Cabo Sportfishing
Fish the legendary waters where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez — marlin, dorado, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo — on a half- or full-day charter from the Cabo San Lucas marina.
At a glance
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Los Cabos is one of the world's premier sportfishing destinations, and it has the tournament history to prove it. The waters where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez create nutrient-rich upwelling that attracts marlin (blue, black, and striped), dorado, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and sailfish year-round. A chartered sportfishing trip out of the Cabo San Lucas marina puts you on the same grounds that host the Bisbee's Los Cabos Offshore — one of the richest tournaments in the world.
What It Is
A half- or full-day private or shared sportfishing charter departing from the Cabo San Lucas marina. Boats range from 28-foot pangas and cruisers to luxury 50-plus-foot sportfishers. Most charters include captain, mate, tackle, bait, ice, and fishing license; full-day trips typically add lunch and drinks. The crew handles the boat work and helps anglers land, gaff, or release fish. Many operators will fillet and bag your catch at the dock, and several local restaurants will cook your catch.
Why Go
Cabo is a true world-class sportfishing destination — the kind of place where grander marlin (over 1,000 pounds) are caught every year. The combination of two oceans, deep water close to shore, and year-round action is hard to match anywhere. Whether you are a serious angler chasing a personal best or a first-timer wanting to catch dinner, the fishing here delivers. The backdrop of Land's End and the Arch as you head out of the marina is a nice bonus.
What to Expect
Half-day trips run four to six hours and stay within 10 to 15 miles of the harbor; full-day trips run eight to ten hours and can range much farther offshore. After check-in at the marina and a brief safety orientation, the boat heads out past the Arch to the fishing grounds. Marlin fishing involves trolling rigged baits and lures; dorado and tuna are typically found around floating structure or porpoise schools. The mate handles baiting, setting the hook, and gaffing; you fight the fish.
Best For
Serious anglers chasing pelagic trophies, families with kids who want to catch their first dorado, and groups of friends looking for a memorable day on the water. Shared charters are a good entry point for solo travelers or those on a budget. Not ideal for travelers prone to seasickness (offshore water can be rough), anyone looking for a lounge-and-tan boat day, or vegetarians uncomfortable with the reality of catching fish.
Insider Tips
Book a full day if you are serious about marlin — the extra hours often make the difference. Ask whether catch-and-release is practiced for billfish (most reputable operators release marlin). For food, dorado and tuna are excellent eating; arrange at the dock to have your catch filleted, then take it to a restaurant that will cook your catch. June through November is the best season for blue and black marlin; dorado peak May through October. Tip the mate 15 to 20 percent of the charter price — they earn it.
What to Bring
Sunscreen (applied before boarding), a hat with a chin strap, polarized sunglasses, a long-sleeve sun shirt, a light jacket or rain shell, non-slip closed-toe shoes, a small cooler with your own drinks and snacks if not provided, motion sickness medication if needed, cash for the fishing license (if not included), tips, and dock fees. Bring a camera for the catch photo. Leave expensive electronics in a dry bag — fish slime and spray are inevitable.
Cabo Sportfishing — FAQ
What fish can I catch in Cabo San Lucas?
Year-round: marlin (blue, black, and striped), sailfish, dorado (mahi-mahi), yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and roosterfish inshore. Dorado and tuna peak May through October; blue and black marlin are best June through November; striped marlin is good December through April.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes — anyone fishing in Mexican waters needs a valid sportfishing license. Most charter operators include licenses in the package price; if not, you can purchase one at the marina or online through the Mexican fisheries authority. Bring ID for license processing.
Can I keep my catch?
Marlin and sailfish are typically catch-and-release. Edible fish like dorado, tuna, and wahoo can be kept within legal limits, and the crew will fillet and bag your catch at the dock. Several Cabo restaurants will cook your catch to order.
Half day or full day?
Half-day trips (four to six hours) are good for dorado, tuna, and striped marlin close to the harbor. Full-day trips (eight to ten hours) are better for serious marlin anglers and reach more productive offshore grounds. First-timers are usually happy with a half day.
What if I have never fished before?
No problem — the captain and mate handle the technical work. They will rig the rods, set the hook, and coach you through fighting and landing the fish. Tell the operator in advance that you are a beginner and they will set you up with tackle and a trip that suits your experience level.
Is Cabo a good fishing destination year-round?
Yes, though species and action vary. Summer and fall (June through November) are peak for blue and black marlin, dorado, and yellowfin tuna. Winter and spring (December through April) are best for striped marlin, sailfish, and inshore species. The fishing rarely shuts down entirely.
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