Best Time to Fish for Rooster in Cabo San Lucas
Roosterfish—famous for their dramatic dorsal fins, fierce strikes, and inshore fighting power—are one of the most sought-after game fish in Cabo San Lucas. If you’re chasing that unforgettable rooster catch, timing your trip right makes all the difference.
Best Time of Year to Fish for Roosterfish in Cabo
👉 Peak Season: May through September
- June, July, and August are widely considered the prime months for targeting roosterfish in Cabo. These months offer warm water temps, ideal baitfish conditions, and steady inshore activity that roosters love.
- May and September also deliver consistent action, especially near the beaches and rocky shorelines where these fish cruise for mullet and sardinas.
Pro Tip from Blue Sky Cabo Crew: If you want to catch a trophy roosterfish, aim for late June to early August. That’s when the big boys show up in shallow waters chasing bait schools.
Where to Find Roosterfish in Cabo
Roosterfish are inshore predators. They’re often found patrolling:
- The Pacific side beaches (e.g., Playa Solmar, Playa Migriño)
- East Cape region (especially Punta Arena and Los Frailes)
- Lands End – where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez
- Nearshore rock formations and reef edges around San Jose del Cabo
They love white, sandy drop-offs and surf zones where bait is pushed into tight areas.
Ideal Water Conditions for Roosterfish
- Water temp: 75°F to 85°F
- Weather: Minimal wind, calm seas, warm mornings
- Water clarity: Slightly off-color to clear; roosters often feed in rolling surf with a bit of chop
Top Baits & Techniques
✅ Live Bait
- Preferred: Mullet, caballito, and sardinas
- Use slow trolling or cast into the surf zone near bait schools.
✅ Lures
- Poppers (for explosive topwater action)
- Swimbaits with paddle tails
- Fluke-style soft plastics
Captain Francisco’s Pick: A live mullet trolled along the surfline at dawn on light tackle is unbeatable.
Best Time of Day for Roosterfish in Cabo
- Early Morning (6:30 AM to 9:30 AM): Calm water and active bait schools make this a hotspot window.
- Late Afternoon (3 PM to Sunset): Roosters begin cruising again as the heat drops and bait moves inshore.
Book Your Roosterfish Adventure with Blue Sky Cabo
Blue Sky Cabo offers tailored roosterfish charters using:
- Light tackle gear
- Live bait setups
- Experienced local crew
- Bilingual guides
- And access to inshore honey holes most tourists never see
Our 32’, 35’, 43’, and 60’ boats are fully equipped for both serious anglers and fun family trips. If you’re hunting for that Instagram-worthy roosterfish moment, we’ll put you on the fish!
Why Roosterfish Are So Special in Cabo
- Fierce fight: Long runs, surface thrashing, and acrobatic moves.
- Catch & release culture: Roosterfish aren’t prized for food, so conservation is strong here.
- Epic photos: That distinct dorsal comb makes for a legendary trophy shot.
- Unpredictable power: Roosterfish fights are often compared to jack crevalle or even tuna on light tackle.
Summary: When to Catch Roosterfish in Cabo
| Month | Roosterfish Activity |
| January–April | Very rare, inconsistent |
| May | Start of the run, heating up |
| June–August | 🔥 Peak season! Trophy potential |
| September | Still strong, good action |
| October–December | Unpredictable, slowing down |
Ready to Hook Up with a Cabo Rooster?
Contact Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours for a private inshore charter. Whether you’re fly fishing, light tackle casting, or just checking a rooster off your bucket list, we’ll make it happen with:
- Custom fishing options
- Safe, family-friendly service
- Top reviews on TripAdvisor & Google
- Free professional photos & drone footage
- Cold drinks, bilingual crew, and all gear included
“We caught and released four roosters over 40 pounds just 200 yards off the beach. Best fight of my life!” — Guest Review, July 2024
