Cabo San Lucas Fishing Calendar: Best Time to Fish in Los Cabos
One of the most common questions we hear from anglers planning a trip is: when should I go fishing in Cabo? The honest answer — and one that surprises a lot of first-timers — is that Cabo fishes well every single month of the year. But knowing exactly when to go for your target species? That’s where a little planning makes all the difference.
Whether you’re chasing striped marlin in the winter, blue marlin in the summer, or dorado running hot through the fall, Los Cabos delivers. This guide breaks it all down month by month, so you can match your travel dates to what’s biting — and make the most of every hour on the water.
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Why Cabo San Lucas Fishes Year-Round
Most fishing destinations have an off-season. Cabo doesn’t — and the geography explains why.
Cabo San Lucas sits at the very tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Pacific Ocean collide with the warmer, calmer Sea of Cortez. That collision creates a powerful baitfish engine. Deep underwater canyons just miles offshore concentrate massive schools of sardines, mackerel, and squid, which in turn draw some of the most sought-after game fish in the world to feeding grounds that are accessible year-round.
Water temperatures range from around 70°F in late winter to a peak of roughly 85°F in September, according to Lands End Charters. That temperature swing is what drives the seasonal rotation of species — as the water warms through summer, big blue and black marlin push in from the deep Pacific; as it cools through winter, striped marlin dominate. Something is always moving.
It’s no wonder Cabo has earned the title of Marlin Capital of the World.
Cabo Fishing Calendar: Quick-Reference Table
Use this table to match your travel dates to peak species. Ratings reflect typical seasonal availability based on local fishing records.
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Cabo San Lucas Fishing Calendar: Month by Month
Winter — December through February
Winter in Cabo means striped marlin. This is their peak season, and experienced captains will tell you the numbers in December through February rival anything you’ll find anywhere else in the world. Yellowfin tuna are reliable throughout, and February is one of the best months of the year to target yellowtail amberjack.
The other advantage of winter fishing: calm seas and smaller crowds. You’ll have more room on the water, and the mornings are clear and cool — ideal conditions for an early offshore run.
Top species: Striped Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Yellowtail Amberjack, Mako Shark, Sierra Mackerel
Spring — March through May
March brings a rare opportunity that most anglers overlook: swordfish. According to local fishing records, March is by far the best month of the year to target swordfish in Cabo, with boats running daytime deep drops to find them along the canyon edges. It’s also when Pacific Sierra hits their stride.
By April and May, the inshore bite kicks into high gear. Roosterfish start showing up along rocky points from May onward, while red snapper and grouper stack up on the nearshore reefs — perfect for half-day trips or anyone who’d rather spend time closer to shore. Striped marlin are still around early in the season but begin to taper as water temperatures climb.
Top species: Swordfish (March), Roosterfish, Red Snapper, Grouper, Pacific Sierra, Striped Marlin (tapering)
Summer — June through August
Summer is when Cabo shifts into big-game mode.
Blue marlin and black marlin arrive in force from June onward as the Sea of Cortez heats up, and the offshore grounds around the 1150 Bank and El Banco become some of the most productive billfish waters anywhere in the Pacific. Dorado (mahi-mahi) run hard, wahoo show up in increasing numbers, and sailfish are reliably active through the entire season.
June also brings one of the signature events on the Cabo fishing calendar: the Pelagic Triple Crown Summer Slam, an annual offshore tournament that draws boats from across North America to compete for blue marlin, black marlin, mahi-mahi, and wahoo.
Deep sea fishing is at its most exciting from July through August, with the chance of a blue or black marlin encounter on nearly every offshore run.
Top species: Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Dorado, Wahoo, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna
Fall — September through November
Ask any local captain which month they’d choose if they could only fish one, and most will say October without hesitating.
September opens the fall run with some of the warmest water of the year — sea surface temperatures peak around 85°F — and all of the summer species are still active while the striped marlin begin to push back into range. By October, you get a rare overlap: striped marlin, blue marlin, black marlin, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, and dorado are all in the water simultaneously.
October is also when Bisbee’s Black & Blue takes place — the world’s richest marlin fishing tournament, with a purse that has exceeded $7.4 million. It’s the Super Bowl of sport fishing, and it happens right here in Cabo.
November stays strong. Striped marlin are fully back, tuna schools are thick, and dorado and wahoo are still running before the season transitions back to winter.
Top species: All Marlin Species, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Roosterfish (inshore)
What Is the Best Month to Fish in Cabo San Lucas?
If you can only go once, go in October.
It’s the month where everything lines up — striped marlin are back in the water, blue and black marlin are still active from the summer run, wahoo are in peak form, tuna schools are thick, and dorado are still biting before the season winds down. You’re not targeting one species; you’re targeting all of them.
October is also when Bisbee’s Black & Blue descends on Cabo — the world’s richest offshore fishing tournament. The competition is a spectacle worth seeing even as a spectator, and the energy around the marina during tournament week is electric.
One caveat: October books fast. Local captains recommend securing your charter at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance for October departures, and even further ahead if you’re targeting tournament week. Don’t leave it until you land.
If October doesn’t fit your schedule, September and November are excellent alternatives with similar species diversity and slightly fewer crowds.
What Fish Are in Cabo San Lucas? Species Overview
Striped Marlin — Cabo’s signature species. Most active November through May, with peak numbers in the winter months. Striped marlin are acrobatic fighters and often the first billfish a visiting angler will encounter.
Blue Marlin & Black Marlin — The heavyweights. Blue marlin push in from June and peak August through October. Black marlin follow a similar pattern. These are the fish that draw serious big-game anglers to Cabo specifically.
Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) — Hard-fighting, colorful, and excellent table fare. Dorado run strong from July through November and are one of the most popular targets for visiting anglers of all experience levels.
Wahoo — Fast, aggressive, and built for light tackle. Most active from August through November. Wahoo are notorious for their explosive strikes and screaming runs.
Yellowfin Tuna — Found year-round off Cabo, with the strongest concentrations from September through February. Yellowfin tuna are a reliable target when the marlin bite slows.
Roosterfish — An inshore icon. Best from May through October along rocky nearshore points. Roosterfish don’t eat particularly well, but they’re one of the most visually striking sport fish in the Pacific — and the fight on light tackle is unforgettable.
Sailfish — Present year-round, most reliably caught June through September. A great first-time billfish target thanks to their size and aggressive surface behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
October is the consensus pick among local captains — all major species are simultaneously active, and the bite is as diverse as it gets anywhere in the world. That said, Cabo fishes well every month. Striped marlin peak in winter, blue and black marlin in summer, dorado and wahoo in fall. There's genuinely no bad time to visit.
That depends on the month, but as a rule something is always biting. In winter and spring, striped marlin dominate. Summer through fall brings blue and black marlin, dorado, wahoo, and tuna all in the same water. Use the month-by-month table above to see what's most active when you're planning to visit.
Yes — Mexican law requires all anglers on a fishing vessel (including non-fishing observers) to hold a valid Mexican fishing license. Most charter operators in Cabo include the license in the trip price and handle the paperwork for you. Always confirm this when booking so there are no surprises at the dock. Children under 12 are exempt.
Book at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead for any October departure. The best boats fill up fast — especially during Bisbee's Black & Blue week. If you're flexible on dates, late September or early November are nearly as good and easier to book on shorter notice.
Ready to Fish Cabo San Lucas?
No matter which month you’re planning to visit, the fishing in Los Cabos delivers. October is the peak, winter is prime for striped marlin, and summer belongs to the blue and black marlin. Every season has a reason to go.
Browse fishing charters in Cabo San Lucas on PescaYa to compare verified operators, check real-time availability, and book securely online. The water’s warm, the fish are there — all you need is a date.
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