San José del Cabo • Puerto Los Cabos
Fish Report: Black Marlin at Gordo Banks & Active Mahi Mahi
Busy week on the water: daily 10 lb schoolie tuna drawing in black marlin at Gordo Banks, plus mahi mahi (15–30 lb) roaming between El Cardón and areas near Punta Gorda.
Quick Report
Best trip length: 6–8 hours
Targets: Black marlin, mahi mahi, schoolie tuna
Departure: 6:10 am from Puerto Los Cabos
Includes: Captain, tackle, ice & water
Extras: Fishing licenses & live bait (if not all-inclusive)
Tip guide: Based on service and filleting
- Action: Consistent black marlin at Gordo Banks; mahi mahi 15–30 lb at El Cardón & near Punta Gorda.
- Techniques: Trolling with large lures & teasers; live bait (caballito, ballyhoo); high-speed passes if wahoo show.
- Rods & Line: 80–130 lb setups for marlin with 200–400 lb leaders; 30–50 lb for dorado with 40–60 lb leaders.
- Conditions: Surface temp ~28–30 °C (82–86 °F); light morning breeze; gentle SE swell.
The big companies are great, but Daliken is different — we are local, authentic, and fishing is our life. That’s why more and more anglers are choosing us.
Weekly highlights
Most activity centered on Gordo Banks thanks to steady 10 lb schoolie tuna, which pulled in black marlin of various sizes. Meanwhile, mahi mahi (dorado) worked weedlines and current edges between El Cardón and zones close to Punta Gorda. Our star captain Pancho recommends early departures to maximize the bite window.
Recent photos & video
What’s working now
Black marlin (Gordo Banks)
- Trolling with large kona heads, plugs and teasers.
- Live bait (caballito / ballyhoo) as a pitch bait or from the outriggers when marks appear.
- Rods: 80–130 lb class; leaders 200–400 lb; heavy-duty hooks & crimps.
- Signs: bird life, tuna marks, color breaks and temp edges.
Mahi mahi (El Cardón & near Punta Gorda)
- Trolling with small feathers, cedar plugs and compact diving lures.
- Live bait drifted along weedlines, debris or foam lines.
- Rods: 30–50 lb class; leaders 40–60 lb; 5/0–7/0 hooks.
- Jigging/Spinning when fish push bait to the surface.
Conditions & planning
- Surface temp: ~28–30 °C (82–86 °F).
- Wind: light morning breeze; prime window 6:10–11:30.
- Live bait: available early — arrive a bit ahead of time.
- Pro tip: 6–8 hours improve odds of finding the feed.
Before you go
- Check-in at 6:10 am at Puerto Los Cabos (we’ll guide you on arrival).
- Fishing licenses and live bait are paid at the marina unless you booked an all-inclusive option.
- Bring sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses and a light windbreaker.
- We can customize drinks and lunch on request.
- Filleting at no extra charge (just tip the fillet crew); vacuum-pack & freeze available on request.
