Best Time to Fish in Cabo San Lucas: A Month-by-Month Species Calendar
Published January 21, 2026 | Top Anglers Sport Fishing Charters
The Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez converge at Cabo San Lucas, creating a year-round fishing ecosystem rich with diverse species. What you catch depends entirely on when you visit. The best time to fish in Cabo is a strategic choice based on your target species, desired experience, and fishing style. Top Anglers captains know every seasonal shift, migration pattern, and monthly variation—we'll match you with the perfect season for your goals.
Winter Fishing (December – February)
Winter is peak striped marlin season (December through March), and yellowfin tuna fishing remains strong throughout. Water temperatures settle in the mid-70s Fahrenheit, creating ideal conditions. As a bonus, gray whales migrate through these waters in winter, adding a spectacular wildlife element to your trip. Winter is best for: striped marlin and trophy tuna.
Spring Fishing (March – May)
Spring brings transition and variety. Dorado emerge in March and build through May, roosterfish activate inshore in April and May, and wahoo start biting by May. Striped marlin tapers as water warms. Spring is variety season—a single charter might produce dorado, roosterfish, and wahoo, making it thrilling for anglers who love mixed action.
Summer Fishing (June – August)
Summer features peak blue marlin (June through August), with dorado at their strongest (June through September), and yellowfin reaching impressive sizes. Water temps climb to the low-to-mid 80s. Hurricane season technically begins, but most charters operate normally. Summer offers peak abundance and variety—if you can only fish once a year and want maximum action and trophy potential, summer is your answer.
Fall Fishing (September – November)
Fall maintains strong dorado (September and October), wahoo peak (September and October), and blue marlin continues through early October. Striped marlin returns to relevance by November. Weather stabilizes mid-October onward. Fall fishes exceptionally well with fewer crowds than summer.
Species Calendar at a Glance
Striped marlin runs December through March, peaking in December and January. Blue marlin runs June through September, peaking in July and August. Dorado runs May through November, peaking June through September. Yellowfin tuna is available year-round, peaking May through December. Roosterfish is available year-round inshore, peaking May through October. Wahoo runs May through November, peaking September and October.
Plan Your Cabo Fishing Trip
Top Anglers captains have spent decades reading these waters. The best time to fish Cabo is whatever matches your target species and your dream catch. Visit topanglerscharters.com to discuss your goals with our team and book a charter that aligns with peak season for your species of choice.