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Boat Charter for the Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot
Short answer: the Tuna Jackpot closes Cabo's big season in early November and is the richest tuna tournament there is — recent editions have paid out purses above one million dollars. November is still prime yellowfin month here, so a boat with a healthy livewell, a captain who knows where the schools are and a couple of practice days are the full formula.
The tournament runs November 4–7, 2026 (fishing days: Nov 5–6) (registration, two fishing days and awards). The yearly reference is the first week of November.
The world's richest tuna tournament
Run by Western Outdoor News, the Tuna Jackpot gathered 131 teams and paid out $1.44 million at its latest edition. The winner says it all: a 253.75-pound yellowfin worth $572,000 to its team — and second place, with a 196-pounder, took home $387,000. The secret is in the optional side pots per species, running from $500 to $20,000 per entry: that's where the sharp teams multiply the prize. Two fishing days, a closing awards night and a packed marina — October's energy, with tuna as the star.
Why November is yellowfin month
Our season matrix is clear on this: yellowfin tuna run strong from September through December on Cabo's banks. For the tournament that means real fishing, not a lottery — teams that find the right school with a local captain weigh triple-digit tuna.
The boat for serious tuna fishing
Winning here takes more than a tuna — it takes a triple-digit tuna, and those don't show up near the beach. You need a healthy livewell, a clear cockpit to work several rods at once and the range to reach the outer banks where the big yellowfin run. The Cabo Express 31 and Cabo Express 35 are excellent for a small team; for a full team, the Cabo Express 45.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot?
The first week of November: a registration day, two fishing days and the awards. It is the natural close of the tournament season that October's Bisbee's circuit opens.
How big are the tournament tuna?
November is prime yellowfin season in Cabo and winning fish are regularly in the triple digits in pounds. Results come down to finding the right school — which is where a local captain makes the difference.
Can I practice before the tournament?
Yes, and we recommend it: one or two days beforehand to test zones and tune deck work with the crew. We book the same boat you'll fish the tournament on, so it's all continuity.