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Can I Keep the Fish I Catch in Mexico? Know the Rules Before You Reel In

Yellowfin tuna caught legally at Puerto Los Cabos Marina San Jose del Cabo

Can I Keep the Fish I Catch in Mexico?
Cabo Daily Limits 2026

Legal Guide · Daily Limits · Mexico

Everything you need to know about Mexico's catch-and-keep rules. Daily limits, protected species, fish processing, and flying home with your catch. Written by licensed Mexican captains and verified against current CONAPESCA regulations.

📍 All of Mexico ⏱️ 8 min read ⚖️ Legally reviewed 🇲🇽 CONAPESCA verified
Reviewed by Daliken Sportfishing · Licensed Mexican Captains Puerto Los Cabos Marina · CONAPESCA-registered operator · 15+ years experience
Last updated · Apr 2026

Can You Keep Fish in Cabo?

Quick answer: Yes. Mexico uses a combined daily limit of 10 "points" per person. Billfish (marlin / sailfish / swordfish) = 5 points each (limit: 1 billfish per person per day). Dorado, roosterfish, wahoo, tuna = 2 points each. Snappers and most reef fish = 1 point each. A valid fishing license is required for everyone on board.

Daily Bag Limit

Mexico's Daily Bag Limit
at a Glance

Every angler gets 10 points per day. Different species count for different points. Here's the complete breakdown:

Species Can I keep it? Daily rule Counts as
Marlin (blue/black/striped)Yes1 billfish per person/day (marlin, sailfish or swordfish total)5 points
Sailfish (Pez Vela)YesIncluded in the 1 billfish rule above5 points
SwordfishYesIncluded in the 1 billfish rule above5 points
Dorado (Mahi Mahi)YesWithin the combined 10-point limit2 points each
RoosterfishYesWithin the combined 10-point limit2 points each
WahooYesWithin the combined 10-point limit2 points each
Yellowfin TunaYesWithin the combined 10-point limit2 points each
Snapper (Pargo)YesWithin the combined 10-point limit1 point each
Grouper, Triggerfish, SierraYesWithin the combined 10-point limit1 point each
Sea turtles, totoaba, protected sharksNoProtected species — catch-and-release onlyProhibited

🧮 How the 10-Point System Works · Real Examples

Marlin · 5 pts
Dorado · 2 pts
3× Snapper · 3 pts
✓ LegalExample 1: 1 marlin (5 pts) + 1 dorado (2 pts) + 3 snappers (3 pts) = 10 points · limit reached
✓ LegalExample 2: 2 dorado (4 pts) + 2 roosterfish (4 pts) + 2 snappers (2 pts) = 10 points · limit reached
✓ LegalExample 3: 1 sailfish (5 pts) + 1 wahoo (2 pts) + 3 triggerfish (3 pts) = 10 points · limit reached
✗ Over LimitExample 4: 2 marlin (10 pts) → ILLEGAL · only 1 billfish allowed per day regardless of points left

💡 The billfish rule is a hard cap: you can never keep more than 1 marlin/sailfish/swordfish per person per day, even if you have points remaining.

Yellowfin tuna catch from Gordo Banks Daliken Sportfishing legal keeper species
Yellowfin Tuna from Gordo Banks · A legal keeper species (2 points each) — perfect for sushi, searing, or vacuum-packing home.
Species Breakdown

Species-by-Species
What You Can Keep

🐟 Marlin

5 pts

Yes, you can keep marlin. Mexico allows 1 billfish per person per day (blue, black, or striped marlin). Most captains strongly encourage catch-and-release for conservation.

⛵ Sailfish

5 pts

Yes. Sailfish (Pez Vela) falls under the same 1 billfish per person/day rule. Like marlin, most sailfish are released to protect the population.

⚔️ Swordfish

5 pts

Yes. Swordfish is part of the billfish family — included in the 1 billfish limit per person per day.

🐬 Dorado (Mahi Mahi)

2 pts

Yes. Dorado is one of the most popular keeper species — excellent eating fish. Within the 10-point limit, you can legally keep up to 5 dorado per person.

🐓 Roosterfish

2 pts

Yes — but strongly recommended for release. Roosterfish is Baja's iconic sport fish and most responsible captains (including Daliken) practice catch-and-release.

⚡ Wahoo

2 pts

Yes. Wahoo is one of the best eating fish in Baja and a prime keeper species. Counts as 2 points each.

🎣 Yellowfin Tuna

2 pts

Yes. Yellowfin tuna is a top keeper species — excellent for sushi, searing, or vacuum-packing home. Counts as 2 points per fish.

🐟 Snapper (Pargo)

1 pt

Yes. Snappers (pargo amarillo, pargo mulato, huachinango) are legal keepers and excellent eating. Counts as just 1 point each, so you can keep up to 10 per day.

⚠️ Critical Warning

Protected Species
What You CAN'T Keep

Some species are legally protected in Mexican waters and must always be released unharmed. Keeping them can result in heavy fines and permit revocation.

🚫 Never Keep These Species
  • Sea turtles (all species) · criminal offense under Mexican Law
  • Totoaba (Gulf of California only, but federally protected)
  • Whale sharks and most large shark species
  • Manta rays and mobula rays
  • Dolphins, porpoises, and all cetaceans
  • Marine birds (pelicans, boobies, frigates)

Restaurants in Mexico are legally forbidden from selling sport-caught marlin, sailfish, or dorado — these species are reserved exclusively for sport fishing.

💰 Inspections & Fines · What to Expect

PROFEPA (Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente) and CONAPESCA inspectors conduct random checks at the dock and on the water. Fines for violations:

  • Fishing without a license: from $500 up to $5,000+ USD equivalent
  • Exceeding bag limits: fish confiscation + fines
  • Keeping protected species: up to $10,000 USD + criminal charges possible
  • Commercial sale of sport-caught fish: permit revocation

Daliken strictly follows CONAPESCA regulations on every trip — your license and bag limit are our responsibility too.

Puerto Los Cabos Marina dock where Daliken processes catches for guests
Fish Processing

What Happens
to Your Catch

🔪 Daliken Processing Services
  • Filleting: Free at the dock (tip appreciated for the crew)
  • Vacuum-pack & freeze: $2 USD per pound
  • Hotel delivery: We deliver processed fish to your hotel before your flight
  • Ice storage: We can hold your fish frozen up to 48 hours

Daliken has a trusted processing partner at Puerto Los Cabos Marina — they're fast, hygienic, and reasonably priced.

Travel Tips

Flying Home With Your Catch
US Customs & TSA

Many anglers want to take their catch back to the U.S. or Canada. Good news: it's legal and straightforward if you follow the rules.

✅ US Customs Rules
  • Vacuum-sealed and frozen fish is allowed for personal use
  • Declare it on your customs form when arriving in the USA
  • Keep a copy of your Mexican fishing license for proof
  • No commercial quantities (personal use only)
  • Dorado, tuna, wahoo, snapper · legal to import
  • Marlin · legal but rarely kept for transport
✈️ TSA & Airline Rules
  • Checked bags: vacuum-packed frozen fish in coolers with dry ice allowed
  • Carry-on: small frozen portions allowed if fully frozen
  • Most airlines treat fish coolers as a regular checked bag (fee may apply)
  • Alaska Airlines & American allow fish coolers; check your carrier's policy
  • Tip: freeze solid 24+ hours before flight · dry ice max 5.5 lbs
  • Label the cooler "frozen fish · personal use"
💡 Captain's Tip for Flying Home With Fish

Book the vacuum-pack & freeze service at the end of your last fishing day. We'll deliver the fish to your hotel the morning of your flight — fully frozen and travel-ready. Bring a sturdy cooler from the US or buy one cheap at a Cabo supermarket.

Dorado mahi mahi catch in Sea of Cortez Baja California legal keeper
Dorado (Mahi Mahi) · One of Cabo's most popular keeper species — 2 points each, up to 5 per person per day legally.
Local Experience

Cook Your Catch
"You Hook, We Cook" in Cabo

Many restaurants in Cabo and San José del Cabo happily prepare your fresh catch. It's one of the best culinary experiences you can have in Baja.

👨‍🍳 How "You Hook, We Cook" Works in Cabo
  • Bring your fish (filleted or whole) in a cooler
  • The restaurant charges a preparation fee (typically $10–20 USD per person)
  • They'll grill, ceviche, sashimi, or fry it to your preference
  • You order sides, drinks, and appetizers separately
  • Most restaurants need a few hours notice · call ahead

Popular "cook your catch" spots in San José del Cabo: Flora Farms, Jazmín's, Acre Baja (upscale). Many marina restaurants will also prepare your catch casually.

License Required

📋 Fishing License
Requirements

A valid Mexican fishing license is required for every person on the boat age 12+, whether you fish or not.

  • Daily license: $20 USD per person (typical dock price)
  • Weekly license: ~$50 USD per person
  • Monthly license: ~$70 USD per person
  • Annual license: ~$85 USD per person

Most charters (including Daliken) arrange the license at the dock the morning of your trip. You can also buy directly from CONAPESCA online.

Full License Guide →

This guide is based on current regulations issued by Mexican federal authorities. Always verify with official sources before your trip.

Real Catches

What Legal Limits
Look Like

Real catches from Daliken trips — all within Mexico's daily bag limits and CONAPESCA regulations.

Trophy marlin catch Daliken Sportfishing Sea of Cortez
Trophy Marlin · 1 per person/day limit (most released)
Mixed catch dorado wahoo snapper within legal daily limit
Mixed catch within the 10-point daily limit
Private charter group with captain at Puerto Los Cabos Marina
Captain-supervised limits on every Daliken trip
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
About Keeping Fish in Mexico

Can you keep marlin in Cabo?
+
Yes. Mexico allows 1 billfish per person per day (marlin, sailfish or swordfish total). Each billfish counts as 5 toward the 10-point combined daily limit. A valid fishing license is required for everyone on board. That said, most Cabo captains (including Daliken) promote catch-and-release for marlin to protect the population.
Can you keep dorado (mahi mahi) in Cabo?
+
Yes. Dorado is allowed within the combined daily limit; each dorado counts as 2 points toward the 10-point total. You could legally keep up to 5 dorado per person, but most anglers keep 1-2 for fresh meals and release the rest.
Can you keep roosterfish in Cabo?
+
Technically yes — roosterfish is legal to keep (2 points each). However, roosterfish is Baja's iconic sport species and most responsible captains strongly recommend catch-and-release. At Daliken we practice C&R on all roosterfish to protect the population.
Can you keep wahoo in Cabo?
+
Yes. Wahoo is a top keeper species — one of the best eating fish in Baja. Each fish counts as 2 points toward the combined 10-point daily limit.
Can you keep snapper (pargo) in Cabo?
+
Yes. Snappers (including pargo amarillo, pargo mulato, and huachinango) generally count as 1 point each toward the 10-point combined daily limit. Great eating fish — you can legally keep up to 10 per person.
How many fish can I keep per day in Mexico total?
+
You can keep up to 10 points worth of fish per person per day. The actual number of fish depends on species points — from 1 billfish (5 pts) up to 10 snappers (1 pt each). See the points calculator above for real examples.
Do I need a fishing license to keep fish in Cabo?
+
Yes. A valid Mexican fishing license is required for every person on the boat age 12+, whether you fish or not. A daily license is about $20 USD per person. Most charters arrange this at the dock.
What happens if I exceed the daily limit?
+
PROFEPA and CONAPESCA inspectors conduct random checks. Exceeding bag limits results in fish confiscation plus fines. Keeping protected species (sea turtles, totoaba, protected sharks) can result in fines up to $10,000 USD and possible criminal charges.
Can I bring my catch back to the USA on a plane?
+
Yes. Vacuum-sealed and frozen fish is allowed in checked bags with dry ice for personal use. Declare it at US customs, keep your Mexican fishing license for proof, and make sure fish is fully frozen (24+ hours). See the "Flying Home" section above for complete TSA and customs info.
Do restaurants in Mexico sell marlin or dorado?
+
No. Marlin and dorado are reserved for sport fishing and are not for commercial sale in Mexico. If a restaurant offers marlin or dorado on the menu, it's either falsely labeled or sourced illegally. Always buy fresh fish from the market, not from random street vendors.
Can a restaurant cook my catch?
+
Yes. Many Cabo restaurants happily prepare your fresh catch — ceviche, grilled, sashimi, fried, or more. Typical preparation fee is $10-20 USD per person, plus sides and drinks. See the "Cook Your Catch" section above for popular spots.
How does Daliken handle fish processing?
+
We fillet your catch at the dock for free (tip appreciated for the crew). Vacuum-pack and freeze service is $2 USD per pound. We can also deliver processed fish to your hotel before your flight — just let us know your travel date.
Book Legally

Ready to Catch & Keep
Legally?

Daliken is a CONAPESCA-registered operator. We handle licenses, fillet your catch free, and can arrange vacuum-pack + hotel delivery for your flight home. Fully legal, fully hassle-free.

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© 2026 Daliken Sportfishing · Legal Fishing Guide · San José del Cabo, MX · CONAPESCA-registered operator