Fishing Seasons
Broad monthly ranges for the major offshore and inshore species, plus the conditions that can shift them.
Species calendar
Seasonal target ranges
| Target | Plan around | Outside that window | What moves the range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Striped marlin | October–April emphasis | Possible beyond the core window | Bait, cooler water, current and fleet location |
| Blue marlin | June–November emphasis | Possible beyond the core window | Warm water, forage and offshore conditions |
| Pacific sailfish | May–July emphasis | Possible in other warm-water periods | Bait and warm-water position |
| Yellowfin tuna | June–November emphasis | Possible beyond the core window | Dolphins, banks, bait and water structure |
| Dorado | June–October emphasis | Possible in other warm-water periods | Floating habitat, bait and current edges |
| Wahoo | September–November emphasis | Possible but less consistent | Clean water, current and high spots |
| Roosterfish | May–October emphasis | Possible throughout the year | Beach bait, swell and water clarity |
| Sierra mackerel | Late fall through spring | Less typical in warmest water | Cool nearshore water and bait |
Use these ranges to choose travel dates, then check recent catch reports, marine weather and the operator's practical range.
They are planning windows, not temperature triggers or catch guarantees. IMIPAS has studied sport catch at Cabo San Lucas and Buenavista in relation to season, surface temperature and chlorophyll; current bait, water and safe operating range still shape each trip.
Planning context
How conditions change the calendar
Species move with water masses and forage, while wind and swell change which areas a boat can reach. Start with the table, then add current reports and marine conditions.
Cool-water period
Striped marlin, sierra, and some cooler-water inshore targets move up the list. Wind and Pacific swell can narrow the practical fishing area.
Spring transition
Changing edges can mix late cool-water species with early warm-water arrivals, making a flexible target list useful.
Warm-water period
Blue marlin, sailfish, dorado and tuna become central offshore targets. Heat and eastern Pacific tropical weather also become part of the daily plan.
Fall transition
Warm-water species may overlap with returning striped marlin and wahoo. Tournament density rises while tropical risk continues through November 30.