Yellowfin Tuna in Cabo San Lucas
Pure power on the line. Yellowfin tuna are one of the hardest-fighting fish in the ocean — their initial run can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. They are also the species most often kept by Cabo anglers, with fresh sashimi on the dock being a beloved local tradition. Both the current and the previous IGFA world records came from Mexican Pacific waters.
When to fish for yellowfin tuna
Peak season in Cabo San Lucas: June through November.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowfin Tuna | Good | Good | Some | Some | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Jun–Nov |
PeakGoodSomeOff
Biology
Yellowfin tuna are a schooling pelagic species identifiable by their bright yellow dorsal and anal finlets and the golden lateral band along their flanks. Mature fish develop dramatically elongated second dorsal and anal fins that can reach almost to the tail.
Yellowfin are warm-blooded (endothermic) — they can maintain a body temperature above the surrounding water, which gives them a metabolic advantage for sustained high-speed swimming and deep diving.
The IGFA all-tackle world record, 443 pounds, was caught in 2024 off Mexico's Pacific coast, and the previous record of 427 pounds (2012) came from waters south of Cabo San Lucas, which makes this region one of the most productive yellowfin fisheries on Earth. Yellowfin are often found in association with dolphins — following porpoise schools is a standard Cabo tuna fishing technique.
Taxonomy
| Order | Scombriformes |
|---|---|
| Family | Scombridae |
| Genus | Thunnus |
| Species | T. albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788) |
| Common names | Yellowfin tuna, ahi (Hawaiian), atún aleta amarilla (Spanish), allison tuna |
| Lifespan | Approximately 6–8 years |
| Diet | Squid, crustaceans, small pelagic fish, flying fish |
| Habitat | Tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Epipelagic, typically found in the top 100 meters but capable of diving to 1,000+ feet. Often associated with dolphins and floating debris. |
How we fish for them
Chunk & Chum
Highest Volume. The boat anchors or drifts near a school, and chunks of cut bait are thrown overboard to create a chum slick. When tuna begin feeding in the slick, baited hooks are dropped into the feeding zone. This produces the highest volume of fish. Tackle: 30–50 lb class conventional.
Live Bait / Popping
Sport Technique. Live sardines or caballito on circle hooks, or surface poppers and stick baits cast to feeding schools. Popping for tuna on spinning tackle is one of the most exciting techniques in sport fishing. Tackle: Heavy spinning or 30 lb conventional.
Trolling
Covering Ground. Cedar plugs, feathers, and skirted lures trolled at 6–8 knots to locate schools. Once fish are found, the boat often switches to chunk or live bait techniques. Effective for covering large areas of water. Tackle: 30–50 lb class.
Records & sizes
Igfa All-Tackle World Record: 443 lb (200.9 kg). Caught by Earl Gill IV on November 11, 2024 at the Lower Banks off Mexico's Pacific coast, aboard the Excel out of San Diego. It beat the previous record, a 427-pound fish caught by Guy Yocom in 2012 south of Cabo San Lucas, by 16 pounds.
Typical Good Catch: 30-150 lb. Yellowfin in Cabo typically run 30 to 150 pounds, with trophy fish over 200 pounds caught every season. The species grows rapidly — a 100-pound fish may be only 3–4 years old.
Top Speed: ~47 mph. Estimated maximum burst speed. Yellowfin Tuna are among the fastest fish in the ocean.
Maximum Recorded Length: ~7 ft (2.1 m). Approximate maximum total length. Cabo yellowfin tuna typically measure smaller.
Record source: IGFA world records.
Conservation & rules
Mexican bag limits allow 5 yellowfin tuna per angler per day. Fish cleaning is available at the dock for an additional fee.
Anatomy
Questions
Is yellowfin tuna good to eat?
Yellowfin tuna is considered one of the finest eating fish in the ocean. The firm, deep-red flesh is excellent as sashimi, seared steaks, poke, or grilled. The limit is 5 per angler per day. Fish cleaning is available at the dock for an additional fee. Several restaurants near the marina will prepare it fresh for you that same day.
When is tuna season in Cabo?
Yellowfin tuna are most abundant in Cabo from June through November, with peak fishing in July through October when large schools concentrate around offshore banks and temperature breaks. Trophy-size fish over 100 pounds are most common during this window.
Can I keep the tuna I catch?
Yes. Yellowfin tuna can be kept — the limit is 5 per angler per day. Fish cleaning and filleting is available at the dock for an additional fee. Many Cabo restaurants will prepare your fresh tuna as sashimi, ceviche, or grilled — ask us for recommendations.
Photos
Other species in Cabo
Boats for yellowfin tuna
Offshore sportfishers with the range to reach the banks. From $1,174 with license included.
