Cabo San Lucas, located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, is a paradise for anglers, offering some of the best fishing opportunities in the world. From world-renowned marlin tournaments to private fishing charters, Cabo’s waters are teeming with marine life. However, for anglers looking for a more budget-friendly or do-it-yourself experience, shorecasting offers a fantastic alternative. It allows you to fish from the shores of Cabo, targeting a wide range of species, including dorado, sharks, roosterfish, grouper, and snapper.
This article will delve into the exciting world of shore fishing in Cabo San Lucas, offering tips, techniques, and locations for success. We’ll also highlight Blue Sky Cabo, a premier fishing charter company that offers unforgettable private charters, including a thrilling trip to the Finger Banks and a unique guarantee for their anglers.
Why Choose Shore Fishing in Cabo?
Fishing from the shore, also known as shorecasting, provides anglers with the opportunity to enjoy Cabo’s incredible waters without the need for a boat. Shorecasting is perfect for those who want to spend a day fishing while keeping costs low or for anglers who enjoy the challenge of catching fish from the surf.
The shores of Cabo San Lucas are home to a variety of species, from smaller reef fish like snapper and grouper to larger game fish like dorado and even sharks. The beauty of shore fishing in Cabo lies in its accessibility—anyone with a fishing rod, some bait, and a good location can experience the thrill of landing a catch.
What You Can Catch from the Shore in Cabo
1. Dorado (Mahi-Mahi): Dorado are one of the most popular species to target while fishing in Cabo. Known for their stunning colors and acrobatic fights, dorado are usually found further offshore, but during certain times of the year, they come close enough to shore for anglers to cast from the beach. These fish are particularly abundant in the fall months, which is prime time for shorecasting.
2. Roosterfish: Cabo is renowned for its large roosterfish, a prized catch for anglers. Roosterfish are aggressive predators that can be found patrolling the shores, especially near rocky points and beaches with deep water access. Their distinctive dorsal fin and powerful fight make them one of the most exciting species to catch from the shore.
3. Grouper and Snapper: For anglers looking for delicious table fare, grouper and snapper are abundant near Cabo’s reefs and rocky shores. These species can be caught year-round, and they provide a rewarding challenge when hooked. Snapper, in particular, are known for their strong, head-shaking battles, while grouper use their immense strength to dive for cover in rocky areas.
4. Sharks: Cabo’s shoreline is also home to several species of sharks, including hammerheads, blacktip, and bull sharks. While catching sharks from the shore can be a thrilling experience, it’s important to be cautious and respectful of these powerful predators. Many local anglers practice catch-and-release to ensure the sustainability of shark populations.
Shore Fishing Hotspots in Cabo
1. Medano Beach: This popular beach is not only known for its soft sands and calm waters but also for its fishing potential. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to cast a line, as you’ll find species like roosterfish and snapper patrolling the waters.
2. Lighthouse Point (Faro Viejo): For anglers looking for larger game fish, Lighthouse Point is a fantastic option. The deeper waters here attract dorado, roosterfish, and the occasional shark. The area’s rocky structure provides excellent cover for fish, making it an ideal spot to cast from shore.
3. Pacific Side Beaches: The beaches along the Pacific side of Cabo, such as Solmar Beach and Playa Migriño, are less crowded and offer prime fishing conditions. The waters here are deeper and cooler, making them ideal for targeting larger species like grouper and sharks.
4. Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Bay: Both bays are popular for their calm waters and beautiful scenery. Anglers can expect to find snapper, grouper, and the occasional dorado close to shore. These spots are perfect for a relaxing day of fishing with plenty of opportunities to catch something exciting.
Gear and Techniques for Shore Fishing in Cabo
Shorecasting requires a few essential pieces of equipment, but it’s relatively easy to get started. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Rods and Reels: A medium to heavy-action rod in the 9-12 foot range is ideal for casting from the shore. Pair this with a spinning reel that holds at least 300 yards of 30-50 lb braided line. This setup gives you the strength to cast far and handle larger fish like roosterfish and dorado.
2. Lures and Bait: Live bait like sardines and mullet works wonders when shorecasting in Cabo, but if you prefer artificial lures, topwater plugs and poppers are excellent for roosterfish, while metal jigs and spoons work well for snapper and grouper.
3. Casting Techniques: Long-distance casting is key when shore fishing in Cabo, as many of the larger fish are found just beyond the surf break. Make sure to practice your casting technique to reach deeper waters where dorado and sharks are likely to be lurking.
Extreme Fishing: Blue Sky Cabo’s Private Charter to the Finger Banks
For those looking to take their fishing experience to the next level, Blue Sky Cabo offers an extreme fishing trip to the Finger Banks, a renowned fishing ground located 50 miles northwest of Cabo San Lucas. The Finger Banks are legendary for their huge marlin and abundant dorado populations, making it a dream destination for serious anglers.
Target Species:
Marlin: The Finger Banks are famous for their incredible marlin fishing, with blue, black, and striped marlin all present in large numbers during the peak season. Anglers can expect to catch marlin weighing anywhere from 200 to 1,000 pounds.
Dorado: In November, dorado swarm the waters around the Finger Banks, offering anglers an opportunity to catch these beautiful and hard-fighting fish.
The Guarantee: One of the standout features of Blue Sky Cabo’s Finger Banks trip is their unique guarantee. If no fish are caught during this extreme fishing adventure, Blue Sky Cabo offers a free second traditional 8-hour charter as part of the deal. This guarantee ensures that you get the best possible fishing experience, with the option to try again if the fish aren’t biting on your first trip.
Why Choose Blue Sky Cabo?
Blue Sky Cabo has built a stellar reputation as one of the premier fishing charter companies in Cabo San Lucas, with over 5,000 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. Their commitment to providing unforgettable fishing experiences, combined with their exceptional customer service, makes them a top choice for anglers visiting Cabo.
1.
Expert Crew: The crew at
Blue Sky Cabo has decades of combined experience fishing in the waters around Cabo San Lucas. They know the best fishing spots, techniques, and equipment to ensure you have a successful trip.
2. Complimentary Sunset Cruise: In addition to their private charters, Blue Sky Cabo offers a free, no-purchase-necessary sunset cruise every Wednesday. This is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to enjoy Cabo’s stunning sunsets while cruising along the coastline, making it an excellent addition to any fishing trip.
3. Safety and Comfort: Blue Sky Cabo takes safety seriously, providing all the necessary safety equipment and a well-maintained fleet of boats. Their charters offer comfortable accommodations, including air-conditioned cabins, a full galley, and plenty of space for relaxing between bites.
The Best Time for Shore Fishing in Cabo
Cabo San Lucas offers excellent shore fishing year-round, but certain times of the year are better for targeting specific species. November is a prime month for catching dorado from the shore, as they come closer to land during the fall months. Roosterfish are abundant in the spring and summer, while snapper and grouper can be caught year-round.
For those looking to experience the thrill of shore fishing in Cabo while also considering a more extreme adventure, Blue Sky Cabo’s Finger Banks trip in November is the ultimate fishing experience.
Free Fishing in Cabo
Shorecasting in Cabo San Lucas is a fantastic way for anglers to experience the thrill of fishing without the need for a boat. With a variety of species available to catch, from roosterfish and snapper to dorado and sharks, there’s something for every angler on Cabo’s beautiful shores. Combine this with the exciting charter opportunities from Blue Sky Cabo, including their Finger Banks extreme fishing trip, and you have the recipe for an unforgettable fishing adventure.
Whether you’re casting from the shore or heading offshore with
Blue Sky Cabo, Cabo San Lucas offers some of the best fishing in the world. Be sure to take advantage of the free sunset cruise on Wednesdays, and don’t forget to check out the
5,000+ excellent reviews on TripAdvisor to see why Blue Sky Cabo is a top choice for anglers visiting the region.
