Frequently Asked Questions

The best time depends on your target species. For striped marlin and wahoo, November through April is ideal. For blue marlin and dorado, June through October. For trophy yellowfin tuna, October and November are peak. Cabo offers excellent fishing year-round; no bad months, just different fish. See our fishing seasons guide.

Yes, every angler needs a license. However, if you book a charter through cabos.fishing, the daily fishing license is included. See our license guide for details.

Book 2-4 weeks ahead for best selection. During peak seasons (winter holidays, spring break, tournament weeks), book 4-8 weeks ahead. Tournament weeks (Bisbee's in October) need months of advance notice.

Most include: captain and crew, fishing licenses, all tackle and bait, fuel, ice and coolers, and basic lunch and beverages. Premium charters add open bar, fish processing, and hotel pickup. Confirm when booking.

Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, hat with brim, light long-sleeve shirt, jacket for mornings, motion sickness medication (take the night before), camera in waterproof case, cash for tip (15-20% of charter fee), and comfortable non-marking shoes.

For offshore big-game: 31-40 ft cruiser for 4-6 anglers. For larger groups: 45+ ft sportfisher. For inshore/nearshore: 22-26 ft panga skiff; more affordable and able to access shallow areas. Match the boat to your target species and group size.

Trolling with live bait is the most common method. Kite fishing is used for marlin. High-speed trolling (10-15 knots) targets wahoo. Chunking is for trophy tuna. Surf casting and fly fishing work for roosterfish. See our techniques guide.

Offshore: striped marlin, blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado. Inshore: roosterfish, pargo, grouper, sierra, jack crevalle. You might catch marlin, tuna, and dorado all in the same day. Check our seasons guide.

Standard tip is 15-20% of the charter fee. More for exceptional service. Cash (USD) preferred. Split between captain and mate. If the crew fillets your catch, an additional $10-20 is appreciated.

You can keep legal species (tuna, dorado, wahoo, pargo, grouper). Billfish must be released (one per boat per day max, but most operators release all). Your crew will clean the catch. See our regulations guide.

Options: (1) Take to a restaurant that will cook it. (2) Use fish processing service to vacuum seal and freeze. (3) Donate to local charities. (4) Release it. Your crew will advise.

Yes. Fish must be cleaned and identifiable (leave skin patch on fillets). Vacuum-sealed in a cooler with ice packs. Declare at customs. Check airline baggage policies.

No. Most charter captains and crews speak excellent English. Learning a few basic phrases (gracias, por favor) is appreciated but not necessary.

Yes. Los Cabos is a safe destination. The sportfishing industry is well-established and professional. Standard travel precautions apply. Charter boats have all required safety equipment.

US dollars are widely accepted, especially for tips. Bring small bills ($5, $10, $20). Credit cards work at most establishments. You'll get better rates at ATMs.

Your captain decides if conditions are safe. The Sea of Cortez side often offers protection when the Pacific side is rough. If unsafe, the charter is canceled or rescheduled. Most operators have flexible weather policies.