Yellowfin Tuna are among the most prized game fish in Los Cabos, combining blistering speed, incredible endurance, and superb eating quality. Whether you’re after 30-pound school fish or 200-pound “cow” tuna, Cabo’s waters deliver some of the best tuna fishing in the world.
Tuna Season in Los Cabos
Yellowfin Tuna are available year-round in Cabo waters, but there are distinct seasonal patterns:
| Period | Fish Size | Rating | Best Technique |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan-Mar | 20-60 lbs | Fair | Live bait on banks |
| Apr-Jun | 30-100 lbs | Good | Live bait, chunking |
| Jul-Sep | 40-150 lbs | Very Good | Trolling, live bait |
| Oct-Nov | 50-200+ lbs | PEAK | Chunking, kite fishing |
| Dec | 20-80 lbs | Good | Live bait, trolling |
October is the crown jewel month for trophy tuna. During this period, the 1150 Bank regularly produces fish over 200 pounds. The annual Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot in November draws hundreds of teams competing for $1+ million in prizes.
Where to Find Them
- Gordo Banks (5-10 mi SE): The most consistent tuna ground. Productive year-round.
- 1150 Bank (25 mi S): The trophy tuna spot. Produces 200+ lb “cows” consistently in October-November.
- Iman Bank (12 mi E): Good for medium to large tuna, often with less boat pressure.
- Cabrillo Seamount (45 mi E): Long run but holds monster tuna when conditions are right.
- Golden Gate Bank (15 mi NW): Productive when water temperatures are optimal.
Best Techniques
Live Bait Fishing
The most consistent method. Live caballito trolled on the edge of temperature breaks or near structure. Circle hooks are essential; let the tuna eat the bait before engaging the drag.
Chunking (Chumming)
The technique that produces the largest tuna. Frozen squid or bonito is chummed to create a slick. When tuna arrive to feed, a chunk with a hook is presented naturally among the free offerings. This requires patience: it can take 30-60 minutes to build a slick, but when it works, multiple trophy tuna can be caught from a single spot.
Kite Fishing
Live bait suspended from a kite: primarily used for marlin but deadly for trophy tuna when they’re feeding near the surface. The kite keeps the bait skipping and splashing, attracting tuna from distance.
Popper Casting
When tuna are “boiling” on the surface, casting large poppers or stickbaits can produce explosive strikes. This is one of the most exciting ways to catch tuna, with the strike happening right at the boat.
Tackle Recommendations
- 50-80 lb class conventional trolling rod with lever-drag reel
- 80-130 lb braided line main line
- 80-130 lb fluorocarbon leader (50-80 lb for school fish)
- 7/0-10/0 circle hooks for live bait and chunking
- 12/0-14/0 trolling hooks for lures
For chunking, you’ll want a 100+ lb wind-on leader and a 2-speed reel with plenty of drag. Trophy tuna can make 300+ yard runs on the first surge.
Table Fare
Yellowfin Tuna is one of the best-eating fish you’ll catch. The meat is firm, steak-like, and perfect for:
- Grilled: 2-3 minutes per side over high heat; serve rare in the center
- Sashimi/Sushi: Fresh tuna is world-class raw. Slice against the grain.
- Seared: Coat with sesame seeds, sear 60 seconds per side, slice thin
- Ceviche: Fresh tuna cured in lime juice with tomato, cilantro, onion, and jalapeño
Your charter crew will clean and fillet your catch. Many Cabo restaurants will prepare your tuna for you with advance notice.
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