Spanish Mackerel Fishing in Cabo: A Memorable Adventure with Blue Star Charters
Setting the Stage: A Michigan Trio’s Dream Fishing Trip
Fishing trips in Cabo San Lucas are known for offering anglers the chance to catch some of the most sought-after big game fish in the world, such as marlin, dorado, and tuna. But sometimes, it’s the unexpected catches that make a trip truly unforgettable. Such was the case on February 12, 2025, when a trio of enthusiastic anglers from Michigan Ron, Tim, and Paul set sail on a private fishing charter aboard the 32-foot Luhrs Blue Star, captained by the experienced Jorge, in search of a thrilling day on the water.
Though they came with marlin on their minds, they left with something equally exciting: a full day of Spanish mackerel fishing in Cabo. This trip, which would have been remembered for its outstanding catches, showcased just how versatile and enjoyable Cabo’s fishing environment can be especially when it comes to inshore species.
Departure from the Marina: A New Day Begins
The day began early with the trio arriving at the marina around 5:30 AM, eager to get started. The air was cool, with a temperature of 17.3°C (63.1°F), perfect for an early-morning departure. The water was calm as the Blue Star cruised out of the marina, cutting through the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The first light of dawn illuminated the horizon, setting the stage for a thrilling fishing adventure.
Captain Jorge greeted the guests, providing a quick briefing about the day’s plan. “We’ll be trolling for marlin first,” he said with a smile. “The waters are a little cooler today, so we may have to adjust our strategy later.”
At 6:00 AM, they set off in search of marlin, the elusive giants that the crew had no doubt could be found on the Pacific side of Cabo. Marlin fishing is often at its best in Cabo’s deep waters, but Captain Jorge was also prepared to adjust to changing conditions.
Marlin Fishing in the Pacific: The Early Struggles
As the Blue Star made its way through the calm Pacific waters, the crew dropped several lures into the water, hoping to tempt a marlin. The morning air was refreshing, and the gentle sway of the boat made it a peaceful beginning to the day’s journey. The water temperature was cool, at around 17.3°C (63.1°F), which presented a challenge for marlin fishing, as these large fish prefer warmer waters.
The team had prepared their best tactics—trolling with a combination of live bait, artificial lures, and teasers, such as the neon-painted PVC pipe lures and beer can dredges. These methods are well-known for attracting marlin and other predatory fish, but despite their best efforts, the marlin remained elusive.
After a couple of hours of trolling without any bites, Captain Jorge knew it was time to adjust. “The water temperature might be pushing the marlin out to deeper waters,” he explained. “Let’s switch gears and head toward the inshore waters where we can still find some action.”
A Strategic Shift: Inshore Fishing for Spanish Mackerel with Dredges
Realizing that the marlin might not be as active in the cooler waters, Captain Jorge made the decision to switch their focus from offshore marlin hunting to inshore Spanish mackerel fishing in Cabo. The crew had often found success targeting these smaller species during cooler months, and Jorge knew the dredges would attract these inshore fish.
Dredges, which are an essential tool in Blue Sky Cabo’s fishing arsenal, simulate a school of baitfish by dragging a spread of lures through the water. This not only attracts larger game fish but also smaller species, such as the Spanish mackerel. The dredges were lowered into the water, and the Blue Star began trolling along the Pacific coastline.
It didn’t take long for the first bite to come. Within moments, Tim was on the line, reeling in a strong pull. After a brief but thrilling struggle, Tim successfully landed his first Spanish mackerel of the day. “This is awesome! Look at that fish!” Tim exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement.
The fish, with its distinctive silver body and sharp teeth, gleamed in the sunlight. Captain Jorge gave a nod of approval. “Well done! Spanish mackerel are fast and aggressive. They put up a good fight for their size, but they’re always fun to catch.”
The rest of the morning was filled with similar action. One after another, Ron, Tim, and Paul reeled in Spanish mackerel after Spanish mackerel. The group was thrilled to experience such consistent action on the water. By the end of the 6-hour charter, the trio had caught a total of 12 Spanish mackerel—an impressive haul considering the cold water and slow start.
Spanish mackerel fishing in Cabo is a fantastic way to enjoy a day on the water when marlin aren’t cooperating. These fast, predatory fish are abundant in the area and provide a thrilling fight for anglers of all skill levels. Though the marlin may have eluded them, the guests were absolutely thrilled with the abundance of action they had experienced.
Weather and Environmental Factors: Understanding the Day’s Conditions
Fishing success is often dependent on various environmental factors, and understanding these can make or break a fishing trip. On this particular day, several key weather and environmental conditions played a role in the group’s experience.
- Air Temperature: Early in the day, the air temperature was around 17.3°C (63.1°F), rising to 22.3°C (72.1°F) by noon. This gradual warming made for a comfortable fishing environment.
- Water Temperature: The water temperature remained at 17.3°C (63.1°F), which is cooler than usual for marlin but favorable for species like Spanish mackerel.
- Wind Speed: Winds were light, ranging from 5 to 7 mph from the north-northwest. This created calm seas and ideal trolling conditions.
The cooler water temperature was the primary factor behind the crew’s decision to focus on inshore fishing. While marlin typically prefer warmer waters, species like Spanish mackerel thrive in these conditions, making them a perfect target for this day’s adventure.
The Blue Star Difference: Why Choose Blue Sky Cabo Fishing & Tours?
Ron, Tim, and Paul’s day aboard Blue Star wasn’t just about catching fish—it was about the experience. The trip was a testament to the professionalism and expertise of Blue Sky Cabo Fishing & Tours, a company known for delivering exceptional fishing charters.
Captain Jorge’s in-depth knowledge of Cabo’s waters is unmatched. He understood the subtle changes in temperature and how they would affect fish behavior. His quick decision to shift from marlin fishing to targeting Spanish mackerel ensured the group had an action-packed day on the water.
Furthermore, Blue Sky Cabo’s crew is top-notch, offering not just expertise in fishing but also a welcoming and friendly atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. The use of high-quality equipment, including the dredges, makes all the difference in ensuring a productive and enjoyable day on the water.
Ron expressed his gratitude after the trip, saying, “We weren’t sure what to expect when we started the day, but Captain Jorge knew exactly what to do. He turned what could have been a slow trip into a full-on adventure. We’ll definitely be back for more Spanish mackerel fishing in Cabo.”
Book Your Own Spanish Mackerel Fishing in Cabo Trip with Blue Sky Cabo
After hearing about the fantastic experience of Ron, Tim, and Paul, you might be itching to book your own fishing adventure. Whether you’re looking to target marlin, tuna, dorado, or Spanish mackerel, Blue Sky Cabo offers tailored fishing experiences to suit your needs.
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: USA +1.480.635.2965
- TripAdvisor Page: Blue Sky Cabo Fishing & Tours on TripAdvisor
Why Choose Blue Sky Cabo?
- Experienced Captains & Crew: Led by Captain Jorge, the team at Blue Sky Cabo knows the Cabo waters like the back of their hands.
- Top-of-the-Line Equipment: From dredges to rods and reels, Blue Sky Cabo uses only the best equipment to maximize your chances of success.
- Personalized Service: Blue Sky Cabo offers fully customized charters, so you can focus on the fish and enjoy a stress-free day on the water.
Reflecting on the Day: The Thrill of the Catch and the Memories Made
As the Blue Star made its way back to the marina at the end of the day, the guests sat back and reflected on their unforgettable adventure. Though they didn’t catch the marlin they had hoped for, the day was still a massive success.
Paul commented, “This was way more fun than I expected. I came here thinking I’d be chasing marlin all day, but catching 12 Spanish mackerel was an incredible experience.”
Captain Jorge and the crew of Blue Sky Cabo had expertly navigated the day’s challenges and made sure the guests had an exciting and memorable time. From the cool morning breeze to the rush of reeling in each fish, it was a day that would be remembered for years to come.
Spanish mackerel fishing in Cabo offers a unique and exciting experience, and Blue Sky Cabo Fishing & Tours is the perfect partner to help you make the most of your time on the water. Book your own adventure today and get ready for a fishing experience you’ll never forget!
