Cabo San Lucas, at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, is world-renowned for its sportfishing. Nicknamed the “Marlin Capital of the World,” Cabo offers anglers the chance to catch both trophy billfish and hard-fighting inshore species, often on the same trip.
Here’s a closer look at the top 10 fish to catch in Cabo San Lucas, with tips on when to fish, how to catch them, and what makes each species unique.
Season: July – October
Average Size: 200–500 lbs (but can exceed 1,000 lbs!)
Why Fish Them: Known as the “holy grail” of sportfishing, Blue Marlin are prized for their sheer size and strength. They’re fast, powerful, and capable of jaw-dropping leaps out of the water.
How to Catch: Trolling large artificial lures, rigged ballyhoo, or live bait such as bonito is most effective. Heavy tackle is essential to withstand long battles that can last hours.
Season: Summer – Early Fall
Average Size: 300–700 lbs (record catches over 1,500 lbs)
Why Fish Them: Less common than Blues but even bulkier, Black Marlin are pure muscle and offer one of the toughest fights in Cabo waters.
How to Catch: Trolling skipjack tuna or large lures works best. Black Marlin are often hooked near seamounts and drop-offs. Anglers need patience and endurance—these fish don’t give up easily.
Season: November – May (but available year-round)
Average Size: 80–150 lbs
Why Fish Them: Striped Marlin are the most abundant marlin species in Cabo, making it common for anglers to hook several in a single day. Their energetic leaps and surface runs make them a thrill to fight.
How to Catch: Sight casting to “tailing” fish is popular, using live bait like caballito. They’re also taken trolling small lures.
Season: May – October
Average Size: 70–120 lbs
Why Fish Them: Sailfish are famed for being the fastest fish in the ocean, reaching speeds over 60 mph. Their stunning sail-like dorsal fin makes them unmistakable.
How to Catch: Trolling rigged baits and small lures is common. Expect spectacular jumps and rapid line runs once hooked.
Season: May – October
Average Size: 10–30 lbs (can exceed 50 lbs)
Why Fish Them: Dorado are brilliantly colored green, gold, and blue, and put up acrobatic fights. They’re also one of the most delicious fish you can catch—perfect for fresh ceviche or grilled fillets.
How to Catch: Found near floating debris or weed lines. Troll small lures, rigged baits, or cast jigs. Dorado often travel in schools, so double and triple hook-ups are common.
Season: July – December
Average Size: 30–150 lbs (giants over 200 lbs, known as “cows,” are caught offshore)
Why Fish Them: Yellowfin are prized for their raw power and endurance. Landing a cow tuna is considered one of the ultimate angling achievements. Plus, they’re excellent eating, especially for sushi lovers.
How to Catch: Trolling cedar plugs, live bait drifting, or chumming with sardines are productive methods. Heavy reels with plenty of line capacity are a must.
Season: May – October (best in summer)
Average Size: 20–50 lbs (trophies up to 100 lbs)
Why Fish Them: Roosterfish are an iconic inshore species, known for their dramatic dorsal fin that resembles a rooster’s comb. They’re a bucket-list catch for many anglers.
How to Catch: Targeted along beaches, rocky points, and surf zones with live bait (mullet, caballito). They’re not great eating, so catch-and-release is encouraged.
Season: Late Summer – Fall
Average Size: 20–50 lbs (some exceed 100 lbs)
Why Fish Them: Famous for blistering first runs, Wahoo are among the fastest fish you’ll encounter. Their razor-sharp teeth and sleek build make them formidable predators.
How to Catch: High-speed trolling with lures like Rapalas or jet heads is effective. Wire leaders are recommended to prevent bite-offs.
Season: Year-round
Average Size: 5–20 lbs (larger in deep reefs)
Why Fish Them: Red Snapper are one of the best-tasting fish in Cabo waters, often featured in local cuisine. They’re also a fun fight, darting back toward the reef once hooked.
How to Catch: Bottom fishing with cut bait or live sardines near reefs and rocky structures is most productive.
Season: Year-round
Average Size: 20–50 lbs (but some monster groupers exceed 200 lbs)
Why Fish Them: Grouper are bottom-dwelling powerhouses. They strike suddenly and dive for cover, testing an angler’s strength and reflexes. Excellent eating as well.
How to Catch: Dropping heavy rigs with live or cut bait near reefs, ledges, and wrecks. Heavy tackle is needed to keep them out of the rocks.
Cabo San Lucas offers one of the most diverse and exciting fisheries in the world. From chasing giant Marlin offshore to battling Roosterfish in the surf, there’s something for every angler. Whether you’re after a bucket-list trophy or fresh fillets for dinner, Cabo’s waters deliver unforgettable action year-round.
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