Cabo San Lucas is a world-class sportfishing destination, attracting anglers from across the globe for striped and blue marlin, dorado, tuna, wahoo, roosterfish, snapper, and grouper. A common question is: “Is it better to fish in the morning or afternoon in Cabo?” This guide examines the advantages of both timeframes, seasonal trends, species activity, weather patterns, and why Blue Sky Cabo charters ensure success no matter when you go fishing.
Morning Cabo Fishing: Calm Seas and Active Bites
Many anglers prefer morning fishing in Cabo because:
- Calmer seas – Smooth waters allow easier trolling and kite fishing.
- Cooler temperatures – Morning trips avoid midday heat for more comfortable fishing.
- Active bite – Species like striped marlin and dorado often strike early.
- Sunrise scenery – Early departures offer breathtaking views while fishing.
Blue Sky Cabo uses teasers, dredges, and live bait during morning trips to maximize early strikes. Full-day charters often depart around 6:00–7:00 am for prime morning fishing conditions.
Afternoon Cabo Fishing: Warmer Waters and Sunset Views
Afternoon fishing offers unique advantages for Cabo anglers:
- Warmer water temperatures – Attract species like tuna and wahoo.
- Relaxed schedule – Ideal for travelers who enjoy a slower morning.
- Sunset return – Evening trips provide beautiful Cabo sunsets while fishing.
- Consistent species activity – Dorado, tuna, and wahoo feed actively in mid-to-late afternoon.
Blue Sky Cabo adjusts trolling patterns and kite fishing techniques for the afternoon bite to maximize catch rates.
Cabo Fishing Seasons: Morning vs. Afternoon Opportunities
The best fishing time in Cabo depends on seasonal patterns:
- High season (May–November) – Morning trips favor striped and blue marlin; afternoon trips excel for dorado and tuna.
- Shoulder season (April, December) – Both morning and afternoon trips are productive for inshore species like roosterfish, snapper, and grouper.
- Off-season (January–March) – Afternoon trips can be slightly better for slower-moving species.
Water temperature, bait activity, and tides all influence the optimal fishing window.
Cabo Fishing Species: Time-of-Day Activity
Different species respond to morning or afternoon conditions:
- Striped Marlin – Active in early morning near offshore banks.
- Blue Marlin – Can bite throughout the day, with morning strikes common.
- Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) – Feed during early morning and late afternoon.
- Tuna – Often strike in the warmer afternoon waters.
- Wahoo – Mid-to-late afternoon predators near offshore structure.
- Roosterfish – Active both morning and afternoon, depending on tides.
- Snapper & Grouper – Best mid-morning to early afternoon on bottom fishing trips.
Species preference often determines whether morning or afternoon is ideal.
Cabo Fishing Conditions: Weather, Wind, and Water
Weather plays a significant role in fishing success in Cabo:
- Morning – Calmer seas, lighter winds, better visibility for spotting bait and birds.
- Afternoon – Slightly higher winds and surface chop, but warmer waters trigger feeding.
- Temperature – Cooler mornings provide comfort; warmer afternoons often increase activity.
Blue Sky Cabo tailors trolling speeds, kite setups, and teaser placement to match conditions for maximum effectiveness.
Cabo Fishing Techniques by Time of Day
Blue Sky Cabo applies strategies to match morning or afternoon fishing:
Morning Techniques
- Kite fishing for early marlin activity
- Dredges and teasers for surface strikes
- Live bait presentation to attract feeding fish
Afternoon Techniques
- Adjusted trolling patterns for warmer waters
- Drifting and casting near debris for dorado and tuna
- Bottom fishing for snapper and grouper
Crew expertise ensures these techniques are applied effectively to maximize every charter.
Cabo Fishing Charters: Full-Day vs. Half-Day Trips
Choosing the best charter length impacts your fishing success:
- Full-Day (6–8 hours) – Covers both morning and afternoon prime periods for multiple species.
- Half-Day (4 hours) – Ideal for travelers with limited time; choose morning or afternoon.
- Catch Maximization – Full-day charters provide the highest likelihood of strikes and multiple species.
Full-day trips average $950–$1,200 USD; half-day trips $650–$850 USD, including crew, tackle, teasers, and fish guarantee.
Why Choose Blue Sky Cabo Fishing Charters
Booking with Blue Sky Cabo ensures you get the most out of your morning or afternoon fishing trip:
- Owner-operated boats with 13+ years of local experience
- English-speaking, safety-certified crew
- Fish guarantee: complimentary float or tackle refund
- Access to prime offshore and inshore Cabo fishing grounds
- Hook & Cook service for fresh catch
- Optional drone videography ($15/hr)
Real fishing action can be seen on YouTube and Facebook Live.
Cabo Fishing Reviews and Testimonials
Guests consistently praise the value of morning and afternoon trips:
- Windrik from Florida: “Morning striped marlin trip was calm, beautiful, and unforgettable.”
- Brandon from Texas: “Afternoon dorado and tuna fishing was fantastic with sunset views. Worth every dollar.”
Read more experiences at TripAdvisor and Google.
Cabo Fishing Specialty Charters
Blue Sky Cabo offers tailored trips to enhance your experience:
- Bachelor & Bachelorette Fishing Charters – Private boats, open bar, multi-species action
- Hook & Cook – Fresh catch served onboard or at a local restaurant
- Drone Videography – $15/hr to professionally capture every strike and release
These optional services provide an elevated experience for groups, families, or special occasions.
Cabo Fishing Extras and Perks
Additional perks included in the charter price add value:
- Wednesday Sunset Cruise – Sunset Cruise Info
- Cabo Penthouse Airbnb – Villa Rental
- Cultural excursions like San José del Cabo Art Walk Festival
These extras make fishing in Cabo a complete adventure beyond just the catch.
Planning Your Cabo Fishing Trip
Understanding “Is it better to fish in the morning or afternoon in Cabo?” allows you to plan around species, schedule, and comfort. Morning trips provide calm seas and sunrise views, while afternoon trips offer warmer waters and sunset scenery. Full-day trips allow anglers to enjoy both timeframes and maximize the catch.
Book Your Charter Today – Blue Sky Cabo Fishing Charters
- Check Reviews – TripAdvisor, Google
- Watch Fishing Videos – YouTube
- Contact Blue Sky Cabo – Phone: 480.635.2965
