Fishing Rules and Regulations in Cabo San Lucas
At Cabo San Lucas, you’ll find some of the best sport fishing in the world. Located where the Sea of Cortes joins the Pacific Ocean, strong ocean currents stir up nutrients that attract big-game fish from all over. If you’re serious about deep-sea fishing, there’s no better place to cast your line.
While the prime fishing season is considered to be in the rainy summer months, there’s really no bad time to go fishing in Cabo San Lucas. In addition to deep-sea fishing, there’s an abundance of reef, surf, and fly-fishing to be had along the coast.
Even though the sport fishing in Cabo San Lucas is still vital and thriving, the rapidly growing tourist population is putting some pressure on the ocean ecosystem. As a result, there are some limits to fishing in the area.
Catch-and-release is encouraged in Cabo San Lucas, and there is no limit to the amount of fish you may release back into the ocean. However, deep-sea fishermen may bring back only one marlin and two Dorado, sailfish, tarpon, and halibut per boat. Overall, fishermen may bring back only ten fish total, and only five of a single species, per boat.
Fishermen in brackish waters are a little less restricted; they may bring back up to twenty carp and up to twenty perch per day. Underwater fishermen are allowed to bring back only five fish per day, however. They are limited to using only rubber band or spring-powered spear guns or handheld spears.
No matter what type of fishing you do, you’re prohibited from using nets, traps, explosives, or poisons of any type in Cabo San Lucas. In addition, you may not sell, trade, or exchange your catch. You can clean and fillet your catch on the boat, but you’ll have to leave a patch of skin on for identification at the port.
It’s illegal to catch some species in Cabo San Lucas or Mexico as a whole. These include sea turtles, lobster, shrimp, abalone, oysters, totuava, cabrillo, and Pismo clams.
When fishing in Mexico, you’ll need a valid Mexican sport fishing license. It’s best to get these before heading off on vacation. Many people can get them through their local tackle shop, so check there a few weeks before heading to Cabo San Lucas. Sometimes a charter will offer the license as part of their package, but not always—make sure you ask first.
It’s tough to find better fishing than that at Cabo San Lucas. The laws and regulations in place are there to preserve the marine population despite the pressures of sport and industrial fishing in the area. Follow the regulations, and you’ll do your part to ensure that the world-class sport fishing here will be around for generations to come.
The Villa La Estancia is a Cabo San Lucas luxury resort. Our guests enjoy stunning oceanfront views, easy access to the beach and Cabo nightlife, five-star restaurants, and more. Come and relax by our multi-level pool, unwind in our soothing Jacuzzis, get a drink at our swim-up bar, or let our concierge service organize an unforgettable adventure just for you.