Extraordinary Fishing

What will you catch today?

By Robin Wade

Anglers keep coming back to Baja California Sur and the Cabo San Lucas area for a simple reason: better fishing year-round than almost any other destination in the world. In fact, the area ranks in the top five of the world’s most productive fishing grounds. Fishing in Los Cabos is affordable, fun, rewarding… and safe.

Jacques Cousteau nicknamed the Sea of Cortés  The World’s Aquarium for its abundance of species. It boasts over 850 identified species and at least 80 local and migratory fish that are the focus of sportfishing. Cabo San Lucas is known as the Marlin Capital of the World, and deservedly so, as there are easily more marlin caught and released here than anywhere else on the planet. But unlike other well-known fishing destinations where many days and many dollars can be fruitlessly spent chasing marlin, it is not unusual to find one or more on your very first trip, whether you are a beginner or an expert.

Striped marlin range in size from 100 to 180 pounds and occasionally are more than 200 pounds. Present throughout the year, peak months for striped marlin include May, June, December and January.

Blue marlin and black marlin frequent these waters from July to mid-November, with sizes ranging from 150 to 800 pounds. Many of the largest marlin ever caught off Los Cabos (those over 1,000 pounds) were caught in off-season months, so you never know when you’ll get that prized fish.

Showing up during the same time frame as the blue and black marlin, sailfish are huge throughout the area, ranging from 70 to 160 pounds. Swordfish can also be found, but prefer the colder water months of February and March, although there is always a chance for them year-round. Interestingly, swordfish can be caught during the day here unlike most other locations, where fishing at night is required to hook one. So you can fish all day and still have time for a late afternoon siesta before enjoying the nightlife and great food that Cabo has to offer.

Also found here are some of the largest yellowfin tuna in the world, ranging from 10 to 300-plus pounds. Tuna move quickly from one location to another so the bite tends to be less consistent, but it is always exciting to chase them down, all the while viewing the beautiful scenery and watching other marine life, such as turtles, whales, manta rays and dolphin swim by. Smaller schooling tuna usually move through here in April and then the monster, cow-sized tuna join them from July through November.

But the choices don’t stop there: Dorado, also known as mahimahi, are also numerous. These yellow and gold fish with shimmering green and blue spots range in size from 10 to 60 pounds and are considered a prime catch. They are the favorites of many anglers, providing a good fight, spectacular aerial displays and a delicious meal. Another favorite, wahoo, can reach up to 100 pounds and are one of the fastest fish in the ocean. These torpedo-like fish cruise the area from Cabo up to the East Cape and beyond. With their sharp teeth, the challenge is to keep your line intact. Their firm white meat, normally cut into steaks, is such a treat that anglers get over the loss of a lost lure quickly and get back in the game.

The unusual-looking roosterfish is found close to the sandy beaches, but is very difficult to catch. Sought after by all types of anglers, this odd fish boasts a comb of long spiky fins on its back. Roosterfish range in size from 10 to over 100 pounds. They are not considered good to eat, but are prized by the fly-fishing crowd.

In addition, the area has some excellent bottom-fishing opportunities: red snapper, jack crevalle, amberjack, sierra, cabrilla and yellowtail. And caught with less frequency are record-size snook, mako, blue and hammerhead sharks, as well as black sea bass.

In Cabo, you won’t have to deal with endless hours of tedious rod-watching with nothing happening. The odds of catching an exotic fish in the southern reaches of Baja California Sur are very good. Once you do, get your catch prepared into a delicious meal at your favorite restaurant. It’s all part of the fun.

Deciding on the Basics
Whether you’ve planned an outing before you arrive or not, a stroll along Cabo’s large marina will help you decide what boat size is best for you and your wallet.

Pangas take up to three anglers for shorter trips of up to five hours. This is one of the most economical ways to fish. These trips concentrate on inshore fishing for smaller game fish and use lighter tackle for species such as roosterfish, sierra, amberjack, jack crevalle and, sometimes, dorado or marlin.

If landing the Big One has always been your dream, opt for the cruisers, which are in the 28- to 35-foot range and come with an experienced crew. Los Cabos also offers one of the world’s most complete selections of luxury sportfishers and yachts. They range in size from 40 to 100-plus feet and come equipped with every amenity imaginable. 

If fishing was a last-minute decision, the best way to decide on a fleet is by talking with different fleet operators as you stroll around, seeing what each has to offer. If you are planning a trip down, information obtained directly from different fleet offices online will give you a more complete view in regard to fishing techniques, tackle and amenities. And if conservation is important to you, make sure you check the fleet’s policy regarding catch and release.

A Variety of Fishing Areas
Fishing in San José del Cabo has the advantage of a shorter boat ride to the famous Gordo Banks fishing grounds. Known for its fall and winter bite, fish opportunities include sailfish; black, blue and striped marlin; dorado; wahoo; yellowfin tuna; amberjack; pargo; grouper; skipjack; jack crevalle; sierra and others. Due to its popularity, it’s a good idea to reserve a sportfishing charter boat in advance. Here 22- to 24-foot pangas and super pangas are the most popular. The panga fleets out of San José del Cabo specialize in open fiberglass skiffs, equipped with powerful outboard motors and convertible bimini tops for shade. The Gordo Banks Panga Fleet is ideally located in the fishing village of La Playita — located only 10 miles east of the world-famous Gordo Banks.

On Baja’s East Cape, located about 90 miles north of Cabo San Lucas, is the secluded Bay of the Palms. This area is famous for huge blue marlin, as well as hard-fighting black marlin and striped marlin. The East Cape is also known as the Roosterfish Capital of the World and also offers yellowfin tuna, including ones that exceed 200 pounds. These waters have been fished by famous anglers, such as John Wayne and Bing Crosby, and have inspired writers, such as John Steinbeck and Ray Cannon, to write tales of their fishing adventures here.

Tournaments
Some of the world’s top fishing tournaments are held in the East Cape and Cabo area each year. The Bisbee has three: the East Cape Offshore Tournament, from July 24–28; the Los Cabos Offshore Tournament, from Oct. 19–21; and the Black and Blue Marlin Tournament, from Oct. 23–27. Others include the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, from Oct. 16–20, and WON’s Tuna Tournament, the first week in November. The IGFA World Offshore Championship usually precedes these fall events.

Once you experience the thrill of catching your first fish, or your biggest fish ever, you’ll understand why fishing in Los Cabos, San José del Cabo and the East Cape is a must.

Best Times to Catch...

Tour Operators to Contact

There are dozens of outfitters to host your complete fishing vacation. Here are a few to get you started.

Hotel Buena Vista Beach Resort (East Cape)
Tel: (800) 752-3555
www.hotelbuenavista.com

Hotel Palmas de Cortez (East Cape)
Tel: (800) 368-4334; (624) 141-0214
www.palmasdecortez.com

Picante Sportfishing
Tel: (624) 143-2474
www.picantesportfishing.com

Pisces Sportfishing Fleet
Tel: (624) 143-1288
www.piscessportfishing.com

Slippery Lizzard Sportfishing
Tel: (770) 573-0334; (624) 155-8656
www.slipperylizzardsportfishing.com

For a list of annual fishing tournaments, please check out our Calendar of Events.

Massive Marlin

Once-in-a-lifetime catch takes over 24 hours to reel in.

On the morning of Sept. 24, 2011, angler Richard Biehl from Traverse City, Mich., boarded a 31-foot blackfin called Go Deep. The next day after a grueling 28 hours, Biehl returned with a 1,213-pound blue marlin, one of the most massive catches and possibly the biggest ever in Los Cabos.

“That was the hardest thing I ever did in my life by far,” says Biehl, a lifelong fisherman. “I’ve shot bull moose and trekked out with 200 pounds on my back and it doesn’t even compare. It was the greatest experience of my life! I travel all around the world, Africa, Asia and more but nothing can even compare or come close to catching a monster blue marlin in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.”

Each year, beginning in July and August and up through December, Los Cabos is considered to be the hub for marlin deep-sea fishing and even called the Black & Blue Marlin Capital of the World.

East Cape Hotelier Keeps Guests Returning Year After Year

By Rick Stedman

For nearly three decades, Jesus "Chuy" Valdez has provided the perfect venue for making great memories. He's also had a little help from Mother Nature. As the owner of Hotel Buena Vista Beach Resort — nestled along white sandy beaches framed by the Sea of Cortés — Chuy has steadily molded and perfected the property that is known widely as the "Jewel of East Cape."

Located 45 minutes north of the Los Cabos International Airport, Hotel Buena Vista began as a beachfront hacienda. It was originally built as a vacation retreat by Mexican General Agustín Olachea, two-time governor of Baja California Sur. "When we first purchased the property, we started out with just 13 rooms," explains Chuy. "But over the years we've improved and expanded and today the resort features 60 rooms, lush landscaped grounds, a pool, swim-up bar and a world-class restaurant. Our four-star resort welcomes everyone with wide-open arms and makes them feel like one of the family," adds Chuy, the vice president of the National Hotel Association that represents all hotels and motels in Mexico. "It's no wonder we have guests return again and again, year after year."

Originally from Guaymas in the northeast Mexican state of Sonora, Chuy studied accounting and began working in that field at various hotels while in college. His powerful work ethic helped support seven younger siblings. In 1969, he was offered an accounting position at a resort in La Paz. He later became general manager of that resort until opening his own travel agency. "Back then, I saw incredible potential for tourism," he reflects, "not only because of the world-class fishing in Baja, but the area's pristine beauty as well."

Because of Chuy's influence, fishing has always been a priority at Hotel Buena Vista. The resort currently hosts an experienced fishing fleet that includes 20 boats, ranging from 23 feet to 31 feet in length. Picnic lunches are provided for each boat.

"Our hotel strongly believes in conserving our natural resources and supports the Worldwide Billfish Foundation and its catch-and-release program," says Chuy. "Once, our skippers thought that bringing back a dead fish was more macho than returning with a release flag. Now they're proud to let the fish live."

For those wanting to experience the joy of consuming tuna, dorado, cabrilla or any other bottom fish they caught that day, hotel chefs will gladly prepare a guest's catch.

In addition to his love of fishing, Chuy frequently hunts in the nearby mountains for black-tail and mule deer, mountain lions, coyotes, white-wing doves, and ducks. Chuy is also vice president of the first Sport Fishing Federal Association of Mexico, a group that lobbies to preserve natural resources.

Why is Cabo so much fun? There is so much to do! Click here for a list of dive, watersports, fishing and tour operators. You'll also find links to Cabo's world class golf courses, spas, adventure tours, horseback riding, wedding coordinators and cruises.

For a complete schedule of fishing tournaments in Los Cabos and Baja's East Cape, please see Events.