Cabo San Lucas has a rich fishing history and over the years has developed into the “Marlin Capital of the World.” How did this Cabo sport fishing craze start? The early history of Los Cabos started as a small fishing village. Because of the abundance of Tuna, Cabo San Lucas developed into a commercial fishing industry and by 1927 the historic Cannery was established. Then by the late 1950s, the Mexican Government ended commercial fishing with the goal to develop Cabo San Lucas as a major tourist destination with a focus on sport fishing. The area expanded over the next thirty years with villas and hotel developments. In 1981, Bob Bisbee started the Black & Blue Marlin Tournament which has become one of the largest payouts in sport fishing history. Through the 80s and 90s as sport fishing was developing, Los Cabos became the world’s top destination for sport fishing.
Sport Fishing
From Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo to the East Cape, you will experience the best sport fishing in one condensed area at the tip of Baja California Sur. Once reserved for the wealthy and private yachts, sport fishing in Cabo is now the number one attraction for beginner and expert anglers. Sport fishing is popular all year around, but in October and November you will encounter the world-famous Marlin, Bill Fish, Dorado and Tuna Fishing Tournaments. World class anglers travel from all over the globe in pursuit of the champion fish. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, it is common to catch Marlin, Dorado, Roosterfish, Tuna or other large fish varieties on your very first trip out.
2018 Tournaments
10/14/18 – 10/18/18 – Los Cabos Billfish Tournament
Since the first resorts appeared in the late 1950s and early 1960s, anglers have been lured to the abundance and enormous billfish.
10/18/18 – 10/21/18 – Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore
This tournament pits anglers in a competition to top the previous year’s record
10/23/18 – 10/27/18 – Bisbee’s Black and Blue
Anglers compete for black or blue marlin, dorado and tuna.
11/7/18 – 11/10/18 – WON/Mercury Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot
Surf/Shore Fishing
All areas of Los Cabos beaches are great for shore fishing. One well known spot is called “Rooster Alley” in Los Frailes. There are plenty of companies that offer guided surf fishing trips that can direct you to the best fishing spots, but just about any stretch of coastline offers up the chance to catch any number of species. From catching Roosterfish along the sandy beaches to angling Sierra and Dorado on a mixture of sandy beaches with rockpiles. The rocky point areas where you find the reefs and rocky ridges are great areas to try your luck for Califorina yellowtail. Also, look for rocky outcroppings where you can cast from atop to target hogfish and several varieties of snapper and grouper species.
Fishing from the shore does not require any documentation or restrictions, but just make sure you cast at a safe distance of at least 250 meters away from any swimmers. The most important thing to remember when surf fishing is to never turn your back to the water! The current is very strong and can easily sweep you away if you’re not careful. Below are a few types of fish you may encounter:
• Roosterfish (fun to catch but not for eating)
• Sierra (great eating species of mackerel)
• Groupers (mostly leopards)
• Snappers (including cabrilla and pargo)
• California Yellowtail
• Dorado
• Jack Crevalle (fun to catch but not for eating)
• Pacific Snook
Fish Calendar
December – February – Striped Marlin, Shark
March – May – Yellow Tail
April – September – Snapper, Snook
May – July – Amberjack, Jack Crevalle, Cabrilla, Grouper, Mackerel, Rooster Fish
July – November – Mahi Mahi, Wahoo
September – November – Yellow Fin Tuna, Sail Fish, Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Dorado
Recommended Fishing Charter
Charter operators provide top-notch rods and reels spooled with fresh line. And they provide the lures, leader line and terminal tackle for any opportunity that might arise. The fishing fleets in Los Cabos are very knowledgeable and professional and will ensure you are given the optimal opportunity to reel in the perfect catch.
Dorado
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