If you’ve been going back and forth on whether April is the right month to book your Cabo fishing trip, this guide is for you. Spoiler: it is and most anglers who come down in April end up surprised by just how good it is.

April sits in that transitional window between Cabo’s cooler striped marlin season and the warm-water summer action. That overlap creates something genuinely interesting on the water. You’re not locked into one season’s menu. You get pieces of both  offshore billfish still around, dorado starting to show up, inshore species waking up, and comfortable weather that won’t have you gasping on the deck by 9am.

This guide covers everything American anglers planning a Cabo fishing trip in April need to know what’s biting, what the water looks like, which charter style fits your group, and how to make the most of your days on the water. If you’re planning a longer getaway, a fishing charter pairs perfectly with many of the other things to do in Cabo San Lucas, making April an ideal time to enjoy both the water and everything the destination has to offer.

Why April Is One of the Most Underrated Months to Fish in Cabo San Lucas

Ask most people when to visit Cabo for fishing and they’ll say October or January. Both are excellent months, but they’re also the months everyone else knows about. April gets overlooked, and that works in your favor.

Here’s what makes fishing in Cabo San Lucas in April stand out:

• Weather:Daytime temperatures hover in the mid-to-upper 80s. Humidity is still low. Rain is essentially nonexistent. You’ll have calm mornings and clear skies for most of the month.
• Water conditions:Surface temps climb from the upper 60s into the low-to-mid 70s through April, triggering fish movement. That warming water draws pelagics closer and activates baitfish along structure.
• Species variety:April is one of the few months where you can realistically target striped marlin, dorado, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail, roosterfish, and quality bottom species all within the same trip window.
• Crowds:April doesn’t have the tournament frenzy of October or the spring break chaos of March. You’ll find better charter availability, a marina that isn’t shoulder-to-shoulder, and captains who aren’t spread thin.
• Pricing:Because demand is moderate compared to peak season, charter rates tend to be more reasonable. For anglers watching a budget without wanting to compromise on the experience, April hits a nice balance.

What Fish Are Biting in Cabo in April?

This is the question that matters most. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s realistic when you’re fishing in Cabo in April:

Striped Marlin

Striped marlin season runs strong from December through early spring, and April catches the tail end of that window. Fish are still out there, particularly on the Pacific side but numbers begin tapering as water temps climb. Early April typically sees better action than late April for striped marlin specifically.

If you go in the first two weeks of the month and target the right grounds, a striped marlin release is very much on the table. Don’t treat it as a guarantee in late April, but don’t write it off either.

Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)

This is the species that really comes alive in April. As the water warms, dorado start moving in and the numbers build through the month. By mid-to-late April, weed lines and floating debris along temperature breaks hold solid concentrations of fish.

Dorado are crowd-pleasers for a reason they fight hard, jump repeatedly, and are outstanding table fare. April catches tend to run in the 10 to 25-pound class, with larger fish mixed in. If you’re bringing someone on their first offshore fishing trip, a dorado bite makes for an excellent introduction.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna are present in April, particularly at the Gordo Banks and San Jaime Bank in the Sea of Cortez. Fish run in the 15 to 60-pound range during this period. They’re not stacked the way they will be come summer, but consistent action is realistic for boats running to productive structure.

Yellowtail

Yellowtail are a spring highlight and often a reason anglers specifically target cabo fishing in April. These fish push through the inshore and nearshore structure during March and April before dissipating as summer approaches. They fight well for their size and are excellent eating.

Roosterfish

Roosterfish season ramps up through spring, and April sees increasing numbers along sandy beaches and rocky points inshore. Not the trophy class you’ll find in June and July, but the action is building and the fish are aggressive. For light tackle and fly fishing enthusiasts, roosterfish in April is a genuinely rewarding target.

Bottom Species

Sea bass, snapper, grouper, and cabrilla all produce well in April along rocky structure and underwater ledges. If offshore conditions get choppy or you want a sure bite, the bottom game in April is one of the most reliable options of the entire year.

April Fishing in Cabo – Species Quick Reference

Inshore vs. Offshore: Which Makes More Sense in April?

One of the first decisions when planning your trip is whether to go inshore or offshore. Both have genuine appeal in April.

Offshore Fishing in April

Offshore trips run 15 to 30+ miles out, targeting open-water pelagics and the offshore banks in the Sea of Cortez. In April, this means:

• Striped marlin (early month, Pacific side)
• Dorado along weed lines and temperature breaks
• Yellowfin tuna at Gordo Banks and San Jaime Bank
• Occasional wahoo on high-speed trolling passes

Best for: Anglers after billfish or big tuna, groups of 2–6 who want a full offshore experience. Check out Cabo Magic’s sportfisher and luxury yacht options if offshore is your direction boats in the 35 to 60-foot range give you the range and comfort that longer runs require.

Inshore Fishing in April

Inshore trips stay within a few miles of the shoreline and focus on nearshore structure, sandy beaches, and rocky points. April inshore targets include:

• Roosterfish along the beach breaks
• Yellowtail on nearshore structure
• Snapper, grouper, and cabrilla on rocky bottom
• Spanish mackerel and small tuna closer to the marina

Best for: First-timers, families with younger anglers, anyone who wants a shorter trip (half-day options are easier inshore), or groups specifically after roosterfish. Cabo Magic’s cruiser fleet is well-suited for inshore trips with comfortable boats at accessible price points.

A Typical April Fishing Day with Cabo Magic Sportfishing

Here’s what an April day on the water actually looks like when you book with Cabo Magic Sportfishing:

• Before sunrise:Meet the crew at the marina. Your fishing license, live bait, tackle, food, and drinks are all taken care of — everything is included.
• Early morning run:The captain heads offshore toward productive grounds, reading the temperature breaks and bird activity along the way.
• Mid-morning:Trolling begins for marlin and dorado. Lines are set, lures positioned, crew watching for signs of fish.
• Late morning/midday:If offshore action is producing, you stay on it. If it’s slower, the captain may adjust to target the Gordo Banks for tuna or swing inshore for yellowtail.
• Afternoon:Lines stay wet until the turn-back time. Most full-day charters run 8 to 9 hours on the water.
• Back at the dock:Fish are cleaned, photos are taken, tips are handed to a crew that earned them.

Cabo Magic has operated since 1999 and crews have tournament wins to their name — they’re reading the April water based on decades of experience, not guesswork.

Practical Planning Tips for Fishing Cabo in April

These are the things that separate a well-planned trip from an improvised one:

• Book at least 3 to 4 weeks out. April has moderate demand, but the best boats fill up — especially around Easter week if it falls in April. Don’t assume availability is unlimited.
• Choose your boat size based on group. Two anglers don’t need a 50-foot yacht. Four to six anglers chasing marlin do better with a proper sportfisher. Match the boat to the group. The charter request form walks you through it.
• Go full day if offshore is the plan. A half-day doesn’t give the captain enough time to run out, locate fish, and put you on a productive bite. Save half-days for inshore trips where you’re staying close.
• Pack sun protection that actually works. Polarized sunglasses, reef-safe SPF 50 sunscreen, and a wide-brim hat. The Baja sun reflects off the water and hits harder than most people expect.
• Dress in layers for the morning. April mornings on the water can be surprisingly cool before the sun gets up. A light jacket for the run out makes a real difference.
• Check the fish report before you go. Cabo Magic maintains live catch reports that show what’s actually being caught, right now. This is the best way to calibrate your expectations before you arrive.
• Bring a camera or make sure your phone is charged. April produces memorable catches dorado these are photogenic fish and the scenery on the water is worth documenting.
• Know the tipping norm.Mates work hard all day rigging bait, clearing lines, and handling fish. A tip of $50 to $100 per angler for a full-day trip is the going standard and goes directly to the crew.

What to Know About Mexican Fishing Licenses

Anyone fishing in Mexican waters, regardless of nationality – needs a valid Mexican fishing license. This applies to every angler on the boat.

When you book with Cabo Magic, the fishing license is included in your charter. There’s nothing extra to arrange or pay for separately. It’s one of the reasons booking through an established, licensed operator matters. You’re not left figuring out paperwork in a foreign country before sunrise.

For more on what’s included and how the charter process works, the Cabo Magic FAQ page covers the most common questions in detail.

How April Compares to March and May for Cabo Fishing

Since April sits between two solid months, it helps to understand where it falls:

April threads the needle — you’re past the spring break crowds of March, the dorado are arriving without being fully summer-hot yet, marlin are still catchable, and conditions are comfortable. It’s a well-rounded month that rarely disappoints. For many anglers, this is exactly why April is often considered one of the best times to fish in Cabo, especially if you’re looking for a balance of comfortable weather, species variety, and manageable crowds.

To understand the full seasonal picture, the Cabo fishing seasons guide on the Cabo Magic blog covers every month in detail and is worth reading before you finalize dates.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fishing in Cabo San Lucas in April

Is April a good month to go fishing in Cabo San Lucas?

April is genuinely one of the most well-rounded months of the year for fishing in Cabo. The weather is comfortable, the water is warming, and you can realistically target multiple species in a single trip — including striped marlin (early April), dorado, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail, and roosterfish. It’s often more accessible than peak season months in terms of charter availability and pricing.

What fish are most commonly caught in Cabo in April?

Dorado and yellowtail are the April standouts, along with yellowfin tuna at the offshore banks. Striped marlin remain catchable in early April on the Pacific side. Inshore, roosterfish action builds through the month, and bottom species like snapper, grouper, and cabrilla produce reliably.

Is April good for catching marlin in Cabo?

Early April is the better window for striped marlin, as the winter billfish season is winding down. Action tapers in the second half of the month as water temperatures rise. If marlin is a top priority, the first two weeks of April give you a realistic shot – particularly on the Pacific side.

Do I need a fishing license for a Cabo fishing charter in April?

Yes. Mexican law requires a fishing license for anyone fishing in Cabo’s waters, regardless of where you’re from. When you book with Cabo Magic Sportfishing, your license is included in the charter. There’s nothing extra to organize.

How far in advance should I book a fishing charter for April in Cabo?

Booking 3 to 5 weeks in advance is a solid rule of thumb for April. If Easter week falls in April, book even earlier, that week sees increased travel from the United States and charter availability tightens quickly.

What size boat should I book for a fishing trip in Cabo in April?

That depends on your group and where you want to fish. For offshore trips targeting marlin and tuna, a sportfisher in the 35 to 60-foot range is the right choice, you need the range and deck space. For inshore trips or smaller groups on a budget, a cruiser in the 28 to 33-foot range works well. Cabo Magic’s fleet covers both options.

What’s the weather like for fishing in Cabo in April?

April brings some of the most pleasant weather of the year. Daytime temperatures sit in the mid-to-upper 80s Fahrenheit, humidity is still relatively low, and rain is rare. Morning departures can be cool on the water, so a light layer for the run out is useful. By midday, it’s warm and clear.

Is Cabo San Lucas fishing all-inclusive in April?

It depends on the operator. At Cabo Magic Sportfishing, all charters are fully all-inclusive – fishing license, live bait, tackle, food, and beverages are all part of the package. There’s nothing extra to bring other than personal sun protection and a camera.

Ready to Book Your April Cabo Fishing Charter?

Fishing in Cabo San Lucas in April gives you a combination of things that are genuinely hard to find in one trip – comfortable weather, a wide range of species, reasonable pricing, and access to some of the most productive fishing water in the world. With comfortable weather throughout the month, it’s also the perfect opportunity to explore some of the most popular places to visit in Cabo San Lucas before or after your day on the water.

Cabo Magic Sportfishing has been running private, all-inclusive charters out of Cabo San Lucas since 1999. The crews are experienced, English-speaking reservations are available seven days a week, and the boats are ready.

Call us at 619-819-8634 (US) or reach us directly in Mexico at 011-52-624-237-4257. You can also submit a charter request online anytime and one of the team will get back to you quickly.

April fills up especially around holiday weeks. If the dates are on your calendar, it’s worth reaching out sooner rather than later.

You may also like to read: Best Time to Fish in Cabo San Lucas