San José del Cabo Fish Report – Yellowfin Tuna 20–50 lb, Cubera Snapper, Striped Marlin, Wahoo & Roosterfish (October 20, 2025)
Quick Summary
Yellowfin tuna between 20–50 lb are actively feeding early morning. Larger ones have been seen deep-drifting around Iman and San Luis. Striped marlin and wahoo remain strong around temperature breaks, while cubera snapper continue to hit on structure. Shore anglers still report a few roosterfish opportunities at dawn.
- Weather: calm mornings, light afternoon breeze.
- Water temperature: 82–86 °F (28–30 °C).
- Main zones: Iman Bank • Gordo Banks • San Luis Bank.
- Departure: 6:10 AM from Puerto Los Cabos.
Species & Techniques
Yellowfin Tuna
- Chumming with sardine and squid; slow drift with 30–50 lb fluorocarbon.
- Surface boils appear briefly — topwater and stickbaits effective early.
- Main areas: Iman and San Luis, 10–18 miles offshore.
Striped Marlin
- Trolling medium lures; pitch-bait ready with live ballyhoo or caballito.
Wahoo
- High-speed trolling with wire; morning bite near color changes.
Cubera Snapper
- Live or cut bait on bottom structure; heavy drag and abrasion-proof leaders.
Roosterfish (Shore)
- Stickbaits or live bait at dawn near current channels.
Zones & Conditions
- Iman Bank: consistent tuna bite; marlin active on the edges.
- Gordo Banks: mixed action — wahoo, marlin, and cubera mid-morning.
- San Luis: tuna schools feeding deeper; best drift with sardine.
Tip: when tuna stop showing, drop a free sardine mid-water and keep quiet drift control.
- Wind: calm early, moderate in afternoon.
- Swell: gentle; suitable for pangas and cruisers.
- Water color: green-blue with clear temperature edges.
Captain Recommendations
Captain Pancho
Use 30–40 lb fluorocarbon for better tuna bites; small hooks and natural drifts.
Captain Rubén
Wahoo: troll fast at sunrise along the color break. Short wire leader and compact lure.
Captain Ulices
Marlin: work the bank edges with light trolling, keep pitch bait ready — quick reaction counts.
Captain Abaroa
Cubera: heavy tackle and tight drag from the start, or they’ll cut off on rocks.
Tourist Trips
- 6-hour trips on 23ft or 26ft Super Pangas or 33ft Sportfisher.
- Target species: tuna, dorado (when present), striped marlin.
- Includes: water & ice. Licenses and bait purchased at marina (5 min).
- Filleting included; vacuum-packing & freezing for $2 USD/lb with hotel delivery.
Recent Catches
Know Before You Go
- Check-in: 6:10 AM at Puerto Los Cabos. In Uber type “Daliken Sportfishing”. Ask for Felipe at check-in.
- Licenses & bait: purchased at the dock (2–5 min).
- Included: water & ice. Bring your own food if desired.
- Fish processing: filleting free; vacuum-packing & freezing $2 USD/lb.
