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Forget the Frost: Monster Yellowfin and Marlin Action Await in Cabo San Lucas
While most of the country is dealing with frozen lakes and frigid temperatures, the waters off Cabo San Lucas are providing exceptional fishing opportunities. I always try to keep in touch with my friend Arturo Chacon of Tag Cabo Sportfishing, who filled me in on the changing fishing conditions that he’s seeing in Cabo.
“The start of 2025 has brought big time changes to our waters,” Chacon said. “We’ve seen water temperatures drop from 85°F to 69°F, which has changed our fishing strategies.” According to Chacon, these changing conditions have pushed their hunting grounds further offshore, with most action happening 20 to 30 miles out, where they find productive water breaks and ideal chlorophyll concentrations.
Monster Yellowfin Tuna
One of the biggest changes has been the exceptional tuna bite. “We’re seeing some monster yellowfin tuna, with several catches exceeding 200 pounds,” Chacon said. For those looking to battle one of these giants, Chacon, and his crew are dialed into where these fish are holding, making Cabo an excellent winter destination for tuna enthusiasts.
Striped Marlin Action
Striped marlin fishing continues to be a major draw for Cabo’s waters. Earlier in the season, when waters were warmer, these bruiser fish were found just 5 to 15 miles offshore. They’ve followed the temperature breaks further out, but the action remains consistent for those willing to make the run.
Inshore Opportunities
For anglers who prefer staying closer to shore or are looking for a shorter trip, Chacon says the inshore fishing has been outstanding. “We’re seeing great action with Spanish mackerel, roosterfish, and jack crevalle,” he said. Personally, I’ve caught these fish, and it’s an absolute blast doing it on Ultralight tackle!
Deep Water Action
Another productive option has been deep water jigging. “We’re finding success in depths between 150 to 300 feet,” Chacon said. “These waters are producing nice catches of grouper, amberjack, yellowtail, and snapper.” This technique is perfect for anglers looking to fill their coolers with some of Cabo’s finest table fare.
Notable Absence
One interesting development this January has been the unusual absence of dorado (mahi-mahi) from local waters. While typically active this time of year, these highly sought-after fighters have been scarce. There’s a reason it’s called fishing, right?
For those planning a winter getaway to escape the northern cold, Chacon says the period from February through March offers plenty of opportunities with striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, and various bottom species. Whether you’re an experienced angler looking for trophy fish or a family seeking a fun day on the water, Cabo’s winter fishing scene has something for everyone.
For more information about fishing trips in Los Cabos, visit Tag Cabo Sportfishing.
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