Anglers often ask, what is the best time to fish in Cabo San Lucas? Cabo’s unique location at the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez makes it a year-round fishing destination, but the timing of your trip can dramatically impact the species you encounter and your overall success. From giant marlin offshore to vibrant dorado and tuna, knowing when to fish ensures a more rewarding experience.
Blue Sky Cabo has been guiding anglers for over 13 years, helping visitors answer the question, what is the best time to fish in Cabo San Lucas, with precise seasonal insights, expert crews, and access to the top fishing spots.
Marlin Season in Cabo
Marlin are a major reason anglers ask, what is the best time to fish in Cabo San Lucas:
- Blue Marlin: Peak activity occurs from July through November, especially offshore at banks like the 1150 Bank and Gordo Banks.
- Striped Marlin: Often closer to shore, with prime action from May through October.
- Catch-and-Release Focus: Blue Sky Cabo promotes sustainable marlin fishing to ensure healthy populations.
For trophy hunters, aligning your trip with marlin season is essential.
Dorado (Mahi Mahi) Season
Dorado are another exciting target when considering what is the best time to fish in Cabo San Lucas:
- Spring to Fall (April–October): Dorado appear near floating debris, weed lines, and offshore banks.
- Peak Abundance: Summer months bring large dorado schools, often alongside tuna and marlin.
- Aggressive Surface Action: Dorado strike lures such as Squid Nation, Rip N Hoo, Witch Doctor, and Chatterlures for high-energy fights.
Dorado fishing combines fast action, vibrant visuals, and great eating, making summer an ideal time.
Tuna and Wahoo Season
Tuna and wahoo offer additional opportunities for anglers asking, what is the best time to fish in Cabo San Lucas:
- Yellowfin Tuna: Most abundant from June through September, often near deeper offshore waters.
- Bigeye Tuna: Typically found in deeper water, adding a challenge for experienced anglers.
- Wahoo: Fast, aggressive, and found near floating debris year-round but most consistent in summer.
Targeting these species requires offshore knowledge and precise timing for maximum success.
Sailfish Season
Sailfish provide spectacular sport for light tackle enthusiasts:
- Spring (April–June): Peak sailfish activity, often inshore and near floating bait schools.
- Surface Feeding Behavior: Sailfish offer dramatic aerial displays, perfect for novice or family anglers.
- Ideal for Mixed Trips: Often found alongside dorado and marlin during spring excursions.
This makes spring a perfect time to enjoy multi-species action in Cabo waters.

Inshore Fishing Opportunities
Even outside of offshore peaks, inshore fishing remains productive:
- Roosterfish, Snapper, and Grouper: Best caught from November through March.
- Accessible for Families: Smaller vessels and calmer waters make inshore trips beginner-friendly.
- Light Tackle Fun: Inshore species provide exciting fights without extreme effort.
These options ensure Cabo fishing remains rewarding year-round.
Morning vs. Afternoon Fishing
When planning what is the best time to fish in Cabo San Lucas, daily timing matters:
- Morning Trips: Often calmer seas, cooler temperatures, and higher fish activity near the surface.
- Afternoon Trips: Fish may move deeper, but species like dorado and wahoo often show aggressive surface behavior.
- Blue Sky Cabo Advantage: Our crews adjust trolling patterns, bait, and lures in real-time to optimize catch rates regardless of the hour.
Choosing the right time of day can enhance success and comfort.
Weather and Seasonal Considerations
Cabo’s climate affects what is the best time to fish in Cabo San Lucas:
- Spring (April–June): Ideal temperatures, minimal wind, excellent for sailfish and dorado.
- Summer (June–August): Warm waters increase offshore activity; marlin and tuna are most abundant.
- Fall (September–October): Cooler mornings, active marlin, and dorado schools continue.
- Winter (November–March): Focus shifts to inshore species; calmer seas make for relaxing trips.
Understanding these patterns ensures you select the optimal season for your desired catch.
Why Choose Blue Sky Cabo
Blue Sky Cabo helps anglers answer what is the best time to fish in Cabo San Lucas with confidence:
- Expert Crews: Years of local knowledge and experience in all weather conditions.
- Prime Equipment: Top-quality rods, reels, and lures for every species.
- Local Hotspot Access: Direct routes to banks, weed lines, and offshore structures.
- Sustainable Practices: Catch-and-release programs for marlin and sailfish.
Our personalized approach ensures every fishing trip is both productive and memorable.
Book Your Cabo Fishing Trip
Blue Sky Cabo
Phone: +1.480.635.2965
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Call Blue Sky Cabo today to discover what is the best time to fish in Cabo San Lucas. Our expert crews, premium vessels, and local knowledge ensure you catch more fish and enjoy every moment on the water.