Cabo San Lucas Mexico, also known as the ‘Marlin Capital of the World’ is a sport fisherman’s dream. Beautiful weather offers year round fishing and Cabo San Lucas fishing has a lot more to offer than simply marlin. The beautiful waters off of Baja Mexico are full of big game fish including tuna, sailfish, wahoo and more. However, while the fishing is good year round each species can come and go as they please – so first find out the best time of the year to go fishing for these beautiful creatures.
Marlin Capital – Cabo San Lucas Mexico
Cabo San Lucas fishing charters are often quick to mention the marlin close by and with good reason. Averaging 12 feet long and over 1500 pounds these beautiful billfish make worthy adversaries. Found off the coasts of Cabo San Lucas year round, the best time to find black, blue, or striped marlin is from May through November.
Sailfish in Cabo San Lucas Fishing Grounds
Marlin are not the only billfish to be found near Cabo San Lucas Mexico. Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus), well known for their large dorsal fin, are particularly prominent from May through October. Growing up to 11 feet long and weighing in at 220 pounds, the sailfish is also the fastest fish in the ocean. According to National Geographic’s online “Sailfish” profile, this beauty can hit speeds of 68 miles per hour.
Dorado Catches in Cabo San Lucas
Fishing Cabo San Lucas often turns up the shimmery green and blue dorado (Coryphaena hippurus). Available year round, fishermen have a great chance of finding this schooling fish from April through December. The dorado, also known as the common dolphinfish, can grow to be 6 feet long and weigh 88 pounds.
Fishing for Tuna off of Mexico
Fishing for tuna can be ethically tricky now that the bluefin is considered an endangered species. Fortunately the yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacores) found in the Cabo San Lucas fishing grounds is not in any danger yet. Especially abundant from May through November, fisherman will have a thrill wrestling with these beasts. Yellowfin tuna can grow to be over 400 pounds and 7 feet long.
Wahoo
Another popular gamefish found on Cabo San Lucas vacations is the wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) which can grow to be over 8 feet long and 180 pounds. This beautiful silvery fish can be found while fishing Cabo San Lucas from June through October.
Protecting Cabo San Lucas Fishing
Plenty more fish can be found in the Cabo San Lucas fishing grounds, however it is important for those fishing to keep conservation in mind. The mako shark is abundant in Cabo San Lucas from January through May and such a catch would certainly make a great story – but it is also considered a ‘Vulnerable’ species by the IUCN. This means if action is not taken soon the beautiful mako shark could soon be an endangered species.
Fortunately, many Cabo San Lucas fishing charters take conservation seriously – knowing that their actions today will determine whether future generations can enjoy sport fishing. Many fishing charters encourage catch and release for billfish and will enforce catch limits required by law. Be sure to respect the fish by following the rules.
Sources:
“Fish Calendar”. Red Rum Sport Fishing. 2010. Sept 4 2010. .
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. FishBase. May 2010. Sept 4 2010.
Megan Jungwi - Megan Jungwi started her freelance writing career in March 2009. Although new to online writing Megan has long been passionate about the ...
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