Cabo San Lucas is one of the top fishing destinations in the world. Anglers travel from everywhere to experience its deep waters, warm weather, and wide variety of fish. Among the most popular catches in Cabo are marlin, tuna, and dorado. These species are not only exciting to reel in but also highlight the beauty and thrill of fishing in this region. If you’re planning a trip, timing is everything. Knowing when these fish are most active can make your adventure even more rewarding.
The unique location of Cabo San Lucas, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, creates rich and diverse waters. The mix of deep currents and warm temperatures attracts some of the world’s most prized sport fish. Whether you’re hoping to catch a massive marlin, a school of yellowfin tuna, or the colorful dorado, Cabo offers incredible opportunities throughout the year.
Cabo is often called the “Marlin Capital of the World,” and for good reason. Different types of marlin appear during different seasons:
Striped Marlin: These are the most common and can be found almost year-round. Their peak season is from December through April, when cooler waters bring them closer to shore.
Blue Marlin: Known for their size and power, blue marlin are most common from July through October. Anglers looking for a true challenge often plan their trips around these months.
Black Marlin: Similar to blue marlin, black marlin are most active during the warmer months of late summer and early fall.
If catching marlin is your goal, plan your trip between late spring and early fall for blue and black marlin, or winter to early spring for striped marlin.
Yellowfin tuna are another favorite in Cabo. These powerful fish can grow to enormous sizes and provide a thrilling fight. The best time to catch tuna is from June through November, with peak action in late summer and fall.
During these months, schools of tuna gather offshore, and anglers have a good chance of landing multiple fish in one trip. For those hoping to battle giant tuna weighing hundreds of pounds, September and October are often the most rewarding months.
Dorado, also known as mahi-mahi, are some of the most colorful and fun fish to catch in Cabo. They are fast, acrobatic, and abundant in the right season. The prime months for dorado fishing are July through November.
This season often overlaps with the best time for tuna, giving anglers the chance to catch both species on the same trip. Families and beginners especially enjoy dorado fishing, as these fish are plentiful and not as difficult to catch as marlin or tuna.
One of the best things about Cabo is that the fishing seasons often overlap. For example:
Summer (June to August): Great for tuna and dorado, with marlin also starting to show up.
Fall (September to November): The absolute peak season when marlin, tuna, and dorado are all active. This is the best time for variety and action-packed trips.
Winter and Spring (December to April): Striped marlin dominate, with some chances for dorado and other smaller species.
Because of this overlap, anglers rarely leave Cabo disappointed, no matter the season.
Decide your target species: Pick the months that match the fish you want most.
Check the fishing calendar: Local charters often provide updated calendars to help plan.
Book early for peak months: Fall is the busiest season, so securing a charter in advance is wise.
Be flexible: Even if your target species isn’t in peak season, Cabo always offers something exciting to catch.
Marlin, tuna, and dorado are the stars of Cabo San Lucas fishing, and each has its ideal season. For marlin, choose late spring through fall or winter for striped marlin. For tuna, the best months are June through November. For dorado, plan between July and November. If you want the ultimate experience, fall is unbeatable because all three species are at their best.
No matter when you go, Cabo promises thrilling fishing and unforgettable memories. To make the most of your adventure, plan ahead, choose your season carefully, and book cabo fishing charters with experienced crews who know the waters best.