Yes, November is one of the best months for marlin fishing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, particularly for anglers targeting striped marlin. As ocean temperatures begin transitioning from the warmer fall season toward winter conditions, striped marlin activity often increases around the Pacific fishing grounds. November also provides opportunities to encounter blue marlin, especially during the earlier part of the month when warmer offshore water remains available.
For visitors planning a private Cabo fishing charter, November offers an attractive combination of billfish opportunities, established offshore fishing grounds, and the possibility of catching yellowfin tuna, dorado, or wahoo during the same outing.
Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours operates five private sportfishing yachts from IGY Marina in Cabo San Lucas. With experienced captains, professional trolling equipment, specialized dredge systems, and flexible charter durations, the company offers fishing experiences for both first-time marlin anglers and experienced offshore fishermen.
Cabo Marlin Fishing in November – Why Is This Month So Popular?
- November marks an important seasonal transition in Cabo San Lucas.
- During summer and early fall, warmer Pacific waters attract blue marlin, black marlin, yellowfin tuna, dorado, and sailfish. As the season progresses, striped marlin become increasingly prominent.
- The change is closely connected to baitfish movement, ocean temperatures, and feeding conditions.
- Striped marlin frequently follow concentrations of mackerel, sardines, and other baitfish around underwater banks and productive current boundaries.
- When baitfish gather, marlin may become concentrated in relatively small fishing areas.
- This creates opportunities for exciting surface encounters, multiple strikes, and occasional encounters with several marlin during a single charter.
- However, November does not guarantee consistent fishing every day. Marlin activity can change quickly with water temperature, bait availability, wind, and offshore conditions.
Cabo Fishing Charter – Striped Marlin Are November’s Main Attraction
- Striped marlin are the primary reason many experienced anglers schedule their Cabo fishing vacations during November.
- These powerful billfish are recognized for their speed, aggressive strikes, and spectacular aerial displays.
- A hooked striped marlin may leap repeatedly, change direction without warning, and make powerful runs that demand careful coordination between the angler, captain, and crew.
- Striped marlin commonly weigh approximately 100 to 200 pounds in Cabo waters, although smaller and larger fish are possible.
- November is considered part of the beginning of the prime striped marlin fishing period, which generally extends through the winter and into spring.
- Anglers frequently target striped marlin using live mackerel, caballito, rigged ballyhoo, artificial lures, and specialized teaser presentations.
- For first-time marlin anglers, the experience of watching a billfish approach the trolling spread can be just as memorable as the fight itself.
Cabo Fishing Charter – Can You Catch Blue Marlin in November?
- Blue marlin remain a realistic possibility during November, although their seasonal abundance generally declines as offshore waters cool.
- These larger billfish are particularly associated with Cabo’s warmer summer and fall fishing conditions.
- Early November may still provide favorable opportunities when warm-water currents remain offshore.
- Blue marlin can exceed several hundred pounds and require experienced crews, appropriate tackle, and careful boat handling.
- For anglers primarily interested in blue marlin, October and the warmer months preceding November are generally stronger seasonal choices.
- For anglers interested in striped marlin with the possibility of encountering a blue marlin, November offers an appealing combination.
- Blue Sky Cabo captains can adjust trolling presentations and fishing locations based on the species most likely to be encountered.
Cabo Fishing Charter – Where Are Marlin Caught During November?
Cabo San Lucas provides access to several recognized marlin fishing grounds along the Pacific coastline and offshore toward the Sea of Cortez.
| Fishing Location | November Marlin Opportunities |
| Golden Gate Bank | Striped marlin |
| San Jaime Bank | Striped marlin, occasional blue marlin |
| Finger Bank | Striped marlin |
| Cabo Falso | Striped marlin, occasional blue marlin |
| 1150 Bank | Striped marlin and blue marlin |
| Lighthouse Area | Striped marlin when bait is present |
Golden Gate Bank is particularly well known for striped marlin fishing during the cooler months.
- San Jaime Bank can also attract billfish when baitfish and favorable water conditions concentrate around the underwater structure.
- Finger Bank, farther north along the Pacific coastline, is another recognized destination for striped marlin. Because of its distance from Cabo San Lucas, reaching this area generally requires a specially planned long-range fishing charter.
- The best fishing location is not necessarily the farthest offshore.
- Some productive marlin encounters occur relatively close to Cabo San Lucas when baitfish and suitable water conditions move toward the coastline.
Cabo Fishing Charter – How Blue Sky Cabo Targets November Marlin
Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours uses several fishing techniques designed to attract offshore billfish.
- One important feature of the operation is its professional dredge and teaser equipment.
- Dredges are designed to create the appearance of schooling baitfish beneath and behind the boat.
- This visual presentation can attract curious or actively feeding marlin toward the trolling spread.
- Once a fish approaches, the crew may use artificial lures, rigged natural bait, or live bait to encourage a strike.
- The company also uses specialized trolling equipment, including Squid Nation-style teaser presentations, offshore lures, and bait-specific techniques.
- The objective is to create an attractive fishing presentation while allowing the captain to adapt to changing conditions.
- No particular lure, dredge, or fishing technique guarantees a marlin hookup, but professional equipment and experienced crews provide greater flexibility when fish become difficult to locate or attract.
Cabo Fishing Charter – Five Private Yachts for Marlin Fishing
Blue Sky Cabo operates five sportfishing yachts, offering different options for couples, families, and larger private groups.
A practical choice for smaller groups interested in private sportfishing and shorter offshore trips.
A comfortable sportfishing vessel suitable for anglers targeting striped marlin, dorado, and tuna around Cabo’s established fishing grounds.
Offers additional space and comfort for families and groups seeking a premium offshore fishing experience.
A larger sportfishing yacht with the capabilities and onboard comfort suited to full-day offshore adventures.
The largest vessel in the Blue Sky Cabo fleet, offering substantial space for private groups and extended fishing trips. All five vessels operate with professional crews, safety equipment, and fishing tackle appropriate for their charter programs.
Guests can choose the vessel that best matches their group size, fishing objectives, and preferred level of comfort.
Cabo Fishing Charter – Is an Eight-Hour Trip Better for Marlin?
- For anglers specifically targeting marlin in November, an eight-hour fishing charter is often an excellent choice.
- Longer fishing durations allow captains additional time to search for bait concentrations, investigate offshore banks, and adjust trolling strategies.
- A five-hour charter can still produce marlin, particularly when fish are active closer to Cabo San Lucas.
- Six-hour trips provide additional flexibility without requiring an entire day offshore.
- Eight-hour charters offer more time for serious marlin fishing, while ten-hour trips can accommodate extended searches and some more distant fishing grounds.
- Finger Bank and other remote locations may require even longer specialized trips, depending on the vessel and conditions.
- The appropriate charter length should be selected based on recent fishing reports and the captain’s recommendations.
Cabo Fishing Charter – Why Private Marlin Fishing Matters
- Private fishing charters provide several advantages over shared fishing experiences.
- With Blue Sky Cabo, guests have a dedicated vessel, captain, and crew focused on their group’s fishing objectives.
- This arrangement is particularly valuable for marlin fishing because successful billfish encounters often require patience, specialized presentations, and coordinated boat handling.
- Families can receive personalized assistance, while experienced anglers can discuss preferred tackle, techniques, and offshore fishing locations.
- Blue Sky Cabo also emphasizes customer service, English-speaking crews, and professional charter preparation.
- Fishing licenses are included, and complimentary fishing photographs help guests preserve memories of their offshore adventures.
- Optional drone and video services can provide additional coverage of the experience.
- For visitors seeking a premium fishing vacation rather than simply transportation offshore, these services contribute to the overall charter experience.
Cabo Fishing Charter – Are Marlin Released After Being Caught?
- Blue Sky Cabo practices catch-and-release fishing for marlin.
- Once a fish is brought alongside the vessel, the crew works to release it safely.
- Responsible billfish handling is an important part of maintaining Cabo San Lucas as an internationally recognized sportfishing destination.
- Photographs and video can preserve the experience without requiring anglers to retain the fish.
- For many guests, watching a marlin swim away after an exciting fight is one of the most memorable moments of the entire charter.
Cabo Fishing Charter – What Else Can You Catch in November?
- Although marlin are a major attraction, November also offers opportunities for other popular offshore species.
- Yellowfin tuna may be encountered around San Jaime Bank and other productive offshore areas.
- Dorado can remain active around floating debris, temperature breaks, and bait concentrations.
- Wahoo are another exciting possibility, especially around offshore banks and current boundaries.
- These additional species make November attractive for groups with different fishing preferences.
- One guest may dream of releasing a striped marlin, while another may prefer catching tuna or dorado for dinner.
- A private charter allows the captain to discuss those preferences and develop a fishing strategy based on the conditions.
Cabo Fishing Charter – Is Early or Late November Better for Marlin?
- The answer depends largely on which marlin species anglers hope to catch.
- Early November can provide a combination of striped marlin and lingering blue marlin opportunities when warmer water remains offshore.
- Late November generally becomes increasingly attractive for striped marlin as the seasonal transition continues.
- However, individual fishing conditions are more important than the calendar alone.
- A productive bait concentration in early November may produce excellent fishing, while a later charter can experience slower action if currents or bait movement change.
- Reviewing recent verified catch reports is more useful than assuming one particular week will always be better.
Cabo Fishing Charter – Is November Worth Booking for Marlin?
- November is an excellent month to consider for a private marlin fishing charter in Cabo San Lucas.
- Striped marlin are entering one of their strongest seasonal periods, blue marlin remain possible, and anglers have opportunities to encounter other offshore gamefish.
- For guests seeking a professional fishing experience, Blue Sky Cabo combines experienced captains, specialized offshore equipment, private sportfishing yachts, and personalized customer service.
- Whether the goal is a first striped marlin release, an offshore adventure with friends, or a premium family fishing vacation, November offers compelling reasons to visit Cabo San Lucas.
- The most important consideration is choosing the right vessel, allowing sufficient fishing time, and working with a captain who understands current offshore conditions.
Blue Sky Cabo Fishing Charter and Tours
F Dock, IGY Marina
Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico