Fishing conditions in Cabo San Lucas

Water temperature

Each species has a comfort range. Striped marlin are most common in Cabo when the water is roughly 68–75°F (20–24°C). Blue marlin arrive when it climbs above about 78°F (26°C), and wahoo and sailfish like it warm too, roughly 75–83°F (24–28°C). A temperature break, where the water changes a degree or two over a short distance, often concentrates bait and gamefish.

Chlorophyll and water color

Low chlorophyll means clear, deep-blue water; higher values mean greener water with more plankton and bait. Offshore fish often cruise along the edge between the two. Satellites see the surface only and can misread water right next to shore; after heavy rain, runoff can make inshore water murky even when the satellite shows blue.

Wind, waves and which side to fish

The Pacific side and the Sea of Cortez side often have very different conditions on the same day. Our captains check both every morning and head to the calmer, more productive side. Most days start calm and the wind builds in the afternoon, one more reason boats leave early.

Tides and moon

Tides matter most for inshore fishing, like roosterfish from a panga, where moving water around the rocks and beaches gets fish feeding. Many anglers also track the moon phase; captains have their own theories, and results vary.