Los Cabos travel guide
Cabo San Lucas Fishing Calendar: Best Time to Fish, Month by Month
They don't call Cabo the "Marlin Capital of the World" for nothing. The waters where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez hold fish year-round — the trick is knowing what's biting when.
By the Coco Bay local team · Based in Los Cabos · Updated July 2026
What makes Cabo fishing special
Cabo sits at the tip of the Baja peninsula, where deep water comes close to shore and two seas collide — a rare setup that concentrates billfish and pelagics within a short run of the marina. It's home to the legendary Bisbee's Black & Blue tournament each October, one of the richest sportfishing events on earth. For most visitors, that means a real shot at a marlin on a half- or full-day charter.
What's biting, and when
| Fish | Best months | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Striped Marlin | Year-round (best Nov–May) | Cabo's signature catch; often caught & released |
| Blue & Black Marlin | Jun–Sep | The summer giants (can top 500 lb) |
| Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) | Jul–Nov | Fast, colorful, excellent eating |
| Yellowfin Tuna | Year-round (best Sep–Feb) | "Cow" tuna in fall |
| Wahoo | Aug–Nov | Blazing fast and prized on the plate |
| Roosterfish | May–Oct | Inshore, catch-and-release sport fish |
Season by season
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Prime striped marlin season, with big yellowfin tuna in the mix. Cooler, comfortable days on the water — and it overlaps with whale season, so you may share the ride with humpbacks. (See our whale-watching guide.)
Spring (Mar–May)
Striped marlin stay strong into spring, roosterfish move onto the inshore points, and the water warms toward the summer run. Calmer seas and fewer boats than fall.
Summer (Jun–Sep)
The big-game season: blue and black marlin arrive, dorado and yellowfin tuna fire up, and the trophy fish get serious. Hotter and more humid topside — early starts pay off.
Fall (Oct–Nov)
The best all-around window. Everything lines up at once — striped marlin returning, summer's blue and black marlin still around, wahoo peaking, thick tuna schools and dorado still biting. October also brings the Bisbee's tournaments and a buzz around the marina.
Local tip
Book a full day in October or November if landing a marlin is the goal — it's the widest variety of the year. Any trip, leave at first light: the bite is best early and the ride out is calmest. Most licensed charters include the fishing license, gear and crew; confirm what's included, and practice catch-and-release on billfish to keep the fishery healthy.
Make your Cabo trip unforgettable in a private Coco Bay villa.
View all villas