San José del Cabo Fishing Report – Tuna • Wahoo • Snapper • Sailfish
Hot zones this week: Iman Bank, Gordo Banks & San Luis. Updated conditions, techniques that are working, and captain recommendations.
Quick Summary
Tuna (YFT 20–60 lb) pushing bait on the edges of Iman and San Luis. Wahoo bites are picking up on the high spots and current lines; early-troll is best. Snapper (Pargo/Cubera) chewing on live baits over structure. Sailfish around color breaks off the banks—keep a pitch bait ready.
Sea Temp
≈ 83–86°F (28–30°C)
≈ 83–86°F (28–30°C)
Wind/Seas
NW 6–12 kt • 2–4 ft (calmer AM)
NW 6–12 kt • 2–4 ft (calmer AM)
Best Window
First light → 11:00 AM; tide changes
First light → 11:00 AM; tide changes
Numbers above are typical for late October; adjust daily to match your on-the-water read.
Current Conditions
Weather
- Morning air: 77–82°F; Afternoon highs: 86–90°F
- Wind: NW 6–12 kt (often lighter at dawn)
- Seas: 2–4 ft with light chop on the banks by midday
Water & Bait
- Sea surface temperature: 83–86°F, blue/clean edges on the drop
- Life signs: flying fish, small bonito, sardina tight to structure/current lines
- Best tide: Top of the flood or a pronounced tide swing
Hotspots (GPS not required—our captains will run the lines)
Iman Bank Gordo Banks San LuisEdges of the high spots are holding tuna schools with wahoo cruising down-tide. Snapper are tight to the rock piles; sailfish staging near color/temperature breaks just off the structure.
What’s Working Now (Techniques & Setups)
Tuna (Yellowfin)
- Live bait drift with sardina or small mackerel on 30–50 lb fluoro; circle hook 2/0–3/0.
- Jigging 120–220 g knife/long jigs, drop on marks and work vertical; color: natural/silver.
- Run-&-gun birds/foamers at first light; keep a stickbait or popper rigged (60 lb leader).
Wahoo
- High-speed troll 10–14 kt with dark/contrast lures (magnum minnows, jet heads) on wire.
- Trap-bait / downrigger along edges; set one lure deeper when sun gets high.
- Keep drags firm; avoid pump-and-wind—steady pressure limits chew-offs.
Snapper (Pargo/Cubera)
- Live bait + knocker rig (2–4 oz) close to rock; 60–80 lb leader for abrasion.
- Jig & pin: 80–150 g slow-pitch over structure; tip with strip for scent.
- Short pumps, keep them coming—don’t let them rock you on the first run.
Sailfish
- Spread: small skirted baits & feathers on 30–40 lb; teasers out wide.
- Pitch bait ready (circle 6/0–7/0) when they show; drop back smoothly.
- Handle barbless or de-barb and keep fish in the water for healthy releases.
Captain Recommendations
- Depart at 6:10 AM to hit the first light window on the banks.
- Bring a jigging outfit if you have one—vertical bites have been consistent on tuna/snapper.
- Mix your program: early wahoo troll, mid-morning tuna drifts/jigs, finish on snapper structure.
- Keep a pitch bait rigged for sailfish anytime you see birds/floaters/color change.
- Travel light but smart: sun hoodie, buff, non-skid shoes, and a small cooler bag for fillets.
Fresh Catches & Happy Clients
Know Before You Go
- Licenses & bait available at the dock before departure.
- We fillet your catch at no extra charge (tips appreciated). Vacuum-seal & freeze service available on request.
- Private round-trip transportation can be arranged—share your hotel for the best rate.
- Families welcome. We’ll tailor the plan for comfort and action.
FAQ – This Week’s Common Questions
What time do we leave and where do we meet?
Check-in is at 6:10 AM at Puerto Los Cabos Marina. Ask for Daliken Sportfishing – Felipe at the desk for licenses, bait, and boarding.
Can I keep my fish?
Yes, within Mexican regulations. We fillet it for free; vacuum-sealing/freezing can be arranged so it’s ready for travel.
Is jigging or trolling better right now?
We’re doing both: HS trolling early for wahoo, then drift/jig on tuna marks, and finishing with structure fishing for snapper.
Do you provide gear and bait?
Yes—top-quality tackle is aboard, and live bait is picked up at the dock before departure.
Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely. Tell us your group’s experience and we’ll tailor an itinerary for comfort and action.
San José del Cabo fishing report: yellowfin tuna, wahoo, pargo (snapper), sailfish; hotspots Iman Bank, Gordo Banks, San Luis; techniques include live bait drift, slow-pitch jigging, high-speed wahoo trolling, pitch baits for sails; sea temp 28–30°C.
