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Cool Water, Hot Billfish: Winter Fishing Heats Up in Cabo San Lucas
Winter in Cabo has long been a favorite season for travelers looking to trade snow shovels and freezing wind for warm ocean air and bright blue water. Cabo San Lucas becomes a true snowbird destination during the cooler months, and for those headed south, the offshore fishing is something you’ll want to take advantage of while you’re here.
My friend Arturo Chacon of Tag Cabo Sportfishing has been on the water every week, and his latest report paints a picture of steady action and ideal conditions. “Right now the sea is sitting in that seventy-eight to eighty-two degree range,” Arturo told me. “Calm mornings, blue water, and plenty of life. If you’re coming down to escape winter, this is exactly the kind of fishing you want.”
As Cabo moves into the cooler season, the combination of consistent weather, healthy bait, and multiple active species has created one of the most reliable fishing windows of the year.
Striped Marlin Steal the Show
The headline story this winter is the striped marlin bite. Early winter is traditionally prime time for billfish, and Arturo confirmed that fish are holding strong along the banks and current edges.
“We’re seeing very solid numbers on the 1150 and Gordo (fishing spots),” he said. “You find the bait, you find the marlin. They’re stacked when the current lines up.”
Teaser spreads and pitch baits are producing steady opportunities, especially during calm morning hours. For anglers looking for that classic Cabo marlin experience, winter is delivering.
Yellowfin Tuna Remain Reliable
Yellowfin tuna have also been a dependable part of the offshore mix. Schools are showing along temperature breaks, and porpoise activity has been giving away their location.
“Tuna are out there, and we’re getting shots almost daily,” Arturo said. “Live bait and jigging both work, but you need to stay with the birds and the signs. Patience pays off.”
There have been some heavier fish mixed in, so anglers should be prepared with fluoro in the 40 to 60-pound range.
Yellowfin action has remained reliable for crews willing to run the breaks and stay attentive to surface signs.
Dorado Still Holding Strong
Adding more variety, dorado are still hanging around in good numbers. Weed lines and floating debris have been producing steady action.
“Dorado have been a nice bonus fish on most of our trips,” Arturo said. “Bright water and anything floating can mean a full box before noon.”
It’s hard to beat dorado for bright colors, fast action, and exceptional table fare.
Wahoo Making Their Presence Known
Wahoo are beginning to show more frequently as we move deeper into winter. High-speed trolling along temperature breaks and drop-offs has been yielding strikes from fish that are every bit as fast and powerful as advertised.
“When you’re pulling baits at speed, and that rod just doubles, you know it’s wahoo,” Arturo said. “Fast, aggressive, no nonsense fish.”
Wire or heavy leader is a must.
Strong wahoo like this one have been hitting hard when the current lines up
Inshore Options
For anglers looking to stay closer to the beach, the inshore fishery remains a strong option. Roosterfish are patrolling the beaches, and the rocky structure is holding snapper and cabrilla.
“If the ocean gets a little bumpy offshore, inshore is still very good this time of year,” Arturo said. “Roosters can give you a morning you won’t forget.”
Light tackle turns these fish into a true fight.
Looking Ahead
Winter in Cabo has always held its own special rhythm, and this year is no exception. Striped marlin are plentiful, tuna are very much in play, dorado continue to add color to the spread, and the inshore bite provides exciting backup when the wind picks up offshore.
I’m already planning my next trip back with Arturo and the team, and if you’re making your way down to escape the cold this season, this is a great time to get on the water and experience everything Cabo has to offer.
For more information or to book your trip, visit Tag Cabo Sportfishing.
The post Cool Water, Hot Billfish: Winter Fishing Heats Up in Cabo San Lucas appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...
Cool Water, Hot Billfish: Winter Fishing Heats Up in Cabo San Lucas
Winter in Cabo has long been a favorite season for travelers looking to trade snow shovels and freezing wind for warm ocean air and bright blue water. Cabo San Lucas becomes a true snowbird destination during the cooler months, and for those headed south, the offshore fishing is something you’ll want to take advantage of while you’re here.
My friend Arturo Chacon of Tag Cabo Sportfishing has been on the water every week, and his latest report paints a picture of steady action and ideal conditions. “Right now the sea is sitting in that seventy-eight to eighty-two degree range,” Arturo told me. “Calm mornings, blue water, and plenty of life. If you’re coming down to escape winter, this is exactly the kind of fishing you want.”
As Cabo moves into the cooler season, the combination of consistent weather, healthy bait, and multiple active species has created one of the most reliable fishing windows of the year.
Striped Marlin Steal the Show
The headline story this winter is the striped marlin bite. Early winter is traditionally prime time for billfish, and Arturo confirmed that fish are holding strong along the banks and current edges.
“We’re seeing very solid numbers on the 1150 and Gordo (fishing spots),” he said. “You find the bait, you find the marlin. They’re stacked when the current lines up.”
Teaser spreads and pitch baits are producing steady opportunities, especially during calm morning hours. For anglers looking for that classic Cabo marlin experience, winter is delivering.
Yellowfin Tuna Remain Reliable
Yellowfin tuna have also been a dependable part of the offshore mix. Schools are showing along temperature breaks, and porpoise activity has been giving away their location.
“Tuna are out there, and we’re getting shots almost daily,” Arturo said. “Live bait and jigging both work, but you need to stay with the birds and the signs. Patience pays off.”
There have been some heavier fish mixed in, so anglers should be prepared with fluoro in the 40 to 60-pound range.
Yellowfin action has remained reliable for crews willing to run the breaks and stay attentive to surface signs.
Dorado Still Holding Strong
Adding more variety, dorado are still hanging around in good numbers. Weed lines and floating debris have been producing steady action.
“Dorado have been a nice bonus fish on most of our trips,” Arturo said. “Bright water and anything floating can mean a full box before noon.”
It’s hard to beat dorado for bright colors, fast action, and exceptional table fare.
Wahoo Making Their Presence Known
Wahoo are beginning to show more frequently as we move deeper into winter. High-speed trolling along temperature breaks and drop-offs has been yielding strikes from fish that are every bit as fast and powerful as advertised.
“When you’re pulling baits at speed, and that rod just doubles, you know it’s wahoo,” Arturo said. “Fast, aggressive, no nonsense fish.”
Wire or heavy leader is a must.
Strong wahoo like this one have been hitting hard when the current lines up
Inshore Options
For anglers looking to stay closer to the beach, the inshore fishery remains a strong option. Roosterfish are patrolling the beaches, and the rocky structure is holding snapper and cabrilla.
“If the ocean gets a little bumpy offshore, inshore is still very good this time of year,” Arturo said. “Roosters can give you a morning you won’t forget.”
Light tackle turns these fish into a true fight.
Looking Ahead
Winter in Cabo has always held its own special rhythm, and this year is no exception. Striped marlin are plentiful, tuna are very much in play, dorado continue to add color to the spread, and the inshore bite provides exciting backup when the wind picks up offshore.
I’m already planning my next trip back with Arturo and the team, and if you’re making your way down to escape the cold this season, this is a great time to get on the water and experience everything Cabo has to offer.
For more information or to book your trip, visit Tag Cabo Sportfishing.
The post Cool Water, Hot Billfish: Winter Fishing Heats Up in Cabo San Lucas appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...