This guide explains what the Gordo Banks are, how they relate to San José del Cabo and Puerto Los Cabos, and what anglers typically target there. It is informational — not every charter visits the Gordo Banks, and where you fish on any given day depends on conditions and the captain’s judgment.
What are the Gordo Banks?
The Gordo Banks (often referred to together as “the Gordo”) are a series of seamounts and underwater structure that rise from the sea floor in the Sea of Cortez, north of San José del Cabo. Underwater structure like this concentrates nutrients and baitfish, which in turn attract the pelagic species that anglers travel from around the world to chase.
Because the banks hold bait and structure, they can be productive across much of the year — but what is running over them changes with the seasons, the water temperature and the currents.
Relationship to San José del Cabo
The Gordo Banks lie offshore of the San José del Cabo area, which makes San José del Cabo and Puerto Los Cabos a natural departure point for anglers who want to fish them. Departing from Puerto Los Cabos keeps the run to the offshore grounds shorter than leaving from Cabo San Lucas on the other side of the peninsula.
Our Sport Fishing charter departs from Puerto Los Cabos Marina. Whether the day’s plan includes the Gordo Banks is always the captain’s call, based on where the fish are and the conditions on the water.
Offshore fishing context
Fishing the banks is an offshore (deep sea) pursuit. It means running out past the nearshore reefs to open water where marlin, tuna, dorado and wahoo hunt. The banks act as a gathering point — but pelagic fish move, and a productive spot one day can be quiet the next.
Commonly targeted pelagic species
Striped marlin — the signature winter target, with blue and black marlin also possible.
Yellowfin tuna — present much of the year, strongest in summer and fall.
Dorado (mahi-mahi) — a summer and fall favorite.
Wahoo — a fast, prized catch possible in the warmer months.
For a month-by-month view of when these species are typically running, see the Los Cabos fishing calendar and the best time to fish guide.
Seasonal variability
The Gordo Banks fish differently through the year. Winter brings the marlin season; summer brings the warm-water tuna and dorado run. Water temperature and currents shift the timing every season, so what is hot in early January one year may peak in late January the next.
Why conditions determine the strategy
On any given day, the captain reads the water — temperature, color, current and bird activity — to decide where to run and what to target. That is why no charter can promise a specific spot or a specific catch. The strategy is always driven by the conditions, and flexibility is part of fishing offshore in Baja.
This guide describes the Gordo Banks in general terms. Not every charter visits the Gordo Banks, and exact travel times depend on conditions, departure point and the day’s plan. No catch is guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Gordo Banks Fishing Guide FAQs
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