When anglers research the best Cabo fishing charter, most attention goes to boat size, catch reports, and pricing. Yet one of the most overlooked—and most important—factors is crew size. After covering topics earlier today such as how to tell whether you booked the best Cabo fishing charter or an average one, and how elite charters handle catch-and-release policies, it’s a natural progression to look at the people onboard who make the entire experience possible.

Crew size directly affects safety, comfort, fishing success, customer service, and even how memorable your Cabo fishing trip becomes. In Cabo San Lucas, where conditions can change quickly and expectations are high, the difference between a minimally staffed boat and a properly crewed vessel is massive.

This article breaks down the typical crew sizes on Cabo fishing charter boats, explains what each crew member does, and shows why Fishing Cabo San Lucas  sets a higher service standard with more crew per boat than most operators in the marina.

Why Crew Size Matters on a Cabo Fishing Charter

Fishing in Cabo San Lucas is not a simple boat ride with lines in the water. It’s a high-level operation that often includes:

• Offshore runs 10–40+ miles
• Live bait management
• Advanced trolling spreads with teasers and dredges
• Billfish revival and ethical releases
• Food, drinks, and hospitality service
• Photography and video documentation
• Guest education and hands-on assistance

Each of these elements requires dedicated personnel. When boats are understaffed, corners get cut. Service slows down. Safety margins shrink. Guests end up helping when they shouldn’t have to—or worse, standing around confused while opportunities are missed.

The best Cabo fishing charter boats don’t just rely on a great captain. They rely on a well-balanced crew where every role is clearly defined.

Average Crew Sizes in Cabo San Lucas (Industry Reality)

Before explaining what sets premium charters apart, it’s important to understand what is considered “normal” in Cabo.

Small to Mid-Size Boats (28–35 feet)

• Typical crew: 2 people
  • Captain
  • One deckhand/mate

This setup is extremely common and often marketed as “standard.” While it technically works, it places a heavy workload on the mate, who is simultaneously responsible for:

• Rigging lines
• Managing multiple rods
• Handling fish
• Assisting guests
• Cleaning decks
• Serving drinks

This multitasking leads to slower response times and less personalized attention.

Mid to Large Boats (36–45 feet)

• Typical crew: 2–3 people
  • Captain
  • One or two mates

Some boats add a second mate during busy seasons, but this is not guaranteed year-round.

Large Luxury Sportfishers (50–60 feet)

• Typical crew: 3 people
  • Captain
  • Two mates

Even on larger boats, many operators stop at three crew members to reduce costs.

The FishingCabosanLucas.com Crew Standard

Fishing in Cabo San Lucas operates on a higher customer service basis, setting itself apart from the average Cabo fishing charter by intentionally staffing more crew per boat.

32-Foot and 35-Foot Boats

• 3 total crew members
  • Captain
  • Professional deckhand
  • Chef / bartender / photographer

43-Foot, 50-Foot, and 60-Foot Boats

• 4 total crew members
  • Captain
  • Two experienced deckhands
  • Chef / bartender / photographer

Optional Upgrade for All Charters

• Drone pilot add-on available

This staffing model is rare in Cabo—and for good reason. It costs more to operate, but it dramatically improves the guest experience.

What Each Crew Member Does (And Why It Matters)

The Captain

The captain is the decision-maker and strategist. On the best Cabo fishing charter boats, the captain:

• Chooses fishing zones based on daily intel
• Communicates with other boats
• Reads water temperature breaks, current lines, and bird activity
• Adjusts trolling spreads in real time
• Prioritizes guest safety at all times

A well-staffed boat allows the captain to focus entirely on fishing and navigation, instead of helping clear rods or serve drinks.

The Primary Deckhand

This crew member handles the core fishing operation:

• Rigging bait and lures
• Managing teasers and dredges
• Clearing lines during hookups
• Coaching guests through the fight
• Tagging and releasing billfish properly

With only one mate onboard, mistakes happen under pressure. With multiple mates, everything runs smoother.

The Secondary Deckhand (Larger Boats)

On 43-foot to 60-foot vessels, the second deckhand adds enormous value:

• Faster response during multiple hookups
• Better fish revival success
• Increased safety during rough seas
• Cleaner decks and organized cockpit

This is one of the biggest differences between average and elite Cabo fishing charters.

Chef / Bartender / Photographer (Signature Role)

Fishing Cabo San Lucas includes a dedicated hospitality crew member, which is almost unheard of on traditional fishing boats.

This crew member:

• Prepares fresh meals onboard
• Manages cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks
• Ensures guests are hydrated and comfortable
• Captures professional photos and videos
• Documents catches, releases, and group moments

This role transforms a fishing trip into a luxury experience, without interfering with the fishing operation.

Optional Drone Pilot

For guests who want next-level documentation, a drone pilot can be added to any charter.

Drone footage provides:

• Aerial shots of marlin releases
• Cinematic views of the boat underway
• Group footage with Cabo’s iconic coastline
• Shareable, professional-quality media

This is especially popular for milestone trips, corporate outings, and bucket-list marlin catches.

How Crew Size Impacts Fishing Success

More crew doesn’t just improve comfort—it improves catch rates.

• Teasers are reset faster
• Baits stay in the water longer
• Multiple hookups are handled efficiently
• Fish are revived properly after release

In competitive fishing destinations like Cabo, seconds matter. A fully staffed cockpit means fewer missed opportunities.

Safety Advantages of Larger Crews

Offshore fishing carries inherent risks. Extra crew members provide:

• Faster response to emergencies
• Better guest supervision
• Improved handling in rough conditions
• Reduced fatigue for each crew member

Safety is a quiet benefit most guests don’t think about—but it’s one of the most important.

Guest Experience: The Real Difference You Feel

Anglers who step off a properly crewed boat consistently mention:

• Feeling taken care of
• Not being rushed or ignored
• Clear instruction during fights
• Better food and drinks
• High-quality photos they didn’t have to ask for

These are the moments that turn first-time Cabo visitors into repeat clients.

Why Many Cabo Boats Don’t Offer This

The answer is simple: cost.

More crew means:

• Higher payroll
• More coordination
• Higher standards of training

Most operators choose the minimum required staff. Fishingcabosanlucas.com chooses maximum value instead.

How Crew Size Connects to Catch-and-Release Ethics

As discussed in earlier articles today, the best Cabo fishing charter operations prioritize responsible fishing.

With more crew onboard:

• Marlin are photographed quickly
• Fish are properly aerated
• Revival is handled patiently
• Release survival rates increase

This directly supports ethical fishing practices promoted by Fishing Cabo San Lucas.

Choosing the Best Cabo Fishing Charter: Crew Size Checklist

When booking your trip, ask:

• How many total crew are onboard?
• Is there a dedicated hospitality staff member?
• Are there multiple deckhands for larger boats?
• Who handles photography?
• Is safety prioritized over speed?

If the answers are vague, you’re likely booking an average charter—not the best.

Final Thoughts: Crew Size Is the Hidden Advantage

Boat size, tackle, and location matter—but people matter more.

The best Cabo fishing charter boats invest in crew because:

• Fishing is unpredictable
• Guests deserve attention
• Safety requires redundancy
• Memories matter

Fishing Cabo San Lucas raises the bar with three crew on 32- and 35-foot boats, four crew on 43- to 60-foot boats, and the unique addition of a chef, bartender, photographer, and optional drone pilot.

That difference is felt from the moment you step onboard—and remembered long after the lines come out of the water.

In Cabo San Lucas, the best fishing experiences aren’t defined by luck alone. They’re built by the crew behind the scenes.