Fishing in Cabo San Lucas
Fishing in Cabo San Lucas is unparalleled around the world. The abundance of marine life in the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean has transformed Los Cabos into a mecca for sportfishing year round. With hundreds of species available in each season, anytime is a good time for fishing in Cabo. In the waters off the coast you will find black, blue and striped Marlin, Swordfish, Wahoo, Tuna, Dorado, Snapper, various species of Shark, and many others. Each species has its ‘prime’ season and there are numerous services in Cabo to supply boats and equipment, and find the ideal fishing spots.
Hot Spots Fishing
Los Cabos is one gigantic fishing hot spot. Surrounded by the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, sport fishing enthusiasts will have no shortage of amazing fishing hot spots to explore. The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is the body of water that separates the Baja California peninsula from mainland Mexico. Named after the Spanish conquistador – Hernán Cortés, the sea is home to a myriad of endemic and migratory species, from the wondrous Humpback and Grey Whales to Giant Manta Rays and Sea Turtles. Over 800 identified species of fish reside in these waters, making this sea one of the most bountiful hot spots for fishing in the world. The Sea of Cortez has a long history of commercial fishing and has also become one of the world’s premiere sportfishing locales. These rich waters are a hot spot for Marlin – one of the most sought-after sport fish in Cabo San Lucas. There have been reports of massive schools of tuna stretching over 100 miles, and record-setting Marlin, Dorado, and Yellowtail have been caught in the Sea of Cortez every year.
Fishing Events
Fishing Events and Tournaments are huge attractions in the Los Cabos area. With their famous parties, spectacular awards ceremonies, and increasingly large cash prizes, Los Cabos fishing events are becoming more popular every year. Some of these tournaments include:
- The Los Cabos Billfish Tournament
- The IGFA Offshore World Championship
- The Mercury/WON Los CAbos Tuna Jackpot Tournament
- Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marline Tournament
- The Los Cabos Offshore Tournament (Bisbee’s)
- The East Cape Offshore Tournament
- Bacs Billfish Invitational
Fishing Reports
Cabo San Lucas is a sport fisherman’s dream. Surrounded by the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, there is a never ending marine landscape full of hundreds of species of fish. This area is often reported as being one of the richest and most diverse aquatic habitats in the world with over 800 recorded species residing in the waters around Los Cabos. There are numerous saltwater fishing spots, both inshore and outshore, that will amaze even the most seasoned sport fisher.
If you will be using a charter service in Cabo San Lucas then the boat captain will know where to go to find the fish you want, and will provide you with the proper equipment. If you are heading out on the water in your own private yacht then please note the following recommendations: Ensure that you have the equipment (tackle, rods) necessary for the style of fishing you wish to do, as well, it is imperative that you have safety gear aboard and that your boat is mechanically sound. Check the local weather report to see whether it is safe to fish offshore, and be sure to keep your boat radio on to listen for approaching storms and rough weather. In Cabo San Lucas, any sea excursion can be unpredictable and a number of challenges may arise so be prepared!
Fishing Seasons
Fishing in Cabo San Lucas is a year-round activity and every season brings an abundance of species, from popular catches like Tuna and Dorado to the challenging and exciting Marlin and Shark. The most plentiful season for fishing is between June and November when many species are at their prime levels – but no matter what season it is something’s always biting in Cabo!
Fishing Services
Los Cabos offers a full array of services geared towards making your Cabo San Lucas fishing vacation as relaxing and productive as possible, and the various Cabo charter companies in the area will have you fishing like a pro in no time! A boat with crew can be chartered directly on the dock or through a concierge service; guides are also available to help you find the best fishing spots. Charters usually hire out their vessels for a full day (8 hours) and the cost typically includes crew, fuel, tackle, ice chest and ice. You must bring your own food and beverages. Boat sizes range from smaller pangas (powered skiffs) to larger 50+foot cruisers, with different boats being better suited to angling certain types of fish.
Mexican Fishing Regulations & License Regulations
Some common questions related to fishing in Cabo San Lucas include:
- Mexican Fishing License
- How much am I allowed to catch?
- Etiquette tips and other fishing regulations
- Are any fish off limits? Endangered species etc…
- How do I get my prized Marlin catch from the docks to my wall at home?
Inshore Fishing
Cabo San Lucas is one of the best places to experience traditional beach-launched panga fishing. Pangas are smaller powered skiffs and are the ideal craft to take out on the water to do some inshore sport fishing. There are endless possibilities for inshore sport fishers in Los Cabos.
Along the Sea of Cortez, the reef systems and rocky underwater structures attract popular sport fish like Cabrilla, Snapper, and Sierra. Roosterfish is one of the most common inshore species and because they are fast, heavy (50 pounds +), and hard fighting; they offer a challenge to any inshore sport fisherman.
These fish can be caught within casting distance from shore and further out at the surfline. The well-known “Rooster Alley” off of Los Frailes beach on the East Cape is a popular surf fishing spot because of the high numbers of exotic-looking Roosterfish that are caught here.
Offshore Sportfishing & Deep Sea Fishing
The offshore fishing in Cabo San Lucas is some of the best in the world. Out in the deep blue waters of Los Cabos is where serious sport fisherman may find a 300-pound Tuna, a lightning-fast Sailfish, or a 1-ton Blue Marlin. The numerous trenches, canyons and seamounts in the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean host a myriad of baitfish and middleweight sport fish, as well as many big game species.
Common offshore sport fish include: Sailfish, Swordfish,Shark, Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, and Striped, Black, and Blue Marlin.
Onshore Fishing and Surfcasting
With a seemingly endless coastline and miles of sandy beaches stretching around the Cape, Los Cabos is a premiere hot spot for onshore sport fishing. Onshore fishing is extremely accessible and affordable in Cabo San Lucas since you don’t need a boat and can fish off most of the beaches, both on the Pacific Side and along the Sea of Cortez.
Flyfishing
Saltwater fly-fishing is becoming increasingly popular in Cabo San Lucas, and fly anglers flock here every year to enjoy the Baja’a amazing fishing hot spots. Some of these popular fly fishing hot spots include Magdalena Bay (both offshore and inshore in the mangroves), the East Cape, and the areas off the coast from Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas.
There are all types of fish that can be hooked on a fly, from the smaller game fish to the larger, more glamorous Marlin. In fact, fly fishing for billfish is becoming extremely popular in Cabo San Lucas.
Cabo San Lucas Sport Fish
Cabo San Lucas is home to a impressive collection of fish species, including:
- Marlin
- Swordfish
- Wahoo
- Tuna
- Dorado
- Snapper
- Roosterfish
- Sailfish
- Yellowtail
- Spotted Cabrilla
- Grouper
- Shark
