At some point in their journey, anglers with aspirations of traveling the globe in search of the catch of a lifetime inevitably land in Los Cabos. Legendary writers such Zane Grey, Ernest Hemingway, and John Steinbeck all flocked to these fruitful waters over the past century, knowing they would have not only tales of the high seas to tell but also bountiful catches of high-flying marlin, brilliant mahimahi, and big-shouldered grouper and snapper to bring back to dock and write stories of legend.
But fear not — you don’t need to be a literary legend or even a tournament pro to experience the bountiful array of fish available in this angler’s paradise. In fact, it’s quite easy, as myriad sportfishing charters run daily trips out to the fishing grounds to ply the waters! Whether it’s a simple 4-hour trip on the inshore grounds or a 12-hour trip offshore, you’re guaranteed to come back to dock with a meal fit for a king and stories to last a lifetime. Here’s how to make the most of your fishing adventure.
Close to Shore: Inshore Fishing in Los Cabos
Tourists often love the option to fish inshore, as you can leave dock in the morning and be back in time for drinks at noon. The two main areas for inshore fishing are along the East Cape in the Sea of Cortés and along the Los Cabos waterfront right off El Arco, allowing you to catch fish within sight of the front door of your hotel.
Bottom fishing reigns supreme here. Boats run anywhere from a few hundred yards to a mile off the coast to target snapper species, grouper, jacks, cabrilla, and other bottom beasties that will bend a rod and give your arms a solid workout! Chunk sardine baits are the main method for tackling the bottom dwellers off the submarine rock piles.
Flashy speed demons are also available, such as cero mackerel, Sierra mackerel, and rainbow runners; and these fishing boats will set out a trolling spread with metal lures and deep-diving plugs to tempt a strike as they zip lines off the reels. The most sought-after inshore species, however — bar none — is the atavistic roosterfish, aka El Gallo, with its coxcomb fins breaching the water as they pursue your lures to hit you with punishing strikes and arm-wrenching battles.
Most inshore species are available year-round, so there’s no need to worry about when you book your trip. There’s always something biting!
Going Deep: Offshore Sportfishing Luxury
The offshore grounds can span from a 5- to 40-mile run offshore, depending on your target species; and rest assured, there’s no lack of world-class fishing to be had. Known as the “Marlin Capital of the World,” Los Cabos is the premier destination anglers look to check a “striper” off their list, as it’s a near guarantee to find the wild billfish in the deep offshore waters. Amid all the striped marlin, there are other species as well, such as blue and black marlin, that can reach upwards of 500 pounds.
Some on record have reached nearly 1,000 pounds, if you’re lucky and willing to go mano a mano with the gladiators.
Marlin charters are fully equipped with the proper rods, reels, and lures to ensure you have all the top-of-the-line gear to make your catch a reality. Most boats will troll spreader bars, ballyhoo baits, and live-line sardines. Prime billfish season runs September to mid-March.
Other pelagic species attract major attention as well, including mahimahi — aka dolphinfish — where some of the largest specimens are caught right in Los Cabos, averaging 30 to 50 pounds with some pushing past the 60-pound mark. Dolphinfish are primarily found February through April for your best shot at a trophy catch.
Yellowfin tuna are also a main draw offshore. Some “Allison” yellowfin can reach up to 250 pounds, but they typically average in the 60- to 100-pound class. Trolling is again the preferred method to tangle with the tuna, with peak season being September through March. After a day of fishing, nothing compares to fresh-caught sushi prepared by one of the many restaurants when you get back to dock.
Charter Options for Every Angler
In Los Cabos, the Pisces Fleet makes it easy to achieve your piscatorial pursuits. As the main charter fleet in town, they are stocked with any size boat that fits your needs and desires. The easiest way to sample the fishing is by renting out one of the local panga boats at the marina. They offer four-hour half-day trips from 8 a.m. to noon, with prices ranging from $250 to $375. For an upgrade, standard sportfishing boats of 25 to 32 feet from the Pisces Fleet are available for half-day excursions priced between $450 and $900. Midsize vessels, ranging from 31 to 42 feet, operate from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., catering primarily to billfish and offshore tuna fishing, and are priced between $1,000 and $1,400. The more luxurious 48- to 80-foot sport yachts — equipped with top-tier tackle and Seakeeper technology to ensure a steady journey — offer daylong charters spanning 30 to 60 miles and range from $3,000 to $6,000.
Elite anglers with a penchant for the best can charter the 80-foot Viking sportfishing marvels, with a full day’s fishing priced between $12,000 and $15,000. Don’t shy away from the price tag, though — if you go it alone, you can buy a “share” on a charter and pay a reduced rate, sharing the expenses with other like-minded anglers.
