When winter grips much of North America, anglers escape to Baja California Sur where sunshine, warm waters, and abundant fish make every trip memorable. Fishing Los Cabos in January is one of the best-kept secrets in sportfishing. While many travelers associate Cabo San Lucas with fall marlin tournaments or summer dorado runs, January holds its own as a productive month for both offshore and inshore species.

If you’re planning a winter vacation and want to know what to expect on the water, this month-by-month breakdown of fishing Los Cabos in January will show you why Cabo remains a world-class destination year-round.

Book your trip at Fishing Cabo San Lucas or call +1.602.489.8145 to secure your January charter.

Why Choose Fishing Los Cabos in January?

The key advantage of fishing Los Cabos in January is consistency. Cabo is one of the few places in the world where billfish are available year-round, and January is no exception. Add in inshore light-tackle fun, bottom fishing opportunities, and perfect weather, and it’s easy to see why winter is a popular season for dedicated anglers.

Highlights of the January fishing scene:

• Striped marlin remain a primary offshore target.
• Roosterfish and jack crevalle offer inshore thrills.
• Snapper, grouper, and yellowtail dominate reefs.
• Sierra mackerel provide fast, family-friendly action.

Striped Marlin During Fishing Los Cabos in January

Cabo San Lucas is known as the Marlin Capital of the World, and January holds true to that title. While fall sees massive striped marlin concentrations, the winter months still produce solid numbers of hookups.

Charters often spot marlin tailing at the surface or feeding aggressively on sardine schools. Live bait is a top tactic, though trolling with artificial lures or rigged ballyhoo is also effective. Landing a marlin in January is a bucket-list achievement that cements Cabo’s global reputation.

Inshore Action When Fishing Los Cabos in January

For anglers who enjoy casting near the beaches or rocks, inshore fishing thrives this month.

• Roosterfish patrol sandy drop-offs and rocky edges, attacking live sardines and topwater plugs. They are highly sought-after for their strength and beauty.
• Jack crevalle provide non-stop action and are often caught alongside roosterfish. Their bulldog fight makes them a favorite for sportfishermen.
• Sierra mackerel school inshore and hit small spoons, jigs, or live bait. They are both fun to catch and delicious on the grill.

Bottom Fishing Options in January

Winter is prime time for reef species, making bottom fishing a great choice when fishing Los Cabos in January.

• Red snapper deliver steady action and excellent fillets.
• Grouper lurk near rocky bottoms, requiring heavy tackle to wrestle them from structure.
• Yellowtail schools increase as January progresses, offering some of the hardest fights pound-for-pound in Cabo waters.

These species are not only challenging but also provide some of the best fresh seafood meals of your trip.

Offshore Surprises in January

Although dorado, wahoo, and giant yellowfin tuna peak later in the year, surprises always await. It’s not uncommon for charters to encounter smaller tuna schools or the occasional dorado offshore during January. This unpredictability adds an extra thrill—every line in the water holds the chance of a trophy.

Weather Conditions for Fishing Los Cabos in January

Part of the appeal of fishing Los Cabos in January is the climate. While much of the northern hemisphere deals with snow, Cabo offers:

• Daytime temperatures between 65°F and 80°F.
• Sea temperatures ranging from 70°F to 73°F.
• Calm seas and reliable weather windows.

These conditions make January one of the most comfortable months for full-day offshore trips or shorter family charters.

Fleet Options for January Charters

At Fishing Cabo San Lucas, anglers can choose from a fleet designed for different group sizes and preferences:

• 31’ Express – Ideal for couples or small families targeting inshore or reef fish.
• 32’ Luhrs – Versatile for both striped marlin and bottom fishing.
• 43’ Riviera – Spacious and perfect for full-day offshore adventures.
• 60’ Bertram – Luxury option for larger groups, offering space, comfort, and world-class equipment.

Selecting the right boat ensures your experience is tailored to your fishing goals in January.

Techniques for Success When Fishing Los Cabos in January

January fishing requires versatile approaches:

• Live bait drifting is best for marlin and roosterfish.
• Casting spoons and jigs produces consistent sierra mackerel.
• Trolling covers ground and raises opportunistic pelagic species.
• Heavy tackle bottom rigs target yellowtail, grouper, and snapper effectively.

With expert crews guiding you, these tactics maximize your chances of success.

Family-Friendly Fishing Los Cabos in January

Families love Cabo in January thanks to calm seas, mild weather, and fun inshore opportunities. Kids can battle sierra mackerel on light tackle, while parents can chase marlin or bottom species offshore. Crews are skilled at tailoring trips so every family member enjoys the adventure.

Travel Tips for January Anglers

To make the most of your January fishing trip:

• Book early to secure your preferred boat.
• Bring light jackets for cool mornings, with lighter clothes for warm afternoons.
• Ask your crew to prepare your fresh catch or recommend local restaurants that will cook it for you.
• Don’t forget cameras—Cabo’s sunrises and trophy fish make for epic photos.

Booking Your Charter for Fishing Los Cabos in January

Whether you’re after the thrill of a marlin fight or family fun with sierra mackerel, fishing Los Cabos in January offers something for everyone. Experienced crews, luxury boats, and seasonal knowledge make every trip unique and rewarding.

Call +1.602.489.8145 or visit Fishing Cabo San Lucas  to reserve your January adventure today.

Final Thoughts

For anglers looking to escape winter, fishing Los Cabos in January is the perfect choice. Striped marlin remain abundant, inshore waters come alive with roosterfish and sierra mackerel, and bottom fishing is at its best. Combined with beautiful weather and professional charter services, January delivers an unbeatable fishing vacation.

Don’t let the cold keep you home—Cabo’s waters are warm, the fish are biting, and your adventure awaits.