Cabo Fishing for Beginners: A Guide to Your First Trip

Catch of the Day: A Beginner's Guide to Fishing in Cabo

Los Cabos is one of the top sportfishing destinations on the planet. The waters where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean are incredibly rich with life, making it a fisherman’s paradise. If you’ve ever dreamed of battling a big fish, this is the place to do it. Here’s what you need to know for your first trip.

What Can You Catch?

The variety of fish is staggering, but here are the main targets for most charters:

• Mahi-Mahi (Dorado): Famous for their vibrant green and blue colors, they are aggressive, fun to catch, and delicious to eat. Abundant most of the year.
• Tuna: Yellowfin tuna are a prized catch. They are incredibly strong fighters and a sushi-lover’s dream.
• Marlin: This is the king of sportfishing. Cabo is famous for its Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin. Catching one is the thrill of a lifetime. Most marlin fishing is catch-and-release.
• Wahoo: Known for their incredible speed, Wahoo are a challenging and exciting catch.

Fishing Seasons

You can fish year-round in Cabo, but the target species change with the seasons.

• Summer/Fall (June - November): This is the best time for big game like Blue and Black Marlin, as well as large Tuna and Dorado. The water is warm and the fishing is hot.
• Winter/Spring (December - May): This is the prime season for Striped Marlin. You’ll also find plenty of Dorado and Tuna, though they may be smaller than in the summer.

Booking Your First Charter

The key to a good fishing trip is a good boat and a good crew. There are hundreds of boats in the Cabo San Lucas marina, and the quality varies wildly.

1. Choose a Reputable Company: Don’t just book with the first person who approaches you on the dock. Do your research. We recommend established fleets like RedRum Sportfishing or Pisces Sportfishing.
2. Decide on a Panga or a Cruiser: A "panga" is a smaller, open boat, great for a half-day of inshore fishing. A "cruiser" is a larger, more comfortable boat with a cabin and a restroom, necessary for a full day of offshore fishing.
3. Half-Day vs. Full-Day: A half-day (5 hours) is great for a taste of fishing. A full-day (8 hours) gives you the time to go further offshore to find the big game fish.
4. Clarify What’s Included: Your charter should include the boat, captain, mate, fuel, and all the fishing tackle. You will likely need to pay extra for a fishing license, live bait, and gratuities for the crew (15-20% is standard).

FAQ: Cabo Fishing

Do I need to be experienced?
Not at all! The crews are experts at teaching beginners. They will bait your hook, show you how to use the equipment, and guide you through the process of reeling in your fish.

Can I get my fish cooked?
Yes! This is one of the best parts of fishing in Cabo. Many restaurants in the marina will cook your catch for you. For a set price, they’ll prepare your fish several different ways (grilled, fried, sashimi) and serve it with rice, beans, and tortillas. It’s a delicious and rewarding meal.

A day on the water is an essential part of the Baja experience. As Your Trusted Friends in Baja, we can connect you with the best, most reputable fishing charters to ensure you have a safe and successful day.