Fishing in the Cabo San Lucas Area

In the Sea of Cortez and surrounding seas there is an amazing variety of marine life. Consequently, the fishing is some of the very best in the world. Most varieties of fish can be found quite close to the shores of Baja Peninsula and the islands surrounding it. As many as 900 species of fish have been identified in these waters! There is the greatest abundance of marine life in any gulf in the world here.

People from everywhere make the trip to Cabo San Lucas and La Paz in hopes of catching sailfish, swordfish and blue or black marlin.

The primary fish types encountered by fishing enthusiasts here are Dorado, Striped Marlin, Mackerel, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Roosters and Pargo, Amberjack, Sailfish, Marlin, and Grouper.

Shark fishing is also an important activity in Baja, since it supplies much of the seafood eaten locally. Hammerhead is the most common species of shark in the area, although there are more than 60 species in the waters of Baja. There are even some rare species, but they seem to stay away from humans. The sand, blue, thresher and bonito sharks have also been seen. Even the world's largest shark—the whale shark, has been seen in the waters of Baja.

Sportfishing isn't a problem unless anglers go over the legal limit. Each fisherman is permitted to catch up to ten (10) fish per day, with no more than five (5) fish of any one species. In addition, anglers are subject to the following limits:
No more than one (1) full-grown Marlin
No more than two (2) Tarpon, Halibut, or Sailfish
In brackish waters, anglers are permitted to take up to twenty (20) Perch and twenty (20) Carp per day.

Catch and release of billfish is greatly encouraged in the Baja Peninsula.

• Fishing Tips •