Surf Fishing in Los Cabos
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2025 10:02 am
Surf fishing in Cabo San Lucas is very different from what most anglers are used to in Southern California.
Water temperature, current, and seasonal bait movements play a much bigger role than casting distance or finesse.
Below is a straightforward breakdown of when to fish, what species are available, and why certain months consistently produce better surf action.
Best Months for Surf Fishing in Cabo
March – June | Peak Surf Fishing Season
This is widely considered the most consistent surf fishing window in Cabo.
Why it works
Stable weather
Clean water
Strong bait presence close to shore
Common species
Roosterfish
Jack crevalle
Pompano
Sierra mackerel (early part of the season)
This is the period when fish regularly cruise tight to the beach, often in water less than 3 feet deep.
July – October | Warm Water & Big Fish
Summer brings warmer water and larger predators, but conditions become more variable.
What to expect
Roosterfish still present
Jacks and needlefish common
Occasional snook near structure
Afternoon winds and surf can limit access
Early mornings are key during this time. Many successful surf sessions happen before 9 a.m.
November – February | Technical but Productive
Winter surf fishing is more condition-dependent but still worthwhile.
Typical catches
Sierra mackerel
Smaller jacks
Pargo and snapper near rocky points
Water clarity and tides matter more during these months. Anglers who time moving water correctly can still find good action.
Reading the Beach in Cabo
Instead of long featureless beaches, Cabo has:
Rocky points
Drop-offs close to shore
Submerged ledges and current seams
Fish often patrol parallel to the beach rather than sitting offshore. Many bites occur surprisingly close to the sand.
Tackle & Lure Selection (General Guidelines)
Most local anglers use:
8–10 ft spinning rods
30–50 lb braid
40–60 lb leader (wire when sierra are present)
Effective lures include:
Surface poppers early
Metal jigs when fish are deeper
Stickbaits and swim plugs along structure
Covering water is more important than repeated casts to the same spot.
Conservation & Catch and Release
Roosterfish are commonly released, and many surf anglers in Cabo practice selective harvest. These fish grow slowly and are far more valuable alive than kept.
Sustainable fishing is a big reason the surf fishery remains productive year after year.
Learning More from the Shore
Many anglers like to study tide timing, structure, and lure action before traveling. There are good examples online showing real surf conditions and techniques used in Cabo, including footage filmed directly from the beach and surrounding areas by crews familiar with the fishery (for reference:
https://www.tagcabosportfishing.com/spo ... ng-blog-2/ alongside offshore trips).
Final Thoughts
Cabo surf fishing rewards:
Early starts
Mobility
Understanding seasonal patterns
Anglers who approach it as a structure-based fishery rather than a casting competition tend to do very well.
Tight lines
Water temperature, current, and seasonal bait movements play a much bigger role than casting distance or finesse.
Below is a straightforward breakdown of when to fish, what species are available, and why certain months consistently produce better surf action.
Best Months for Surf Fishing in Cabo
March – June | Peak Surf Fishing Season
This is widely considered the most consistent surf fishing window in Cabo.
Why it works
Stable weather
Clean water
Strong bait presence close to shore
Common species
Roosterfish
Jack crevalle
Pompano
Sierra mackerel (early part of the season)
This is the period when fish regularly cruise tight to the beach, often in water less than 3 feet deep.
July – October | Warm Water & Big Fish
Summer brings warmer water and larger predators, but conditions become more variable.
What to expect
Roosterfish still present
Jacks and needlefish common
Occasional snook near structure
Afternoon winds and surf can limit access
Early mornings are key during this time. Many successful surf sessions happen before 9 a.m.
November – February | Technical but Productive
Winter surf fishing is more condition-dependent but still worthwhile.
Typical catches
Sierra mackerel
Smaller jacks
Pargo and snapper near rocky points
Water clarity and tides matter more during these months. Anglers who time moving water correctly can still find good action.
Reading the Beach in Cabo
Instead of long featureless beaches, Cabo has:
Rocky points
Drop-offs close to shore
Submerged ledges and current seams
Fish often patrol parallel to the beach rather than sitting offshore. Many bites occur surprisingly close to the sand.
Tackle & Lure Selection (General Guidelines)
Most local anglers use:
8–10 ft spinning rods
30–50 lb braid
40–60 lb leader (wire when sierra are present)
Effective lures include:
Surface poppers early
Metal jigs when fish are deeper
Stickbaits and swim plugs along structure
Covering water is more important than repeated casts to the same spot.
Conservation & Catch and Release
Roosterfish are commonly released, and many surf anglers in Cabo practice selective harvest. These fish grow slowly and are far more valuable alive than kept.
Sustainable fishing is a big reason the surf fishery remains productive year after year.
Learning More from the Shore
Many anglers like to study tide timing, structure, and lure action before traveling. There are good examples online showing real surf conditions and techniques used in Cabo, including footage filmed directly from the beach and surrounding areas by crews familiar with the fishery (for reference:
https://www.tagcabosportfishing.com/spo ... ng-blog-2/ alongside offshore trips).
Final Thoughts
Cabo surf fishing rewards:
Early starts
Mobility
Understanding seasonal patterns
Anglers who approach it as a structure-based fishery rather than a casting competition tend to do very well.
Tight lines
