Best Time for Sportfishing in Los Cabos
Los Cabos is one of the world's great sportfishing destinations, and the best months are May, June, October, and November — with Bisbee's Black & Blue in October and the Star Billfish Tournament in June.
Los Cabos is one of the world's great sportfishing destinations, and the best months for action are May, June, October, and November. The Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet at the tip of Baja, creating one of the most productive marine environments on earth — striped marlin, blue marlin, black marlin, yellowfin tuna, dorado, wahoo, and roosterfish are all in play. May and June deliver the start of the marlin and tuna season, with the Star Billfish Tournament in June kicking off the tournament calendar. October brings Bisbee's Black & Blue — the biggest event in sportfishing — and November continues the great fall bite. The fishing is good year-round, but these four months are the standout picks for serious anglers.
The Best Months
May is the start of the great fishing season, with striped marlin, dorado, and yellowfin tuna all showing up in force as the water warms. June continues the action and hosts the Star Billfish Tournament, kicking off the tournament calendar. October is the absolute peak of the Cabo fishing year, hosting Bisbee's Black & Blue — the biggest event in sportfishing, with a multi-million-dollar prize pool — alongside the Bisbee's Los Cabos Offshore tournament. November continues the great fall bite, with marlin and tuna still active and the weather at its most comfortable. For serious anglers, October is the must-fish month. For travelers who want great fishing without the tournament crowds, May and November are the smart picks. Avoid late summer (August and September) when charters are subject to weather cancellations.
What to Expect
Cabo sportfishing centers on the Cabo San Lucas marina, where dozens of charter boats from 28-foot super pangas to 60-foot luxury sportfishers depart daily. Half-day trips (5 hours) and full-day trips (8 hours) are the standard options, with full-day trips recommended for serious anglers targeting marlin and tuna. The bite is good year-round, but May, June, October, and November are the standout months for both quantity and variety. Striped marlin is the most common billfish, with blue and black marlin showing up in late summer and fall. Yellowfin tuna runs are strong from May through November. Dorado (mahi-mahi) is the most common table fish, with great action from May through October. Weather during the recommended months is excellent — daytime highs in the 80s to low 90s, low to moderate humidity, and calm seas on most mornings.
Tips for Anglers
Book your charter at least three months in advance for tournament weeks (June and October) — the best boats sell out six months ahead for Bisbee's Black & Blue. Choose a full-day trip over a half-day if you're targeting marlin — the bite is often better in the afternoon, and the half-day boats have to head back just as things heat up. Bring your own gear if you're a serious angler — most charter boats provide quality gear, but if you have a favorite rod or lure setup, bring it. Pack a long-sleeve sun shirt, polarized sunglasses, a wide-brim hat, and reef-safe sunscreen — the sun on the water is brutal. Discuss catch-and-release expectations with your captain before departing; most responsible operators release all billfish and keep only table fish like dorado and tuna. Tip the deckhand 15–20% of the charter cost.
Resorts & Experiences to Consider
Any resort in Cabo San Lucas puts you within minutes of the marina, where most charters depart. The Marina Fiesta Resort and the Hilton Los Cabos are both popular picks for anglers who want easy morning access to their boats. Grand Velas Los Cabos in the Tourist Corridor offers luxury accommodation with marina access via a short taxi ride. For the charter itself, book through a reputable outfitter like Picante Sportfishing, Red Rum Sportfishing, or Marlin Sportfishing — all are long-established operators with quality boats and experienced crews. Bisbee's Black & Blue in late October is the must-see event even for non-anglers — the weigh-ins at the marina are free to watch and the atmosphere is electric. If you're traveling in late July, the Bisbee's East Cape Offshore tournament offers a smaller, more angler-focused alternative on the East Cape.
FAQ
When is the best time for sportfishing in Los Cabos?
May, June, October, and November are the standout months. October hosts Bisbee's Black & Blue — the biggest event in sportfishing. May and June kick off the marlin and tuna season. November continues the great fall bite without tournament crowds.
What fish can I catch in Cabo?
Striped marlin is the most common billfish, with blue and black marlin showing up in late summer and fall. Yellowfin tuna runs are strong from May through November. Dorado (mahi-mahi) is the most common table fish. Wahoo and roosterfish are also in play, especially along the East Cape.
What is Bisbee's Black & Blue tournament?
Bisbee's Black & Blue is the biggest sportfishing tournament in the world, held in late October in Cabo San Lucas. It has a multi-million-dollar prize pool and draws top anglers from around the world. The weigh-ins at the marina are free to watch and the atmosphere is electric.
How much does a Cabo fishing charter cost?
Charter costs vary widely by boat size and season. Half-day trips on smaller boats start lower, while full-day trips on luxury sportfishers cost significantly more. Tournament weeks (June and October) carry premium rates. Book through established outfitters like Picante, Red Rum, or Marlin Sportfishing for transparent pricing.
Should I book a half-day or full-day charter?
Full-day trips are recommended for serious anglers targeting marlin — the bite is often better in the afternoon, and the half-day boats have to head back just as things heat up. Half-day trips (5 hours) are fine for first-timers and families who want a taste of Cabo fishing without committing to a full day.
What should I bring for a Cabo fishing charter?
Pack a long-sleeve sun shirt, polarized sunglasses, a wide-brim hat, reef-safe sunscreen, motion sickness medication if you're prone to it, and a small cooler with snacks and drinks. Most charters provide water and bait, but check with your operator. Bring your own gear if you have a favorite setup.