3 Competitive Cabo October Fishing Tournaments for Anglers & Spectators

There isn’t a better month for serious anglers to visit Cabo San Lucas than October. Not only does this month’s fall weather bring some of the Pacific Ocean’s biggest catches to the coast of Cabo San Lucas, but it’s also when Cabo hosts some of the world’s most prestigious sportfishing tournaments.

Want to get the scoop on fishing in Cabo in October? In this post, we’ll explain why October is an exceptional month for sportfishing in Cabo, and how you can join in on the competition — whether as an experienced angler or a participant who’s in it for the thrill of the catch!

Why October Is the Prime Time for Fishing in Cabo San Lucas

October is one of the best months — if not the best month — for sportfishing off the coast of Cabo San Lucas. During the fall in Cabo San Lucas, the weather is warm and mild, which keeps the water temperatures warmer. This causes many fish, including some of the top catches in Cabo, to rise to the surface, making it a more likely time to “reel in” a big catch.

Cabo San Lucas is known as the “Marlin Capital of the World” — and the month of October is primarily when this name is earned! October is the peak fishing season in Cabo for blue and black marlin, as well as wahoo and dorado. You’ll also find plenty of sailfish, mackerel, mako sharks, and striped marlin off the coast of Cabo in October. The season for yellowfin tuna picks up at the end of the month to prepare for the Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot, which takes place at the beginning of November.

Top Cabo Fishing Tournaments in October

The Cabo fishing season begins to ramp up during the summer, with events like Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament kicking off the tournament season — but the tournament schedule really starts to pick up in the fall, especially in October! Here are the most notable fishing tournaments in Cabo San Lucas in October that fishing enthusiasts should add to their calendars now:

1. Los Cabos Billfish Tournament

The Los Cabos Billfish Tournament kicks off the fishing tournaments in October in Cabo San Lucas. This event is the perfect fishing tournament for both experienced anglers and beginners. While the most prize money is awarded for billfish (marlin and sailfish), prizes are also awarded to anglers who reel in the biggest dorado, wahoo, and tuna — so there are several opportunities to win!

Fishing teams must pay a minimum of $5,000 to enter the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament. Last year, more than $750,000 in cash was awarded, so the potential payout for winners is significant!

This event usually takes place during the first or second week of October. In 2025, this tournament will last from October 8–12, with registration on the 8th, the competition from the 9th to the 11th, and the awards banquet on October 12th.

2. Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament is another one of the most popular fishing tournaments in Baja California Sur during October that offers cash prizes for the top three teams that catch the heaviest billfish (black and blue marlin) or gamefish (yellowfin tuna or dorado).

This tournament, known as the “Little Bisbee,” is more affordable and accessible for all anglers than the Bisbee’s Black and Blue Tournament, hosted later in the month. However, the payouts are still worthwhile. In 2024, the cash prizes awarded were just under $2,800,000, and the first-place team brought home $600,000 for a black marlin that weighed nearly 470 pounds!

In 2025, this fishing tournament will be hosted from October 13–18. Registration will occur on October 13th and 14th, the tournament will take place from the 15th to the 17th, and the awards celebration will be hosted on the 18th.

3. Bisbee’s Black and Blue Marlin Tournament

Bisbee’s Black and Blue Marlin Tournament is, as the name suggests, the top black and blue marlin fishing tournament in the world. Known as the “Super Bowl of Sportfishing,” this tournament has been Cabo’s premier annual fishing event since the first tournament was hosted in 1981 by Bob Bisbee, one of the world’s most well-known and iconic anglers.

During this event, anglers from around the globe come to compete for some of the biggest prizes in outdoor sports. In fact, Bisbee’s Black and Blue Marlin Tournament is one of the world’s most prestigious and richest fishing tournaments — in 2006, there was a payout of nearly $4,000,000 to a single team! The base entry fee starts at $5,000, though the maximum entry fee can total more than $130,000 after factoring in all the daily jackpots.

This tournament is usually the final fishing tournament hosted in Cabo San Lucas during October. In 2025, this event will be hosted from October 20–25, with registration on the 20th and 21st, the event from the 22nd to the 24th, and the awards ceremony on the 25th.

Planning to Attend These Cabo Fishing Tournaments? Here’s What You Need to Know

• Book Accommodations Early — Since the fishing tournaments in October in Cabo San Lucas attract a crowd, accommodations tend to book up quickly. Be sure to book your vacation rental at the Villa La Estancia Resort a couple of months in advance to secure the best rooms and rates.
• Read Information Ahead of Time — Whether you’re planning to participate in one of these October fishing tournaments or view the action and weigh-ins from the Cabo San Lucas Marina, be sure to visit each tournament’s website to learn more about each event, including the tournament rules, entry information, categories and fees, the tournament schedule, and more!
• Experience the Best of Fall in Cabo — October might be a prime time for sportfishing in Cabo San Lucas, but there are plenty of other great things to do during your fall trip to Cabo as well. Embark on a boat ride to El Arco, go snorkeling or diving to see the active marine life, or plan an inland adventure, like an ATV tour!

Plan Your Sportfishing Adventure in Cabo San Lucas with Cabo Rentals by Jane

Ready for a fall vacation to Cabo San Lucas? Whether you’re planning a trip to Baja California Sur as a serious competitor or an enthusiastic spectator for one of these anticipated fishing tournaments in Cabo San Lucas in October, we hope you’ll consider staying in one of our luxurious properties at the Villa La Estancia Resort, hosted by Cabo Rentals by Jane.

Browse our properties to see which beachfront condos, villas, and penthouses we have available this October!