Keith Lusher 08.20.25
For over a yr, I’ve been writing vacation spot fishing articles based mostly on seasonal updates from my good friend Arturo Chacon at Tag Cabo Sportfishing. However this time was totally different. After I got here to Cabo for my daughter’s wedding ceremony, Arturo invited me to expertise the fishing firsthand fairly than simply write about it. What adopted was an unforgettable day on the water fishing the “Marlin Capitol of the World.”
My day started at 5 a.m. I left our Sandos Finesterra Resort, and after a fast 10-minute stroll to the harbor I used to be at Dock E, the place I met the crew, Andres and Roberto. As all the time once I’m working, my digicam was prepared. As an outside author, I’ve realized to seize each second since you by no means know when these images will inform the right story.
After idling out of the harbor, a small boat pulled alongside us, and Roberto rigorously chosen our bait for the day: recent ballyhoo and threadfin herring. Arturo defined his choice for dragging a minimum of one line with lifeless bait, a confirmed method that might quickly pay dividends.
The Setup
Getting into the Sea of Cortez, the workforce started their methodical line setup. Two rods carried daisy chain teasers, which Roberto defined create visible and auditory disturbances within the water, mimicking fleeing baitfish colleges to excite gamefish. One other rod featured a straight missile bait and not using a blade, its erratic motion taking pictures left and proper, diving and surfacing like a panicked baitfish. Typically it even jumped away from the water.
The fourth rod carried a standard laborious crankbait, whereas the fifth held a rigorously rigged ballyhoo. Andres wrapped the baitfish’s face with skinny wax line, reinforcing it so the hook wouldn’t tear by means of throughout the high-speed trolling motion.
The Motion Begins
Ten minutes after setting strains, the primary rod started dancing. I jumped into the preventing chair and landed an ideal 30-inch yellowfin tuna, not large however perfect consuming measurement. As we headed towards what Roberto calls “the 45,” we caught 4 extra yellowfins earlier than Andres switched to marlin baits.
Then it occurred. Whereas watching the rods, I appeared again to see a marlin exploding from the water behind our farthest lure. The fish was leaping nonstop, generally showing to tailwalk throughout the floor. Again within the preventing chair, I realized the laborious manner to not let the reel do all of the work. “Horse the fish with the rod, then reel because the tip comes down,” got here the fixed reminder.
Because the fish neared the boat, I stepped apart to seize unbelievable footage earlier than we introduced it alongside. The striped marlin was a magnificence, and after a fast picture session, we launched it to combat one other day.
On our return journey, one other marlin hit, however this one behaved fully otherwise. “Typically they try this,” Roberto defined. “They’ll hit the lure and head straight down.” This fish by no means jumped, staying deep all through all the combat. Andres skillfully labored it shut sufficient to take away the hook earlier than launch.
What to Count on in August
Throughout our day on the water, I used to be in a position to ask loads of questions on what makes August so particular in Cabo. The workforce informed me this represents peak season, the place Pacific Ocean waters meet the Sea of Cortez at perfect temperatures of 75-82°F. Arturo defined that this month gives among the yr’s greatest alternatives for large recreation fishing.
Billfish
After I requested about billfish, Roberto acquired excited. He informed me blue and black marlin are at their most lively proper now, with blues averaging 250-350 kilos and blacks doubtlessly exceeding 1,000 kilos. The striped marlin we caught are year-round residents that stay constantly lively at 100-300 kilos. Andres talked about that sailfish numbers improve by means of August, peaking in September.
Tuna
The yellowfin tuna motion we skilled was typical for August, in line with the crew. They defined these fish vary from 20-100 kilos with occasional giants over 200 kilos. “At all times search for diving birds,” Roberto suggested, “they present you the place the feeding colleges are.” Arturo recommends focusing on dorado this month too, as they’re plentiful at 10-30 kilos, whereas speedy wahoo patrol each offshore and inshore waters.
Inshore Choices
I used to be interested in inshore choices, and the workforce informed me roosterfish are hitting 40-50 kilos proper now, plus crimson snapper and grouper provide thrilling motion nearer to shore for these wanting selection.
Combating two large striped marlin created reminiscences I’ll always remember. The mixture of Cabo’s world-class fishing, Tag Cabo Sportfishing’s experience, and the area’s gorgeous magnificence makes this vacation spot unbeatable. Whether or not you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort with household or planning a devoted fishing journey, I extremely suggest reserving with Tag Cabo Sportfishing for an genuine Cabo expertise.
After a yr of writing about this fishery, experiencing it firsthand proved that generally the fact exceeds even the most effective tales.
Trending Merchandise
