Marlin Fishing in San José del Cabo – Best Seasons, Tips & Boats
Discover the best months, species, conditions and local tactics to hook striped, blue and black marlin offshore.
Quick Answer (Featured Snippet Style)
Marlin fishing in San José del Cabo is best with striped marlin peaking in March–June and October–December,
while blue marlin peaks in July–October when the water is warm. For your highest odds, fish early, follow bait and temperature breaks,
and troll proven offshore lanes with a marlin-ready boat.
Best for
Striped • Blue • Black
Striped • Blue • Black
Peak months
Mar–Jun / Jul–Oct / Oct–Dec
Mar–Jun / Jul–Oct / Oct–Dec
Conditions
Bait + current edges + moon
Bait + current edges + moon
Local tip
Circle hooks for safe release
Circle hooks for safe release
San José del Cabo is one of the world’s premier destinations for marlin fishing — and with good reason. The waters off Baja California are home to striped, blue, and black marlin, with activity peaks at different times of year.
If you’re planning a trip and want to maximize your chances of hooking into one of these incredible gamefish, here’s what you need to know.
Marlin Seasons by Species
Striped Marlin (Rayado)
- Best months: March–June and October–December
- Often offshore between 10–25 miles
- Frequently seen tailing or feeding near bait balls
Blue Marlin
- Best months: July–October
- Warm water species — usually 25–40 miles out
- Common size range: 200–500 lbs+
Black Marlin
- Most rare, but present in August–October
- Often hooked while targeting tuna or big dorado
Conditions to Look For
- Water temps of 78°F+ for blue marlin
- Striped marlin often prefer 74–78°F
- Activity spikes around full moons and bait-rich currents
Tips from Local Captains
- Use ballyhoo with skirts for blues and blacks
- Use circle hooks for safe release and solid hookups
- Troll between 6–8 knots in open water
Best Boats for Marlin Fishing
- DALIKEN 38ft YNOKT – for long offshore runs
- DALIKEN 36ft Blackfin – reliable and fast for trolling
- DALIKEN 35ft Tiara – comfort + performance balance
- DALIKEN 26ft Super Panga – fast option for small groups
Book Your Marlin Trip
Tell us your dates and target fish — we’ll recommend the best boat and package.
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