Cabo San Lucas Sport Fishing Annual Fishing Chart
Cabo San Lucas is home to many species of fish. “Striped Marlin Sport Fishing Capital of the World”. It is the home to world class Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna and Dorado fishing, and why people from around the world travel to experience deep sea fishing in Cabo. Migration of these fish depend on schools of bait and temperature breaks of the Pacific Ocean & Sea of Cortez. Fishing is excellent year round.
*Many factors affect the presence of any specific species of fish, therefore this Cabo San Lucas Sport Fishing Annual Fishing Chart is intended for general use*
Los Cabos Fish Species Guide
Black Marlin – (Makaira indica) is the largest member of the marlin family, reaching a maximum weight of 1,000 lbs and lengths up to 15 feet. Trophy catches are generally females as males rarely exceed 300 lbs. The blue marlin is deep blue-black on top and silvery white below, with a spear-shaped upper jaw and prominent dorsal fin. The pectoral fins do not fold flat against the body, a key identification trait. These monster billfish represent a unique challenge for experienced sport fishermen.
Blue Marlin – (Makaira mazara) is a highly prized game fish with a long, slender spear and is the second largest member of the marlin family. The color is cobalt blue above to silvery white below; this species may have light blue vertical stripes. Blue Marlin can exceed 15 feet and 1,000 lbs, though most average 125–300 lbs. Blue Marlin feed on dorado, mackerel, mullet and small tuna.
Striped Marlin – (Tetrapturus audax) are found in tropical to temperate Indo-Pacific seas, not far from the surface. This large game fish features an elongate, compressed body, light blue vertical stripes, long pectoral fins and a rounded spear. The Striped Marlin feeds on anchovies, mackerel, squid and crabs. This fish can reach over 13 feet in length and weigh more than 450 lbs. Los Cabos earns its title as the Striped Marlin Capital of the World, with this species appearing year-round in varying numbers.
Sailfish – (Istiophorus platypterus) are dark blue on top, blue-brown laterally and silvery white below. This large billfish, related to the marlin, stands out with its long, sail-like dorsal fin. It can reach a length of 11 feet and weigh up to 200 lbs. This prized game fish is famous for its explosive jumps and speed reaching up to 68 mph, the fastest reliably recorded for any fish
Swordfish – (Xiphias gladius) is a large pelagic member of the billfish family and is exceedingly difficult to catch by anglers. With a broader tolerance for temperature variations than other billfish, the swordfish spends evenings near the surface but dives to depths between 1,000 and 2,000 feet during the day. It feeds on mullet, squid, mackerel and small tuna. The long, flat sword, dark coloring and short dorsal fin distinguish this species. Swordfish may reach up to 15 feet in length and weigh up to 1,300 lbs.
Dorado – (Coryphaena hippurus) also known as mahi-mahi and dolphin-fish, is prized as a delicious game fish. Found in off-shore temperate, tropical and subtropical waters, dorado are distinguished by their brilliant colors ranging from bright blue-green on the sides and back, to dazzling golden hues on their sides. Once removed from the water, the fish gradually fades to yellow-gray. Males feature a prominent, square forehead while females have a more rounded head and are generally smaller. Dorado can reach a maximum length of 6 feet and weigh more than 65 lbs., although most catches are less than 30 lbs.
Wahoo – (Acanthocybium solandri), also known in Hawaii as ono, is a dark-blue, elongated fish with an iridescent green-blue back and a pattern of blue vertical bars. A member of the Scombridae (tuna, mackerel and bonito) family, this pelagic species is found from the Pacific side of the Baja peninsula to the east side of Baja. A fierce fighter, this species is extremely difficult to catch. Prized for a thrilling fight and good eating.
Yellowtail – (Seriola dorsalis lalandi) are distinguished by a sleek, aerodynamic body, blue upper back, silver-white sides and belly, and yellow fins. While yellowtail can reportedly reach a length of up to 8 feet and weigh up to 110 lbs., Mexican fish are rarely 50 lbs in weight. Feisty fighter.
Yellowfin – A number of tuna species are found in the waters surrounding Los Cabos, including Albacore, Bigeye, Bluefin, and Yellowfin. Smaller members of the Scombridae family found locally include skipjack and other mackerel. Tuna are powerful and rank among the most prized game fish. One of the most sought-after catches, Yellowfin Tuna (hunnus albacares, also known asahi tuna) can reach over 7 feet in length and weigh up to 400 lbs. Locals in Los Cabos call smaller yellowfin tuna weighing up to 5 lbs. “footballs.”
Cabrilla – There are a number of different varieties of cabrilla (also know as sea bass or grouper) found in the waters of Los Cabos. These include the Barred Sand Bass, Kelp Bass, Damsel Bass, Starry Grouper, Golden Grouper and other species. These fish typically inhabit rocky bottoms or reef structures. Many anglers prize the larger varieties for their excellent taste
Pargo – You can find several varieties of Pargo (snapper) around Los Cabos. Varieties include the Mexican Barred Snapper, Blue-Gold Snapper, Colorado Snapper, Dog Snapper, Golden Snapper and Yellow Snapper. Most of the snappers reside in the first 200 feet of water, in shallow reef areas. Prized for eating.
Ready to Plan Your Cabo Fishing Trip?
Now that you know what’s biting and when, the only thing left is getting out on the water. Whether you’re chasing a trophy Marlin, reeling in a hard-fighting Wahoo, or hoping to fill the cooler with fresh Yellowfin Tuna — Cabo San Lucas delivers world-class fishing every single month of the year.
Book Your Charter with Cabo Magic Sportfishing
At Cabo Magic Sportfishing, we’ve been helping anglers from across the USA experience the best deep sea fishing Cabo has to offer since 1999. From first-timers to seasoned sport fishermen, our experienced captains and crews know these waters better than anyone.
Here’s what you get when you fish with Cabo Magic:
- Handpicked fleet of Cruisers, Sportfishers & Luxury Yachts
- Expert local captains with decades of experience
- Year-round fishing for Marlin, Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo & more
- Personalized, top-rated customer service
- Easy online charter booking
Plan Your Trip Today
Don’t leave your Cabo fishing adventure to chance. Use this fishing chart to pick the best season for your target species, then let Cabo Magic Sportfishing handle the rest.
Call us (USA): 619-819-8634 Mexico: 011-52-624-237-4257