Cabo fishing suggestions

[Hnthrdr]

Visit Cabo usually a time or two a year, used to do the charters, but I get kind of bored just trolling, started packing my own tackle and surf fishing, haven’t caught any monsters yet but have caught a bunch of reef fish and some 3-4ft needle fish which were fun,

 

[Wingnutty]

I’m just learning to surf fish and agree trolling all day = boring after a few days. I’m a do-it-yourselfer and am just as happy catching a 5 lb sierra on my own from the surf as I would be a 40 lb mahi on a trolled line on a boat.

 

[swampfoxsc]

We went in February and caught a good mixed bag staying close to Cabo. I think the most fun was the Dorado but reeling in a 150# marlin was awesome too. There are lost of Bonito that time of year too. I don't think you would be out of line asking to look for quantity over quality and target the groups of smaller fish. Especially if you are looking to keep some fish the Mahi is the way to go! When you are trolling for marlin you do have the chance of catching all sorts of other species.

Did you catch the marlin staying close to shore? Wondering how you balanced the trip focusing on both marlin and mahi (split the time?)? Or were you trolling for marlin and caught the other fish?

 

[strousek]

We were trolling for marlin and got all the other fish. All the captains were talking to one another so after we got 2 marlin they moved in a little closer for the mahi.

 

[bpeay4]

Visit Cabo usually a time or two a year, used to do the charters, but I get kind of bored just trolling, started packing my own tackle and surf fishing, haven’t caught any monsters yet but have caught a bunch of reef fish and some 3-4ft needle fish which were fun,

I have been considering bringing my own gear as well. People I am going with like to sit by the pool all day which is not my thing. Is it true you don't need a liscense when fishing from shore? Any places to possibly rent fishing gear for a day or two?

 

[Hnthrdr]

I have been considering bringing my own gear as well. People I am going with like to sit by the pool all day which is not my thing. Is it true you don't need a liscense when fishing from shore? Any places to possibly rent fishing gear for a day or two?

From all my investigations, yes no fishing license required if you are fishing from shore. Not positive about rentals, there is a place called Jesens tackle which sells stuff down there. I take 4 piece surf rods and 5000 or 6000 size reels and lots of 1/2 oz to 2oz lures, 40lb braid to 20/30 flouro has worked well. If you do take gear be warned when you fly home the rod, reel, and lures must be in checked bags, some weird/stupid Mexican rule

 

[bpeay4]

We ended up going with Gordo Banks out of San Jose in Mid March. the Marina in San Jose is a lot smaller and less hectic than the one in Cabo. If you are closer to that one definitely go there instead of traveling to cabo. Overall we had an awesome time and would definitely recommend going with them. Only complaint was that the boat we were on was kind of slow and took us a while longer to get to the fishing grounds then the rest of the boats it seemed like. The guides were legit and knew how to fish. english was not great but we didnt care.

We caught mostly Tuna and also a couple grouper. We probably caught nearly 50 fish in our half day between 5 of us taking turns on 3-4 rods. Most the fish were skip jack tuna which aren't the greatest table fare but fight like crazy. We came home with a half dozen yellowfin tuna averaging 30-40 lbs. and 2 grouper.

Make sure you buy the live bait from the john boats outside the marina. It is key to catching the tuna. The guides will throw them into the water to attract the fish and then attach one to the hook and throw the hook out there and it usually only takes a few seconds to hookup.

There was group of guys at the marina that cut and bag your catch at the Marina who work for tips. we gave them $30 which seemed average.

Wasn't sure about the tuna as I had only ever eaten it from a can before but we had the resort restaurant cook it for dinner and it was excellent. We also made it at home and it was just as good. We probably took home 40lbs of fish.

Our resort had deep freezers available to freeze our fish until we left. we bought a cheap ice chest and tape, took it to the airport, showed them the contents and then taped it up before checking it as a bag.

Definitely a better trip this time than when we targeted marlin. had a lot more fun catching a lot of fish then catching only a couple.

Hope this helps someone else looking to plan a trip.