Tuna fishing in Cabo San Lucas is an exhilarating experience that stands apart from traditional marlin and dorado fishing. While marlin and dorado fishing typically involves trolling with teasers and lures, tuna fishing incorporates unique techniques like kite fishing and the use of special flying fish lures. This article explores how tuna fishing differs from other sport fishing styles in Cabo, highlights the best months to target tuna, and discusses key fishing spots such as the 1150 and Gordo Banks. We’ll also take a deep dive into the 13-year history of Blue Sky Cabo and the tremendous success they’ve had in tuna fishing, with references to their YouTube channel featuring epic catches. Finally, we’ll break down the difference between catching 20-pound “football” tuna and the massive 200-pound “cow” tuna, two distinct experiences that make tuna fishing in Cabo truly unforgettable.

How Tuna Fishing in Cabo Differs from Marlin and Dorado Fishing

When fishing for marlin or dorado in Cabo, the primary technique is trolling with teasers, lures, and sometimes live bait. This method mimics the movement of baitfish and attracts the attention of predatory fish like marlin and dorado. However, tuna fishing takes a completely different approach, especially when targeting the elusive yellowfin tuna.

Kite Fishing for Tuna

Kite fishing is one of the most exciting and effective methods used to catch tuna in Cabo San Lucas. This technique involves flying a kite from the boat, which allows a bait, such as a live or artificial flying fish, to skip across the surface of the water. The appearance of the bait mimics the behavior of an injured fish, which triggers aggressive strikes from tuna.

Kite fishing provides several advantages:

• Stealth Approach: The boat stays a safe distance away from the bait, reducing the chance of spooking the fish. Tuna are notoriously wary, and keeping the bait farther from the boat can often make the difference between a strike and a miss.
• Mimicking Natural Prey: Tuna often feed on flying fish and other surface-dwelling prey, and the kite setup mimics this natural behavior, making it irresistible to them.

Flying Fish Lures

In addition to kite fishing, special flying fish lures are a staple in tuna fishing. These lures are designed to look like flying fish, one of the primary prey species for yellowfin tuna. The lures are often rigged with hooks and towed behind the boat in a way that makes them skip across the surface, just like a real flying fish. This surface action is particularly effective in attracting large tuna.

These methods contrast with the deep-water tactics often employed in marlin fishing, where live bait or lures are trolled at various depths. Tuna fishing, particularly with kites and flying fish lures, is all about staying on the surface and capitalizing on the tuna’s natural predatory instincts.

Best Months for Tuna Fishing in Cabo

Yellowfin tuna are present in Cabo San Lucas year-round, but certain months are particularly productive for landing large tuna. The best time to target yellowfin tuna in Cabo is from July to November. During these months, the warm waters of the Pacific attract schools of yellowfin tuna, and anglers have the best chances of landing both football-sized tuna and massive cow tuna.

Peak Season: July to November

• July to September: During these months, the water temperature in Cabo is ideal for tuna, and the seas are often calm. Tuna schools begin to migrate closer to Cabo, providing excellent opportunities for sportfishing. Kite fishing and trolling with flying fish lures are especially effective during this period.
• October to November: As the season progresses into the fall, larger yellowfin tuna, known as “cow tuna,” start to appear in greater numbers. These fish can weigh well over 200 pounds and provide a thrilling challenge for even the most experienced anglers. The months of October and November are often considered the best time to catch a trophy-sized tuna in Cabo.

While tuna can be caught outside of these peak months, the concentration of fish during this time makes it the ideal window for serious tuna anglers.

Top Tuna Fishing Spots: The 1150 and Gordo Banks

The waters surrounding Cabo San Lucas are home to several renowned fishing spots that have a rich history of producing impressive tuna catches. Two of the most famous locations for tuna fishing are the 1150 Bank and Gordo Banks.

The 1150 Bank

Located about 20 miles offshore from Cabo San Lucas, the 1150 Bank is one of the top spots for targeting yellowfin tuna. The bank’s underwater structure and deep waters attract schools of tuna, particularly during the peak season. The 1150 Bank is also known for producing large marlin, making it a popular destination for anglers looking to catch a variety of species on a single trip.

Gordo Banks

The Gordo Banks, located to the northeast of Cabo, are another prime location for yellowfin tuna. These banks are known for their steep underwater drop-offs, which create ideal conditions for large schools of tuna to gather. The Gordo Banks are especially productive during the fall months, when cow tuna weighing over 200 pounds are often caught. Many of the largest tuna in Cabo have been hooked in this area, and it remains a go-to spot for serious tuna anglers.

The History of Blue Sky Cabo: 13 Years of Success

For the past 13 years, Blue Sky Cabo has been at the forefront of sportfishing in Cabo San Lucas. Our commitment to excellence, safety, and providing unforgettable experiences has earned us a reputation as one of the premier charter companies in the region. Our fleet of boats, including the renowned 43-foot Riviera, has been meticulously maintained to ensure that every guest has a comfortable and successful fishing trip.

Over the years, Blue Sky Cabo has had tremendous success in tuna fishing, consistently bringing in impressive catches. Our skilled captains and crew members are experts in kite fishing, trolling with flying fish lures, and locating the best fishing spots. Our guests have landed countless yellowfin tuna, ranging from 20-pound footballs to 200-pound cows. The excitement of fighting a massive tuna, combined with the breathtaking backdrop of Cabo’s waters, has made Blue Sky Cabo a top choice for anglers from around the world.

Watch Our Tuna Fishing Success on YouTube

To see the action for yourself, visit our YouTube channel, where we’ve uploaded various videos showcasing our tuna fishing adventures. From the thrill of hooking a cow tuna to the excitement of kite fishing, our videos give you a firsthand look at what it’s like to fish with Blue Sky Cabo. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, our team will guide you through the entire process and ensure that you have an unforgettable experience.

Football Tuna vs. Cow Tuna: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to tuna fishing in Cabo, there are two distinct categories of yellowfin tuna that anglers often target: football tuna and cow tuna. While both species belong to the same family, their size and the techniques used to catch them vary significantly.

Football Tuna (20-60 Pounds)

Football tuna are smaller yellowfin tuna that typically weigh between 20 and 60 pounds. These fish are known for their speed and agility, making them a fun and challenging catch for anglers of all skill levels. Football tuna are often caught using light tackle, and they put up a strong fight despite their relatively small size.

Fishing for football tuna is often a high-action experience, with multiple hookups occurring in a short period of time. These tuna travel in schools, so once you locate a group, you can expect plenty of bites. Football tuna are usually caught during the summer months, particularly around the 1150 and Gordo Banks.

Cow Tuna (200+ Pounds)

Cow tuna, on the other hand, are the giants of the yellowfin tuna family. These fish weigh 200 pounds or more, with some reaching well over 300 pounds. Catching a cow tuna requires heavy-duty tackle and plenty of endurance, as these massive fish are capable of long, grueling battles.

Kite fishing and trolling with flying fish lures are the preferred methods for targeting cow tuna. These large fish are more solitary than football tuna and are often found in deeper waters. The challenge of landing a cow tuna is what makes them such a prized catch among sportfishing enthusiasts. Fighting a fish of this size can take hours, and the adrenaline rush of finally bringing one to the boat is unmatched.

The Blue Sky Cabo Tuna Fishing Advantage

At Blue Sky Cabo, we specialize in both football and cow tuna fishing, and our charter packages are designed to maximize your chances of landing one of these incredible fish. Here’s what sets us apart from other charters:

• Experienced Crew: Our captains and crew members have decades of combined experience in tuna fishing. They know where to find the fish, how to use the latest techniques, and how to ensure that you have the best possible chance of success.
• Top-of-the-Line Equipment: We use high-quality gear, including kite fishing setups, heavy-duty reels, and specially designed flying fish lures. Whether you’re targeting football tuna or cow tuna, we have the right equipment for the job.
• Unmatched Service: From the moment you step on board, you’ll experience the Blue Sky Cabo difference. We offer all-inclusive packages that include everything you need for a successful fishing trip, from licenses and bait to breakfast and an open bar. Our goal is to make your day on the water as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

Conclusion

Tuna fishing in Cabo San Lucas offers a thrilling alternative to traditional marlin and dorado fishing.