Sport Fishing in Los Cabos
Cabo San Lucas is known as the “marlin capital of the world” and deservedly so, as there are more marlin caught here than any other place on earth. Unlike other well-known fishing destinations, where days and many dollars can be spent in pursuit of this most prized sport fish, it’s not unusual to capture one or even more on your very first trip, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Once reserved for the wealthy, fishing in Cabo is now within reach of almost all visitors and an experience not to be missed. Not only will you feel the thrill of battling a creature of incredible beauty and size, or landing smaller species and eating them, but your fishing excursion will give you an opportunity to view the cape and its landmarks from a unique perspective, and often allow you to get a close-up look at whales, dolphins and seals. If possible decide ahead of time when you plan to fish, as advance reservations assure you’ll get the type of boat you want on the days you want. Most major fleets have U.S. booking agents with 800 numbers, or you can call the fleet office in Mexico. With the growth that Los Cabos is currently experiencing you usually need to make reservations with at least one week’s notice. However, it’s often possible to reserve a boat with a day or two’s notice at various fleet offices around town or through your hotel. The types of vessels available in Cabo have changed considerably over the years: pangas are skiffs with outboard motors that take up to three anglers for a shorter trip of five hours. This is the one of most economical ways to fish. They concentrate inshore for smaller game and use lighter tackle for species such as roosterfish, sierra, amberjack, jack crevalle and sometimes dorado and even marlin, when they’re close by. There are a few companies that specialize in saltwater fly-fishing. Some fleets offer shared charters, which usually consist of one or two people sharing with one or two others. This can work well cost-wise, but if it has always been your desire to land the big one, you may have to sit and watch as somebody else reels in your dream fish. The majority of people visiting Los Cabos who decide to fish opt for the cruisers that the area is famous for. These are boats in the 28- to 35-foot range, with very experienced crews. This option tends to be the most popular and productive. Los Cabos now also offers one of the most complete selections of luxury sportfishers and yachts available anywhere in the world, with vessels ranging from 40 to 100-plus feet that offer every amenity imaginable. The best way to decide on a boat is through recommendations from friends or by talking with different fleet operators to see what each has to offer. Information obtained directly from the different fleet offices is generally more accurate and complete regarding fishing techniques, tackle and amenities. If conservation is important to you, make sure you check out the fleet’s policy regarding catch and release. Most day charters (8 hours) include tax, tackle, crew and ice. Some fleets will include beer and soda, as well as the cleaning and freezing of your catch. Live bait is normally available year-round and at least 10 should be purchased for your trip. The booking agent will advise what time the trip begins (normally 7 a.m.) and where to meet your boat. If you have a tendency towards seasickness, Dramamine is sold at various pharmacies in town. It’s nonprescription and an inexpensive insurance policy for feeling good on the ocean. For maximum effect, take one pill at least one hour before boarding. Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses are a must, as is a light jacket for the early morning. It’s wise to bring along a towel or two, as you can sometimes get quite wet when the boat is backing down on a fish. Your camera should not be left behind, as the fish are normally quite willing to put on amazing acrobatic performances that can be captured on film. Sportfishing boats depart from several different locations around the large marina, so be sure to get accurate directions ahead of time. At the dock in the morning you’ll see an array of boats lining the wharf. Most fleets have a “dock master” to greet you and walk you down to your boat and introduce you to the captain and mate. Most crews speak some English and will be happy to coach complete novices in the techniques of big game fishing. Once underway, the deckhand will bring out rods and reels from inside the cabin and set them in rod holders. The captain then decides which direction to head in depending on where fish are likely to be biting. He may head straight for the fishing grounds without lines in the water or start trolling lures soon after leaving the harbor. All charter boats have a selection of artificial lures on board. These look like bait to the fish, and normally have fairly heavy resin head and are metallic in color, with large eyes and a plastic skirt (fringe) representing the body that can consist of any color combination. Upon reaching the fishing grounds, the deckhand will attach lures to the lines of the rods and position the lures at various distances behind the boat as it slows to trolling speed. The captain will then systematically cover an area of the ocean where he believes there are fish. The type and size of the lure does not necessarily dictate what kind of fish will be caught, as even smaller game fish will be attracted to lures intended for marlin. Although it’s not always perceptible, the crew is on a constant lookout for fish, spotting birds, bubbles or fins that are indicators of activity in the area.
Getting a hook into a fish’s mouth and getting it to stay there is known as “setting the hook.” If you’re an experienced angler, you should let the crew know in advance that you prefer to handle your own rod completely. If you’re not totally sure, unfamiliar with the species you will be targeting or not used to the different tackle, it’s probably best to let the deckhand set the hook on the first fish while you observe. If you’re a complete novice, don’t worry — the crew will help you through every step of the fight. By day’s end you’ll be feeling like a seasoned professional. Depending on the season and hunger of the fish, you can spend minutes or several hours trolling and looking for your catch. Occasionally you’ll not catch anything — that is why this sport is called “fishing” and not “catching.” That said, by fishing the waters of Los Cabos, your chances of success are improved. The artificial bait or lures pulled behind the boat attract fish that, when hungry, will attack. Your crew will nearly always be aware when fish are about to bite on lures and will accelerate the boat, catching most novice anglers by surprise as frenzied activity begins. When a fish strikes, the reel announces it with a loud zinging noise as the fish takes line, thrilling even the uninitiated with the excitement this causes. Once the deckhand is sure that the hook is well set, he will ask you to sit in the fighting chair, placing the rod in the holder attached to the seat. A crew member will stay at your side until the battle is finished, teaching you to pull up on the rod, crank the reel handle rapidly as you lower the rod tip, and rest and wait patiently when the fish takes more line. Depending on the size and strength of the fish and your determination, the fight can last from a few minutes to an hour or more before you have your prize alongside the boat. If your catch is a marlin and you plan to release it, the deckhand assisted by the captain will gently wiggle the hook free before letting the fish go. On the way back to the docks, the crew will bring out the flags corresponding to your catch, announcing to the world the success of your day. There are several options available as to what to do with your catch. Most people will want to have their photo taken with their fish if it’s of notable size. If your fish needs to be cleaned, it will be taken to the filleting tables at the dock, skinned and cut into manageable-size fillets. The fleet operator can also freeze the fish for you to collect at a later date. Smoking or vacuum packing your fish is another option and can be arranged by your dispatcher. To take your catch home, you’ll need a cooler. Passing your cooler through as luggage at customs is not a problem at either end of your journey, and once home, your catch will provide you with plenty of tasty meals and great memories of your fishing adventure.
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