Fishing in Cabo San Lucas: A World-Class Experience

There are few places on earth as iconic as Cabo San Lucas, with its famous arch standing at the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Out here on the water, it’s easy to forget about the rush of daily life. Rays leap from the surface, dolphins swim by, and sometimes orcas even make an appearance. It’s nothing short of special.

I joined Toby Nunn, owner of Mar Vida Sportfishing, to talk about what makes Cabo such a unique fishery. As Toby says, “Any excuse to be on the water, especially this time of year, is a good one.” And it’s true—you only have to look around the bay to see why. Behind us rises the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, and just beyond, the Pacific shelf drops dramatically. Unlike the flat, shallow waters of the Gulf states, here you can be in 10,000 feet of water within minutes of leaving the marina.

That’s part of what makes Cabo one of the most remarkable fisheries in the world. The convergence of two massive bodies of water brings an abundance of bait and ideal conditions for game fish. Add in the proximity to the Pacific shelf, and you have year-round action that’s hard to match anywhere else.

Cabo is also one of the few places on the planet where you can catch billfish—especially striped marlin—all year long. While many destinations are seasonal, here the action never really stops. Of course, some species peak at different times of year, but on any given trip you might find tuna, dorado, marlin, and more.

And the best part? Cabo is closer than most people realize. With direct flights from over 25 major Gulf state cities, you can be on the water just a few hours after leaving home. That accessibility, combined with the world-class fishery, makes Cabo San Lucas truly one of the most unique places on earth to fish.

Warm Water, Big Fish

Right now, the water temperature in Cabo is hovering around 83.7°F here in Madres Bay, and that means one thing—big fish. Warmer waters bring larger species closer, and while striped marlin are here year-round, summer rolling into early fall adds even more to the mix. Sailfish, the smaller cousin of the striped marlin, are common, while their bigger, older “brothers”—blue and black marlin—also make their appearance.

August through September is prime time for trophy-sized billfish. As the season progresses and waters begin to cool, the larger species migrate south toward equatorial waters to stay in the warmth. Cabo, however, continues to hold onto striped marlin year-round, and swordfish make appearances too. Unlike in the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic coast of Florida, swordfish aren’t a primary target here—mainly because the fishery is already overflowing with other opportunities. Still, they’re a unique bonus when they show up.

The Tournament Season

As October approaches, Cabo enters its legendary tournament season. Names like the Bisbee’s Black & Blue are world-famous, not just for the fishing but for the staggering prize money. While in the past Cabo’s tournaments were the richest on the planet, events like the White Marlin Open and Big Rock on the U.S. East Coast have caught up. Still, Bisbee’s remains one of the crown jewels, with jackpots that have reached $7 million for a single team and overall prize pools north of $13 million.

The high entry fees—ranging from $40,000 to $110,000—don’t scare off competitors. On the contrary, they attract some of the best anglers and crews from across the globe. While the majority of the financial backing comes from American teams, the talent comes from everywhere: Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Canada, and all across the U.S. Boats make the journey from San Diego, Florida, the Carolinas, even British Columbia, all to compete in what is often called the Super Bowl of Sportfishing.

Interestingly, the timing of these tournaments isn’t solely about peak fishing conditions. October sits just after hurricane season, when insurance companies finally allow the larger sportfishing yachts to be in Cabo. The fishing is still solid, and the competition is fierce.

The Tuna Jackpot

Following the marlin madness, November kicks off with the Tuna Jackpot, a fan favorite that has quickly grown into one of Cabo’s best-run tournaments. Traditionally offering prizes in the hundreds of thousands, the purse has swelled in recent years to several million dollars. For a single big tuna, that’s life-changing money—and a thrilling way to cap off the sportfishing season.

As an angler, I’m all about a worthy opponent. The thrill of the fight is what draws many of us to billfish—marlin, sailfish, and swordfish. They’re powerful, acrobatic, and truly world-class sportfish. But here’s the thing: those same game fish aren’t always the best on the dinner table.

When it comes to eating, nothing compares to wahoo. Around here we call it white gold. It’s top of the food chain for flavor—firm, clean, and delicious. Oddly enough, some captains tell their clients wahoo isn’t good eating, mostly because it looks a little like a barracuda (they’re cousins). But don’t let appearances fool you. I like to call this the “ugly-delicious matrix”—the uglier the fish, the better it tastes.

Wahoo? Ugly but incredible.

Halibut? Eyes on the wrong side of its head—delicious.

Grouper? Big spiny face—amazing.

Sea bass? Not winning any beauty contests—absolutely tasty.

And then there’s yellowfin tuna. Fresh off the boat, it practically melts in your mouth. It’s one of the cleanest, healthiest proteins in the sea. Whether seared lightly or enjoyed raw, it’s unbeatable. In fact, tuna has become the most popular raw fish on the planet, thanks in part to sushi culture and shows like Wicked Tuna. While Cabo doesn’t have Atlantic bluefin (those giants that push 1,000 pounds), our yellowfin are no slouches, commonly reaching 200–400 pounds. That’s plenty of fish, and plenty of flavor.

The Fast and Furious: Mahi Mahi

Another standout here is mahi mahi (also known as dorado). They’re one of the fastest-growing fish in the ocean, sometimes adding 12 to 18 inches in just a month. From egg to reproducing adult takes less than a year, and females can lay 10,000–20,000 eggs at a time. That’s why they’re plentiful, sustainable, and such a great catch for the table.

Mahi are also some of the most versatile fish to cook. Grilled, blackened, ceviche—you name it, mahi holds up. With a healthy daily catch limit (two per person with a sportfishing license), they’re a reliable choice for both sport and supper.

Spoiled for Choice

Truth is, Cabo anglers are spoiled. With so many world-class species to catch, we get picky. Some fish, like roosterfish, are thrilling to fight but not as great on the plate because of their diet and the warmer waters they thrive in. Others, like triggerfish, rarely get targeted, yet make incredible ceviche.

The variety here is unmatched, and the proximity of the fishery means the sushi in Cabo is second to none. Local chefs work with fish that was swimming hours earlier, and it shows in the flavor. Tuna rolls here rival Tokyo or New York—simply because the fish is that fresh, and the talent that comes to Cabo is world-class.

One of the great advantages of fishing in Cabo is having access to two very different fisheries in the same day. On one side lies the Sea of Cortez, with its warmer, calmer, more tropical feel. On the other side, the Pacific Ocean, wilder and sportier, shaped by the vast swells rolling in uninterrupted from as far away as Hawaii and Antarctica.

For locals and visiting anglers alike, the choice often comes down to conditions. Some days the Cortez is alive with fish, while other days the Pacific holds the action. That’s what makes Cabo so special—you can shift between the two and always have a productive trip.

Personally, I lean toward the Pacific side. I grew up near it, and it feels more like home to me. But honestly, here you can’t lose. The very point of Cabo San Lucas is where the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez meet, mixing currents, bait, and gamefish. It truly is the best of both worlds.

And while the “Pacific” was named for peace, that must’ve been after a few too many rum rations on a sailor’s voyage—because it’s almost always the sportier of the two. Head 180 degrees west from Land’s End, and you won’t see land until Antarctica. That’s what gives Cabo its dramatic energy: endless open water on one side, calm tropical seas on the other, all meeting in one extraordinary place.

This article comes from an interview with Fletcher Wheaton of REmexico Real Estate and Toby Nunn, owner of MarVida Sportfishing in Cabo San Lucas.