Catch and Release Best Practices in Los Cabos

Los Cabos has earned a global reputation not just for world-class fishing, but for its commitment to conservation. Nearly all charter operators in Cabo practice catch and release for billfish, and responsible angling practices are the norm. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your catch survives and thrives.

Why Catch and Release Matters

Billfish are slow to mature and highly migratory, making them vulnerable to overfishing. The Pacific Striped Marlin population has faced pressure from commercial longline fisheries, making every released fish count. In Cabo, conservation isn’t just encouraged; it’s built into the culture of sportfishing.

Each year, thousands of marlin are caught and released in Los Cabos waters. With proper techniques, the survival rate for released billfish is over 90%. Poor handling drops that rate significantly. Here’s how to do it right.

Circle Hooks: The Single Most Important Tool

Circle hooks are designed to catch fish in the corner of the mouth rather than the gut, dramatically reducing injury and improving survival rates. Most Cabo charter boats now use circle hooks as standard equipment.

Why they work: When a fish takes a bait and runs, the circle hook slides out of the esophagus and catches in the jaw. This means no deep hooking, no damage to internal organs, and a quick, clean release.

How to use them: Don’t set the hook with a hard strike; let the fish turn and hook itself. Start reeling when you feel steady pressure. The circle hook does the work for you.

Proper Fish Handling

Keep the Fish in the Water

Fish should be kept in the water whenever possible. Removing a fish from the water subjects it to:

• Gravity: A fish’s organs are designed to be supported by water. Out of water, gravity can cause internal damage.
• Temperature shock: The difference between 75°F water and 85°F air can be fatal.
• Oxygen deprivation: Fish cannot breathe when removed from water.

If you absolutely must bring a fish aboard for a photo or hook removal:

1. Do it quickly: 30 seconds or less
2. Support the fish horizontally: never hold a fish vertically by the jaw or tail
3. Wet your hands before touching the fish (dry hands remove the protective slime layer)
4. Keep the fish on a wet towel or mat if it must be on the deck

The Revival Technique

Before releasing a fish, it needs to recover. Here’s the proper technique:

1. Hold the fish alongside the boat, facing into the current
2. Gently support the fish under the belly
3. Move forward slowly to push water through the gills
4. When the fish starts to struggle strongly, let go
5. If the fish doesn’t swim away strongly, repeat for another 30 seconds

A properly revived fish will swim away with purpose. A fish that floats or swims weakly needs more time.

What to Avoid

• NO gaffing billfish or fish you intend to release
• NO tail ropes that damage the tail fin
• NO holding fish by the eye sockets (common mistake with billfish: it causes eye damage)
• NO dragging fish across the deck: use a cradle or wet sling
• NO sand or dirt on fishing surfaces (removes protective slime)
• NO removing the fish from the water for photos: lean over the side if needed

Conservation in Cabo’s Fishing Culture

Los Cabos has embraced conservation in a way few fishing destinations have. Key initiatives include:

• All-release tournaments: Bisbee’s Black & Blue pioneered the format
• Bisbee’s Conservation Fund: millions raised for marine research
• Circle hook adoption: now standard on most charter boats
• Captain education programs: training in proper release techniques
• Collaboration with researchers: tag-and-release programs provide valuable data

What You Can Do

1. Choose catch-and-release for billfish and roosterfish
2. Keep only what you’ll eat: selective harvest is responsible fishing
3. Use circle hooks: they work better and hurt less
4. Handle fish properly: support them, keep them wet, release them quickly
5. Report tagged fish: if you catch a tagged fish, record the tag number, length, and location
6. Support conservation: donate to the Bisbee’s Conservation Fund or similar organizations

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