Sportfishing in Los Cabos

Nov 07, 2015

There are several charter boat outfits in the area. // © 2015 iStock 2

From casual charters to big-game tournaments, Los Cabos offers a multitude of enticing sportfishing options.

Located on Baja’s southernmost tip, Cabo San Lucas has blossomed from its humble origins as a small fishing village into a resort town famous for world-class beaches and incredible weather. With the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean at its doorstep, Los Cabos is home to countless water-based activities, and sportfishing is one of the most popular ones.

Although Los Cabos hosts sportfishing year-round, the fall months are a prime time for hooking certain varieties of fish — among them record-size dorado, marlin, tuna and wahoo — as well as for participating in some of the destination’s best-known big-fish tournaments.

Hotel Buena Vista Beach Resort offers full-day and half-day fishing trips, as well as night fishing for the extra adventurous. Nighttime beach fishing comes in two options: Guests can visit the coastal reefs with a professional guide, or they can embark on a six-person cruise that focuses on a variety of bottom-feeders.

Redrum Sportfishing is a family-owned operation that has been running daily charters for more than 10 years. Its boats feature pole-mounted GoPro cameras that capture all the underwater adventure, and at the end of the day, guests receive a flash drive with footage from their tour.

Love Shack Cruises comes with an experienced crew on a luxury 72-foot yacht that is stocked with top-of-the-line sportfishing equipment and safety gear. Its fishing charters can accommodate large parties, and the price includes drinks, lunch and live bait. Fishing licenses may be purchased onboard for $18 per person.

For those looking for a child-friendly fishing option, Lands End Charters welcomes the entire family. It offers a variety of fleet options, from smaller boats to luxury yachts, and the on-deck crew teaches the basics to kids trying to land their first catch.

Whether a client is a seasoned fisherman looking to break a record or an observer who prefers to watch the action from the sidelines, there are many sportfishing tournaments to choose from. The Western Outdoor News Tuna Jackpot, held in early November, grows bigger every year and is currently offering $700,000 in cash and prizes for 2015. The Los Cabos Charter Boat Classic, which takes place in mid-November, is a unique tournament that offers free entry and the opportunity to win $40,000 in prizes to anyone fishing on a Los Cabos charter boat.

Whether participating in a tournament or just enjoying some casual angling, visitors looking to feast on their fresh catch can bring it to local restaurants such as Baja Cantina and Captain Tony’s, where chefs will prepare the fish in whatever style a guest prefers. It’s a great way to cap off a successful day on the water.