A Mecca For Fishing

An experience that will keep you coming back time and time again

By Tracy Ehrenberg

Sure, the beaches are great. So are the sights, hotels, restaurants, shopping and the myriad adventures you can experience in Los Cabos. But fishing will forever remain Cabos’ most beloved and deeply rooted recreational activity. The great thing about fishing here is that anyone can do it, regardless of experience or lack thereof. It is suitable for men and women, young and old alike. Anglers as young as 4 and as old as 90 are regular Los Cabos visitors.

When you think of fishing, perhaps you envision endless hours of tediously holding a rod with nothing happening; but that is not what fishing is like in Cabo. First, the odds of catching fish in Los Cabos are extremely high; studies show that the overall success rate for achieving a catch is a little over 90 percent, a number matched by very few locations in the world.

Visiting Los Cabos and not fishing is like going to Paris and not visiting the Eiffel Tower. So even if this is something you had not thought about doing during your visit, it’s definitely worth considering.

Anchors away. So what should you expect during a fishing excursion? Well, expect to board the boat around 7 a.m. and be back in the harbor by 3 p.m. on sportfishing boats and on “pangas” (skiffs with outboard motors) to leave at the same time, but be back around 11 a.m. The majority of crews aboard are Mexican, very experienced and very friendly.

Sportfishing boats depart from several different locations, so be sure to get accurate directions ahead of time. Most fleets have a “dock master” to greet you and walk you down to your boat and introduce you to the captain and mate. Most crews speak some English and will be happy to coach complete novices in the techniques of big game fishing.

Once underway, the deckhand will bring out rods and reels from inside the cabin and set them in rod holders. The captain decides in which direction to head depending on where fish are likely to be biting. He may head straight for the fishing grounds without lines in the water or start trolling lures soon after leaving the harbor.

All charter boats have a selection of artificial lures on board. These look like bait to the fish and normally have fairly heavy resin heads, metallic in color, with large eyes and a plastic skirt (fringe) representing the body, which can be any color combination. Upon reaching the fishing grounds, the deckhand will attach lures to the lines of the rods and position the lures at various distances behind the boat as it slows to trolling speed. The captain will then systematically cover an area of the ocean where he believes the fish are. The type and size of the lure does not necessarily dictate what kind of fish will be caught, as most smaller game fish will be attracted to lures intended for marlin.

Getting a hook into a fish’s mouth and getting it to stay there is known as “setting the hook.” If you are an experienced angler, you should let the crew know in advance that you prefer to handle your own rod completely. If you are not totally sure, unfamiliar with the species you will be targeting, or not used to the different tackle, it’s probably best to let the deckhand set the hook on the first fish while you observe. Don’t worry if you are a complete novice; the crew will help you through every step of the fight and by day’s end you’ll be feeling like a seasoned professional.

Depending on the season and hunger of the fish, you can spend minutes or several hours trolling and looking for fish. The artificial bait or lures pulled behind the boat attract fish that, when hungry, will attack. Your crew will nearly always be aware when fish are about to bite on lures and will accelerate the boat, catching most first-time anglers by surprise as frenzied activity begins.

When a fish strikes, the reel announces it with a loud zinging noise as the fish takes line. Once the deckhand is sure that the hook is well set, he will ask you to sit in the fighting chair, placing the rod in the holder attached to the seat. A crewmember will stay at your side until the battle has finished, teaching you to pull up on the rod, crank the reel handle rapidly as you lower the rod tip, and rest and wait patiently when the fish takes more line.

Depending on the size and strength of the fish and your determination, the fight can last from a few minutes to an hour or more before you have your prize alongside the boat. It is up to you to participate as much or as little as you like. Most people are strong enough to bring in a fish, and the crew is standing by to lend a hand if necessary. If your catch turns out to be a marlin and you plan to release it, the deckhand assisted by the captain will gently wiggle the hook free before letting the fish go. On the way back to the docks, the crew will bring out the flags corresponding to your catch, announcing to the world the success of your day.

There are several options available as to what to do with your catch. Most people will want to have their photo taken with their fish if of notable size. If your fish needs to be cleaned, it will be taken to the filleting tables at the dock, skinned and cut into manageable-size fillets. The fleet operator can also freeze the fish for you to collect at a later date. Smoking or vacuum packing your fish is another option and can be arranged by your dispatcher.

To take your catch home you will need a cooler. Passing your cooler through as luggage at customs is not a problem at either end of your journey, and once home your catch will provide you with plenty of tasty meals as memories of your fishing adventure.

Bountiful fishing. Where can you fish? Cabo San Lucas, which has a large marina, San José del Cabo with departures from Palmilla or Puerto Los Cabos and also at the East Cape the area comprised of Punta Pescadero, “The Pyramids” or “The Slide,” Los Barriles, Buena Vista, La Ribera, Punta Arena, Punta Colorada, Cabo Pulmo, Los Frailes and Las Barracas. The East Cape in particular has a certain charm, reminiscent of Cabo San Lucas a couple of decades ago.

What can you catch? The number one fish in Cabo is striped marlin, which ranges in size from 100 to 180 pounds and occasionally gets over the 200 pound mark. They are present throughout the year, but peak months are May, June, December and January. Blue and black marlin frequent the waters from July to mid November, with sizes ranging from 150 to 800 pounds. Sailfish are large in Los Cabos, usually from 70 to 160 pounds, and appear at the same time as blue and black marlin. Swordfish are also caught in our waters, in lesser numbers, preferring the colder months of February and March.

The largest yellowfin tuna in the world are caught in the waters of Mexico, with fish ranging from 10 to over 300 pounds. Tuna move quickly from one location to another, so the bite tends to be less consistent. Smaller schooling fish usually move through our waters in April, and then large fish are present from July throughout November. Dorado, also known as dolphin fish or mahi mahi, are numerous in Los Cabos. These exceptionally beautiful fish sport colors of yellow, bright gold and shimmering blue-green spots, and range in size from 10 to 60 pounds. Considered a prime table fish, they are one of anglers’ favorites both to fight and to eat. Wahoo is one of the fastest fish in the ocean, reaching speeds of over 50 miles an hour. These torpedo-shaped fish have sharp teeth and firm white meat that is normally cut into steaks. They are a real prize and range in size from 25 to 100 pounds. 

Not to be left out is the unusual roosterfish. This odd-looking fish boasts a comb or long spiky fins on its back that could rival any rocker’s hairdo. This species is almost always found close to shore, easily identified when it raises its comb when about to attack its prey. Roosters range in size from 10 to over 100 pounds and are not considered an eating fish. Apart from these species — which are the main target of most anglers — Los Cabos also boasts excellent fishing for red snapper, jack crevalle, amberjack, sierra, cabrilla and yellow tail as well as others caught with less frequency such as record-size snook, mako, blue and hammerhead sharks, and black sea bass.

Choosing the right boat. How can you set up a fishing trip? The deciding factor on what type of boat to pick is how many people are in your party and how much you want to spend. If possible, decide ahead of time when you plan to fish, as advance reservations assure you will get the type of boat you want on the days you want. Most major fleets have stateside booking agents with toll-free numbers, or you can call the fleet office in Mexico. Given the growth that Los Cabos is currently experiencing, it is often best make reservations with at least one week’s notice; however, it’s possible to reserve a boat with a day or two’s notice at various fleet offices around town or through your hotel.

The types of vessels available in Cabo have changed considerably over the years: “Pangas” are skiffs with outboard motors that take up to three anglers for a shorter trip of five hours. This is the most economical way to fish. They concentrate inshore for smaller game and use lighter tackle for species such as roosterfish, sierra, amberjack, jack crevalle and sometimes dorado and even marlin, when they are close by. There are a few companies that specialize in saltwater fly-fishing. Some fleets offer shared charters, which usually consists of one or two people, sharing with one or two others. This can work well cost-wise, but if it has always been your desire to land the big one, you may get to sit and watch as somebody else reels in your dream fish.

The majority of people visiting Los Cabos that decide to fish opt for the cruisers that the area is famous for. These are boats in the 28- to 35-foot range, with crews that amass years of experience in the industry. This option tends to be the most popular and productive. Los Cabos now also offers one of the most complete selections of luxury sportfishers and yachts available anywhere in the world, with vessels ranging from 40 to 100-plus feet that offer every amenity imaginable.

The best way to decide on a fleet is through recommendations from friends or by talking with different fleet operators to see what each has to offer. Information obtained directly from the different fleet offices is generally more accurate and complete, in regard to fishing techniques, tackle and amenities. If conservation is important to you, make sure you check out the fleet’s policy regarding catch and release. Expect to pay from US$150 for a panga to US$450 to $700 for cruisers and upwards of US$800 for larger air-conditioned vessels. Check what is and isn’t included in rates.

Just the joy of being out on the water makes a fishing trip worthwhile, to feel the camaraderie at the dock in the morning between anglers and crewmen, as they share a cup of coffee and discuss the day’s hopes and expectations, is not to be missed.

Best Times to Catch...

Tour Operators to Contact

There are dozens of outfitters to host your complete fishing vacation, and just about as many fleets docked in the marina to charter a boat for the day. Here are a few to get you started.

Pisces Sportfishing Fleet
Tel: (624) 143-1288
www.piscessportfishing.com

Picante Sportfishing
Tel: (624) 143-2474
www.picantesportfishing.com

Hotel Buena Vista Beach Resort (East Cape)
Tel: (800) 752-3555
www.hotelbuenavista.com

Hotel Palmas de Cortez (East Cape)
Tel: (800) 368-4334 or (624) 141-0214
www.bajaresorts.com

Josephine Charters
Tel: (858) 832-1477 (U.S.) or (624) 143-1288
www.josephineyachtcharters.com

Gladiator Charters
Tel: (866) 702-6337 (U.S.) or (624) 143-9712
www.gladiatorcharters.com

Redrum Sportfishing
Tel: (624) 172-0085
www.redrumcabo.com

For a list of annual fishing tournaments, please check out our Calendar of Events.

East Cape Hotelier Keeps Guests Returning Year After Year

By Rick Stedman

For nearly three decades, Jesus "Chuy" Valdez has provided the perfect venue for making great memories. He's also had a little help from Mother Nature. As the owner of Hotel Buena Vista Beach Resort — nestled along white sandy beaches framed by the Sea of Cortés — Chuy has steadily molded and perfected the property that is known widely as the "Jewel of East Cape."

Located 45 minutes north of the Los Cabos International Airport, Hotel Buena Vista began as a beachfront hacienda. It was originally built as a vacation retreat by Mexican General Agustín Olachea, two-time governor of Baja California Sur. "When we first purchased the property, we started out with just 13 rooms," explains Chuy. "But over the years we've improved and expanded and today the resort features 60 rooms, lush landscaped grounds, a pool, swim-up bar and a world-class restaurant. Our four-star resort welcomes everyone with wide-open arms and makes them feel like one of the family," adds Chuy, the vice president of the National Hotel Association that represents all hotels and motels in Mexico. "It's no wonder we have guests return again and again, year after year."

Originally from Guaymas in the northeast Mexican state of Sonora, Chuy studied accounting and began working in that field at various hotels while in college. His powerful work ethic helped support seven younger siblings. In 1969, he was offered an accounting position at a resort in La Paz. He later became general manager of that resort until opening his own travel agency. "Back then, I saw incredible potential for tourism," he reflects, "not only because of the world-class fishing in Baja, but the area's pristine beauty as well."

Because of Chuy's influence, fishing has always been a priority at Hotel Buena Vista. The resort currently hosts an experienced fishing fleet that includes 20 boats, ranging from 23 feet to 31 feet in length. Picnic lunches are provided for each boat.

"Our hotel strongly believes in conserving our natural resources and supports the Worldwide Billfish Foundation and its catch-and-release program," says Chuy. "Once, our skippers thought that bringing back a dead fish was more macho than returning with a release flag. Now they're proud to let the fish live."

For those wanting to experience the joy of consuming tuna, dorado, cabrilla or any other bottom fish they caught that day, hotel chefs will gladly prepare a guest's catch.

In addition to his love of fishing, Chuy frequently hunts in the nearby mountains for black-tail and mule deer, mountain lions, coyotes, white-wing doves, and ducks. Chuy is also vice president of the first Sport Fishing Federal Association of Mexico, a group that lobbies to preserve natural resources.

Why is Cabo so much fun? There is so much to do! Click here for a list of dive, watersports, fishing and tour operators. You'll also find links to Cabo's world class golf courses, spas, adventure tours, horseback riding, wedding coordinators and cruises.

For a complete schedule of fishing tournaments in Los Cabos and Baja's East Cape, please see Events.

Read unbiased opinions about Cabo San Lucas activities at TripAdvisor.