Cabo Sportfishing: Species & Seasonal Guide
Short answer: Cabo fishes year-round. Striped marlin rule from November through April, blue and black marlin ride the warm water from July to October, dorado stack up from August to October, and yellowfin tuna run from September through December. October is the one month when virtually every species overlaps.
Cabo San Lucas is uniquely positioned where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, creating one of the richest marine environments in the world. Billfish are active here nearly all year, and the mix of species changes with the season.
Key Species & What to Expect
Fishing conditions change daily based on climate, currents, and water temperature. Here is a reference of common species in Cabo waters.
Winter Icon
Striped Marlin
Known for spectacular fights and acrobatic leaps. Highly sought after for catch-and-release.
Summer Giants
Blue & Black Marlin
Classic warm-water giants. They require heavy tackle and offer the ultimate big-game challenge.
Surface Action
Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)
Fast, colorful, and acrobatic on the surface. Excellent for both fishing excitement and table fare.
Power Fighters
Yellowfin Tuna
Renowned for their power and long fights. Schools can be found across multiple seasons.
High Speed
Wahoo
One of the fastest runs in the sea. Memorable and highly prized when they show up.
Coastal King
Roosterfish
Structure-focused fighters. A completely different game than bluewater trolling.
Month-by-Month Cheat Sheet
Year-round fishery with species-specific peaks. Legend: ++ Peak season | + Good chance | ~ Variable / low
| Month |
Striped Marlin
|
Blue/Black Marlin
|
Dorado
|
Tuna
|
Wahoo
|
Roosterfish
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | ++ | ~ | ~ | + | + | ~ |
| Feb | ++ | ~ | ~ | + | ~ | ~ |
| Mar | ++ | ~ | ~ | + | ~ | ~ |
| Apr | ++ | ~ | ~ | + | ~ | ~ |
| May | + | + | + | + | ~ | + |
| Jun | ~ | + | + | + | ~ | ++ |
| Jul | ~ | ++ | + | + | ~ | ++ |
| Aug | ~ | ++ | ++ | + | + | ++ |
| Sep | ~ | ++ | ++ | ++ | + | + |
| Oct | + | ++ | ++ | ++ | ++ | + |
| Nov | ++ | + | + | ++ | ++ | ~ |
| Dec | ++ | ~ | ~ | + | ++ | ~ |
October is the most complete month: striped and blue/black marlin, dorado, tuna and wahoo all overlap — tournament season. Wahoo bites best October–December as the water cools.
From our guests
Photos and 5-star reviews our guests posted on Google, shared here with their permission.
Expert Tips for Your Trip
Fishing conditions shift daily based on currents and water temperature. Here are key insights for your planning:
- Water Temperature: Blue and Black Marlin prefer water above 80°F, while Striped Marlin are more active in the cooler winter waters.
- Catch handling and regulations: Fish handling follows applicable rules, safety requirements, and captain discretion. If you want to consume your catch, we can guide you on permitted onshore options and process.
- Gear: All our charters include high-end rods, reels, and fresh bait. No extra gear is needed.
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