CABO SAN LUCAS SPORT FISHING
A charter group aboard the Minerva IV, 1 of 4 boats in Minerva's Fleet,
gets excited as a marlin turns on a pitched live bait ready to bite.
NAVIGATING OUR CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING GUIDE Here's what you'll find in this section - just click and go!
•
Best Fishing Charters and How to Charter Safely and Securely
BEST CHARTER FISHING IN CABO SAN LUCAS WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN THIS SECTION
We've been fishing down in Los Cabos and southern Baja for over 30 years and we've met just about every charter operator and captain that works the area – some good, many great, others not so good to downright awful. We don't want you to end up aboard one of the "not so good" or "downright awful" boats so we gathered up all the information we have on trustworthy and capable fishing boats, charter operators and crews and put together this directory to the best charter companies in Los Cabos.
A NOT SO FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO A SPORT FISHING CHARTER
A young couple saves up their hard earned cash for a vacation in Cabo. One thing they know they just have to do is get out on the water and catch some of those marlin they've heard about. In fact, the first place they went after checking into their hotel was the marina and my what a display it was. Boat after boat after boat. So many, but how do you know which one's a "good" one, wondered the couple.
"Well, look at all the flags on that one" the young man says, "that's got to be a good one!"
The young lady figures her beau knows what he's talking about, but just out of their vision is someone listening in who knows he doesn't.
"My friend, let me tell you that you are absolutely right!" he says. "I know the captain of that boat, he is my cousin and he is a great fisherman."
"Really?' says the young lady.
"Yes, he is my cousin and we are very close. He takes me out fishing when he doesn't have a charter, like tomorrow," her new friend tells her. "But I have to help my mother tomorrow and cannot fish."
"The boat is available tomorrow then?" asks the young man.
"Sure... you want it?" he asks.
And so it goes on with haggling over price and what time should we be there followed by "let me call him to let him know" immediately followed by "okay, it's all set, I just need the deposit.... $350." He gives the young couple a receipt and is on his way with a "buena suerte!" (good luck!).
So what happened next? You probably guessed it, the real captain did have a charter and know one knew who his "cousin" was. Moral of the story... book with a coyote – the name given to these scam artists by reputable charter companies and captains – and it's no fishing for you.
I know, that would never happen to you, right? Well, these guys are pretty slick and trust us when we tell you that many a wise character has fallen for their routines. Although it might not happen all that often, if it happens to you it will be one to many times, so don't take the risk of ruining a great vacation.
The single best piece of fishing advice we can give you is to ALWAYS deal with an established, reputable charter company and you'll never have to worry about a thing – other than can you pull in one more fish!
MINERVA'S BAJA FISHING CHARTERS Minerva’s Baja Tackle has over 32 years of experience fishing Los Cabos and their crews and boats are tournament rigged and ready to provide you with the ultimate fishing vacation. Minerva’s also boasts the largest selection of Baja fishing tackle – from rod and reel packages to trolling lures, terminal tackle, electronics and clothing, whatever you need, they’ve got it.
Watch a video of a day fishing with Minerva's.
CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO WINDOW ABOVE
DREAMMAKER SPORTFISHING
Charter a boat with Dale at Dream Maker Sportfishing for any type of occassion, from fishing to sightseeing, dinner or sunset cruise. They're also available for scuba charters or a combination of fishing and dive charters and for whale watching trips (in season).
GUERITA SPORT FISHING CHARTERS
Guerita Sportfishing is dedicated to giving the individual attention you deserve. Guerita Sportfishing’s English speaking crew is very reliable, the boat leaves on time and early enough to be one of the first to find fish whether on the Sea of Cortez or Pacific side of Los Cabos. Departures are from the Cabo Marina right by Lorenzillo's Lobster House, rather than the busy main docks.
Watch a fishing video from Guerita Sport Fishing.
CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO WINDOW ABOVE
DREAM WEAVER SPORTFISHING
Dream Weaver Sportfishing is a luxury charter fishing service located in pristine Marina Cabo San Lucas. The crew is one of the best in Cabo with decades of experience including tournaments with the largest check of the 2009 Bisbee's Black & Blue. Their 32' Blackfin is loaded with custom features for serious ocean anglers. Dream Weaver was designed with big game sport fishing in mind. Fully equipped with tournament quality rods, reels and terminal tackle,
Dream Weaver Sport Fishing has extended a special offer to CabosBest.com visitors. Book two days and get the third day at half price or take 20% off a single day charter. Hurry as this won't last long – remember that you have to mention the "Cabo's Best" special to get these great discounts.
SALVADOR'S SPORT FISHING CHARTERS
Salvador's has been providing sport anglers with the experience, equipment and the know-how to find and catch world-class billfish, tuna, dorado for over 20 years. Owners Jim Dillon and Capt. Salvador O'Campo maintain an affordable fleet of sport fishing boats and are waiting to take you out for a fishing adventure of a lifetime.
Watch a fishing video from Salvador's Sport Fishing.
CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO WINDOW ABOVE
PICANTE SPORT FISHING
At Picante Sportfishing, landing the big ones is all in a day's work. Their fleet holds the world record for the biggest fish ever caught in a North American fishing tournament. Climb aboard one of their luxury fishing yachts and set out for the world-famous Gorda Bank, Golden Gate Bank and Jaime Bank, where the waters teem year-round with world-record fish. You'll fish these famous waters in the finest fleet of Cabo Yachts in the world.
Picante Bluewater Sportfishing is one of the winningest fleets in the tournament sport fishing scene with total tournament winnings of over $3 million!
CHARTER DE LOS CABOS
Charters de los Cabos offers a variety of charter services including sport fishing yachts, sailing yachts and large capacity pleasure cruising and touring yachts. Explore the beautiful Sea of Cortez in Mexico’s Los Cabos region aboard the vessel of your choice.
CHECKMATE SPORT FISHING
Checkmate charters a 31 foot Bertram and they offer one of the lowest rates on fishing charters in Cabo. English speaking Captain, Deckman and Manager plus a nicely maintained boat loaded with quality fishing gear. They also offer discounts for multi-day charters.
PISCES FLEET SPORT FISHING
Pisces Fleet has been established in Cabo San Lucas for the past 20 years and is known for its consistency in catch rates and customer satisfaction. The Pisces Fleet has been recognized on numerous occasions by the Billfish Foundation for releasing the most striped marlin in a given year worldwide. In 1995, the Pisces Fleet was also honored with the Conservation Award by the International Game Fish Association.
Watch a promotional video from Pisces Fleet.
CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO WINDOW ABOVE
TIPS TO ENSURE A SAFE CHARTERMost Important!
You are a guest on board the boat! If you have any questions, problems, or concerns let your captain and/or crew know about it, they are there to help you. Before you book your trip, ask if there are any special "rules" regarding smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol, then abide by the boat rules or find a different boat.
Try to bring a minimum of clothing that will be suitable for the weather and pack your gear in a duffel bag or other soft-sided, collapsible luggage to make it easy to store your things out of the way. Make sure you bring a good pair of non-skid deck shoes.
Make sure you bring your legal documents and ID. Remember all persons fishing on the vessel need fishing licenses. It is very easy to get dehydrated when boating. Remember to pack some bottled water and drink it. Boating activities multiply alcohol’s intoxicating effects. The hot sun, wind, rough ocean movements and the boats vibration all contribute to what’s called “boater’s fatigue.” This means that one beer on the water will most likely have the effect of two or three beers at home.
Familiarize yourself with safety and emergency procedures before leaving the dock. Know the location of the boat’s fire extinguisher. Fires are very serious aboard a boat. Everyone on board must have a clear understanding of who is in command. Try and have someone onboard who is able to take over and operate the VHF radio to ask for help should the captain and/or crew become disabled.
Each year roughly 700 people die in boating-related accidents; nine out of ten of these victims were not wearing a life jacket. There is no law stating to use a life jacket so make sure you know where they are located if you decide not to use them. Only grab spots on the boat that are solid.
Do avoid intense sun exposure if possible. Remember water reflects UV light back to you. Wear long sleeves, a wide brimmed hat, put on sunglasses (sunglasses should be polarized to cut the glare and protect against UVA and UVB radiation) and use sunscreen. Do apply the sunscreen liberally for it to work. It's better to put it on 30-60 minutes before going out in the sun so it can penetrate into the skin.
TIPPING THE CAPTAIN AND CREW
A minimum suggested tip per day is $75 to $150 and should be handed directly to the boat captain. The captain and crew rely on their gratuities and customarily a tip should be between 15-20% of the service fees. Keep in mind these gentlemen are hard working people and though they have a great job, they still have families to feed. Leaving your extra fish on board is a great gesture and is very much appreciated!
