Where Are the Best Fishing Spots Near Cabo

The Magic of Cabo’s Waters – Where Adventure Meets the Horizon

There’s something magnetic about Cabo San Lucas. It’s not just the sun, the golden sand, or the vibrant nightlife it’s the ocean itself. Cabo sits where the Pacific Ocean collides with the Sea of Cortez, creating one of the most nutrient-rich marine environments on Earth. For decades, anglers from all corners of the world have traveled here asking one simple question: where are the best fishing spots near Cabo? The answer depends on what you want to catch, the time of year, and the kind of adventure you’re craving. Some of Cabo’s legendary fishing grounds lie just minutes from the marina, while others require a thrilling offshore journey deep into the Pacific. Whether you’re chasing roosterfish near the rocks or blue marlin beyond the banks, Cabo’s waters are a fisherman’s dream.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top fishing spots near Cabo San Lucas, breaking down what makes each one unique and why fishing with Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours remains the best way to experience them.

Why Cabo San Lucas Is a Global Fishing Hotspot

To understand where the best fishing spots near Cabo are, it helps to know why this region is so special. Cabo’s unique geography is the secret. The tip of the Baja Peninsula juts between two oceans the Pacific to the west and the Sea of Cortez to the east. This convergence creates swirling currents that attract plankton, sardines, mackerel, and other baitfish, which in turn lure massive pelagic predators.

Here’s what makes Cabo different from any other fishing destination:

• Year-round fishing: No off-season here. Every month offers target species.
• Quick access to deep water: Just minutes from the marina, depths plunge thousands of feet.
• Predictable fish migration: Striped marlin, dorado, tuna, and wahoo move through like clockwork.
• Unmatched charter fleet: Cabo’s sportfishing community is among the best trained and most experienced in the world.

Whether you’re casting near the Arch or trolling offshore banks, the ocean around Cabo is alive 12 months a year.

1. The Arch and Land’s End – Cabo’s Iconic Starting Point

When people picture fishing in Cabo, they often imagine the famous El Arco (The Arch) — that dramatic rock formation where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez. This is one of the closest and most photogenic fishing spots near Cabo, and it’s ideal for half-day inshore trips. Here, rocky reefs and drop-offs host roosterfish, jack crevalle, snapper, and sierra mackerel. Many anglers start their morning trolling lures past the Arch while watching sea lions sunbathe on nearby rocks. The scenery is so stunning that even non-fishers find it unforgettable.

In the winter months, when cooler waters settle in, sierra mackerel dominate the area. In summer, roosterfish and dorado push closer to shore chasing sardines. It’s an easy, action-filled trip perfect for anyone new to Cabo fishing.

2. The Lighthouse (El Faro) – Where the Deep Begins

Just a few miles west of Land’s End lies El Faro Viejo, Cabo’s historic lighthouse. Locals call this area “The Lighthouse Bank,” and it’s often the first offshore stop for anglers heading out for marlin or tuna. This zone marks the beginning of the continental shelf, where the seafloor drops dramatically. The current here creates natural feeding lanes, making it one of the best spots near Cabo for striped marlin, dorado, and wahoo.

From November through May, marlin activity near the Lighthouse is exceptional. Blue Sky Cabo captains often start their day trolling squid teasers or PVC beer-can dredges here, scanning the surface for marlin tailing in the waves. It’s close enough for a half-day trip yet deep enough to produce serious fish.

3. The Golden Gate Bank – The Striped Marlin Capital

Ask any seasoned Cabo angler where the best fishing spots near Cabo are, and the Golden Gate Bank will always make the list. Located about 15 miles northwest of the marina on the Pacific side, this underwater mountain range is a magnet for pelagic life. During late fall and winter, massive schools of striped marlin gather here to feed on mackerel. It’s not uncommon for Blue Sky Cabo guests to spot dozens of marlin on the surface tails, dorsal fins, and all creating one of the most thrilling sights in sportfishing.

This is also a great spot for wahoo, dorado, and even humpback whale sightings during migration season. The sea conditions can get lively out here, but the reward is pure adrenaline. Many world-record catches have come from this very bank.

4. The San Jaime Bank – Deepwater Action Offshore

The San Jaime Bank, southwest of Cabo, is another offshore legend. Roughly 25 miles out, it’s one of the deepest fishing areas near Cabo and a prime hunting ground for blue and black marlin, big yellowfin tuna, and wahoo. Blue Sky Cabo crews often head here for 8–10 hour offshore charters, especially during late summer and fall. It’s where anglers can experience the true deep-sea adventure crystal-blue water, open horizons, and powerful fish that test every muscle you’ve got.

If you’re lucky, you might even encounter spinner dolphins and feeding birds, classic signs that tuna are close by. The thrill of hooking into a 150-pound tuna or a 400-pound blue marlin here is unforgettable.

5. The Gordo Banks – East Cape’s Legendary Hotspot

Heading east toward San José del Cabo, the Gordo Banks are another must-visit area for offshore fishing. These deep underwater plateaus rise sharply from thousands of feet, concentrating bait and attracting all the major predators. The Inner and Outer Gordo Banks produce consistent action for yellowfin tuna, dorado, wahoo, and marlin. It’s also one of the few spots near Cabo where anglers can hook into huge cow tuna sometimes topping 200 pounds.

From August through November, this is prime tuna territory. Blue Sky Cabo’s fleet often targets Gordo Banks when conditions are right, using kite-fishing techniques and flying-fish lures that mimic the tuna’s favorite prey.

6. Chileno Bay and Santa Maria – Calm Waters and Variety

If you’re looking for calmer conditions and steady action, Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Bay are two of the best inshore fishing areas near Cabo. These scenic coves are protected from heavy swell and offer excellent opportunities to catch snapper, grouper, roosterfish, and sierra mackerel. The coral reefs here provide rich habitat for smaller fish, which attract mid-sized predators. Families and beginner anglers love this area because it combines fishing with gorgeous snorkeling conditions. Many charters, including Blue Sky Cabo’s half-day inshore trips, combine fishing time with a swim or lunch stop here.

7. Palmilla Point – The Gateway to the Sea of Cortez

Just beyond San José del Cabo, Palmilla Point serves as a natural meeting point between inshore and offshore fishing. It’s a place where bait schools gather, and pelagic species frequently cruise through. Here you’ll find roosterfish, dorado, and wahoo in abundance. It’s also a strategic jumping-off point for longer offshore runs toward the Gordo Banks or Iman Bank. Because of its consistent bait activity, it’s a favorite spot for early-morning charters and fly fishermen seeking roosterfish on the fly.

8. Iman Bank – Hidden Gem for Tuna and Wahoo

Further north along the East Cape, about an hour’s run from Cabo, lies Iman Bank, a lesser-known but highly productive fishing ground. It’s not as famous as Gordo or San Jaime, but many experienced captains swear by it. Iman Bank is best known for tuna, dorado, and wahoo, particularly from August through December. The bank’s uneven bottom structure traps schools of sardines and skipjack, keeping the predators close. When tuna boil on the surface here, it’s one of Cabo’s most explosive fishing experiences.

Choosing the Right Spot – Season Matters

Cabo’s fishing is spectacular year-round, but the best spots shift slightly depending on the month. Here’s a quick seasonal breakdown:

• January – March: Inshore fishing dominates near Land’s End and Chileno Bay for sierra mackerel and snapper.
• April – June: Dorado and roosterfish move in close to the beaches.
• July – September: Tuna and blue marlin heat up offshore at San Jaime and Gordo Banks.
• October – December: The striped marlin bite explodes around Golden Gate and the Lighthouse.

That’s the beauty of Cabo no matter the month, there’s always somewhere to fish.

Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours – Your Gateway to the Best Spots

When it comes to discovering where the best fishing spots near Cabo are, the real difference comes down to who you fish with. Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours is a top-rated, English-speaking charter company with over a decade of success in the Cabo fleet. Their professional captains and crews know every inch of local water — from the shallow reefs to the deep offshore banks. Whether you’re looking for a quick half-day trip to the Arch or a full-blown marlin expedition, they’ll take you to the best spot based on the season, current, and bite.

Blue Sky Cabo Fleet:

• Blue Star (32-ft Luhrs) – Perfect for inshore and nearshore trips.
• Blue Water (35-ft Riviera) – Ideal for midrange adventures.
• Blue Sky (43-ft Riviera) – Air-conditioned comfort for offshore trips.
• Blue Sea (60-ft Bertram) – Luxury yacht for serious anglers and groups.

Each trip includes fishing licenses, breakfast, lunch, drinks, photography, and an English-speaking crew focused on hospitality and success.

• USA Phone: +1.480.635.2965
• Website: Blue Sky Cabo
• YouTube: Blue Sky Cabo YouTube Channel
• Facebook: Blue Sky Cabo on Facebook

Their TripAdvisor reviews consistently highlight not just the incredible catches but also the atmosphere onboard a fun, friendly, first-class experience.

Techniques That Make Cabo’s Fishing Spots Come Alive

The best fishing spots near Cabo are only half the story. The techniques used here are what make the difference between an ordinary trip and a spectacular one.

Inshore Techniques:

• Casting live bait or poppers near rocky points for roosterfish.
• Jigging reefs for grouper and snapper.
• Slow trolling for dorado and sierra mackerel.

Offshore Techniques:

• Trolling dredges and teasers for marlin and sailfish.
• Kite fishing for yellowfin tuna.
• High-speed trolling for wahoo around banks and ridges.

Blue Sky Cabo’s crew is known for using custom-made teasers including creative ones built from neon-painted PVC pipes and beer cans that reflect light and trigger strikes. It’s this attention to detail that keeps them among the top-rated operators in the region.

The Lifestyle of Fishing Cabo – Sun, Sea, and Smiles

Fishing near Cabo is as much about lifestyle as it is about catching fish. The marina buzzes with excitement each morning as boats prepare for their run offshore. After the trip, anglers return to port where restaurants like Alexander’s or Misiones de Kino will grill your fresh catch to perfection garlic, coconut, or blackened.

For many, the day doesn’t end there. Watching the sunset over Land’s End with a cold drink in hand, replaying the moments when the line screamed and the rod bent, is what Cabo is all about. Every trip feels like a celebration of the sea.

Final Thoughts – Cabo’s Fishing Spots Offer Something for Everyone

So, where are the best fishing spots near Cabo? The truth is, they’re everywhere from the rocky inshore reefs near the Arch to the legendary offshore banks like Golden Gate and Gordo. Each area tells a different story, offers different species, and delivers a new adventure every time.

Whether you’re chasing roosterfish close to shore or giant marlin offshore, Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours will get you there with professionalism, passion, and a smile. Cabo isn’t just a fishing destination; it’s a feeling, a rhythm, a way of life that keeps anglers coming back year after year.