Fishing the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas offers a different, often more rugged and rewarding experience compared to the calmer Sea of Cortez side. The Pacific side features deep banks, structure, strong currents, and seasonal patterns that attract a variety of big-game and nearshore species.
Current Conditions on the Pacific Side
According to local reports, ocean temperatures on the Pacific side are slightly cooler, which can concentrate baitfish along current seams. Picante Sportfishing+1
There is good structure offshore: spots like San Jaime Bank, Golden Gate Bank, and areas around the Cabo Falso Lighthouse are hotspots. Destination Cabo
According to Fiesta Sportfishing, many anglers are now finding striped marlin and dorado within 1–8 miles off the Pacific coast. fiestasportfishing.com
JC Sportfishing reports indicate that wahoo activity is increasing, particularly when trolling lure spreads near Pacific structure. Los Cabos Guide
What’s Biting on the Pacific Side
Marlin (Striped & Small Blue)
Striped marlin are one of the most consistent targets offshore on the Pacific side. Los Cabos Guide+1
JC Sportfishing notes that both lures and live-pitched bait are triggering marlin strikes. Los Cabos Guide
These fish are often found along drop-off edges, current breaks, and near seamount banks like San Jaime. Destination Cabo
Tuna (Yellowfin)
According to local charter reports, smaller “football” tuna and larger yellowfin are being caught near Pacific banks and structure. Top Anglers Sportfishing Charters Cabo
Live sardines, chumming, and trolling plugs are working well to bring tuna into range. Los Cabos Guide
Tuna often school near floating debris or along current seams in these offshore zones. Destination Cabo
Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)
Dorado remain active on the Pacific side, especially around floating sargassum, weed lines, or near sloping structure. fiestasportfishing.com+1
Inshore trolling with live or dead bait is producing good strikes for mahi. Los Cabos Guide
The combination of warm surface water and structure makes this side very attractive for dorado. fiestasportfishing.com
Wahoo
Wahoo are beginning to show up more frequently as trolling speeds pick up across Pacific structure. Los Cabos Guide
High-speed lures, feathers, and plugs are being used—and leaders need to be strong (fluorocarbon or wire recommended). Los Cabos Guide
They’re often found when trolling along drop-offs near seamounts or steep terrain.
Inshore / Nearshore (Sierra, Roosterfish, Bonita)
According to Fiesta Sportfishing, inshore Pacific-side action includes sierra mackerel, skipjack, bonita, and roosters. fiestasportfishing.com
CyberAngler reports that sierra in the 6–7 lb range are being caught from the Pacific side, particularly from areas like the Arch to “pump station” rocky points. cyberangler.com
These species are often caught using light to medium tackle—live bait or lures that mimic small schooling fish.
Top Pacific-Side Fishing Spots You Should Know
San Jaime Bank: A major structure hotspot; known for tuna, marlin, and other pelagics. Destination Cabo
Golden Gate Bank: A key area for striped marlin, dorado, and even larger game fish. Destination Cabo
Cabo Falso Lighthouse / 45 Spot: Nearshore drop-off and rise areas produce good action for dorado, wahoo, and nearshore structure species. Destination Cabo
95 Spot: A bluff or terrace drop-off popular for reef species and deeper structure species. Destination Cabo
Best Techniques & Gear for Pacific Side Fishing
Trolling for Pelagics: Use a spread of skirted lures, feathers, and live bait (mackerel or sardines) when chasing marlin, tuna, or dorado.
High-Speed Trolling for Wahoo: Use fast-diving plugs or jets, wire or heavy fluoro leaders, and maintain high trolling speed.
Inshore Light Tackle: For sierra, skipjack, or roosters, medium rods with fast-action tips are ideal. Live or small dead bait works well.
Bottom Fishing: Around seamounts or reef outcroppings, drop rigs with cut or live bait near structure. Using circle hooks can help with catch-and-release.
Seasonal & Report Trends to Watch
Spring / Early Summer: Marlin (striped) and tuna (yellowfin) tend to congregate around Pacific banks due to the warming water and current edges. Picante Sportfishing+1
Mid to Late Summer: Dorado and wahoo action generally picks up, taking advantage of floating weed lines and structure.
Fall: Good mixed action, with potential for all the top species (marlin, tuna, dorado) as currents stabilize.
Inshore Year-Round: Sierra, roosters, and other bite species can be caught inshore on the Pacific side, especially near rocky points or shallow structure.
Why Fish the Pacific Side Right Now
Rich Structure: Banks, drop-offs, and seamounts give predatory fish their hunting grounds.
Variety of Species: You can get into a mixed bag—marlin, tuna, dorado, wahoo, and more.
Less Traffic: Compared to some inshore or East Cape areas, some Pacific-side banks see fewer charter boats, especially when targeting structure or open-water hotspots.
Tactical Flexibility: You can troll, live-bait, or drift-and-chum depending on species and conditions.
Tips for Planning a Pacific Side Fishing Trip
Use a Knowledgeable Captain
Work with a charter who knows the Pacific banks and their unique dynamics. They’ll know where to run and which species are most likely to bite.
Bring the Right Gear
At least two trolling rods
Heavy leaders for toothy fish
Live/lures for pelagics
Light tackle for nearshore species
Be Prepared for Longer Runs
Some Pacific hotspots (like San Jaime) can take longer to reach, so build in enough time for transit + fishing.
Time Your Trip
Morning: Great for marlin and tuna when surface activity is more visible.
Midday / Afternoon: Use for scouting weed lines, structure, or for dorado/wahoo.
Inshore Runs: Probably more productive in calmer seas or when targeting sierra and roosters.
Stay Safe
Pacific waters can be rougher. Make sure your charter boat is properly equipped for offshore conditions and your captain monitors weather closely.
Final Thoughts on Cabo Pacific Side Fishing
The Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas offers some of the most exciting and varied fishing in the region. With a mix of big-game species like marlin, yellowfin tuna, dorado, and wahoo, plus nearshore action on sierra and roosters, it’s a destination worth exploring with an experienced guide. Knowing what’s biting, where to go, and how to fish makes all the difference—and the Pacific side delivers if you’re ready for its unique challenges.
If you want a private charter customized for Pacific-side species, just say the word—happy to help plan a trip around what’s biting and where.
