Cabo San Lucas is legendary for its offshore fishing, offering one of the best big-game fishing experiences in the world. Sitting at the crossroads of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, it’s no surprise that trophy marlin, yellowfin tuna, and dorado roam these waters.
If you’re planning to fish offshore in Cabo in 2025, this guide covers what to catch, when to go, what gear to bring, and how offshore fishing compares to inshore trips—so you can plan the ultimate Cabo sportfishing adventure.
Table of Contents
What is Offshore Fishing?
Offshore fishing (a.k.a. deep sea or blue water fishing) means heading 15+ miles out to sea, often beyond the continental shelf, targeting pelagic species like:
🎣 Marlin
🎣 Sailfish
🎣 Yellowfin Tuna
🎣 Wahoo
🎣 Mahi-Mahi (Dorado)
🎣 Swordfish (seasonal and rare)
This type of fishing requires bigger boats, heavier tackle, and the right crew—but the payoff is huge.
Offshore Fishing in Cabo vs Inshore Fishing
If you’re deciding between offshore or inshore fishing, here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Offshore Fishing in Cabo | Inshore Fishing in Cabo |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 15–50 miles offshore | Within 1–5 miles of coast |
| Species | Marlin, tuna, dorado, wahoo | Roosterfish, snapper, jacks |
| Time | Full-day trips (6–12 hrs) | Half or full-day |
| Experience Level | Best for anglers seeking a challenge | Great for all levels |
| Water Conditions | Deep, blue water – rougher | Calmer nearshore conditions |
| Price | Higher (due to boat size/fuel) | More affordable options |
🧭 Want to try something lighter? Read our inshore fishing guide
2025 Offshore Fishing Calendar for Cabo
Here’s a month-by-month look at what’s biting offshore in Cabo San Lucas this year:
- January – March: Striped marlin still active. Dorado and wahoo in decent numbers.
- April – May: Cooler water. Great time for striped marlin and possible swordfish sightings.
- June – August: Dorado and yellowfin tuna action picks up. Expect calm seas.
- September – November: Prime season! Blue and black marlin peak. Tuna runs can be epic.
- December: Wahoo fire up again. Great month for mixed bags of tuna, dorado, and marlin.
🧭 See our full Cabo San Lucas fishing calendar for more details.
Best Offshore Fishing Techniques in Cabo
Our crews use a variety of proven methods depending on species and conditions:
🎣 Trolling with Ballyhoo & Lures
Classic offshore approach, great for marlin, dorado, and wahoo.
🎣 Kite Fishing for Yellowfin Tuna
Suspends bait on the surface—effective when tuna are shy.
🎣 Chunking and Live Baiting
Ideal for tuna and mahi when trolling slows down.
🎣 Deep Drop Jigging (Advanced)
A technique for those targeting big tuna or even swordfish at night.
🧭 Want to get technical? Learn how sonar and transducers help us find fish faster
Gear & Boat Setup for Offshore Trips
We outfit all of our Cabo offshore charters with top-tier gear:
- Tackle: 30–130 lb conventional reels (Shimano Tiagra, Penn Internationals)
- Lures & Rigs: Custom marlin lures, skirts, cedar plugs, fluorocarbon leaders
- Tech: GPS chartplotters, sonar, radar, and SatFish app for sea surface temps
- Boats: We run everything from 31ft express to luxury overnight yachts
🧭 Check out our overnight fishing yacht experience in Cabo
What Makes Cabo the Best Offshore Fishing Destination?
- 🎯 Year-Round Marlin: Cabo is one of the only places where striped marlin are always around.
- 🚤 Short Run to Deep Water: You’re in the action within 30–60 minutes of leaving the marina.
- 🏆 Tournaments Galore: Cabo hosts some of the world’s richest fishing tournaments like Bisbee’s Black & Blue and Pelagic Rockstar.
- 🌞 Consistent Weather: 300+ sunny days per year makes planning your trip easy.
Planning Your Offshore Trip in 2025
Whether you’re booking a half-day trip or a multi-day expedition, here’s what to know:
- ✅ Book in advance—prime months (Sep–Nov) fill up fast.
- ✅ Tell us your target species—we’ll tailor the trip to your goals.
- ✅ Gratuity is appreciated—15% for the crew is standard.
- ✅ Bring sunscreen, hat, polarized glasses, and your favorite snacks.
📍 Departures from Cabo San Lucas Marina
📞 Contact us now to reserve your offshore fishing trip in Cabo!
Bonus: Combine Offshore & Inshore for the Full Cabo Experience
Want the best of both worlds? Many of our guests book combo trips, starting with offshore trolling for tuna or marlin, then finishing inshore with roosterfish and snapper.