Fish Species in San José del Cabo: Complete Local Guide
Year-round action in San José del Cabo
San José del Cabo offers productive fishing in every season. Tuna and dorado dominate summer and fall, striped, blue, and black marlin show in the warm-water windows, and inshore species like roosterfish and jacks keep the rod bent through most months. Below are the 20 species worth knowing before you book.
20 species and local tips
What you can catch off San José del Cabo, with rough seasons and typical trip length. Conditions shift year to year, so ask us for the latest before you go.
Blue Marlin
Warm-water months with lure spreads and live mackerel on banks and temperature breaks. See marlin charters.
Striped Marlin
Late fall to winter. Sight-cast to tailers or slow-troll live bait. The classic Cabo billfish.
Yellowfin Tuna
Chunking, live bait, and trolling around Gordo Banks and nearby high spots. See tuna fishing.
Wahoo
Edges and drop-offs on high-speed lures and divers. Use bite leaders. See wahoo fishing.
Roosterfish
Beach edges and current seams on live bait and stickbaits. The iconic inshore target.
Sailfish
Warm months. Pitch baits to free-swimmers or troll small lures along color lines.
Red Snapper
Reefs and rocky structure on live baits and jigs. Great table fare.
Grouper
Drop live baits and jigs to structure, then lift steadily to keep fish out of the rocks.
Amberjack
Hard chargers on metal jigs around banks and ridges. Lock the drag.
Bonito
Fast action on jigs and small feathers. Great for kids and first-timers.
Swordfish
Occasional sightings. Specialized tactics and patience required.
California Sheephead
Rocky reefs on bait. Excellent eating when regulations allow.
African Pompano
Edges and current lines on jigs and small live baits.
Pacific Snook
Estuary mouths and structure. Dawn topwater and soft plastics.
Skipjack (Barrilete)
Schooling fish. Great action and a prime bait source for bigger game.
Jack Crevalle
Powerful fighters on topwater when bait stacks along the beaches.
Dorado (Mahi Mahi)
Temperature breaks, weed paddies, and debris lines. Excellent table fare.
Black Marlin
Less common than striped. Warmest months, heavy tackle, and large baits.
Broomtail Grouper
Heavy structure. Strong tackle and a quick lift to avoid cut-offs.
Cubera Snapper
Live baits near rocks and drop-offs. Brutal first runs, so lock the drag.
Seasons at a glance
General guidance by month. Conditions change, so ask us for the latest before your trip.
| Species | Prime months | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowfin Tuna | Jul to Nov | Gordo Banks. Chunking, live bait, trolling. |
| Dorado (Mahi Mahi) | Jun to Nov | Temperature breaks, weed lines, debris. |
| Wahoo | Oct to Jan | High-speed trolling. Bite leaders. |
| Striped Marlin | Nov to Mar | Sight-cast tailers. Live baits. |
| Blue / Black Marlin | Jun to Oct | Warm water. Heavy tackle. |
| Sailfish | Jun to Oct | Color lines. Smaller lures. |
| Roosterfish | Apr to Oct | Beach edges. Live bait, stickbaits. |
| Amberjack | Spring to summer | Vertical jigging on high spots. |
| Red / Cubera Snapper | All year / warm | Reefs. Strong tackle. |
| Grouper / Broomtail | All year | Rugged structure. Quick lift. |
| Snook | Summer to fall | Estuary mouths. Dawn sessions. |
| Jack Crevalle | Winter to spring | Topwater near bait schools. |
| Bonito / Skipjack | Many months | Nearshore schools. Fun action. |
| Swordfish | Variable | Rare. Specialized effort. |
Before you go
- Departure: 6:10 AM from the San José del Cabo marina.
- Live bait from bait pangas in the morning, typically $30 to $50 USD total.
- We provide bottled water and an ice chest. Bring snacks if you like.
- Fishing licenses are required for all anglers. We handle them at check-in.
Why book with Daliken Sportfishing
Local expertise
Captains who fish these banks daily and make real-time calls for the best odds of success.
The right boat
From family-friendly Super Pangas to 35 ft sportfishers built for serious offshore missions.
Honest advice
If conditions change, we recommend the smartest plan, whether that is a different species, hours, or a reschedule.
First-time visitor questions
Do I need a fishing license in Los Cabos? +
Yes. Every angler aboard needs a valid Mexican sportfishing license. We can arrange it for you at check-in. Shore fishing does not require a license.
Is bait included? +
Live bait is purchased in the morning from local bait pangas, typically $30 to $50 USD total. Rods, reels, and tackle are included.
Can I bring beer or snacks? +
Yes. We provide bottled water and an ice chest for your drinks and food. For safety and comfort, we do not recommend hard liquor.
What time do we leave and where do we meet? +
Departure is around 6:10 AM from the San José del Cabo marina. We share the exact meeting point and check-in contact when you book.
Can I keep the fish I catch? +
Most edible species can be kept within Mexican regulations and we clean and bag them at the marina. Billfish such as marlin are usually released to protect the species.
Which boat should I book? +
For offshore targets like tuna and marlin, choose one of our larger sportfishers. For family-friendly inshore fishing, a Super Panga is perfect. See current rates on the boat prices page.
© 2026 Daliken Sportfishing · San José del Cabo · Puerto Los Cabos Marina