Fishing Reports for Cabo San Lucas, Plus Best Annual Fishing Seasons Chart and Cabo Fishing Tips
CABO FISHING REPORT - AUGUST 1st - 15th


Fishing has definitely turned on here in Cabo San Lucas. Lots, and we do mean lots, of billfish have arrived and with the passing of the full moon the bite has really come together. Black and blue marlin to 600+ pounds are taking both trolled lures and bait with a freshly bridled yellowfin tuna being the preferred bait for the big girls. They're so hungry that they've even been taking whacks at tuna being reeled in after being caught on chunked Humboldt squid! Stripers are here in great numbers as well. Most are being caught pitching live caballitos to fish raised by trolled lures or spotted tailing on the surface. Sailfish are also making a showing. Several boats are also reporting wahoo being caught on the ride back into the marina. Those who opt for trolling their way back into port at higher speeds (10+ knots) - as opposed to running in with all the gear stowed - are getting rewarded with hoo's up to 40-50 pounds.

Dorado fishing is by far the best it's been this year with loads of smaller models in the 10-15 class taking baits and lures on the Pacific side, mainly on or near the Golden Gate bank. Dorado on the Sea of Cortez side of the cape are running to 50+ pounds but are spread out over a larger area meaning lower numbers but bigger fish. Tuna are rounding out the catches with some schools holding 10-20 pounders, others 30-40's with an occasional 100lb+ fish. Inshore, the current's been pretty stiff making it hard to hold a spot on structure, so deep dropping for snapper and the likes has been challenging. However, there are some nice roosters lurking in the surfline so a visit to the inshore fishery is well worth it before you call it a day. The fishing is getting Hot, Hot, HOT!!!! Book a fishing charter now while days are still available!

Seasonal Fishing Chart for Cabo San Lucas - The Best Times of the Year to Fish Southern Baja
Everyone wants to know when the best time to fish Cabo San Lucas is. Well, pretty much all year long! While certain times of the year tend to be better for certain species than others, there really isn't a bad time to come fish here. The chart below gives you a quick reference to the best fishing times in Cabo based on historical data. Unless you've fished here before, you can't begin to imagine the volume of fish that call our waters home and even the "spotty, slow action" months equal or surpass most other places on earth when it comes to fishing action.

A Few Words and Tips on Fishing the Waters off Cabo San Lucas
Many of you that visit this site have already experienced what fishing in Cabo is all about. But many of you are first-timers who don't really know what to expect and have a boatload of questions regarding what you should bring with you and what type of fishing you'll be doing. So, let's give you a quick lesson.

First, while it's nice to have your own gear, it's not necessary with Checkmate Sportfishing. Why? Because we carry a full compliment of fishing gear – from light-tackle inshore rods and reels to heavy-duty offshore tournament-grade set-ups. Add in the fact that we only use top-quality products from Penn, Shimano and CalStar and you can save yourself the hassle of carrying rod tubes and tackle bags through the airport because we already have what you need on the boat. If you have a few favorite lures, bring 'em, but then again we have over 150 different lures of all types aboard Checkmate and we're constantly picking up new proven performers.

Second, you don't need to be a seasoned angler to fish with us. If you are, that's great... your trip with us will be that much better. But if you're new to saltwater fishing, or new to Southern Baja fishing, our crew will teach you how to catch fish. The best advice we can give you is to let our crew know what you'd like to catch and if those fish are around, they'll concentrate on getting you on them. But we can't stress the importance of being flexible. In other words, even though the boys on Checkmate will work very hard trying to get you the fish you want, it's just good fishing sense to be prepared to take advantage of what presents itself when on the water. You may want Tuna but don't just motor past feeding Marlin to go find them. You may want to catch and release your first Marlin, but don't forget that trolling for Dorado and Wahoo often results in catching not only those species, but Marlin as well. The key is to take full advantage of what presents itself.... some of the best days fishing for Tuna ended up being a Marlin and Dorado bite that goes down in the books as wide-open and epic. We're here to help you have that day. Make your dream of epic days on the water a reality. Choose Checkmate Sportfishing.... Cabo San Lucas Charter Fishing at it's finest! Book your trip now!