Why Cabo San Lucas Keeps Drawing Anglers Back Year After Year

There’s a reason fishing trips to Cabo San Lucas have become something of a tradition for anglers. Cabo sits at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet – and that meeting point creates one of the most productive stretches of fishing water anywhere on earth.

The mix of warm currents, deep-water canyons, and an extraordinary variety of species means you’re almost never going home empty-handed, regardless of when you go. Alongside its famous beaches, the marina, and other popular places to visit in Cabo San Lucas, the destination has earned a worldwide reputation as one of the premier sportfishing destinations on the planet.

This guide breaks down the Cabo San Lucas fishing season month by month, covering which species are typically running when, providing practical information you need to plan a trip. Keep in mind the fish you are hunting don’t wear calendars or watches, preferring to follow temperature breaks and schools of bait – initiated by Mother Nature. For many visitors, Cabo fishing charters remain one of the most popular things to do in Cabo San Lucas, offering a completely different perspective of the destination beyond its beaches and resorts.

Understanding the Cabo San Lucas Fishing Season

Before diving into specific months, it helps to understand how the seasons actually shape fishing in this part of Mexico. Understanding how the Cabo fishing seasons change throughout the year makes it much easier to choose the right time to target your preferred species.

The Los Cabos fishing season doesn’t shut down at any point during the year – that’s one of the things that makes it genuinely special. There are no true off-seasons here, just shifts in which species are most active and where they’re running. The water temperature, current patterns, and bait movement cycle through the year in ways that bring different fish to the forefront at different times.

Broadly speaking, you can break the fishing season in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico into a few overlapping windows:

• Winter (December–February) Cooler water, excellent Striped Marlin
• Spring (March–May) Transitional fishing, Striped Marlin, strong bottom bites, warming action
• Summer (June–August) Peak heat, peak Rooster Fish, Billfish variety
• Fall (September–November)  Trophy and Tournament season

Month-by-Month Breakdown

January –  Great Weather, Striped Marlin

January is one of the most comfortable months to be on the water in Cabo. Temperatures sit around the mid-70s, humidity is manageable, and rain is essentially nonexistent. For anglers who want ideal conditions alongside solid fishing, this is a strong choice.

Striped Marlin bite is excellent in January. Schools of these acrobatic billfish move through the Pacific side in good numbers, and consistent action isn’t unusual. Dorado (Mahi) and offshore you’ll find Yellowfin Tuna out past the 20-25 mile mark and into the Sea of Cortez. Inshore, Rooster Fish, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, and Triggerfish round out what’s available.

February – Billfish Continues, Bottom Bite

February weather similar to January, temperatures in the upper 70s, low humidity though occasional short rain bursts do appear. Water temperatures can dip when cold currents push through, which actually draws different fish into range.

Striped Marlin remain the headline fish, concentrated on the Pacific  side from the Lighthouse to the Finger Banks. (Fuel surcharge for Finger Banks and Mag Bay)  Yellowfin Tuna are around, typically in the smaller 12–25 pound class. The bottom bite starts to heat up in February – Sea Bass, Snapper, and Grouper all show up in solid numbers. Inshore brings good variety: Rooster Fish, Pompano, Jacks, and Triggerfish.

March – Spring Break Crowds, Bottom Fishing Peaks

March sees Cabo fill up with spring break visitors, so booking ahead recommended. Wind can be a factor, and north-flowing cold water sometimes slows the Marlin bite in the middle of the month.

Bottom fishing in March generally produces Large Sea Bass, Snapper, Cabrilla, and Grouper. Striped Marlin action Yellowtail and Amberjack begin showing inshore, and Rooster Fish remain consistent.

April – One of the Most Well-Rounded Months of the Year 

Fishing in Cabo San Lucas in April is often underrated, yet it offers some of the most consistent all-round action of the year.. Temperatures climb into the mid-80s, humidity stays relatively low, and rainfall is almost zero. The combination of stable weather and diversified fishing makes it a standout.

Striped Marlin is strong with multiple Marlin days and solid Dorado days are realistic. Inshore keeps you busy too, with Yellowtail, Sierra Spanish Mackerel, Skipjack Tuna, and smaller Dorado active. If you want variety and action without extreme heat, April is worth serious consideration.

May – Marlin Season Hits Its Stride

May is when things begin heating up for weather and fishing. Average temperatures push toward 90 degrees, and Marlin action responds accordingly. Striped Marlin continues producing strong numbers, and Dorado get bigger and more aggressive during this month.

Rooster Fish season officially kicks off in May, with numbers building throughout the month. For anglers who love chasing Roosters along the beach and rocky points, this is when it can get genuinely exciting.

June – Hot Days, Offshore Marlin 

Daytime temps hitting the low-to-mid 90s, and the fishing holds up very well. Striped Marlin leads offshore, and surprise catches of Blue Marlin, big Tuna, and Wahoo are part of what makes June interesting.

Inshore, Rooster Fish dominate the action alongside Jacks, Pompano, Snapper, and Grouper. June is a popular vacation month, so early booking is a good idea.

July – Peak Billfish Variety, Big Rooster Fish

If you love billfish July delivers. This is one of the best times to fish in Cabo for billfish variety: Striped Marlin, Pacific Sailfish, and Blue Marlin, Black Marlin.

Wahoo and Yellowfin Tuna can be found at the San Jaime and Gordo Banks in the Sea of Cortez. Inshore is all about big Rooster Fish – 40 to 50-pound class fish are not uncommon. For anglers who’ve always wanted a trophy Rooster, July and August are your best window.

August – Big Game Season Opens Up

August marks the start of what most experienced anglers consider the “big fish” period in Cabo. Temperatures are intense, but the fishing can be extraordinary.

Sailfish show up in real numbers. Blue and Black Marlin in the 300-pound-plus class start appearing in day-range waters. Yellowfin Tuna run along the 25-mile mark in the Pacific and through the Sea of Cortez. Inshore, Roosters, Dorado, and Wahoo all keep things active.

September – Arguably the Best All-Around Fishing Month

A lot of serious anglers – the ones who’ve been coming to Cabo for years – will tell you September is their favorite month. The water is warm, the fish are fat, and the variety offshore is as wide as it gets all year.

Large Yellowfin Tuna are abundant at the San Jaime Bank and the Outer Gordo Banks. Black and Blue Marlin in the 300-pound-plus range are more consistently found than almost any other time of year. Sailfish, Wahoo, and Dorado round out a serious offshore menu.

October – Peak Season, Tournament Month

Ask most charter captains in Cabo what the busiest fishing month is, and they will say October without hesitation.

Water temperatures are ideal, and the fish are stacked.  Bisbee’s Black and Blue and Los Cabos Offshore Tournaments, plus the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament take place in October – the richest fishing tournaments in the world – and it draws serious anglers from across the US and the world over.

Because October is the busiest fishing month of the year, booking 60–90 days or more in advance is strongly recommended, especially around tournament dates.

November – Excellent Fishing 

Temperatures drop to the low-to-mid 80s and humidity falls noticeably. Fishing remains outstanding with Dorado, Sailfish, Striped, Blue and Black Marlin, and Yellowfin Tuna all active, with good Wahoo and  Shark action also.

The increasingly popular Western Outdoor News Tuna Jackpot Tournament takes place the first week of November and draws a huge number of boats.  Not uncommon for there to be no non-tournament charters available during this time.

December – Best Weather of the Year

December wraps the year with what some visitors consider the best weather. It’s a popular month for travelers escaping cold winters.

Fishing in December is excellent. Striped Marlin leads the catch, followed closely by Dorado, Wahoo, and a solid Yellowfin Tuna bite. Inshore, smaller Striped Marlin and Sailfish move in closer to chase bait. Multiple species in a single day is common during December.

Best Months by Species – Quick Reference Table

What to Know Before You Book Your Cabo Fishing Trip

• Book early –  As early as your schedule allows.  
• Fishing licenses are required– a Mexican fishing license is mandatory for all guest passengers. Cabo Magic includes licenses in ALL of our charters.

Tips for Anglers Making Their First Trip to Cabo

A few things that make a real difference, especially if you’re coming down for the first time:

• Personal Items for sun protection – Sunglasses,  sunscreen, and a hat or visor with a brim.
• Dress in layers for early morning departures

Final Thoughts on Planning Your Cabo Fishing Trip

There’s no bad time to go fishing in Cabo San Lucas. Have a conversation with CABO MAGIC to arrange the trip that will address your vision.
The team will do everything possible to make your dream come true just as they have been doing since Established in 1999.  “Experience You Can Trust!”