Striped Marlin Bite Picks Up, Wahoo Strong at Gordo Banks
Quick Answer
The east wind has been blowing steady this week and it has lit the fishing up. Striped marlin activity jumped sharply with fish in the 80–100 lb class, mahi mahi continue to show offshore, the wahoo bite is strong (around 40% of boats are connecting) across the area and especially at Gordo Banks, and inshore is producing roosterfish and jack crevalle (toro) close to the beach. Mornings are best — book early, fish early.
Current Conditions
The east wind (locally called viento del este) has been the headline of the week. It bumps up the chop on the surface, but it is exactly the type of wind that gets the offshore bite firing — bait stacks up, water moves, and the predators show up. We are seeing very good activity from a few miles off the marina out to Gordo Banks, with steady mid-70s water temps that are ideal for a mixed-bag day.
What's Biting Right Now
Striped Marlin — 80 to 100 lb Class
Activity: Up Best zone: Gordo Banks & offshoreThis has been the biggest change of the week. Striped marlin numbers picked up clearly, with most fish landing in the 80 to 100 pound range — solid fighters, perfect size for a memorable release on a full-day trip. We are getting shots both around Gordo Banks and pushing a few miles north toward the Cabeza de Ballena edge. Live mackerel has been the top bait when we can get it; rigged ballyhoo and a clean lure spread are working when bait is short.
Captain tip: when the east wind picks up, slow-troll a tighter spread and keep two pitch baits ready. Marlin are coming up on the teaser; you have seconds to drop a live one back.
Wahoo — Strong Bite Across the Area
Activity: ~40% boat success Hot zone: Gordo Banks, 1150 BankWahoo is the fish of the week for a lot of crews. Roughly 40% of boats fishing the area are connecting, and the action concentrates around Gordo Banks — both the inner and outer drops — with a few good fish coming off the 1150 zone. Most fish have been quality (30 lb+), with bigger ones reported to the north. Pull faster, run wire leaders, and watch the bird activity.
Best baits/lures: Marauders, Yo-Zuri Bonita, big Nomad DTX, and rigged ballyhoo at higher trolling speeds. Live skipjack on the deep line has produced as well.
Mahi Mahi (Dorado) — Steady Offshore
Activity: Consistent Hot zone: Current lines, floating debrisMahi mahi action stayed consistent through the week. Most fish are running schoolie size with bigger bulls mixed in around current edges and any floating structure. The classic move applies: slow-troll a clean lure spread, watch the birds, and when you find one keep a live bait ready — schools usually stick around the boat.
Roosterfish — Active Inshore
Activity: Good Hot zone: Beaches close to the marinaThe inshore beach line has been producing roosterfish steadily, especially in the early morning before the wind sets up. They are responding to live bait worked along the surf line. Catch and release is the way to go on these — the population is the soul of inshore fishing in San José del Cabo and we want to keep it that way for next year.
Jack Crevalle (Jurel Toro) — Great Light Tackle Action
Activity: Good Hot zone: Inshore, near rocky pointsToro is showing in good numbers along the beach and around the rocky points. Pound for pound one of the toughest fights you can get on light tackle — perfect species for first-time anglers and families that want non-stop action without going far offshore. Topwater poppers and live bait are both working.
Hot Zones This Week
- Gordo Banks (Inner & Outer): Best all-around spot. Striped marlin, wahoo, and a chance at a big yellowfin if the tuna show.
- Cabeza de Ballena edge (~18 mi NE): Mackerel pushing in early. Strong area for striped marlin on live bait.
- Iman / La Fortuna: Mahi and quality fish on current lines and structure.
- 1150 Bank: Worth the run on a full-day trip — wahoo and marlin both showing.
- Inshore beach line (close to the marina): Roosterfish and jack crevalle, perfect for half-day trips.
Tactics & Captain Notes
- Fish early. Best window is 6:10 AM departure to about 11:00 AM. The east wind builds through the day; the bite is cleaner before the chop.
- Striped marlin: Live mackerel when available, ballyhoo backed by a clean lure spread when not. Keep pitch baits ready at the teaser.
- Wahoo: Higher trolling speed (8–12 kt), wire leaders, and stay on bird activity. Marauders and dark/purple lures have been hot.
- Mahi: Hunt current lines and floating structure. Slow-troll, then drop live bait when a school shows.
- Roosterfish & toro: Live mullet or sardine cast tight to the beach line. Stay quiet on the approach.
- Wind plan: If the east wind kicks up later in the day, we shift closer in or work protected lines. We adjust the plan in real time — your captain knows.
From The Water — Super Panga Action
Quick clip from a recent Super Panga trip — roosterfish and mahi mahi off San José del Cabo. This is the kind of mixed-bag day you can expect right now if you fish the inshore + offshore combo on a full-day trip.
Recommended Private Charters
All trips below run from Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San José del Cabo and depart at 6:10 AM. Each trip is fully private — only your group on the boat.
Habanero 28 ft
Our top boat. More speed, more comfort, and a private bathroom — ideal if you want to push out to Gordo Banks or the 1150 fast and stay out for a full marlin/wahoo day. Best for groups of 1–6.
Book Habanero 28ft
Super Panga 26 ft
The sweet spot for most groups. Roomy, stable in the east wind, includes a toilet. Great for the mixed-bag days we are having right now — inshore roosterfish in the morning, offshore wahoo and mahi after that. Best for 1–5 anglers.
Book Super Panga 26ft
Super Panga 23 ft
Best value. Perfect for couples, first-timers, or anyone who wants a focused inshore/half-day trip — roosterfish, jack crevalle and a shot at offshore species when the wind allows. Best for 1–4 anglers.
Book Super Panga 23ftOur Recommendations Right Now
- Want a striped marlin or wahoo: Book a full-day on Habanero 28 ft. Faster run to Gordo Banks and the 1150 means more time fishing the right water.
- Want a balanced day with the best chance at variety: The Super Panga 26 ft full-day is hard to beat right now — roosterfish early, then offshore for mahi, wahoo or marlin shots.
- First-timers, families, or couples: The Super Panga 23 ft half-day is the smart call — non-stop inshore action with toro and roosterfish, no big runs needed.
- Tournament-style anglers chasing trophy fish: Lock in dates early — Gordo Banks is heating up and weekends are filling up fast.
Ready to Fish San José del Cabo?
Talk directly to Captain Pancho or Jaime. We will help you pick the right boat, the right trip, and the right day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is biting in San José del Cabo right now?
This week the strongest action is striped marlin in the 80–100 lb class, wahoo at Gordo Banks (around 40% of boats are connecting), and steady mahi mahi offshore. Inshore is producing roosterfish and jack crevalle close to the beach.
What is the best time of day to fish right now?
Mornings. We depart 6:10 AM and the cleanest bite is from departure to roughly 11:00 AM, before the east wind builds. If you want the calmest ride and the best shot, fish early.
Is the east wind a problem for fishing?
Not at all — it actually triggers the offshore bite. It does add chop on the surface so we adjust the plan: faster trolling for wahoo, tighter spreads for marlin, and we can shift inshore to protected lines if the wind kicks up hard later in the day.
How big are the striped marlin this week?
Most fish are running 80 to 100 pounds. Solid fighters, ideal release fish, and a great size to land on a full-day trip.
Where are the wahoo concentrating?
Gordo Banks (inner and outer) is the main zone, with extra opportunities at the 1150 Bank. We are seeing roughly 40% of boats fishing the area connect with at least one wahoo.
Which boat should I pick for this week's conditions?
If you want striped marlin or wahoo and you want speed to Gordo Banks, pick the Habanero 28ft. If you want a balanced inshore + offshore day, the Super Panga 26ft is the sweet spot. If you are a small group, first-time angler, or focused on inshore action, the Super Panga 23ft is the best value.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes — every angler on board needs a valid CONAPESCA license. We can help you get it quickly when you book.
