The Gordo Banks: A Local Captain's Sport Fishing Guide
Quick Facts
- Location
- Off the coast of San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur
- Inner Gordo
- 5 to 7 miles SE of Puerto Los Cabos, starts at 130 ft depth
- Outer Gordo
- About 10 miles offshore, 220 ft at shallowest point
- From Puerto Los Cabos
- 30 to 50 minute run depending on conditions
- From Cabo San Lucas
- About 22 miles, 90+ minute run
- Famous for
- Yellowfin tuna, striped marlin, wahoo, dorado
What the Gordo Banks Actually Are
The Gordo Banks are two underwater seamounts rising sharply from deep water off the southeastern coast of Baja California Sur. They are not islands. Most visitors never see anything on the surface that tells them they are over one of the most famous fishing spots in the world. What you see is open water. What is below you is a structural anomaly that explains everything.
Around the seamounts, the seafloor drops to thousands of feet. The peaks themselves rise to about 130 feet (Inner Gordo) and 220 feet (Outer Gordo) below the surface. This sudden vertical structure forces deep, cold, nutrient-rich water upward when currents hit it, a process called upwelling. Upwelling brings nutrients, nutrients feed plankton, plankton feeds baitfish, and baitfish concentrate the predators. That chain is why the Banks consistently produce when other water nearby is empty.
The Banks sit at the meeting point of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. The mix of warm Cortez water and cooler Pacific water creates temperature breaks, another major attractor for pelagic species. This is why local captains say the Gordo Banks fish well in conditions where other spots do not.
Inner Gordo vs Outer Gordo
This is the first thing every angler should understand before booking a charter. The two banks are different fisheries with different boat requirements, different trip lengths, and different target species.
The closer one
Five to seven miles southeast of Puerto Los Cabos. Reachable by panga. Half-day trips can comfortably fish it. Strong year-round action for inshore and light-offshore species, with productive bottom structure.
- Depth at peak: ~130 feet
- Run time from marina: 25 to 35 minutes
- Boat needed: panga (22 to 26 ft) works well
- Trip length: half-day (5 to 6 hours)
- Target species: yellowfin tuna, striped marlin (in season), roosterfish, dorado, wahoo, snapper, grouper, amberjack, yellowtail
- Best for: families, beginners, half-day visitors, mixed-target fishing
The serious one
Three additional miles further out. This is full offshore territory. Big yellowfin (cow-class fish over 200 lbs are possible), bigger marlin, and wahoo concentrate here. Requires a proper offshore cruiser and a full day on the water.
- Depth at peak: ~220 feet
- Run time from marina: 40 to 50 minutes
- Boat needed: 29 to 35 ft cruiser minimum
- Trip length: full day (8 hours)
- Target species: yellowfin tuna (including cow tuna), blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, wahoo, dorado, sailfish
- Best for: serious anglers, full-day charters, big-game pursuit
If your goal is to land a quality fish without committing to a full day offshore, the Inner Gordo is genuinely productive. Many local captains will tell you that on a typical day, the Inner produces more total fish than the Outer. The Outer is where the trophy potential is higher, but the run is longer and the boat needs to be bigger.
Species and What to Expect
The Gordo Banks are unusual for the variety they hold. Few fishing locations in the world produce this many target species in such a small area. Below is what each species realistically looks like at the Banks.
Gordo Banks Target Species
- Yellowfin TunaThe Banks' signature fish. Most consistent July through early December. Average 15 to 50 lbs, with cow-class fish (200 lbs+) possible at the Outer in peak season.
- Striped MarlinYear-round in these waters, with strong runs in late winter and spring. The Outer Gordo and surrounding banks consistently produce.
- Blue MarlinSummer and early fall. Fish in the 250 to 400 pound range are typical, with much larger fish possible.
- Black MarlinLess common but present, especially July through October. Trophy potential. A 600+ lb black was reported off the Outer Gordo edges in summer 2025.
- WahooThe Banks are locally known as the Wahoo Banks. Best in late spring through fall. Wire leader is non-negotiable.
- Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)Spring through fall, peaking in summer. Typically 15 to 40 lbs, with bull dorado over 50 lbs possible.
- SailfishSummer and fall. Often released in mixed-marlin trips.
- RoosterfishInshore around the Inner Gordo and adjacent beaches, spring through summer. Catch and release is standard.
- Yellowtail and AmberjackYear-round on the structure, with stronger runs of yellowtail in winter and spring.
- Bottom speciesSnapper (including dogtooth), pargo, grouper, cabrilla. Year-round on the rock structure of the Banks.
For a full breakdown of which species peak in which month across all of Los Cabos, see our Cabo fishing calendar. For the latest week-by-week reports from the Banks themselves, see our fish reports page, which is updated regularly.
Boat Requirements: Don't Get Talked into the Wrong Vessel
The single biggest mistake first-time visitors make at the Banks is booking the wrong boat for the trip they want. The economics push some operators to put guests on undersized boats for long runs. That is uncomfortable, limits the gear that can be fished properly, and on a rough day can be unsafe.
For the Inner Gordo
A 22 to 26 foot panga is appropriate. These are open-deck boats, often super-pangas with center consoles or T-tops for shade. They are efficient, fish well at the Inner, and are the most common option from Puerto Los Cabos. A super-panga will get you to the Inner in about 25 to 35 minutes.
For the Outer Gordo
A 29 to 35 foot cruiser minimum. You want a proper offshore vessel with a cabin (you may need shelter from sun, wind, or weather), a fighting chair or proper rod holders for big fish, and the deck space and tackle to fish multiple lines for trolling. Anything significantly smaller for a full-day offshore trip is a compromise that costs you fishing quality and comfort. Our sport fishing fleet has options sized appropriately for both Inner and Outer Gordo trips.
For long-range banks beyond Outer Gordo
If your trip extends beyond the Outer Gordo to the 1150 Bank, San Jaime, Golden Gate, or further (Finger Bank is roughly 75 miles out from Puerto Los Cabos), you want a 40 foot vessel or larger with the range, fuel, and comfort for an extended day. For these long-range trips, see our VIP yacht charter options.
How a Gordo Banks Trip Actually Runs
For visitors planning their first Banks trip, here is how the day typically goes from a Puerto Los Cabos departure.
Pre-departure
Most charters ask guests to arrive at the marina by 6:00 to 6:10 AM. The check-in palapa is on the malecón near the sport fishing dock. The crew will have already loaded ice, bottled water, fuel, and tackle. Live bait is sourced separately at this hour from the bait pangas working the harbor (typical cost is $30 to $50 per boat, depending on availability and species).
Fishing licenses
Mexico requires a valid sport fishing license for every angler over 12 years old. Most charters can arrange this in advance or at the dock. Cost is approximately $20 USD per person per day. This is a legal requirement and authorities do check.
The run out
Departures from Puerto Los Cabos to the Inner Gordo take 25 to 35 minutes. To the Outer, 40 to 50 minutes. The morning run is usually the calmest part of the day. Bring a light layer because even in summer the dawn run on the water is cool.
On the water
Captains adjust strategy based on the day's conditions, water temperature, current, bait presence, and what is being marked on sonar. A typical Gordo Banks trip mixes drifting (for tuna with bait), trolling (for marlin, dorado, and wahoo), and structure fishing (for bottom species). Good captains read the day and shift tactics rather than locking onto one method.
Return and fish handling
Most boats return between 12:00 and 2:00 PM for half-day trips, and 2:00 to 3:30 PM for full days. The fish cleaning station is at Puerto Los Cabos near the dock. Vacuum packing and freezing services are available locally (typically around $2 USD per pound). Several restaurants in San José del Cabo will prepare your catch the same evening.
Best Months to Fish the Gordo Banks
The Banks produce all year, but each season has a personality.
- January to March: Cooler water, peak striped marlin, yellowtail and amberjack on the structure. Sea conditions can be windier. Whale watching season overlaps with fishing trips.
- April to June: The transition into big-game season. Striped marlin still strong, dorado building, yellowfin tuna starting, first wahoo of the year usually in late May.
- July to September: Peak summer. Yellowfin, dorado, wahoo, sailfish, blue marlin all active. Water in the mid 80s. Hurricane season is active and trips can be canceled for weather.
- October: Tournament season. Banks are crowded but the action is intense. Cow tuna and trophy marlin are most likely this month.
- November to December: Yellowfin tuna still strong into early December. Crowds thin, conditions cool. Excellent value month.
For specific monthly conditions and what is biting now, our monthly fishing guide tracks the current state of the fishery.
A Local Captain's Tips for the Gordo Banks
Stay in San José del Cabo or La Playita, not Cabo San Lucas. Saving 35 to 45 minutes at 5:30 AM matters. Most fishing-focused visitors who book Cabo San Lucas hotels regret it after the first early morning. Puerto Los Cabos is 5 minutes from a San José hotel, vs. 35 to 45 minutes from a Cabo San Lucas hotel.
Trust the captain on which Bank to fish. The Inner is not "the lesser option," it is often the smarter call based on day-to-day conditions. A captain who insists on running to the Outer regardless of conditions is fishing on schedule, not on results.
Bring your own polarized sunglasses, a long-sleeve UPF shirt, hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and closed shoes. The sun on the water at this latitude is intense even in winter. Most boats provide water and a cooler with ice for your drinks.
If you are after wahoo specifically, wire leader is mandatory. Wahoo teeth cut monofilament and fluorocarbon clean. Anglers who do not respect this lose lures and fish all day.
October is intense and exciting because of tournament season, but the Banks get crowded and prices climb. If you want similar fishing with fewer boats, target late September or early November. Both months produce well and feel like you have the water more to yourself.
Practical Information
For full charter pricing across panga and cruiser options, see our boat prices page. For background on the marina itself, our Puerto Los Cabos Marina guide covers layout, restaurants, and visitor logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Gordo Banks located?
The Gordo Banks are two underwater seamounts off the coast of San José del Cabo. The Inner Gordo Bank sits roughly 5 to 7 miles southeast of Puerto Los Cabos Marina. The Outer Gordo Bank is approximately 10 miles offshore. Both are far closer to Puerto Los Cabos than to Cabo San Lucas Marina, which sits about 22 miles to the southwest.
What is the difference between the Inner and Outer Gordo Banks?
The Inner Gordo Bank is the closer of the two, starting at about 130 feet deep at its shallowest point, and is reachable by panga in a half-day trip. The Outer Gordo Bank is about three miles further out, drops to roughly 220 feet at its shallowest, and is serious offshore territory typically requiring a 29 to 35 foot cruiser and a full-day charter. The Inner produces strong year-round inshore action while the Outer is the bigger-game offshore stop.
What kind of fish are at the Gordo Banks?
The Gordo Banks produce yellowfin tuna (including occasional cow-class fish over 200 pounds), striped marlin year-round, blue marlin and black marlin in season, sailfish, dorado, wahoo (locally the area is called the Wahoo Banks), roosterfish inshore, yellowtail, amberjack, dogtooth snapper, grouper, pargo, and several other bottom species. The variety is part of what makes the area famous.
When is the best time to fish the Gordo Banks?
The Banks produce year-round, but peak action varies by species. Yellowfin tuna are most consistent from July through early December. Striped marlin run year-round, with strong spring and fall periods. Wahoo and dorado peak in summer and fall as water temperatures climb. Roosterfish are best from spring through summer. October is the most intense month overall due to tournament season.
What size boat do I need to fish the Gordo Banks?
For the Inner Gordo Bank, a panga (22 to 26 feet) is sufficient and is the most economical option. For the Outer Gordo Bank, you want a cruiser of at least 29 to 35 feet with proper offshore tackle, fighting chair, and cabin. Going smaller on a long offshore run is uncomfortable and limits the gear you can fish properly. For long-range banks beyond Outer Gordo (1150, San Jaime, Golden Gate), 40 feet or more is recommended.
How long is a Gordo Banks fishing trip?
A typical Inner Gordo trip runs 5 to 6 hours with departure around 6:00 AM and return early afternoon. An Outer Gordo trip runs 8 hours since you need roughly 45 minutes each way to run out and back, leaving about 6 hours of actual fishing. Most charters depart from Puerto Los Cabos Marina between 6:00 and 6:30 AM.
Ready to Fish the Gordo Banks?
We run charters to the Gordo Banks every morning from Puerto Los Cabos. Pangas for the Inner, cruisers for the Outer, full setup either way. Get in touch and we'll match the boat to the trip you want.
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