Cabo Fishing Seasons: When Is the Best Time to Book a Fishing Trip to Cabo?

Los Cabos, known as the “Marlin Capital of the World,” is one of the world’s most popular destinations for deep-sea fishing and sport fishing. Anglers come from all around the world to participate in the world-class fishing competitions in Cabo San Lucas and for a chance to catch Marlin, Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Roosterfish, and other sought-after catches on offshore fishing charters.

Cabo’s location, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, makes it a spectacular destination for fishing all year long. However, certain months offer a better chance of reeling in your desired catch than others. Read through the fishing seasons in Los Cabos below to determine when to visit Cabo San Lucas and plan the perfect fishing adventure!

Cabo Fishing Calendar: A Month-by-Month Guide to Fishing Seasons in Cabo

January

What better way to wash away the winter blues than with a fishing trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico?

January falls toward the end of the Striped Marlin fishing season in Cabo, so this is a great time to catch this prized fish. The first month of the year is also when the Yellowfin Tuna season is winding down, so this is an ideal time to catch this fish species in the calmer winter waters. You’ll also have a good chance of catching Mako Sharks and Mackerel in January.

February

February is similar to January in Cabo San Lucas, both in terms of the sunny, warm weather and the fishing action in the Pacific Ocean.

You’ll still find plenty of Striped Marlin and Mako Sharks in the waters off the coast of Cabo San Lucas, though the seasons for both these game fish are beginning to wind down in February. It’s also not uncommon to catch Mackerel in February, and it’s one of the best months to catch Yellowtail Amberjack.

March

March is one of the most popular months to visit Cabo San Lucas, as spring breakers flock to the gorgeous beaches in Cabo to soak up the sunshine!

March is a quieter month for fishing in Cabo, but you can still reel in plenty of top-tier catches during spring break. March is by far the best month to catch Swordfish in Cabo, and it also kicks off an excellent few months for the Pacific Sierra. And though the season won’t pick up until the summer, some inshore fishermen will notice Snapper and Grouper in Cabo’s fishing grounds come March.

April, May & June

Though the peak season for fishing is still around the corner, you’ll find plenty of great catches in Cabo San Lucas during the beautiful spring months of April, May, and June. This is also a fabulous time to visit Cabo San Lucas for affordable prices and great weather — prices are lower than the peak winter season, and the temperatures are generally nicer before things heat up during the summer.

You might find some Striped Marlin, Swordfish, and Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) while offshore fishing in April and May, and it’s possible to see Wahoo or Blue Marlin at the end of June. However, the spring weather is ideally suited for inshore fishing, making it the perfect time to bottom fish the reefs for Red Snapper, Grouper, and Roosterfish. Fishermen can also participate in the Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing in June, which focuses on catching Striped Marlin, Dorado, Sailfish, Spearfish, Wahoo, and Yellowfin Tuna.

July & August

July is the start of the deep sea and marlin fishing season in Cabo San Lucas, with the most prized catches in Los Cabos — Blue Marlin and Black Marlin — joining the waters of the Pacific Ocean off the coast. July and August are also when Wahoo and Dorado fishing picks up.

For an inshore fishing trip, July is a great time to catch Roosterfish, and it’s still possible to catch Snappers or Groupers, though the season for these catches winds down in July. The end of summer is also when the Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament takes place in Cabo San Lucas, offering the chance to win prize money for catching Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Striped Marlin, Tuna, and Dorado.

September & October

As the fall weather rolls into town, some of the biggest catches in Cabo San Lucas do as well! September and October are the best months for sport fishing in the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez and offer some of the best conditions to catch Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Wahoo, and Dorado.

However, fishermen can catch other big fish in September and October, like Pacific Sailfish and Yellowfin Tuna. In October, you can also find Mackerel, Mako Sharks, and Striped Marlin off the coast of Cabo San Lucas. Since October is one of the best months for deep-sea fishing in Los Cabos, this is also when the majority of fishing competitions in Cabo occur, including the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament, and Bisbee’s Black and Blue Marlin Tournament.

November & December

Though the season for catching Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin is winding down in Cabo in November — you’ll still find plenty of these billfish on the coast of Los Cabos until January! You’ll also be able to catch plenty of Sailfish — another popular billfish — during your Cabo fishing trip in November or December.

However, many other sought-after species are still available to catch in November and December. The seasons for Dorado and Wahoo are slowly winding down, while the season for Tuna quickly picks up. In fact, the final fishing tournament of the year in Cabo San Lucas, the Cabo Tuna Jackpot Tournament, takes place in November!

Tips for Planning Your Cabo Fishing Trip

Regardless of the season, be sure to keep the following tips in mind before your Cabo fishing trip:

• Get Your Fishing License — All offshore fishermen need a fishing license to fish in Cabo San Lucas. You can purchase a permit online or from a local tackle shop. If you book a charter, most fishing charters include licenses in the cost of their packages. If you’re not interested in offshore fishing, you can cast a line from the shore in Cabo San Lucas without a permit.
• Bring the Right Gear — Be sure to bring rods, reels, live bait, and all the proper fishing equipment before fishing in Cabo San Lucas. Most local bait shops can help you determine which bait and gear to choose for your desired catches. If you hire a charter, most of them have all the equipment and bait you’ll need for a day out on the high seas!
• Dress for the Weather — The weather in Cabo San Lucas is usually warm and sunny, so be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses on your fishing trip to stay well protected from the sun. Non-slip shoes are also a recommended addition to your Cabo packing list for a fishing trip. And don’t forget to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated!

Find the Perfect Place to Stay During Your Cabo Fishing Trip with Cabo Rentals by Jane

All in all, it’s safe to say there isn’t a bad season for fishing in Cabo San Lucas! From world-class Marlin and Sailfish to delicious Mahi-Mahi and Yellowfin Tuna, you have a strong chance of reeling in a catch during any season in Cabo San Lucas. However, regardless of whether you catch anything, you’re still guaranteed a memorable experience during your fishing trip to Los Cabos at all times of the year!

Ready to book your fishing trip to Cabo San Lucas? If so, we would love to host you in one of our penthouses, oceanfront villas, beachfront rentals, or spacious condos at the Villa La Estancia Beach Resort on Medano Beach. Browse all our properties to find the perfect one for your upcoming trip!