When most people think of fishing in Cabo San Lucas, images of leaping marlin and sunrise strikes come to mind. And while the thrill of the catch is undeniable, there’s a quiet culinary celebration that happens after the reels are reeled in and the boat glides back into the marina. It’s the Cabo fishing filet tradition—a deeply satisfying moment where your fresh catch transforms into a world-class meal, ready to be shared, savored, and remembered.
Unlike anywhere else in the world, Cabo fishing filet culture is woven into the very soul of this Baja paradise. And when you book directly with Cabo San Lucas Fishing, you get more than a charter—you get a personal journey from ocean to plate. With all-year-round opportunities, peak seasons in the summer, and a combination of legal know-how, flavor-packed techniques, and seamless hospitality, this is the Cabo filet experience you’ve never read about—until now.
Fishing in Cabo: The Start of the Filet Story
The journey begins on the water. With Cabo San Lucas Fishing, your trip starts with a dockside greeting by a manager, English-speaking crew, and an arsenal of tournament-level tackle, teasers, and dredges. These aren’t just weekend warriors; they’re professional fish hunters with decades of experience targeting every prized species Cabo has to offer.
Your day may include action-packed trolling spreads for:
- Marlin – Released by law, but still the crown jewel of the Cabo billfish family.
- Sailfish
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Wahoo
- Dorado/Mahi Mahi
- Roosterfish
- Snapper
- Grouper
As you chase these species across a canvas of cobalt blue sea, the crew keeps the experience smooth and memorable—serving breakfast, optional lunch, cold drinks, and an open bar, all backed by high-end extras like Bluetooth stereo, Starlink WiFi, drone fishing, and GoPro footage to relive your day.
But the unsung hero of the experience begins after the last line is reeled in.
Cabo Fishing Filet Rules: What You Need to Know
Cabo San Lucas Fishing follows all Mexican fishing and marina regulations, ensuring ethical and sustainable handling of fish, and a respectful balance between sportfishing and conservation. Here’s what makes Cabo fishing filet unique compared to other parts of the world:
1. Onboard Fileting Is Regulated by Species
While some non-billfish species (tuna, dorado, snapper, grouper, wahoo) can be fileted on board for immediate consumption, billfish such as marlin and sailfish must legally return to the dock whole.
This is a marina regulation that supports conservation tracking and ensures proper documentation of billfish catches, which are protected and largely catch-and-release under Mexican law. That’s why Cabo San Lucas Fishing always releases marlin unless directed by the client in rare retention cases, and if retained, the fish is brought whole to the dock and fileted there by licensed processors.
2. Dockside Fileting by Professional Processors
Once back at the marina, your catch can be professionally fileted by the on-site processor. This ensures:
- Safe, hygienic handling
- Efficient filet cuts
- Vacuum-sealed freezing (optional)
- Portioned packaging for travel
For those flying or driving home, Griselda’s Smokehouse—a longtime Cabo institution—is your go-to option. They’ll freeze your filets, package them for transport, and even smoke portions upon request. Everything is labeled, and they’ll store it until you’re ready to depart.
Hook & Cook: Cabo’s Best Post-Fishing Tradition
Here’s where things really get fun.
Once your catch is cleaned and portioned, you can take your filets to dozens of restaurants across Cabo that offer a unique, budget-friendly option called “Hook & Cook”. For a modest fee (around $18 USD), your fish is transformed into a gourmet meal—complete with side dishes and drinks.
Cabo San Lucas Fishing clients enjoy special access at two standout locations:
Missions de Kino – Dinner Experience
Nestled behind the hustle of downtown, this garden-style restaurant is a favorite among locals and visiting anglers. The chef is well-versed in fish prep and will cook your wahoo, tuna, dorado, or snapper:
- Grilled with garlic butter
- Blackened Cajun-style
- Sashimi or ceviche starter
- Served with sautéed vegetables, rice, and handmade tortillas
As a thank you to Cabosanlucasfishing.com clients, you’ll often be treated to a complimentary margarita or beer to toast the day’s adventure.
Alexander’s – Marina Lunch Spot
Located right on the waterfront, Alexander’s is perfect for a post-morning charter lunch. Watch the boats return to port as your freshly fileted fish is served up alongside:
- Local-style rice
- Grilled vegetables
- Handmade sauces
They specialize in wahoo and dorado, and you can opt for grilled tacos, pan-fried fillets, or sashimi depending on the cut.
Summer is High Season for Cabo Fishing Filet
While Cabo fishing filet is a year-round option, the summer months (June–October) bring explosive fishing action. Warmer water temperatures create ideal conditions for migratory predators like wahoo, dorado, and tuna to flood Cabo’s offshore waters. These species not only provide heart-pounding hookups—they deliver premium-quality meat.
During the summer, clients of Cabo San Lucas Fishing regularly land:
- Multiple yellowfin tuna up to 80+ pounds
- Schools of dorado in electric greens and blues
- Giant wahoo, often exceeding 40–60 pounds
Because the water is warm and the bait is abundant, Cabo becomes one of the best filet-producing fisheries in the world during this season.
Why Book Direct with Cabo San Lucas Fishing?
Here’s what makes this company different from most others you’ll find online or on the marina sales docks:
They Own Their Boats
Unlike many Cabo fishing services that use third-party captains or rent vessels, Cabosanlucasfishing.com owns and operates their own fleet, which includes:
These boats are professionally maintained, customized with tournament tackle and dredge systems, and equipped with tech like Terrafin satellite imagery and drone bait delivery systems.
Experienced English-Speaking Crews
Communication matters when you’re fishing offshore. Their crews speak fluent English and treat every trip like a strategic hunt—not just a boat ride. They tailor species selection, fishing location, and even time of departure based on moon phase, wind, tide, and your preferences.
All-Inclusive Service
- Fresh breakfast onboard
- Optional gourmet lunch
- Open bar (cold cervezas, margaritas, soda, and water)
- Bluetooth sound system
- Starlink WiFi (optional)
- Drone videos, GoPro footage, RayBan Meta POV shots
- Professionally produced YouTube video of your trip included
From Ocean to Plate to Airport
One of the most overlooked parts of fishing abroad is what to do with your fish after the trip. Cabo San Lucas Fishing makes it simple:
- Catch your fish (with adrenaline and joy)
- Filet on board if legal (for tuna, dorado, snapper, etc.)
- Dockside processor for billfish and large catches
- Optional vacuum sealing and freezing at Griselda’s
- Hook & Cook at Missions de Kino or Alexander’s
- Store frozen filets for air or car travel home
The company even provides tips and guidance for transporting frozen fish across international borders, ensuring your bounty makes it to your freezer.
A Final Note: Why Cabo Fishing Filet is Special
You can catch fish in a lot of places. But in Cabo San Lucas, the connection between the sea and the table is personal. It’s local chefs shaking your hand, boat crews fileting your fish with pride, and flavors you’ll never forget.
Cabo fishing filet is more than a perk—it’s a ritual. One that honors the fish, the crew, and your shared adventure.
So whether you’re reeling in your first dorado, slamming a school of tuna, or enjoying a sunset sashimi plate with your family, you’ll know: you earned every bite.
Book direct. Fish ethically. Dine locally. Repeat often.
Cabo fishing is very much fun and our experienced crew will make it more enjoyable. Contact Us if you want to have a lot of fun!
