Cabo San Lucas Fish Files
Striped Marlin
Family: Istiophoridae
Genus and Species: Tetrapturus audax
Temperature Range: 70 - 86° F
Largest recorded: 13.5 feet, 494 pounds (New Zealand)
Black Marlin
Family: Istiophoridae
Genus and Species: Makaira indica
Temperature Range: 68 - 86 degrees F
Largest recorded: 15 feet, 1,560 pounds (Peru)
Blue Marlin
Family: Istiophoridae
Genus and Species: Makaira nigricans
Temperature Range: 71 - 88 degrees F
Largest recorded: 1,402 pounds (Brazil)
Family: Istiophoridae (Billfishes) Genus and Species: Istiophorus platypterus Range: Formerly considered as three different species, the sailfish from the three different oceans have been united into a single species. The Atlantic form ranges from Brazil to Massachusetts, on the Americas coast, and are also found off the African Atlantic coast as well. But is most common in the warm waters along the edge of the Gulf stream. The Pacific form is similar in appearance but bigger, averaging twice the size of the Atlantic form, and ranges from Peru to Baja California, rarely northward. (click image to view anatomy) Description: The most distinctive billfish with an extremely high dorsal fin that is highest in the center. The body and sail are marked with light and dark blue spots that are vertically aligned against the rich blue of the back and sides. The sailfish is easily recognizable by its long bill and long high sail like dorsal fin, and also by its comparatively slim, compact body. The pelvic fins are notably long and the caudal fin lunate. Two keels are present on each side of the caudal peduncle. Sailfish are usually a purplish or cobalt blue in color, but are also seen in bronze , the coloring is lighter on the lower sides and belly . Natural History: Usually found in the upper layers of warm water above the thermocline, but also capable of descending to rather deep water. Sailfish often migrate into near-shore waters, occasionally forming schools of up to 30 individuals, but often occurs in loose aggregations over a wide area. Feeds mainly on small pelagic fishes but also takes bottom-dwelling organisms. It is a rapidly growing species, reaching 4 to 5 feet in a single year. Fishing Information: Sailfish can achieve sizzling speeds with up to 50 knots being quoted, but tire quickly and are generally considered a great light tackle species. The sailfish is famous for spectacular aerial acrobatic displays. When hooked sailfish can run at speeds of 60+ MPH. The most successful techniques are trolling with artificials or rigged balao, mullet or flying fish and kite fishing with live bait. This is also the most popular billfish with fly fishermen and can be caught by fly-casting a large fly to an excited fish after teasing. Temperature Range: 72 - 85 degrees F. Other Common Names: Atlantic sailfish, Indo-Pacific sailfish, spindlebeak, pez vela, a’u lepe. Largest recorded: 221 pounds (Ecuador) Sources: Marine Sportfish Identification, California Department of Fish and Game, 1987; FishBase, FishBase Consortium, 2001; Billfish, Saltaire Publishing, 1976.
For Striped Marlin the leader length for lure fishing should be between 12'-15', using of 200 lb - 300 lb. This same formula also applies to Sailfish. Make sure the leader is tied to the main line with an albright.
For Yellow fin Tuna the leader length should be around 8' of 80 lb for live bait or chunking for tuna over 100 lb. A swivel is optional for live bait, but mandatory for chunking. Consider using 5 ft of 50 lb - 60 lb for trolling or bait for tuna over 40 lb; 20 lb - 30lb for smaller fish (usually without any leader). Cedar plugs rigged for a troll will be your best bet when you are ont eh Yellow fin, as they can't help chomping that bark.
For Dorado, the leader length should be between 6 - 8 ft, with 50 lb - 80 lb line. Live bait is the same with 60 lb line.
For Wahoo, the leader Length should be between 2 - 3 ft, with 60 lb - 100 lb single strand wire for live bait and trolled lures, 40 lb - 60 lb cable for iron (Hopkins, Tady, Salas, UFO, etc), and 250 lb cable for Marauders, Bonitas, etc.
When I catch one, can I keep it?
Cabo-Sportfishing.com promoted the conservation of billfish and therefore requests that you release your marlin, swordfish, or sailfish. You must also return to the waters any fish that appears on the endangered or protected species list.
Just because you throw it back does not mean you cannot have a trophy made. All trophies these dyas are made of fiberglass, so just let the Captain know that yo intend to make a trophy and he will take all the measurements quickly before the fish is thrown back. Trophies are quire pricey, but the captain is going to make a nice commission out of it from the Taxidermist, so make sure you tell him to get the measurements.
A lot of the local fisherman will kill Marlin, and it is up to you to insist that they throw them back. All of the charter companies mentioned on this site are catch and release companies, so you won't have any trouble with them.
For fish like Tuna, Dorado etc.that are big enough to eat, you should definitely take the meat. It you want to have a taxidermists fish as a wall trophy, it is seldom necessary to kill the fish. Fish are supposed to be cleaned at the main dock, but many crews ill simply fillet the fish on the water. This is illegal, but not really enforced. The fish cleaners do have a union, and the service if subject to rates on the dock, usually around $12.00.
Most people take their catch home with them in coolers. If you did not bring a cooler with you, local stores normally have a good supply, though they are generally quite expensive. Usually a 42 quart cooler will make the 50 lb restriction on most airlines. You can bring a bigger one, but you will have to pay the excess baggage charge. Airlines are beginning to charge a lot for excess baggage, so be sure to check on the web site of the airline you are flying. There is no duty or customs problem with bringing fish from Mexico to the US or Canada, If you are going to Europe, you will not be able to take your fish. The customs restrictions forbid it ( and the fish would not be able to keep for that long anyway). Check out United's policy. Unless your trip home is extensive, most fish makes it back in a perfectly fresh state, but you should have it vacuum packed and / or smoked on the dock (at Griselda's) if you would like it to last as long as possible.
If you are not really worried about taking the fish home with you, you can arrange to have your fish cooked at a local restaurant. Almost any restaurant will do this for you and charge only a small fee (about $5.00 - $10.00 per person). For this fee, the restaurant will supply the side dishes to accompany your fish and prepare it in 3 or 4 different ways. This is one of the best pars of Fishing in Cabo. Go home, get showered up, and then come back for a feast of the days catch as a marina front restaurant
Fishing Licenses in Cabo
Any non-resident alien 16 years or older must possess a valid Mexican Sportfishing License before fishing in Mexican waters. This license covers all types of fishing and is valid anywhere in Mexico. Before your boat is allowed to leave the marina, licenses for all aboard will be checked by the Port Captain, whose minions will be standing at the marina exit. Your boat will pull up and present the papers. Most charter companies will take care of this paperwork for you in a full service charter, but if you come often, you can save yourself a little money with an annual license, which costs the same as about 5 daily licenses. Everyone aboard private boats in Mexican waters must have a fishing license if there is fishing gear of any kind, or fish, or fish parts on board. Even spectators must have a license.
Individual fishing licenses are issued for periods of one week, one month, and one year. If you are buying your own license, The prices for Mexican fishing licenses are as follows:
- One day $ 98.32 pesos
- One week $ 246.47 pesos
- One month $ 369.77 pesos
- One year $ 493.17 pesos
These licenses are not transferable, and each license must include the person's full legal name, home address, and telephone number. You can purchase them locally at the Marina in the mornings or you can buy them online.
Mexican laws for fishing change in January of each year. Recreational fishing is a protected industry in Los Cabos, and the laws are very serious. Make sure you go out with a reputable company to avoid any problems with the Port Captain and the Navy. Some companies try to get around these laws, and some charters have been turned around at the exit to the marina due to bad paperwork. Again, make sure the fishing company is reputable before you go out fishing. The company must have a valid charter license rom the government to charter a fishing vessel to a tourist. Sometimes individuals who charter their boats do not have a charter license. This is illegal and the government can take action. Don't fish with individual boat owners who are not associated with a licensed charter company.
If you want to do it by old fashioned snail mail, there are some companies in San diego who can help you, but you could also just contact one of the local sportfishing charter companies and ask them to get the license for you before you arrive. Most of them are very nice about helping with this kind of thing.
Daily Catch (Bag) Limits and Other Regulations
Each fisherman is permitted to catch up to ten (10) fish per day, with no more than five (5) fish of any one species. In addition, anglers are subject to the following limits:
- No more than one (1) full-grown Marlin
- No more than two (2) Tarpon, Halibut, or Sailfish
- In brackish waters, anglers are permitted to take up to twenty (20) Perch and twenty (20) Carp per day.
Except when skin or scuba diving, fish must be taken by angling with a hand-held line or a line attached to a rod. The use of nets (except handling nets), traps, poisons, or explosives is strictly prohibited. Skin and scuba divers may only fish with hand-held spears or band-powered spear guns. It is illegal to sell, trade, or exchange the fish caught. Fish can be eviscerated and filleted, but a patch of skin must be left to permit identification.
The taking of abalone, lobster, shrimp, prism clams, cabrilla, totuava, oysters, and sea turtles is prohibited by Mexican law. Anyone wishing to purchase any of these species to take into the United States must first obtain a form from the Mexican Government Fish Commission; only the Oficinas de Pesca located within Mexico provides this form. All purchases of these species must be made at designated public markets or fishing cooperatives.
US Customs Regulations
Sport fishermen may bring into the United States only fish for personal consumption. US Customs requires that the fish catch must be accompanied by a California Declaration of Entry form, obtainable at California Fish and Game offices and at the US Border ports of entry. (Note that different regulations may apply if you live in a state other than California; for information regarding your state's regulations, contact your local Department of Fish and Game or your local US Customs office) The number of fish must not exceed the Mexican bag limit. Fish transported across the boarder can be eviscerated but must be identifiable; usually the head, tail, or patch of skin left intact wi> Anyone bringing fish into the United States may or will be asked by Customs officials to present a valid Mexican fishing license or a Mexico Department of Fisheries form covering the purchase or sportfishing of the fish. For more information, contact the California Department of Fish and Game at 1350 Front Street, San Diego, 92101; (619) 237-7311.
Sources: marlinnut.com,