Cabo San Lucas Fishing Report: October 1–14, 2026

Although tropical weather and offshore swell affected fishing conditions earlier in the month, crews have continued finding productive fishing when conditions allow.

Captain Julian aboard Tail Chaser, part of the Playita Fishing Co. fleet, reports excellent striped marlin fishing over the past week.

The striped marlin bite has been particularly strong, with Julian and his crew experiencing very good action on these spectacular billfish.

In addition to striped marlin, Tail Chaser has been catching wahoo, providing anglers with opportunities to target multiple offshore species during their trips.

Sharks have also been encountered during recent outings, adding to the variety of marine life being seen offshore.

With striped marlin fishing producing such encouraging results, October continues to offer exciting opportunities for anglers visiting Cabo San Lucas.

Captain Roberto Castro aboard Fishaholic, another boat in the Playita Fishing Co. fleet, has reported productive fishing for sailfish, dorado (mahi-mahi), and wahoo.

Roberto and his crew have enjoyed favorable conditions during their recent trips, finding a good mix of offshore species.

Sailfish have provided exciting billfish encounters, while dorado and wahoo have offered additional opportunities for anglers looking to bring home fresh fish.

The variety reported aboard Fishaholic highlights one of the biggest advantages of fishing Los Cabos in October: the opportunity to encounter several different species in a single day.

One of the most remarkable catches of the reporting period came from Captain Pollo, who landed an extraordinary 614-pound black marlin aboard a panga out of San José del Cabo.

A black marlin of this size is a tremendous accomplishment aboard any sportfishing vessel. Catching one from a small, open panga makes the achievement even more impressive.

The catch is a reminder that world-class sportfishing isn’t limited to large yachts. Experienced local captains, smaller boats, and an intimate understanding of the fishing grounds can produce extraordinary results.

With Cabo’s biggest billfish tournaments taking place in October, this remarkable catch is another example of the trophy marlin swimming in the waters surrounding southern Baja California.

Fishing along the East Cape has also produced notable activity, with several well-known banks offering different opportunities.

Vinorama Bank: Yellowfin tuna have been reported in the area, along with shark activity.

Iman Bank: Cubera snapper have been a highlight for anglers fishing around the structure.

Gordo Banks: Large yellowfin tuna have been present, although the bite has been challenging. Anglers targeting these fish have had to work for their opportunities.

These reports highlight the diversity of fishing available beyond Cabo San Lucas, particularly for anglers willing to explore the productive grounds around San José del Cabo and the East Cape.

October is one of the most exciting months of the year in Cabo San Lucas, with major international sportfishing tournaments attracting competitive teams and some of the world’s finest fishing vessels.

Three major tournaments headline the October calendar:

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament — October 8–10, 2026

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore — October 14–16, 2026

Bisbee’s Black & Blue — October 21–23, 2026

These events bring an incredible atmosphere to the Cabo San Lucas Marina, with tournament crews preparing their boats, rigging tackle, and searching for the fish that could earn substantial tournament payouts.

Tournament season also creates increased demand for fishing charters. Many of the region’s premier sportfishing boats are committed to tournament teams during this period.

For visitors planning a private fishing trip, late October and November may offer greater boat availability once the major tournaments have concluded.

The first half of October brought periods of unsettled tropical weather and offshore swell to Los Cabos, affecting fishing operations and resulting in some temporary port restrictions.

When conditions improved, crews returned to the water and continued reporting productive fishing.

Ocean temperatures remain seasonally warm, supporting a variety of offshore species, including marlin, sailfish, dorado, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna.

Water temperatures and fishing conditions can vary significantly between the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas, the Sea of Cortez, San José del Cabo, and the East Cape.

Current breaks, bait concentrations, and areas of cleaner water can all influence where fish are found on any given day.

With October still within the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, anglers should continue monitoring local weather forecasts, swell conditions, and port authority notices when planning offshore trips.

As Los Cabos enters the second half of October, fishing opportunities remain exciting.

Recent reports of strong striped marlin action aboard Tail Chaser, along with sailfish, dorado, and wahoo catches aboard Fishaholic, demonstrate the variety currently available to offshore anglers.

Large billfish remain a major focus during tournament season, while yellowfin tuna and other species continue to provide additional opportunities throughout the region.

Following the conclusion of the Bisbee’s Black & Blue tournament, anglers may find more flexibility when booking private charters.

November can also be an excellent time to fish Los Cabos, with opportunities for billfish, tuna, dorado, and wahoo depending on conditions.

As always, fishing success depends on weather, water conditions, bait movement, and the experience of the crew.

At Playita Fishing Co., we work directly with experienced local captains and established sportfishing vessels throughout Los Cabos.

Whether you’re targeting marlin, wahoo, dorado, yellowfin tuna, or planning a day on the water with family and friends, we can help you find the right boat and crew for your trip.