Cabo Fishing Seasons: The Complete Guide Reading Time: 10 minutes

So you’re thinking of visiting Cabo San Lucas. Who could blame you? These golden beaches and crystal clear waters are renowned all over the world. No matter what time of year you plan to visit, you’re in for a treat at the southern tip of Baja California. But, if you’re looking to wet a line in these rich waters, you’ll want to know about Cabo fishing seasons.

A fishing boat sails past the famous arch in Cabo San Lucas

What can I expect from Cabo fishing seasons?

With warm weather pretty much guaranteed 365 days of the year, there’s never a bad time to come. And with the fishing grounds of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean at your doorstep, the fishing action is always red hot, too. 

An infographic showing 'Cabo Fishing Seasons' with different fish species and months of the year listed, along with ticks to illustrate which fish is in season on white against a blue background

As you can see, Cabo fishing seasons peak come late spring, and it stays hot through the end of November, but even in the off-season, there’s a range of prized fish waiting to be caught. 

In this guide, we’ll take you through exactly what you can catch – and how – month by month. Check out what’s biting during the month you plan on visiting below. Or, for an in-depth guide to Cabo’s angling scene, you can read our dedicated blog post here.

January 

What better way to see in the new year than with a vacation? A trip to Cabo San Lucas in January is sure to keep the winter blues away, as temperatures reach the mid-80s comfortably on a regular basis. The fishing is just as enticing, with offshore adventures promising some bucket-list catches.

A smiling angler holds a large Striped Marlin back at the dock in Cabo San Lucas

We’re talking Billfish like Striped Marlin. These creatures are the second-fastest fish in the ocean and grow to incredible sizes off Mexico’s Pacific coast. Don’t just take our word for it. Read about the record 814 lb Marlin caught out of Cabo back in 2018!

And that’s not all you can catch in January. Fearsome Mako Sharks dominate the deep waters, looking for unsuspecting prey (or bait)! Meanwhile, the Yellowfin Tuna season in Cabo is in full swing, promising a delicious dinner after a successful day’s fishing. Turn your attention towards the Sea of Cortez, and Roosterfish is all the rage. You’ve already forgotten about those winter blues, right? 

February 

It’s more of the same come February in Cabo, with the cold seeming like a myth for local residents. Now that your bank balance has recovered from the holiday season, why not escape the American winter with a well-earned vacation at this popular resort?

Two anglers hold a Mackerel each in the summer in Cabo in front of the famous arch

Striped Marlin and Mako Sharks are still going strong in the deep waters of the Pacific. So, if you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping battle, there’s never a better time to visit! Tuna are on their way out, but there’s still the chance to land one, especially in the first half of the month, while Mackerel is also in vogue, so try trolling to land some delicious meat. 

Head round the tip to the more protected waters and you’ll see why Cabo fishing seasons never end. Roosterfish, Snappers, and Groupers fill the reefs, while Yellowtail Amberjack offer some trolling action here, too. Each of these creatures has something for beginners and pros alike, with the dinner table rewards simply too good to pass up!

March

It’s difficult to imagine that the Cabo fishing season is only just heating up. But you’ll get a real sense of just that come March. The beaches and bars are crowded with Spring Breakers, so if you’re looking to combine your fishing adventure with some partying, Cabo is the place to be. 

An angler on a boat on the ocean holds a Snapper he just caught

The weather gets warmer and the fishing gets better, but it’s Cabo’s old favorite, Striped Marlin, that steals the headlines again. These brutes offer experienced anglers the chance to land a personal best, while their fellow Billfish, Swordfish, come to the fore in the seriously deep waters. 

There’s more in the way of tasty fish fillets come by now, with the shallows and reefs promising Grouper and Snapper action even better than in February. Their season really picks up as spring shines on, with Yellowtail Amberjack also offering some trolling action. Alternatively, you can hit the shallows, where Bass, Jack Crevalle, and much more are biting, too. The choice is yours!

April

Peak Cabo fishing season is just around the corner, but you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s already here, as the fishing is so good in April. There’s a similar feeling around the place as in March, but the warmer temperatures towards the end of the month let you know that summer is on its way. 

A young anger holds a large Roosterfish with an older person behind them in the shallow waters of Cabo San Lucas

Attention starts to shift inshore and nearshore, with some A-listers being caught in double-digits! Bottom fish the reefs for Snappers and Groupers or try jigging or fly fishing for Calico Bass, Jacks, and Roosterfish, who’ll all put up a fight to remember. Don’t forget to snap a photo if you land a Rooster, as these Mohican-looking beauties are the definition of picture-perfect.

But that’s not all. If you’re looking to get the wind in your hair and take in the sea breeze, a trolling trip for Yellowtail Amberjack is right up your street. In the Pacific, the Striper action is still going strong, while deep dropping for Swordfish is also a possibility. In short, you’re in for a real mixed bag!

May

Spring has well and truly sprung in Cabo by May, although if you’ve not been here before, you’d think it’s summer. In even better news, the secret is still pretty well-kept, so you may get to take advantage of sparser crowds and more charter options. It’s the start of the high fishing season in Cabo, so why wait until it gets busy?

Two anglers hold a Yellowtail Amberjack in front of Cabo San Lucas's famous arch on the water

The Sea of Cortez’s warm waters make it a playground for a number of prized, delicious creatures. You’ll barely be able to move for game fish, as you test out a range of effective techniques to land whatever you want. Jack Crevalle, Roosterfish, Snappers, and Groupers fill the nearshore waters, while Yellowtails are still swimming in solid numbers.

Head to the Pacific and it’s all about that Billfish bite. Troll the open waters for monstrous Striped Marlin, or head to the ledges and canyons, where you can do some deep dropping. Swordfish are still around town – but not for long! Don’t miss out on your chance to land one of the ocean’s most sought-after beasts.

June

Things really start to change in Cabo San Lucas in June, with the old guard making their way out and plenty of new faces come the end of the month. Vacation season gets underway, too, so you’ll want to book early to avoid disappointment. And that goes for flights, hotels, and fishing charters!

A female angler holds a large Roosterfish aboard a charter boat in the inshore waters of Cabo San Lucas

Things calm down in the Pacific for the majority of the month, with the departure of Swordfish and Striped Marlin. But the final week of June heralds in a new era of pelagic monsters. Heck, the town’s legendary Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Summer Slam takes place around this time, welcoming Blue and Black Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo to town.

If you’re coming earlier on in the month, the waters near the Sea of Cortez still offer the same productive fishing opportunities as before. Groupers, Snappers, and Yellowtails offer plenty in the way of exciting action and delicious meat. Closer to shore, Snook join Jack Crevalle and Roosterfish, making sure you get a serious workout whenever you hit the water.

July

Deep sea fishing season has arrived in Cabo San Lucas, and just in time for the peak vacation period. After all, school’s out and every family looking to get away for the summer has their eye on Cabo. Why not add a fun, healthy activity such as fishing to your holiday?

Two anglers hold a large Marlin caught during peak Cabo fishing season

Trolling in the Pacific is the name of the game come July, with a star-studded roll call of A-listers on offer. Blue and Black Marlin top the bill (no pun intended), with a worthy supporting cast of Mahi Mahi and Wahoo backing them up. Trips hunting for these are sure to test your skill, but there’s no reason why you can’t bring the kids, with the calm waters this time of year making it pleasant for everyone!

If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience, the Sea of Cortez holds its summer treasury close to shore. Try surf fishing or head out aboard a shallow-hulled vessel, or even a kayak. You could get your hands on the dazzling Roosterfish, stunning Jack Crevalle, or the incredibly strong Snook, who’ll make you work for every inch of your line.

August 

With school still out, Cabo is fully booked out most Augusts. Not only is it still prime vacation time, but there’s also plenty in the way of angling to keep you entertained. The Bisbee East Cape Offshore competition lights up Cabo San Lucas at the start of the month, so you know that fishing in the deep promises to be red hot.

An angler poses on a boat next to a Sea Lion, while someone behind him dangles a fish for the Sea Lion to eat

Blue and Black Marlin are still in town, and Stripers start showing up in good numbers. Meanwhile, one of the most impressive Billfish out there, Sailfish, also makes an appearance. After a solid workout against one or a number of these creatures, you’ll be thinking about dinner, and Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Yellowfin Tuna offer plenty in the way of delicious meat.

It’s as you were, nearshore, which is a favorite haunt of families looking to introduce their kids to fishing. Combine your angling adventure with some snorkeling or feed the Sea Lions, as you delve into the wonders of the inshore and nearshore waters. There are still plenty of Snook and Roosterfish here, along with beautiful Snappers along the reefs.

September

Times are changing in September, as the hordes of tourists dissipate and the locals get to celebrate Mexico’s independence day with a colorful festival and parade. The migratory fish didn’t get the memo to move out of Cabo, though, making the start of fall one of the best times to get out on the water in Cabo.

Two anglers hold a large Sailfish on a fishing charter in Cabo

Towards the Sea of Cortez, Jack Crevalle and Grouper go into hiding, but there’s plenty of bottom fishing action to be had. Explore the shallows and get your hands on Snook and Calico Bass, or hit the reefs in search of Snappers, who are always good value for a workout and delicious dinner. 

Out in the Pacific, it’s still a Billfish bonanza, as Sailfish hit their peak season. Troll the open waters for these monstrous creatures, along with their tough-fighting cousins, Marlin, and you’ll work those muscles like never before. Fancy a tasty treat here? Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and Tuna are all in the cards, so there’s no need to miss out on anything. 

October

When things looked like they were about to calm down in Cabo, they pick right back up in October. You won’t be able to move for festivities and parties in town this month. And fishing is no exception. Cabo San Lucas’s patron saint’s day is on the 18th of October, sandwiched nicely in between angling competitions such as the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, Bisbee’s Offshore, and Bisbee’s Black and Blue!

A female angler holds a large Wahoo back at the dock after a successful fishing trip in Cabo San Lucas

These events speak to the incredible deep sea fishing on offer in Cabo, with Billfish continuing to dominate the offshore scene. You can go after all three species of Marlin that call these waters home, along with Sailfish, too. Wahoo and Mackerel offer up great second prizes, while Mako Sharks also return for the ultimate adrenaline-pumping battle. 

Things are a little calmer near the Sea of Cortez, with Snook still holding the number one spot on every angler’s to-catch list. They’re supported by a strong army of Calico Bass, which are a great introductory species for newbies and children. Meanwhile, there’s still always the chance of a Snapper out on the reefs. 

November

After the madness of October, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Cabo fishing season may be winding down come November. No way Jose! The fishing is still red hot, and the warm weather means it’s still a great destination to escape the incoming winter in North America. 

An angler holds a Mahi Mahi caught during the fishing season in Cabo

While it may not be peak Marlin season, there’s still always the chance of hooking into any one of Black, Blue, or Striped Marlin. Their Billfish cousins, Sailfish, however, fill the waters this time of year, ensuring a brutal battle if you visit in November. Mako Sharks still offer a heart-racing encounter, with Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Wahoo providing some welcome additions to your menu. 

It’s the quiet season nearshore, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing for you to catch. While some of the A-listers from earlier on in the year won’t show up in great numbers, there’s always the chance of a Calico Bass, Snook, or Roosterfish. Combine your trip with some other water sports and you’ll definitely get just as much out of it as you would in peak season!

December

Make the most of the holiday season and get away from the wintery weather up north. The southern tip of Baja California is calling you to get your fish on like never before. You’ve probably packed the gear away at home, but head to a Cabo San Lucas tackle store or team up with a charter captain, and the sky’s the limit!

An angler in sunglasses holds a Yellowfin Tuna on the water

It may not be traditional, but who’d turn down a delicious Tuna steak for Christmas dinner? Fancy a winter workout? Mako Sharks and Wahoo prowl the deep waters of the Pacific in strong numbers, while there are still plenty of Marlin, Sailfish, and Mahi Mahi around.

If you’re more into bottom fishing, the shallow waters and reefs further east are the gift that keeps on giving. See out the year in style by landing a beautiful Roosterfish or Jack Crevalle. Or, if you’re looking for some table fare on this side of the peninsula, Calico Bass and Snappers are still going strong!

Cabo: The Fishing Season Never Ends!

So there you have it. A full rundown of Cabo fishing seasons. As we said at the beginning. There simply isn’t a bad time to come. Yearning for a getaway from the miserable weather? Cabo’s got you sorted. Looking for a summer vacation? Yep, Cabo’s your place. And whenever you come, the fishing promises to be the cherry on the cake. The only thing left to do is look at that calendar, and find a time to visit!

What’s your favorite time of year to visit Cabo? Any tips and tricks for first-timers? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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