Cabo Fish Species – Offshore & Inshore Fishing Guide

The mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), also known as dorado, is one of the most colorful and exciting game fish found in the waters of Los Cabos. Recognizable by its brilliant blue, green, and golden colors, this fast-growing predator is famous for its spectacular jumps, energetic fights, and aggressive strikes.

Mahi-mahi are commonly encountered around San José del Cabo, particularly during the warmer summer and fall months. They frequently gather near floating debris, drifting vegetation, and areas where ocean currents concentrate baitfish.

Anglers typically target dorado by trolling colorful artificial lures or presenting live bait, including sardines and mackerel. When fish are spotted near the surface, sight casting with spinning tackle can also provide exciting fishing opportunities. Light to medium tackle in the 20–30 lb class is commonly used.

Highly prized for their mild, delicious white meat, mahi-mahi are among the most popular catches in Baja California Sur. Responsible fishing and respect for Mexican catch limits help protect this valuable species.

[Read Our Dorado Fishing Guide →]

The roosterfish (Nematistius pectoralis), locally known as pez gallo, is one of the most iconic game fish of Los Cabos. Instantly recognizable by its spectacular comb-like dorsal fin and distinctive dark stripes, this powerful coastal predator is famous for its explosive surface strikes, impressive strength, and unforgettable fights.

Roosterfish inhabit the coastal waters around San José del Cabo, particularly near sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, and areas where baitfish gather. Fishing opportunities are generally strongest during the warmer months, especially from May through July, although seasonal conditions can vary.

Anglers commonly target roosterfish using live mullet, sardines, or mackerel, presented near the surface. Slow trolling, casting artificial lures, and fly fishing can also be effective. While roosterfish can be caught from shore, fishing from a boat provides greater flexibility to follow baitfish and explore productive coastal areas.

Unlike tuna or dorado, roosterfish are primarily valued for their sporting qualities rather than their meat. Catch and release is strongly recommended, with careful handling and recovery alongside the boat to help protect this remarkable species for future generations.

[Read Our Roosterfish Fishing Guide →]

The Pacific jack crevalle (Caranx caninus), locally known as toro or jurel toro, is one of the strongest inshore game fish found in Los Cabos. Recognizable by its muscular silver body, deeply forked tail, and powerful swimming ability, this aggressive predator is famous for its explosive strikes and relentless fights.

Jack crevalle inhabit the coastal waters around San José del Cabo, particularly near rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, underwater structures, and areas where baitfish gather. They frequently travel in schools and may be spotted actively chasing smaller fish near the surface. Fishing opportunities depend on baitfish movements, currents, and local sea conditions.

Anglers typically target jack crevalle using live bait, topwater poppers, casting lures, or metal jigs retrieved quickly to imitate fleeing baitfish. Medium spinning tackle in the 20–30 lb class, combined with 30–40 lb braided line, provides an exciting challenge while maintaining control during powerful runs.

Although less prized for their meat than tuna or dorado, jack crevalle are highly valued for their exceptional fighting ability. Catch and release is encouraged when the fish will not be kept for consumption.

The African pompano (Alectis ciliaris), locally known as palometa, is an elegant and powerful game fish found in the waters of Los Cabos. Recognizable by its deep, laterally compressed silver body and deeply forked tail, this remarkable species is known for its speed, strength, and challenging fights.

African pompano can be encountered around San José del Cabo, particularly near rocky reefs, underwater structures, and areas where smaller fish and crustaceans gather. Their presence varies with water temperature, currents, and local feeding conditions.

Anglers can target African pompano using fly fishing techniques, light trolling, or carefully presented artificial lures. Fly anglers commonly use 8–10 weight rods equipped with strong-drag reels, while light to medium spinning tackle can also provide an exciting challenge.

One of the most fascinating characteristics of this species is its appearance during early development. Juvenile African pompano have exceptionally long, flowing fins that gradually shorten as they mature, giving young and adult fish strikingly different appearances.

Prized for both their fighting ability and excellent eating quality, African pompano are a rewarding catch for anglers exploring the diverse fishing opportunities of Baja California Sur.

The Pacific sierra mackerel (Scomberomorus sierra), locally known as sierra, is a fast and aggressive coastal game fish found in the waters of Los Cabos. Recognizable by its streamlined silver body, distinctive markings, and razor-sharp teeth, this energetic predator is known for its sudden strikes, impressive speed, and exciting fights on light tackle.

Spanish mackerel are commonly encountered in the coastal waters around San José del Cabo, particularly near sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, and areas where schools of sardines and other small baitfish gather. They often hunt in groups, chasing their prey close to the surface.

Anglers typically target sierra using light trolling or casting small, shiny artificial lures, including metal spoons and other baitfish imitations. Light tackle in the 12–20 lb class provides an exciting fishing experience, while thin wire or abrasion-resistant fluorocarbon leaders help prevent the fish's sharp teeth from cutting the line.

Prized for their flavorful meat and energetic fights, Spanish mackerel are an excellent target for anglers looking to enjoy inshore fishing in San José del Cabo. Fishing opportunities vary with baitfish activity, ocean currents, and seasonal conditions.

The yellowtail amberjack (Seriola dorsalis), locally known as jurel de Castilla, is one of the strongest and most exciting game fish found in the waters of Los Cabos. Recognizable by its streamlined silver body, distinctive yellow stripe, and powerful yellow tail, this impressive predator is famous for its explosive strikes, remarkable strength, and demanding fights.

Yellowtail inhabit the waters around San José del Cabo, particularly near rocky reefs, offshore banks, and steep underwater drop-offs. They frequently gather in schools around submerged structures, where they hunt smaller fish and squid. Their activity varies with water temperatures, currents, and baitfish movements.

Anglers typically target yellowtail using live bait or vertical jigging with heavy metal jigs. Medium to heavy fishing tackle, high-torque reels, and strong braided line are commonly used to handle their powerful runs.

One of the greatest challenges when fighting a yellowtail is preventing it from diving toward rocky structures, where the fishing line can become damaged or break. Quick reactions, steady pressure, and proper tackle are essential for a successful fight.

Highly prized for both their fighting ability and excellent eating quality, yellowtail offer rewarding fishing opportunities in Baja California Sur.

The leopard grouper (Mycteroperca rosacea), locally known as cabrilla sardinera, is a powerful bottom-dwelling game fish found in the waters of Los Cabos. Recognizable by its robust body, reddish-brown spots, and distinctive pale markings, this impressive predator is known for its aggressive strikes and determination to escape into rocky structures.

Grouper inhabit the coastal waters around San José del Cabo, particularly near rocky reefs, underwater banks, and areas offering shelter and abundant prey. They feed primarily on smaller fish and crustaceans, with their activity influenced by ocean currents, water temperatures, and feeding conditions.

Anglers typically target grouper using bottom fishing techniques, live bait, or vertical jigging with heavy metal jigs. Strong fishing tackle, high-torque reels, and braided line are commonly used to prevent hooked fish from escaping into rocks, where fishing lines can quickly become damaged or broken.

Highly prized for their firm, flavorful white meat, grouper are popular among anglers exploring the diverse fishing opportunities of Baja California Sur. Responsible fishing, respect for Mexican catch limits, and the voluntary release of large breeding fish help support healthy populations and sustainable sportfishing.

The Pacific cubera snapper (Lutjanus novemfasciatus), also known as Pacific dog snapper or locally as pargo, is one of the largest and most powerful snapper species found in the waters of Los Cabos. Recognizable by its robust body, reddish-brown coloration, strong jaws, and prominent canine teeth, this aggressive predator is famous for its powerful strikes and challenging fights.

Cubera snapper inhabit the coastal waters around San José del Cabo, particularly near rocky reefs, underwater structures, and steep drop-offs. These powerful predators often remain close to shelter, where they ambush smaller fish and crustaceans.

Anglers typically target cubera snapper using bottom fishing techniques with live bait, heavy tackle, or vertical jigging. Strong braided line, sturdy hooks, and powerful reels are essential, as hooked fish frequently dive toward rocky structures, where fishing lines can quickly break.

Highly prized for their firm, flavorful white meat, cubera snapper are an exciting target for anglers exploring the diverse fishing opportunities of Baja California Sur. Responsible fishing, respect for Mexican catch limits, and the voluntary release of large breeding specimens help support healthy populations for future generations.

The California sheephead (Bodianus pulcher, formerly Semicossyphus pulcher), locally known as vieja californiana, is one of the most distinctive reef fish found along the Pacific coast of Baja California. Recognizable by its powerful jaws, prominent teeth, and striking coloration, this unusual species is especially fascinating to anglers interested in marine life.

California sheephead inhabit rocky reefs and underwater structures, where they feed on sea urchins, crabs, mollusks, and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Their geographic range extends to southern Baja California and the Gulf of California, although encounters around San José del Cabo are less common than those involving typical local reef fish.

Anglers may encounter sheephead while bottom fishing with natural bait or small jigs near rocky structures. Light to medium tackle and carefully presented bait are generally suitable for these fish.

One of their most remarkable characteristics is their ability to change sex during their lifetime. Sheephead typically begin life as females, and some develop into males as they mature. Adult males display distinctive black heads and tails with reddish-pink bodies.

Because California sheephead are classified as a vulnerable species, catch and release is strongly recommended. Careful handling and responsible fishing practices help protect these remarkable reef fish and their important role in marine ecosystems.

The Pacific snook (Centropomus spp.), locally known as róbalo, is a powerful and elusive coastal game fish occasionally encountered in the waters of Los Cabos. Several species inhabit the Mexican Pacific coast, including the Pacific white snook (Centropomus viridis) and black snook (Centropomus nigrescens). Recognizable by their elongated silver bodies, prominent lower jaws, and distinctive dark lateral lines, these predators are known for their aggressive strikes and challenging fights.

Snook are relatively uncommon around San José del Cabo, where they may be encountered near estuaries, coastal lagoons, rocky jetties, and sheltered areas where baitfish gather. Their activity depends on water temperatures, tidal movements, and local feeding conditions.

Anglers typically target snook by presenting live mullet near underwater structures or casting artificial lures that imitate small baitfish. Medium spinning tackle, strong hooks, and abrasion-resistant fluorocarbon leaders are useful when fishing close to rocks and other obstacles.

Snook are skilled ambush predators that often strike from cover, making accurate bait presentation particularly important.

Because these fish are not commonly encountered in the local fishing grounds, catch and release is encouraged to help preserve fishing opportunities and protect local populations.