Fishing Charts & Marine Data
Essential marine data for planning your Los Cabos fishing trip: water temperatures, tide patterns, moon phases, and detailed information on the best fishing grounds with GPS coordinates.
Average Sea Surface Temperatures (°F)
| Month | High | Low | Average | Fishing Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 72° | 66° | 69° | Moderate |
| February | 72° | 65° | 68° | Moderate |
| March | 73° | 66° | 69° | Moderate |
| April | 76° | 68° | 72° | Good |
| May | 79° | 71° | 75° | Good |
| June | 82° | 75° | 78° | Good |
| July | 85° | 78° | 81° | Excellent |
| August | 87° | 80° | 83° | Excellent |
| September | 87° | 80° | 83° | Excellent |
| October | 85° | 77° | 81° | Excellent |
| November | 80° | 73° | 76° | Good |
| December | 74° | 68° | 71° | Moderate |
How Water Temperature Affects Fishing
Fish are cold-blooded; their activity levels, metabolism, and feeding patterns are directly tied to water temperature. A change of just 2-3°F can trigger or shut down a bite. Temperature breaks (where warmer and cooler waters meet) concentrate baitfish and predators. In Cabo, the convergence of the cooler Pacific and warmer Sea of Cortez creates naturally productive temperature breaks year-round. Target areas where the water temperature changes by 3-5°F over a short distance for the best action.
Tides, Moon Phases & Reading Conditions
Cabo San Lucas Tide Patterns
Los Cabos experiences mixed semi-diurnal tides: two high and two low tides each day of varying heights. The average tidal range is 3-6 feet, creating moderate current flows that concentrate baitfish.
- • Incoming Tide (Rising): Best for fishing. Baitfish move inshore with the rising water, and predatory species follow. The last 2 hours of the incoming tide are often the most productive of the entire day.
- • Outgoing Tide (Falling): Can also be productive, especially near structure, channels, and reef edges where baitfish are funneled out. The first 2 hours of the outgoing tide are the most productive.
- • Slack Tide: The period between tides when water movement is minimal. Typically the slowest fishing; a good time to move between spots, eat lunch, or change tactics.
Moon Phases & Lunar Fishing Calendar
Moon phase has a significant influence on fish feeding behavior. Many experienced Cabo captains plan their trips around the lunar cycle.
- • New Moon & Full Moon: The strongest tides (spring tides), with the greatest water movement. These periods typically produce the most aggressive feeding activity. The 3 days before and after a new or full moon are prime fishing windows.
- • Quarter Moons: Weaker tides (neap tides) with less water movement. Fishing can be more consistent but less explosive. Good for less experienced anglers.
- • Solunar Theory: Major feeding periods align with the moon directly overhead or directly underfoot (opposite side of the earth). These two 45-90 minute periods each day typically produce the best fishing.
Fishing Grounds Reference Chart
| Fishing Ground | Distance | Depth | Target Species | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gordo Banks (Inner) | 5 mi SE | 60 ft | Dorado, Tuna, Wahoo, Marlin | Year-round, peak Apr-Nov |
| Gordo Banks (Outer) | 10 mi SE | 220 ft | Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish | Year-round, peak Apr-Nov |
| Golden Gate Bank | 15 mi NW | 300-600 ft | Striped Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna | Nov-May (marlin), May-Nov (tuna) |
| San Jaime Bank | 20 mi NW | 400 ft | Striped Marlin, Dorado | Dec-Apr |
| 1150 Bank | 25 mi S | 1,150 ft | Blue Marlin, Trophy Tuna | Jun-Oct |
| Iman Bank | 12 mi E | 200 ft | Marlin, Tuna, Dorado | Year-round |
| Cabrillo Seamount | 45 mi E | 3,000+ ft | Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna | Year-round |
| Vinorama Canyon | 20 mi NE | 1,000+ ft | Yellowtail, Dorado, Tuna | Year-round |
| Finger Bank | 35 mi NW | 600 ft | Striped Marlin | Nov-Apr |
| Cabo Falso (Lighthouse) | 2-15 mi S | 100-1,000 ft | Dorado, Tuna, Marlin | Year-round |
| 45 Spot | 6 mi W | 45 fathoms | Yellowtail, Dorado, Marlin | Year-round |
| 95 Spot | 9 mi E | 95 fathoms | Yellowtail, Reef Fish, Roosterfish | Year-round |
How to Read These Charts for Better Fishing
1. Find the Temperature Break
Look for areas where warm and cool currents meet. In satellite imagery, these show as sharp color gradients. In Cabo, the transition zone between the Pacific and Sea of Cortez creates natural breaks. Your captain's electronics will identify these. Fish will be concentrated along the warm side of the break.
2. Match Moon Phase to Species
Billfish are particularly sensitive to moon phase. Plan Striped Marlin trips around the full moon for peak activity. For bottom fish like Grouper and Snapper, the new moon often produces the best catches. During quarter moons, focus on pelagic species that feed more consistently.
3. Time Your Tide Window
The two hours before and after high tide (incoming) are universally the most productive. Plan your departure so you're on your fishing grounds during this window. If you're on a half-day charter (4 hours), an early morning departure that aligns with an incoming tide is ideal.
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