past years, this tournament provides professional, intermediate, and beginner fishermen with catches that you’ll have to see to believe.
In the book, ‘Tales of Fishing Virgin Seas,’ master angler, Zane Grey, speaks about the fishing potential in Los Cabos.
He writes: “Nine yellowfin tuna, four over 150 pounds and the others around 100 pounds, in one day, for two anglers fishing within two miles of the shore. Repeat that for three days and you have a fishery unequaled anywhere.”
Cabo San Lucas lies directly in the middle of where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez merge.
Many believe it is the mixing of two seas that makes this such a coveted area for fishing. One thing is for certain; if you go fishing in Cabo, you’re not going home empty-handed.
The Marinas
Cabo San Lucas Marina
There are two different marinas in Los Cabos that you can choose to depart from.
The first is the famous, IGY Marina in Cabo San Lucas. It is the larger of the two and holds almost 400 ships.
This marina is right in downtown San Lucas so it is easily accessible and a great place to charter from.
It comes with several amenities: 24-hour security, electricity, potable water, fuel station, laundry facilities, and showers.
As the marina is a focal point of downtown Cabo San Lucas, you will find great restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Attractions on the CSL Marina are Puerto Paraiso Mall, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Agua Salada (great for watching sporting events), WTF Burger Bar, Baja Brewing Company, Chubby Noodle, Nowhere Bar, and much more.
Just beyond the marina rests all of the vivacious nightclubs and bars that Cabo has to offer. If you are looking for a place to spend a day, the Cabo San Lucas IGY Marina is a good place to start.
Puerto Los Cabos Marina
The second marina is in the luxurious and historic community of Puerto Los Cabos, located just north of San Jose Del Cabo.
It is the newer of the two marinas and holds around 200 ships. While the amenities here are similar, this marina can accommodate slightly larger ships. There are several different docks located around the Puerto Los Cabos Marina, including one that is adjacent to Hotel El Ganzo and Beach Club.
Ask your personal concierge which marina your charter normally leaves from.
Boat Rentals
As you can imagine, with Cabo being such a popular and fruitful fishing destination, there are plenty of companies who charter fishing excursions. Since there are so many companies, you can choose what kind of experience you would like to cultivate.
Whether you want to fish on a yacht, cruiser, or panga, you can find what you need at either Marina.
As you would expect, yachts are the most expensive option, but will also give you the most luxurious and accommodating experience.
Don’t hesitate to ask your Personal Concierge about our different yacht rentals.
Cruisers are a more affordable option and can hold large groups, while making it a comfortable ride on a windy day. Pangas are the smallest and most up-close-and-personal experience.
What to Expect on a Chartered Fishing Excursion
Keep in mind that fishing in Mexico DOES require a license. When you purchase a chartered fishing package, it usually includes your license, bait, tackle, and equipment.
You are going to want to make sure to get those details before paying for your trip. Some packages also come with food and drink so all you have to do is show up in the morning and get on the boat. Most often, chartered fishing trips leave around 6am to 7am and last for around 6 hours.
Cost varies depending on the type and size of vessel as well as how many people are in your group. It is customary to include a tip of 15% to 20% for the crew when your trip is all said and done. This is completely up to you, however.
Best Time to Catch Each Type of Fish
| Amberjack | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Black Marlin | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Blue Marlin | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Black Grouper | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Cabrilla | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Dorado | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Goliath Grouper | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Hammerhead Shark | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Jack Crevalie | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Mahi Mahi (Dolphin) | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Pacific Bonito | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Pacific Bonito | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Rooster Fish | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Sierra Mackerel | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Sailfish | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Skipjack Tuna | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Shark | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Snapper | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Snook | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Striped Marlin | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Swordfish | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Wahoo | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Yellow Fin Tuna | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Yellowtail Amberjack | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May. | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
RED = Poor ORANGE = Fair BLUE = Good GREEN = Excellent
