fishing calendar
SAN JOSE DEL CABO
WHAT YOU CAN CATCH EACH MONTH
San Jose del Cabo offers year-round fishing thanks to the rich waters. But what you'll catch depends on when you visit. Below is our month-by-month guide to help you plan the best fishing trip, whether you're chasing marlin offshore or roosterfish along the coast.
All of our charters depart from Marina Puerto Los Cabos, just 5-10 minutes from San Jose del Cabo hotels.
MOST ASKED
Striped Marlin — November through May (peak: January–April)
Blue Marlin — July through October (peak: August–September)
Yellowfin Tuna — September through December (peak: October–November)
Dorado (Mahi Mahi) — July through November (peak: August–October)
Wahoo — September through January (peak: October–December)
PLEASE CONSIDER
Fishing conditions vary with weather, water temperature, and ocean currents. This calendar reflects typical patterns, your captain will always target whatever's biting best on the day of your trip.
-
What's hot: Striped Marlin, Wahoo
Also biting: Roosterfish, Red Snapper, Dorado, Bonito, Sierra Mackerel
Offshore highlight: This is prime striped marlin season. They move in close to shore, often within a few miles of the marina. Wahoo are also running strong and put up a serious fight.
Inshore action: Roosterfish, red snapper, and jack crevalle are available closer to shore for lighter tackle action.
-
What's hot: Striped Marlin
Also biting: Yellowtail, Grouper, Red Snapper, Roosterfish, Bonito
Offshore highlight: Striped marlin remain the star. February is one of the most consistent months for them in San Jose del Cabo. You'll find them cruising the banks and feeding on sardines.
Inshore action: Yellowtail start showing up and can be caught on live bait around the rocky points. Red snapper and grouper are steady.
-
What's hot: Striped Marlin, Yellowtail
Also biting: Grouper, Red Snapper, Roosterfish, Amberjack, Bonito
Offshore highlight: Striped marlin are still going strong. Yellowtail move into the area and become a reliable target, they fight hard and taste great.
Inshore action: Roosterfish start picking up as water warms slightly. Grouper and red snapper remain consistent around rocky structure.
-
What's hot: Striped Marlin, Yellowtail, Red Snapper, Grouper
Also biting: Roosterfish, Amberjack, Cabrilla, Sierra Mackerel
Offshore highlight: This is a transition month, striped marlin season is winding down but still productive. Yellowtail are in peak form.
Inshore action: April is excellent for inshore variety. Red snapper, grouper, cabrilla, and roosterfish are all active. Great month for anglers who enjoy bottom fishing and lighter tackle.
-
What's hot: Roosterfish, Yellowtail, Red Snapper
Also biting: Striped Marlin, Amberjack, Grouper, Cabrilla, Sierra Mackerel
Offshore highlight: Striped marlin make their last strong showing before summer. Some blue marlin start appearing offshore.
Inshore action: This is when roosterfish really turn on. May is one of the best months to target them along the beaches and rocky coastline. Yellowtail are still around. The inshore fishing is outstanding.
-
What's hot: Roosterfish, Sierra Mackerel, Red Snapper
Also biting: Blue Marlin, Dorado, Amberjack, Grouper, Cabrilla, Snook
Offshore highlight: Blue marlin start showing up as water temperatures rise. Early dorado sightings begin. The offshore season is building.
Inshore action: Roosterfish are in full swing, this is one of the best months for them. Sierra mackerel are aggressive and fun on light tackle. Snook appear near the estuary.
-
What's hot: Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Blue Marlin, Roosterfish
Also biting: Striped Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Red Snapper, Snook, Sierra Mackerel
Offshore highlight: Summer fishing kicks into high gear. Dorado arrive in force, schools of them feeding on the surface. Blue marlin are a real possibility on every offshore trip. Yellowfin tuna start showing up around the banks.
Inshore action: Roosterfish remain strong. Red snapper and snook are steady options closer to shore.
-
What's hot: Dorado, Blue Marlin, Roosterfish, Snook
Also biting: Sailfish, Striped Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Red Snapper
Offshore highlight: Peak summer fishing. Dorado are everywhere. Blue marlin are at their best. Yellowfin tuna are building around Gordo Banks and other offshore structure. This is the month for anglers who want variety.
Inshore action: Roosterfish and snook are at their peak. Red snapper stays consistent.
-
What's hot: Blue Marlin, Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish
Also biting: Striped Marlin, Red Snapper, Snook, Bonito
Offshore highlight: September is arguably the most productive offshore month. Blue marlin, dorado, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and sailfish are all in play. Multiple species in a single trip is common. The fishing around Gordo Banks can be exceptional.
Inshore action: Slows down a bit as the big action moves offshore. Snook and red snapper are still available.
-
What's hot: Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, Blue Marlin
Also biting: Striped Marlin, Red Snapper, Bonito, Snook
Offshore highlight: October continues the incredible offshore run. Sailfish peak this month. Wahoo are aggressive and fast. Yellowfin tuna are strong around the banks. Dorado are still around in good numbers.
Inshore action: Roosterfish start to thin out. Red snapper stays reliable.
-
What's hot: Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado, Sailfish
Also biting: Striped Marlin, Blue Marlin, Bonito, Roosterfish, Red Snapper
Offshore highlight: The transition month. Summer pelagics (dorado, tuna, wahoo) are still going but striped marlin start returning as water cools. You can genuinely catch both summer and winter species in November. One of the most diverse fishing months.
Inshore action: Roosterfish are hit-or-miss but still possible. Red snapper and mackerel pick up.
-
What's hot: Wahoo
Also biting: Yellowfin Tuna, Striped Marlin, Dorado, Sailfish, Roosterfish, Sierra Mackerel, Red Snapper, Bonito, Jack Crevalle
Offshore highlight: Wahoo are the star of December, fast, aggressive, and great on the table. Yellowfin tuna remain strong. Striped marlin are building again for winter season. Dorado are still around but starting to thin.
Inshore action: Jack crevalle put up a great fight on light tackle. Roosterfish, mackerel, and red snapper are all options.
Ready to Fish?
No matter when you visit San Jose del Cabo, there's something biting. Tell us your dates and group size. We'll recommend the best boat and send you a quote within 2 hours.