Ask any serious offshore angler what gets their heart racing, and there’s a good chance they’ll say tuna—specifically yellowfin tuna. From the blistering first run to the sheer power of a 100+ pound deep-bellied beast, chasing tuna off the coast of Baja is one of the most electrifying experiences in all of sportfishing. But knowing when to catch tuna in Cabo San Lucas can mean the difference between a quiet boat ride and the fish fight of a lifetime.
Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours has built a reputation as one of the top outfits for targeting tuna in Los Cabos. With state-of-the-art gear, onboard drone pilots, helium balloon kites, and custom fly lure rigs, they’re not just fishing—they’re engineering encounters with some of the hardest-fighting fish on the planet.
This article is a complete breakdown of when to catch tuna in Cabo San Lucas, how to target them using the most modern and effective methods available, and why www.cabofishings.com should be your first—and only—call when planning a tuna hunt in Cabo.
Why Yellowfin Tuna?
Before we talk timing and technique, let’s set the stage. Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) are one of the fastest, most explosive pelagic predators in the ocean. Known for their torpedo-shaped bodies, electric yellow sickle fins, and sheer fighting power, they’re a favorite of both recreational anglers and tournament pros.
Here’s why yellowfin tuna fishing off Cabo is so revered:
- Speed and Power: Tuna routinely hit 40+ mph in their first run.
- School Behavior: Found in pods under birds, dolphins, and floating debris.
- Topwater Thrills: Strikes can happen right on the surface.
- Versatile Techniques: Can be caught trolling, drifting, chumming, or using advanced methods like drones and helium kites.
But none of that matters if you don’t know when to catch tuna in Cabo San Lucas. Let’s dig into the best months for action.
January–March: Deep Water, Deep Thinking
While not traditionally considered peak tuna months, the offshore banks can still produce during winter—especially for patient, strategic anglers. Yellowfin often stay deep this time of year, following thermoclines and bait schools.
Blue Sky Cabo adjusts their approach by slow-trolling large baits or using kite systems with skipjack or mackerel to float a tempting offering right at the edge of visibility.
Drone use is critical during these months—searching miles of ocean for boils, bird activity, or porpoise pods. Even in slower seasons, a drone-equipped boat can turn a blind search into a trophy catch.
Still, if you’re asking when to catch tuna in Cabo San Lucas for high probability trips, spring and summer bring far more consistent action.
April–May: Bait Builds, Tuna Tease
As water warms and baitfish return to the banks, so do the tuna. April and May are great months to run exploratory missions using balloon rigs and drone drops to search high-potential zones. This is the time to be patient but ready—schools can materialize from nowhere, and when they do, it’s chaos.
This is when Blue Sky Cabo’s helium kite system shines. By suspending a live bait on a wind-carried balloon hundreds of feet from the boat, they present tuna with an irresistible, natural silhouette—just hovering on the surface. It’s stealthy, effective, and utterly thrilling when the strike comes.
June–August: Game On – Prime Season Begins
Ask any local guide when to catch tuna in Cabo San Lucas, and June is when their eyes light up. This is when the bite turns red hot.
Huge pods of dolphins and porpoises begin traveling offshore, and yellowfin tuna often shadow them. Blue Sky crews use drones to track these moving ecosystems, then deploy trolling spreads, poppers, or baited kites into the chaos.
This is also when fly lure systems shine—casting oversized feathered lures that mimic squid or small tuna. Trolled at high speed or fished aggressively on the drift, these flies provoke savage strikes.
By July and August, the size of the fish increases. Many tuna caught this time of year exceed 100 pounds, with some pushing 200+. If you’ve ever dreamed of testing your strength and stamina against a true beast, this is your moment.
September–October: The Tuna Super Bowl
If there were a championship for tuna fishing in Baja, it would happen in September and October. These are hands-down the best months for tuna fishing in Cabo. The Sea of Cortez and Pacific-side banks light up with yellowfin in mind-bending numbers.
This is the answer to when to catch tuna in Cabo San Lucas—and Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours goes all-in during these months. With multiple drone-equipped vessels, helium balloon systems, premium trolling lures, and GoPro filming from every angle, they turn each trip into a highlight reel.
Top tactics in this window include:
- Drone-Deployed Live Bait: Dropping fresh mackerel directly onto boiling schools.
- Kite Fishing with Balloons: Letting the wind deliver your bait far from the boat for stealth strikes.
- High-Speed Trolling with Flies: Large, synthetic squid flies pulled at 8–10 knots provoke reaction bites.
- Popper and Surface Lure Casting: A thrill for stand-up anglers watching tuna explode on foam trails.
Pro tip: Book multiple days in this window. Tuna are wild, mobile, and can change direction in minutes. A two or three-day plan gives you the flexibility to wait out a slow tide or capitalize when the fish show up.
November–December: Still Hot, Still Hammering
While marlin tournaments dominate marina talk, the tuna are still there—and still biting. November often sees tuna under birds and porpoise pods, and the seas are typically calm and beautiful. Many of Blue Sky Cabo’s biggest tuna ever caught were in November.
Kite fishing remains deadly, especially with longer bait soak times and hydro-stabilized balloons that work even on light wind days. And drones continue to provide an aerial edge—spotting bait schools, bird flocks, and surface slicks that point to tuna.
December cools slightly but still produces. If you want a winter trip with a chance at a monster yellowfin, the first two weeks of December are a fantastic option.
Methods That Win: Tuna Fishing Tactics That Work
Now that you know when to catch tuna in Cabo San Lucas, let’s break down the exact methods that Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours uses to get their clients hooked up.
Trolling
This is the classic method—but with a twist. Blue Sky uses a mix of feathered jet heads, cedar plugs, squid chains, and synthetic flies, run at various depths and distances behind the boat. Their trolling patterns are wide, precise, and constantly adjusted by onboard sonar and drone spotting.
- Best for: Covering ground, locating tuna schools, provoking reaction strikes
- Setup: 4–6 line spread, outriggers, teasers, and dredges
- Key Months: June–November
Drone Bait Deployment
Game changer. Drones allow Blue Sky crews to find tuna from the sky and drop live bait right into the chaos without disturbing the school. It’s visual, surgical, and ridiculously effective.
- Best for: Targeting visible schools, casting into boiling fish, silent bait drops
- Setup: DJI FPV and custom bait drones, controlled by certified pilots
- Key Months: May–November
Helium Balloon Kite Fishing
This technique suspends a baitfish just at the water’s surface, using a helium balloon attached to a kite to hover it far from the boat. Tuna find it irresistible.
- Best for: Spooky fish, calm mornings, light boat traffic
- Setup: Reinforced reels, kite rod setups, live bait rigging
- Key Months: April–October
Fly Lures (Synthetic Squid & Feather Jigs)
Fast trolled or aggressively cast and retrieved, these lures mimic squid, flying fish, or skipjack. Their erratic motion and surface disturbance draw attention fast.
- Best for: Triggering bites when bait is plentiful
- Setup: 80–130 lb fluorocarbon leaders, heavy rods, high-speed reels
- Key Months: June–October
The Blue Sky Cabo Advantage
Fishing for tuna is one thing. Fishing smart is another. That’s where Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours dominates.
Here’s what sets them apart:
✅ Owned Fleet: From the nimble 32’ Luhrs to the luxury-loaded 60’ Bertram, their boats are optimized for tuna.
✅ Onboard Drone Pilots: Every trip includes certified drone operators trained in tuna location and bait drop.
✅ Helium Kite Systems: Fully integrated with rod holders, custom reels, and trained kite anglers.
✅ Starlink WiFi: Stay connected, stream, or post your tuna catch from 30 miles offshore.
✅ Concierge Service: Greeted dockside with breakfast, cold drinks, and your personal trip manager.
✅ Tournament Tackle: Tiagra and Avet reels, custom rods, high-test leaders, and big-game harnesses.
✅ Video Package Included: Optional YouTube video edit from GoPro, drone, Meta glasses, and 360 cam footage.
✅ Thousands of Reviews: TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, ChatGPT summaries, and USA Today top-ranked.
Boat Selection for Tuna
Different trips require different tools. Here’s how to choose:
🛥️ 32’ Luhrs – Budget-conscious, agile, ideal for 2–4 anglers
🛥️ 35’ Riviera – Classic sportfisher with all the essentials
🛥️ 43’ Riviera – Best-selling tuna machine, perfect for drone/kite combos
🛥️ 50’ Viking – Tournament-level comfort and tech
🛥️ 60’ Bertram – Ultimate luxury, range, and ride—great for multi-day tuna hunts
Final Thoughts: It’s All About Timing and Technique
Tuna are unpredictable, powerful, and endlessly thrilling. But success isn’t random. It’s built on understanding when to catch tuna in Cabo San Lucas, and matching that timing with the best tactics and most experienced team possible.
Whether you’re chasing your first yellowfin or gunning for a 200-pound monster that blows up your kite bait at sunrise, Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours has the tools, tech, and talent to deliver.
- Book direct at www.cabofishings.com
- Choose your dates wisely
- Let the drones fly
- Set the kites
- Drop the flies
- And hold on tight
This is tuna fishing, redefined. And the best part? You already know when to catch tuna in Cabo San Lucas.
