Fishing varies according to water temperature, currents, weather and natural conditions — so treat the month-by-month breakdown below as historical guidance, not a guarantee. Every day on the water is different, and no charter can promise a catch.
How to use this calendar
The species listed for each month are the ones most commonly targeted by anglers fishing out of San José del Cabo and Puerto Los Cabos during that part of the year. Water conditions shift the timing from season to season, so a species that is strong one January may arrive a few weeks earlier or later the next.
Ready to book a day on the water? See our Sport Fishing charter departing from Puerto Los Cabos, or read the best time to fish guide for a seasonal breakdown.
Month-by-month fishing calendar
January
Striped, blue and black marlin are still around early in the month, while yellowfin tuna and dorado can be found near the banks. Inshore, sierra and roosterfish are active.
February
Peak marlin season continues offshore. Yellowfin tuna and dorado are possible, and inshore roosterfish and sierra provide steady action closer to shore.
March
Marlin remains the headline offshore target. Tuna and dorado thin out but are still caught. Inshore roosterfish and snapper pick up.
April
Marlin action continues as the season winds down. Yellowfin tuna begin to show more consistently. Inshore, roosterfish and snapper are reliable.
May
A transition month. Yellowfin tuna and dorado start to build, while marlin becomes less consistent. Roosterfish and snapper remain good inshore bets.
June
Summer pelagics arrive. Dorado (mahi-mahi) and yellowfin tuna pick up strongly, and wahoo begin to appear. Inshore roosterfish stays active.
July
Dorado and yellowfin tuna are the stars of summer, with wahoo a welcome surprise. Warm water brings good offshore action.
August
Peak summer fishing. Dorado and yellowfin tuna are abundant, wahoo is possible, and black marlin can show up in the warm water.
September
Dorado and yellowfin tuna remain strong. Black and blue marlin are possible in the warmest water. Weather can be a factor this month.
October
A strong mixed month. Dorado and tuna are still around, wahoo is possible, and striped marlin begins to reappear as water cools.
November
Striped marlin returns in earnest. Dorado and yellowfin tuna are still caught, and wahoo remains possible early in the month.
December
Striped marlin season is in full swing, with blue and black marlin also possible. Yellowfin tuna and dorado are around, and inshore sierra returns.
Fishing varies according to water temperature, currents, weather and natural conditions. The calendar above reflects general historical patterns and is not a guarantee of what you will catch on any given day.
Offshore vs nearshore fishing
Offshore (deep sea) fishing targets pelagic species like marlin, tuna, dorado and wahoo over the banks and open water. Nearshore (inshore) fishing stays closer to the coast and goes after roosterfish, sierra, snapper and other reef-associated species. Our Sport Fishing charter focuses on the offshore experience; talk to the crew if you have a preference.
Plan your fishing trip
Choosing a month based on your target species is the best way to plan. For a deeper look at how the seasons compare, read our best time to fish guide and the Gordo Banks fishing guide for context on the offshore grounds off San José del Cabo.
Frequently asked questions
Los Cabos Fishing Calendar: What to Catch Each Month FAQs
Ready to get out on the water?
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