The Morning Begins: Perfect Weather Conditions
October in Cabo can be unpredictable, with whispers of the fall season mingling with the tropical warmth. But that day, the sea and sky seemed in perfect agreement. The air temperature was a comfortable 84°F, promising warmth without the intensity of summer. The water, shimmering under the golden light, held steady at 81°F ideal for the marlin that roam these waters. A mild wind, moving at 6 mph from the northeast, added a refreshing touch to the atmosphere, just enough to ruffle hair and sails without stirring up the sea.
As the Blue Sea eased out of the marina, the early morning chatter of seabirds and the distant, playful barks of sea lions filled the air. The boat, with its impressive stature and top-notch equipment, inspired confidence. Captain David, a seasoned mariner with countless hours on these waters, nodded to his crew and gave a reassuring thumbs-up to the family. “Today’s going to be a special one,” he said, the sparkle in his eyes promising a day full of surprises.
Anticipation on the Open Water
The family settled into their positions, a mix of excitement and nervous energy buzzing among them. Quentin, the youngest, leaned over the edge, eyes wide as he took in the expanse of blue, while Tasha kept a protective hand on his shoulder, sharing his wonder. Sean and Lucia, the family’s adventurous leaders, exchanged knowing smiles. This was what they had dreamed of: the thrill of the unknown, the beauty of the ocean, and the joy of sharing it with loved ones.
Captain David set the lines, rigged with vibrant lures designed to mimic the flash and movement of baitfish. The hum of the engines faded into the background as the group listened to the gentle slapping of the waves and the occasional call of a seabird. The boat moved deeper into the rich waters where striped marlin, known for their acrobatic displays and fighting spirit, lurked.
The anticipation reached a crescendo when, out of nowhere, the line on the starboard side snapped to life. The reel sang its high-pitched song, signaling a strike. Jeffery, who had been keeping a close watch, sprang into action. “We’ve got one!” he shouted, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.
The First Catch: Striped Marlin Takes the Stage
Captain David expertly maneuvered the boat as Jeffery battled the fish, the rod bending in a powerful arc. The marlin’s strength was evident, testing both Jeffery’s resolve and technique. Lucia stood by, her eyes wide with excitement, offering words of encouragement.
“Keep it steady, Jeff!” she called out, her voice filled with both nerves and pride.
The marlin broke the surface, its sleek, striped body glistening in the sunlight as it launched itself into the air. Gasps echoed among the family members as they witnessed the fish’s acrobatics a flash of raw power that ended in a splash as it re-entered the water. Jeffery held firm, guided by Captain David’s instructions and the rhythmic pull-and-reel dance he had practiced.
After a spirited battle, the marlin tired, allowing Jeffery to guide it close enough for the crew to secure. They admired it up close a magnificent striped marlin weighing close to 150 pounds. Captain David, a strong proponent of sustainable practices, ensured the fish was carefully unhooked, revived, and released back into the water. Watching it glide away, powerful tail swishing one last time, filled the family with a sense of accomplishment and respect for the sea.
Feeding the Sea Lions: A Whimsical Interlude
With spirits high from the successful release, Captain David suggested a short detour near Land’s End, a popular spot known for its playful sea lions. The idea of feeding these charismatic creatures thrilled Megan, who was the animal lover of the group. She had been hoping for a chance to see them up close.
The boat slowed as they approached the cluster of rocks where sea lions basked in the sun, some lazily stretching while others eyed the visitors with a mix of curiosity and expectation. Captain David tossed a few fish scraps into the water, and in an instant, the sea lions sprang to life, diving and barking as they vied for the snack. The family laughed as one particularly bold sea lion, nicknamed “Pancho” by locals, pushed its way to the front, snagging the biggest piece with a deft move.
Quentin’s eyes sparkled as he turned to Tasha. “This is even cooler than I thought,” he said, his voice ringing with unrestrained joy. It was moments like these, simple yet unforgettable, that made the day even more special.
The Second Marlin: A Surprising Encore
Just as the boat was pulling away from the sea lion spectacle, Captain David spotted a commotion in the water ahead a telltale sign of marlin activity. “Looks like we’re not done yet!” he announced, sparking a fresh wave of excitement.
This time, it was Lydia who stepped up, determined to take on the challenge. The line zipped out with astonishing speed as the marlin on the other end fought fiercely. Captain David kept a close eye on Lydia, offering tips and encouragement while ensuring the boat stayed positioned for the best outcome.
The marlin displayed an impressive series of jumps, its slender, striped body glinting in the late morning sun. Lydia’s face was a mix of concentration and exhilaration as she worked the rod, following the fish’s movements with skill honed from years of family fishing trips back in California. The rest of the family cheered her on, their voices blending with the ambient sounds of the ocean.
When Lydia finally brought the marlin alongside the boat, it was clear that this catch was even larger than the first an estimated 170 pounds. Captain David and his crew repeated the careful release process, ensuring the marlin swam off strong and healthy. The sense of collective achievement washed over everyone, punctuated by high-fives and celebratory hugs.
Reflecting on an Unforgettable Day
As the Blue Sea made its way back toward the marina, the family gathered on the deck, reliving each moment of the day. The sun hung higher in the sky now, casting a golden glow over the waves. The wind had picked up slightly, a gentle 8 mph breeze that added a touch of coolness to the warm afternoon air.
“I can’t believe we caught and released two marlin and still had time to feed the sea lions,” Sean said, shaking his head with a grin. “This day couldn’t have been more perfect.”
Lucia, ever the planner, chimed in, “It’s a Halloween we’ll be talking about for years. No tricks, just incredible treats.”
Captain David, listening from the helm, nodded. “Cabo has a way of giving you days like this,” he said. “It’s why I love what I do.”
A Toast to the Day
Back at the dock, the family posed for photos, the smiles on their faces wide and genuine. The marina buzzed with activity, but for this group, time seemed to slow as they wrapped up their once-in-a-lifetime experience. Megan, with her camera in hand, captured every detail—the fish, the sea lions, and the laughter that punctuated their day.
As they walked away, the cool breeze carrying the scent of salt and adventure, Sean looked back at the Blue Sea, now preparing for its next journey. “We’ll be back,” he said, already planning their next fishing escapade.
And so, as the sun began its slow descent over Cabo San Lucas, the family from Northern California left with stories to tell, hearts full of joy, and a newfound respect for the incredible sea life that had made their day so special.
To book your own family-friendly Cabo fishing charter, contact Blue Sky Cabo at USA +1.480.635.2965. For more updates and to watch live stream videos of daily catches, check out our Facebook page here: Blue Sky Cabo Facebook Live. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Cabo fishing!