Is November a Good Time to Catch Dorado in Cabo

Yes, November is an excellent month to catch dorado in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Also known as mahi-mahi, dorado remain one of the most popular offshore gamefish during the fall fishing season, offering aggressive strikes, spectacular colors, and exciting battles for anglers of all experience levels.

Although September and October are traditionally among Cabo’s strongest dorado fishing months, November frequently provides productive opportunities, particularly when warm Pacific water, baitfish concentrations, and favorable currents remain in the area.

For visitors considering a private Cabo fishing charter in November, dorado are an attractive target because they can sometimes be found relatively close to shore. Unlike yellowfin tuna, which may require traveling approximately 40 miles offshore during November, dorado can occasionally be encountered within a few miles of Cabo San Lucas.

Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours operates five private sportfishing yachts from IGY Marina, offering experienced captains, professional fishing equipment, and personalized fishing experiences for families, couples, and serious offshore anglers.

Cabo Fishing Charter – Why November Remains Productive for Dorado

• November represents the final portion of Cabo’s traditional warm-water dorado season.
• Dorado thrive in warm offshore conditions, following concentrations of sardines, flying fish, and other baitfish throughout the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez.
• During November, water temperatures often remain favorable, particularly early in the month.
• As cooler currents gradually influence the region, dorado may become less concentrated in some areas while remaining active around warmer water and productive current boundaries.
• This makes locating suitable fishing conditions particularly important.
• Experienced captains look for floating debris, temperature changes, baitfish activity, and offshore current lines.
• When these conditions come together, dorado can feed aggressively and produce multiple strikes.
• However, fishing results vary from one day to another, and November should not be considered a guarantee of consistent catches.

Cabo Fishing Charter – Where Are Dorado Caught in November?

One advantage of targeting dorado in Cabo San Lucas is that anglers do not always need to travel long distances offshore. Dorado may be encountered around the Lighthouse, Cabo Falso, Los Arcos, and other productive Pacific fishing areas. When floating debris or bait concentrations move closer to the coastline, fishing opportunities may develop relatively near the marina.

Other established fishing grounds include Golden Gate Bank, San Jaime Bank, and offshore waters where current lines concentrate baitfish.

These locations are possibilities rather than guaranteed fishing hotspots. The most productive area depends on recent catches, bait movement, ocean conditions, and the captain’s observations.

Cabo Fishing Charter – What Size Dorado Can You Catch?

• Dorado caught around Cabo San Lucas vary considerably in size.
• Smaller fish may weigh approximately 5 to 15 pounds, while larger adults can reach 20 to 40 pounds or more.
• Exceptional bull dorado can exceed 50 pounds, although fish of that size are not typical catches.
• Male dorado, commonly called bulls, are recognizable by their pronounced, squared-off foreheads.
• Female dorado generally have more rounded head profiles.
• Both are known for their bright green, yellow, and blue coloration.
• One of the most exciting characteristics of dorado fishing is the species’ aggressive behavior.
• A hooked fish may leap repeatedly, shake its head, and make sudden runs across the surface.
• These characteristics make dorado particularly enjoyable for anglers experiencing Cabo sportfishing for the first time.

Cabo Fishing Charter – How Blue Sky Cabo Targets November Dorado

• Blue Sky Cabo uses several fishing techniques depending on water conditions, bait availability, and observed fish activity.
• Trolling artificial lures is a common method for covering productive water and locating feeding dorado.
• Brightly colored trolling skirts, feathers, and smaller offshore lures can attract aggressive fish.
• Rigged ballyhoo is another effective presentation, particularly when dorado are actively feeding near the surface.
• When fish are located around floating debris or concentrated baitfish, crews may switch to live bait.
• Live caballito or sardines can be particularly useful when dorado are visible but reluctant to strike artificial presentations.
• Blue Sky Cabo’s crews also have experience using specialized trolling equipment and offshore teaser systems.
• The fishing strategy is adjusted to match the conditions rather than relying on one presentation throughout the charter.

Cabo Fishing Charter – Why Blue Sky Cabo Is a Strong November Choice

Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours combines professional fishing operations with private yacht experiences and personalized customer service.

The company operates five vessels ranging from 32 to 60 feet, allowing guests to select a charter appropriate for their group size and fishing expectations.

32-Foot Luhrs Blue Star

Captain Chewy operates the Blue Star, a practical choice for couples and smaller groups interested in private dorado fishing.

35-Foot Riviera Blue Water

Captain Oscar operates the Blue Water, providing a comfortable sportfishing experience for families and guests targeting dorado, marlin, and tuna.

43-Foot Riviera Blue Sky

Captain Luis operates the Blue Sky, offering additional onboard space and comfort for private groups.

50-Foot Viking Blue Ocean

Captain YoYo operates the Blue Ocean, a larger sportfishing yacht suited to full-day offshore fishing and premium private charters.

60-Foot Bertram Blue Sea

• Captain David operates the Blue Sea, the largest vessel in the fleet, offering substantial space for groups seeking a luxury sportfishing experience.
• All five yachts operate with professional crews and fishing equipment appropriate for their charter programs.
• Blue Sky Cabo also provides fishing licenses, complimentary fishing photographs, and English-speaking crews.
• Select larger yachts offer Starlink connectivity, while additional video and drone services may be arranged.

Cabo Fishing Charter – Is Five or Eight Hours Better for Dorado?

• Unlike some offshore tuna fishing trips, dorado fishing does not always require an extended charter.
• A five-hour fishing trip can be productive when dorado are active around the Lighthouse, Cabo Falso, or nearby Pacific fishing grounds.
• This makes shorter charters attractive for families with children and guests who prefer spending less time offshore.
• Six-hour trips provide additional flexibility for exploring several fishing areas.
• Eight-hour charters are particularly appealing for anglers who want more time to locate dorado or combine dorado fishing with opportunities for striped marlin and other offshore species.
• Ten-hour trips are generally more appropriate for anglers interested in extended offshore fishing rather than exclusively targeting dorado close to Cabo.
• The most suitable duration depends on where fish have recently been located.

Cabo Fishing Charter – Can You Catch Multiple Dorado in November?

• Yes, multiple dorado catches are possible during November when anglers encounter active schools.
• Dorado frequently associate with floating debris, bait concentrations, and productive current lines.
• When one fish strikes, additional dorado may be nearby.
• Experienced crews recognize these opportunities and may adjust their presentations to target other fish in the area.
• However, encountering a school does not automatically guarantee multiple hookups.
• Fishing pressure, feeding behavior, water conditions, and bait availability all influence results.
• Blue Sky Cabo encourages guests to maintain realistic expectations and consider the overall fishing experience rather than focusing exclusively on a particular catch total.

Cabo Fishing Charter – Can You Keep Dorado for Dinner?

• Yes, dorado are among the most popular edible gamefish caught in Cabo San Lucas.
• Unlike marlin, which Blue Sky Cabo releases, dorado may be retained within applicable Mexican fishing regulations.
• Fresh dorado is prized for its mild flavor, firm texture, and versatility.
• It can be grilled, blackened, prepared as fish tacos, or served with fresh vegetables and citrus.
• For many visitors, catching dorado and enjoying freshly prepared fish during their Cabo vacation is an important part of the sportfishing experience.
• The crew can explain applicable catch limits and discuss local fish preparation options after returning to the marina.

Cabo Fishing Charter – Is Early November Better Than Late November?

• Early November generally offers a stronger continuation of the warm-water conditions associated with Cabo’s fall dorado season.
• As the month progresses, cooler water can influence dorado distribution and feeding activity.
• Late November can still produce productive catches, especially when warm-water pockets and bait concentrations remain accessible.
• However, the calendar alone does not determine fishing success.
• An active school near Cabo Falso in late November may provide better fishing than an unproductive offshore trip earlier in the month.
• Recent verified fishing reports are therefore more useful than assuming every early November trip will outperform later departures.

Cabo Fishing Charter – Why Private Dorado Fishing Appeals to Families

• Dorado are particularly attractive for families because they offer exciting fights without necessarily requiring the prolonged battles associated with larger billfish or trophy yellowfin tuna.
• Children and first-time anglers can enjoy the excitement of a fast strike, colorful fish, and an energetic fight.
• Blue Sky Cabo’s private charters allow the captain and crew to tailor the experience to the group’s preferences.
• Guests are not required to share fishing time with unrelated passengers.
• Families can choose a shorter fishing trip, while experienced anglers may prefer additional offshore time.
• Complimentary fishing photographs help preserve the experience, and optional professionally produced video packages provide another way to capture memorable moments.
• The company’s emphasis on safety equipment, customer service, and comfortable vessels also contributes to the overall experience.

Cabo Fishing Charter – Is November Worth Booking for Dorado?

November remains a very good month to target dorado in Cabo San Lucas.

• Although catches may become less consistent as winter approaches, warm offshore water, productive current lines, and bait concentrations can continue attracting mahi-mahi throughout the month.
• One of November’s greatest advantages is the possibility of encountering dorado relatively close to Cabo, making five- and six-hour fishing trips worthwhile when conditions are favorable.
• For anglers interested in combining dorado with striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, or wahoo, eight-hour charters provide additional flexibility.
• Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours offers experienced captains, professional equipment, five private sportfishing yachts, and personalized guest service.
• Whether the goal is catching a first dorado, enjoying a private family fishing adventure, or targeting multiple offshore species, November offers excellent reasons to experience Cabo San Lucas sportfishing.

Blue Sky Cabo Fishing Charter and Tours
F Dock, IGY Marina
Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico