Cabo Fish Species
Looking for a thrilling fishing adventure in San Jose del Cabo's waters? Look no further than Exotic Fish Cabo! Our fishing trips target numerous species categorized into four groups: easy to find, common to find, difficult to find, and possible but rare, each with their own Mexican name for your reference. Our experienced local captain knows the best spots to find these fish and will take you on an unforgettable adventure to catch them.
No matter which species you choose to target, we provide top-of-the-line gear and specialized offshore fishing equipment that will give you the best chance of landing your dream catch. Don't miss the chance to experience the thrill of catching one of these challengers for yourself! Book your fishing trip with Exotic Fish Cabo today.
Fish easy to found
Fish common to found
Fish difficult to found
Possible Fish but Rare
Striped Marlin (Rayado)
Cabo is renowned as a top spot to reel in striped marlin, a sizable and feisty type of Pelagic fish. This region is famous for its plentiful food supply and optimal conditions, creating a superb chance for fishing enthusiasts to encounter this species. When targeting striped marlin, anglers commonly employ live bait and lures, taking advantage of their impressive power and acrobatic displays.
Yellowfin Tuna (Tuna)
Cabo is famous for its plentiful Yellowfin Tuna, a type of Pelagic fish. These fish are easily recognizable by their vibrant yellow fins and dark bodies. Experienced captains in the area are well-versed in numerous fishing locations where Yellowfin Tuna gather, as they migrate through the local banks consistently throughout the year. These fish inhabit warm waters globally and can grow to impressive sizes, reaching up to 400 pounds.
Wahoo
Cabo is widely acclaimed for its exceptional fishing prospects, which include the sought-after Wahoo. This swift Pelagic fish is often solitary or found in small groups of two to six individuals. Wahoo are commonly located near wrecks and reefs, where they can easily prey on the abundant smaller fish. However, they can also be encountered in open waters far from the shore.
Mahi Mahi (Dorado)
Cabo is an excellent destination for fishing mahi-mahi. The warm waters in this area serve as a habitat for these Pelagic fish, known for their distinct flat, narrow head, single dorsal fin, and stunning array of colors. The optimal seasons to encounter them are summer and fall, and they can be attracted using a variety of methods such as lures, live bait, and even dead bait.
Skipjack (Barilete)
The prime time for targeting skipjack in Cabo is from November to December. Skipjack is a type of fish classified under the family Scombridae. Recognized for their sleek, torpedo-shaped bodies, they can reach lengths of up to 1 meter. Anglers particularly favor them as a game fish due to their remarkable speed and agility, providing an exhilarating challenge when caught. Fishing for skipjack is typically conducted from boats using techniques such as chumming or trolling.
Bonito
Bonito bears resemblance to Skipjack, as they both have dark blue backs and silver-white bellies, leading to occasional confusion between the two. Bonito is also highly sought after in sport fishing due to its impressive speed and formidable fighting capabilities. It is renowned for its firm, meaty flesh and distinctively robust flavor. Bonito is commonly enjoyed fresh or prepared in various dishes. Additionally, this fish serves as a popular bait when targeting Marlin, Swordfish, and Tuna.
Blue Marlin (Azul)
Cabo is famous for its exceptional blue marlin fishing opportunities. These Pelagic fish are notable for their immense power and incredible swiftness. Reaching lengths of up to 14 feet and weighing as much as 2,000 pounds, blue marlins are prized catches in the realm of sport fishing. Succeeding in landing a blue marlin is considered a remarkable accomplishment, requiring appropriate equipment and skilled techniques. Knowledgeable guides are available to offer valuable insights and guidance on the most effective strategies for hooking and reeling in these impressive fish.
Black Marlin (Negro)
Cabo is a renowned location for encountering black marlin, a sought-after game fish. Black marlin are distinguished by their remarkable size and incredible strength, making them one of the most formidable catches. However, it's important to prioritize the sustainability of these fish for future generations, as their population is not as plentiful. Experienced fishing guides can offer valuable insights into the most effective techniques for successfully hooking and reeling in black marlin, as well as provide tips on safely releasing them back into the water after capture.
Sail Fish (Pez Vela)
Sailfish are highly favored as a game fish, celebrated for their remarkable size and speed, making them an exhilarating catch for anglers. They are frequently sought after by sport fishermen due to their allure. To preserve the fishery for future generations, it is crucial to adhere to local fishing regulations and adopt catch-and-release practices. Seasoned fishing guides can offer valuable advice on the most effective techniques for hooking and reeling in these impressive fish, as well as provide tips on safely releasing them back into the water.
Sword Fish (Pez Espada)
Swordfish are highly valued by anglers, but they are scarce in Cabo. These elusive fish are primarily located in deep waters, typically at depths of 1,500 feet or more. Therefore, targeting swordfish requires specialized equipment and techniques. One common method is deep dropping, which involves deploying a baited line with a heavy weight to the ocean floor and patiently waiting for a swordfish to seize the bait. Responsible fishing practices are crucial in this pursuit. It is important to adhere to local regulations and guidelines, utilize appropriate gear and techniques, and release undersized or non-target species to ensure sustainability.
Amberjack (Pez Fuerte)
Fishing for amberjack in Cabo is an exciting endeavor. These fish are renowned for their robust strength and impressive fighting capabilities. Anglers commonly employ live bait, such as mackerel or squid, to entice amberjack to bite. Additionally, jigging can be a highly effective technique, as the movement and vibration of jigs often attract these fish.
It is crucial to prioritize the long-term sustainability of amberjack by adhering to local regulations and guidelines. This includes utilizing appropriate gear and techniques, as well as releasing undersized or non-target species. Amberjack play a significant role in the marine ecosystem, and responsible fishing practices are essential to ensure their preservation for future generations.
Yellowtail Amberjack
(Jurel de Castilla)
Yellowtail amberjack are often found gathering near underwater structures such as reefs, pinnacles, and rock formations. They favor areas with steep drop-offs, ledges, and deep channels where they can lie in wait to ambush their prey. Yellowtail amberjack display an aggressive nature and frequently strike at live bait, proving it to be a successful approach. Another effective technique for fishing yellowtail amberjack in Cabo is jigging. Be prepared for an intense battle as these fish are renowned for their powerful runs and formidable fighting abilities, requiring endurance for a potentially lengthy encounter.
Grouper (Cabrilla)
Grouper fishing is a beloved pastime in Cabo. When pursuing grouper, it is vital to uphold responsible fishing practices to protect these magnificent creatures. Many large grouper specimens are nearly a century old, highlighting the need to prioritize their conservation. This includes adhering to local regulations and guidelines, practicing catch-and-release techniques, utilizing appropriate gear and techniques, and releasing undersized or non-target species. Grouper play a significant role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of ensuring their long-term sustainability.
Cubera Snapper (Pargo)
Cubera snapper, one of the largest species of snapper, can reach lengths of up to 5 feet. They possess a distinctive appearance, with a prominent sloping forehead and a reddish-brown coloration complemented by hints of blue on the upper body. These impressive fish are highly sought after by sport fishing enthusiasts, admired for their tenacious fighting ability. Unfortunately, the population of cubera snapper in Cabo has decreased due to excessive spearfishing. As a result, fishing regulations have become stricter, and conservation efforts have been intensified to safeguard their numbers.
California Sheephead
(Vieja)
The California sheephead is a type of wrasse fish that stands out with its remarkable appearance. The males display a vibrant red head and a contrasting black body, while the females exhibit a lighter pink coloration. These fish can reach lengths of up to 3 feet and weigh as much as 30 pounds. An interesting aspect of their biology is that they are protogynous hermaphrodites, starting their lives as females and later transitioning into males as they mature.
It is crucial to practice catch-and-release when encountering California sheephead as they are currently facing the risk of extinction. Preserving their population requires responsible fishing practices and efforts to protect their habitats.
Broomtail Grouper (Cabrilla)
Fishing for broomtail grouper in Cabo can provide an exhilarating adventure for passionate anglers. These elusive fish can be challenging to capture, requiring patience and persistence. Broomtail grouper have the potential to grow up to 3 feet in length, adding to their allure. It is crucial to practice catch-and-release fishing for broomtail grouper in Cabo San Lucas, as their populations are declining. By releasing these fish back into the water, we contribute to their survival and the enjoyment they can bring to future generations of anglers.
Spanish Mackerel (Sierra)
The Spanish mackerel is a type of mackerel fish known for its distinctive features. With an elongated body adorned in silver and blue-green scales, they can reach lengths of up to 3 feet and weigh up to 10 pounds. Spanish mackerel fishing in Cabo is an enjoyable and thrilling experience suitable for anglers of all skill levels. These fish are highly regarded for their swiftness and agility, making them a sought-after game fish. Their presence brings delight, especially to young anglers. Spanish mackerel are opportunistic predators, often trailing schools of baitfish like sardines or anchovies along the beaches, making them a captivating sight to behold.
Jack Crevalle (Toro)
Jack crevalle are renowned for their exceptional strength and impressive speed, providing a thrilling challenge when hooked. Anglers of all levels can enjoy an exhilarating experience with these fish. They have the potential to grow up to 4 feet in length and weigh as much as 40 pounds, making them a sought-after game fish for sport fishing in Cabo. Jack crevalle's remarkable strength and agility ensure a formidable fight once hooked. Prepare for an enduring battle and ensure the fish is properly exhausted before attempting to reel it in.
African Pompano
(Palometa)
African pompano exhibit a distinctive appearance, featuring a compressed body, silver scales, and a notable yellowish-gold stripe running along their sides. Engaging in African pompano fishing in Cabo can deliver an exhilarating experience suitable for anglers of all skill levels. Fly fishermen, in particular, hold these fish in high regard. Renowned for their impressive strength and remarkable speed, African pompano provide a formidable fight once hooked.
Rooster Fish (Pez Gallo)
Roosterfish are highly coveted by anglers for their combative spirit and distinctive appearance, making them a prized catch. When hooked, be prepared for a challenging battle as they are known for their hard-fighting nature. These fish possess a unique feature a dorsal fin that resembles the comb of a rooster which adds to their allure.
Roosterfish have the potential to reach lengths of up to 5 feet and weigh over 100 pounds, although the average size in Cabo is around 20 pounds. If your aim is to target the rare giant "Roosta" specimens weighing over 70 pounds, a dedicated effort will be required. Get in touch with us right away as we proudly claim to be the premier charter service for roosterfish in the entire Los Cabos region. Rest assured, this is a verifiable fact!
Pacific Snook (Robalo)
The Pacific Snook comprises several well-known species, including Centropomus viridis, Centropomus nigrescens, and Centropomus unionensis.
These fish are greatly esteemed as game fish, thanks to their remarkable strength and fighting prowess. Additionally, they serve as a vital food source for numerous coastal communities. Unfortunately, certain regions have witnessed a decline in Pacific Snook populations due to overfishing and the destruction of their habitats.
To address this concern, various management measures have been implemented in certain areas. These include the establishment of size and bag limits as well as fishing closures. Such measures are crucial in safeguarding these fish and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
Totoaba
Totoaba macdonaldi, commonly referred to as Totoaba, is a large and slow-growing fish that can attain lengths of up to 2 meters and weigh over 100 pounds. The totoaba is renowned for its highly valuable swim bladder, which commands exorbitant prices on the illicit market. Since 1976, the totoaba has held the status of a critically endangered species and is safeguarded under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
Despite these protective measures, illicit fishing activities targeting totoaba persist, primarily driven by the demand for its prized swim bladder. Tragically, these illegal fishing practices unintentionally ensnare and harm the critically endangered vaquita porpoise, further exacerbating the precarious situation faced by this species. It is imperative that concerted efforts be made to combat illegal fishing and protect both the totoaba and the vaquita porpoise from further harm.