Last updated: November 1, 2025
Table of Contents
Overview
The transition into November in Los Cabos brings some of the most consistent offshore game fishing of the year. With water temps settling in the upper-70s to low-80s °F, the combination of active bait, birds, current breaks and a slightly lower charter pressure offers a prime window for billfish, tuna, dorado and other marquee species.
Both Cabo San Lucas (Pacific side) and San José del Cabo (Sea of Cortez side / Gordo Banks region) present excellent opportunities, each with its particular strengths and tactical angles.
Water & Conditions
- Sea surface temperatures across the region remain in the 78-82 °F (25.5-28 °C) range — ideal for pelagic activity in this season.
- Generally calm mornings are the norm, with moderate breezes in the afternoons. Visibility is good, and the transition from the summer thermocline is complete — making bait concentrations and current edges more predictable.
- Weather is stable (typical fall conditions), meaning longer offshore runs are comfortably viable for luxury clients.
What’s Biting
Striped Marlin (and Billfish)
- Off Cabo San Lucas: Striped marlin are showing strongly on the banks and edges. Large schools of bait combined with clean water and current breaks are triggering good bites.
- Off San José del Cabo / Gordo Banks: The region remains a world-class zone for billfish, with deep banks and structure offering opportunity for big releases.
Tactic: Use teaser/dredge spreads, early morning departures. Pitch a bridled live or dead bait (mackerel or caballito) behind teasers. Fluoro top-shots in the 60-80 lb range for large clients.
Yellowfin Tuna
- Tuna remain active on the edges and bait-rich structure. Birds and porpoise show up off San Luis/Iman lines and near Gordo Banks indicate schools of 30-80 lb (and occasionally larger) fish.
Tactic: Live sardines/chunked bait, metals and poppers under birds. Full-day charters recommended for best coverage.
Dorado & Wahoo
- Dorado: Found around floating debris, weed lines and structure; quality fish still in play though not as aggressive as mid-summer.
- Wahoo: Bites are picking up as cooler edges stabilize; expect high-speed troll bites.
Tactic: For dorado, drift or troll smaller skirted ballyhoo; for wahoo, wire or heavy fluoro with fast divers or jet heads.
Where We’re Looking
- Cabo San Lucas side: Banks and drop-offs (95/1150 spots), current seams just outside where bait lines up, bird/porpoise activity.
- San José del Cabo / Gordo Banks region: Deep structure, “Outer Gordo / Inner Gordo”, San Luis/Iman edges. The mixed Pacific/Sea of Cortez dynamics here give an edge for multiple species.
Tip: Adjust based on client preference — for billfish focus, choose long-day offshore from either base; for mixed bag or high-comfort charter, San José region offers more structure and access.
Boat & Charter Recommendations
- For clients seeking luxury and maximum comfort: Recommend 98ft Baratucci overnight charters for multi-day or extended range.
- For single-day high-performance trips targeting marlin/tuna: Recommend the 50’ Bertram or similar fishing cruiser with full amenities, plus high-end gear.
- For family/friends wanting a premium fishing day with light-tackle experience: Consider 28’ Center Console option for waves of action with comfort.
What to Bring
Light long-sleeve sun shirt, hat, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen (reef-safe), and camera (or waterproof action cam).
We handle licenses, gear, bait, meals, open bar— your client simply shows up.
For rules and licensing you can link: “Cabo Fishing Licenses & What to Bring” guide.
Planning Your Trip
- Booking now is wise — early November still sees strong demand for premium charters, especially for marlin.
- If targeting marlin or big tuna: Book a full-day plus option.
- If looking for mixed species or comfort/family trip: Consider a 8/9 hour offshore/inshore blend.
- Multi-day clients should act now: November window leads into December surge; charters filling.
Fishing
Don’t just follow the bite—experience it with the commitment of Tag Cabo Sportfishing. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly real-time offshore content, behind-the-scenes from our charters, and the stories that define the Los Cabos fishing season. Let’s create your next great adventure.
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