Here is a detailed look at the types of fish you can catch in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is renowned for its world-class sportfishing, attracting anglers from around the globe. The diversity of fish species in the waters surrounding Cabo, especially where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, makes it a premier destination for both novice and experienced fishermen. Below is a detailed look at the types of fish you can catch in Cabo San Lucas, including both sport fish and other common species.
1. Marlin (Striped, Blue, and Black Marlin)
Striped Marlin (Kajikia audax)
- Season: Year-round, but most abundant from November to May.
- Size: Typically 100 to 300 pounds.
- Fishing Method: Trolling with live bait, lures, or teasers.
- Description: Striped Marlin is one of Cabo’s most popular game fish and a top target for anglers due to its speed, agility, and strength. These fish are known for their acrobatic displays and are frequently caught in large numbers.
Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans)
- Season: June to December.
- Size: 300 to 1,000 pounds.
- Fishing Method: Trolling with large lures, teasers, or live bait.
- Description: Blue Marlin is a trophy fish in Cabo, prized for its immense size and fighting spirit. Anglers who target Blue Marlin often use heavy tackle due to the size and power of this species.
Black Marlin (Istiompax indica)
- Season: July to November.
- Size: Up to 1,500 pounds.
- Fishing Method: Trolling with large live bait like tuna or dorado.
- Description: Less common than the striped and blue marlin, Black Marlin is the largest of the marlin species and presents an extraordinary challenge for anglers seeking a record-breaking catch.
2. Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)
- Season: June to November, with peak action from September to November.
- Size: 15 to 50 pounds.
- Fishing Method: Trolling with live bait, squid, and small lures.
- Description: Known for their vibrant colors and fast growth, Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) are a highly sought-after fish in Cabo. Their acrobatic leaps and delicious taste make them a favorite among sportfishing charters. Dorado are often found in floating debris offshore.
3. Yellowfin Tuna
- Season: Year-round, with the best fishing from July to October.
- Size: 20 to 300 pounds.
- Fishing Method: Trolling, live bait, kite fishing with flying fish lures.
- Description: Yellowfin Tuna is prized for its power and endurance, especially the larger “cow” tuna that exceed 200 pounds. Kite fishing, a unique method used in Cabo, increases the chances of landing a massive Yellowfin Tuna. Tuna fishing is especially popular in offshore banks like the Gordo Banks.
4. Wahoo
- Season: Best from October to March.
- Size: 20 to 100 pounds.
- Fishing Method: High-speed trolling with lures, especially using wire leaders to prevent break-offs.
- Description: Wahoo are known for their speed, sharp teeth, and elusive nature. Their blistering fast runs make them an exciting catch. Due to their sharp teeth, specialized rigs and techniques are often necessary to land one successfully.
5. Roosterfish (Nematistius pectoralis)
- Season: Year-round, with the best action from May to September.
- Size: 20 to 80 pounds, with some reaching over 100 pounds.
- Fishing Method: Surf casting, trolling with live bait near shore.
- Description: A popular inshore species, Roosterfish are famous for their unique dorsal fin resembling a rooster’s comb. These fish put up a thrilling fight and are typically found near the beaches and rocky shorelines of Cabo San Lucas.
6. Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus)
- Season: June to November.
- Size: 60 to 120 pounds.
- Fishing Method: Trolling with live bait or artificial lures.
- Description: Sailfish are known for their incredible speed, often reaching 68 mph, making them one of the fastest fish in the ocean. Their distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and acrobatic behavior make them a favorite for sport anglers. Sailfish are also highly photogenic, providing memorable catches.
7. Snapper (Lutjanidae)
Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus)
- Season: Year-round.
- Size: 10 to 30 pounds.
- Fishing Method: Bottom fishing with bait, jigs, or trolling near reefs.
- Description: Cabo’s rocky bottom and reefs provide excellent grounds for snapper fishing, especially the popular Red Snapper. These fish are a local favorite for their firm, white meat and are often caught while reef fishing inshore.
8. Amberjack (Seriola dumerili)
- Season: Year-round, with peak fishing from May to August.
- Size: 30 to 100 pounds.
- Fishing Method: Bottom fishing with live bait or vertical jigs near reefs and drop-offs.
- Description: Amberjack are powerful fighters and provide a challenging experience for anglers. They are often caught while fishing for other reef species, such as snapper and grouper.
9. Grouper (Serranidae)
Gulf Grouper (Mycteroperca jordani)
- Season: Year-round.
- Size: 30 to 100 pounds, with some species reaching 200 pounds.
- Fishing Method: Bottom fishing with live bait or heavy jigs.
- Description: Cabo’s deep waters and reefs are home to large grouper species, such as the Gulf Grouper. These fish are bottom dwellers and are prized for their size and flavor. Landing a large grouper requires patience and strength due to their preference for rocky habitats.
10. Sierra Mackerel (Scomberomorus sierra)
- Season: November to April.
- Size: 5 to 15 pounds.
- Fishing Method: Trolling or casting nearshore with small lures or live bait.
- Description: Sierra Mackerel is a popular inshore species often targeted by anglers looking for fast action. These fish are fun to catch, especially when using light tackle, and are typically found in schools close to shore.
11. Jack Crevalle (Caranx hippos)
- Season: Year-round.
- Size: 10 to 50 pounds.
- Fishing Method: Casting or trolling nearshore with lures or live bait.
- Description: Jack Crevalle are known for their strength and aggressive nature. They are not the most sought-after for their taste but offer a great fight for anglers. These fish are often found in schools near the surface, especially close to the beach.
12. Swordfish (Xiphias gladius)
- Season: December to March.
- Size: 200 to 600 pounds.
- Fishing Method: Deep-sea fishing with heavy tackle, typically while drifting or slow trolling.
- Description: Swordfish are a rare and prized catch for sport fishing in Cabo. Known for their long bills and powerful dives, they are one of the most challenging fish to catch in deep water. Swordfish are usually caught at significant depths, requiring specialized equipment.
Conclusion
The waters around Cabo San Lucas offer an unparalleled variety of fish species, from pelagic giants like marlin and tuna to inshore favorites like roosterfish and snapper. Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to the sport, Cabo’s fishing charters provide thrilling opportunities year-round. By understanding the seasonality and habits of these fish, you can optimize your fishing adventure and maximize your chances of landing that dream catch. Check Cabo Fish Calendar 2024!
