Pacifictime Sports Fishing in Cabos san lucas

A marlin on the line can turn a quiet Cabo sunrise into a full-body contest. Pacifictime Sports Fishing takes your private group of up to six aboard a 34-foot Blackfin, where Captain Paulo and his crew work the waters for big game fish. The listed trip lasts about five hours, and the target species can include marlin, tuna, wahoo, sailfish, dorado, roosterfish, and snapper.

I like two things in particular: you can tell the captain what you hope to catch, and the crew may change tactics if conditions suggest another target. I also like that the trip offers more than fishing: whales, dolphins, sea lions, sunrise views, and a close look at Cabo’s working fishing culture are all possible along the way.

The main catch is the cost beyond the booking price. Licenses and bait are extra, and pickup may cost more, so bring cash and confirm the final charges before you go. And while the crew can work hard to find fish, no captain can promise a catch.

At a glance: what to know before you go

• Captain Paulo leads the trip: He and his crew have been praised for working hard, adjusting targets, and helping first-time anglers handle big fish.
• The listed charter is about five hours: It starts at 6 a.m. from O Dock 2. An eight-hour trip may be offered, so check which duration your booking covers.
• Your group gets the boat: This is a private activity for up to six people, not a shared fishing charter.
• Budget for extras: Fishing licenses, live bait, and possibly hotel pickup are not included in the $799 group price.
• The fishing is mainly trolling: The crew works multiple lines while the boat moves. If you want to cast, ask whether they can arrange it.
• Fish are not guaranteed: The trip can produce marlin, dorado, tuna, or other species, but a slow day is possible.

A 6 a.m. start from O Dock 2

The meeting point is O Dock 2 in central Cabo San Lucas, and the listed start time is 6 a.m. That early departure gets you onto the water around sunrise, when the coastline is especially lovely and the day is still cool. The experience ends back at the meeting point.

Hotel pickup is mentioned as an option, and some groups have been collected before dawn. But do not assume it is included in the charter price. One account describes a $30 pickup charge, while another describes hotel pickup as a paid add-on. Confirm the price and meeting arrangement directly before travel.

At the marina, allow time for the practical steps: getting to the boat, sorting your fishing license, and paying for bait. A small convenience store near the departure area has been mentioned as a place to get coffee, drinks, or snacks. That is useful before a five-hour trip, but bring what you need rather than counting on a particular shop being open.

The boat is a 34-foot Blackfin, and the charter is private for your party of up to six. That gives you room to fish together without sharing the trip with strangers. One account notes a small toilet on board, but the boat is also described as carrying a lot of fishing gear. Expect a working fishing boat, not a polished lounge.

Trolling for Cabo’s big fish

Once you leave the marina, the crew sets lines and begins looking for fish. This is generally a trolling trip: the boat moves with large lines in the water while the captain and deckhands watch for action. It is not usually a day of casting a rod from one spot. If hands-on casting is important, ask in advance. One family was able to request a stop to cast jigs for the children.

The species on offer depend on what is running and where the captain chooses to fish. Marlin is a common goal, along with tuna, wahoo, sailfish, dorado, roosterfish, yellowtail, and snapper. The captain may ask what you hope to catch, then recommend a change if another species has been active. That flexibility matters: a fixed plan can be less useful than a crew willing to adapt to the day.

Some trips have produced multiple marlin, sailfish, wahoo, or dorado. On one outing, a wahoo was kept for dinner; on others, crews and anglers released a marlin or kept only part of the catch. Those are memorable possibilities, not a forecast. Another trip described several quiet hours followed by a short burst of tuna action. Fishing is fishing, and even a skilled crew cannot schedule a bite.

When a large fish takes a line, the crew helps you manage the fight. That support can make a big difference if you are new to offshore fishing or bringing children. Reeling in a marlin can take a long time and real effort. Make sure your group is excited by the process, not only by the idea of taking home fish.

What the crew can add to the day

Captain Paulo is the name most often associated with this charter. Crew members mentioned on different trips include Eddie, Cesar, Eric, Armando, Julio, Ramon, Josue, and Enrique. The crew varies, but accounts describe help baiting hooks, changing tactics, and coaching people through the fight once a fish is on.

Many families have found this hands-on assistance useful, especially when children or first-time anglers are aboard. Teenagers have caught fish, and parents have shared the work of reeling one in. Still, communication and friendliness have not been consistent for everyone. A few people felt the crew focused on fishing tasks and did not explain much unless asked. If you want a more social, instructive outing, say so early and ask questions as you go.

You may also see wildlife while fishing. Whales breaching, dolphins, and sea lions have all been spotted on some trips. Think of those as possible bonuses, not planned stops. The core activity is fishing, and the crew’s attention will be on the lines when fish are active.

A realistic look at the $799 price

The listed price is $799 per group of up to six, rather than $799 per person. Split among six, that is about $133 each before extras. For a private boat, captain, and crew for roughly five hours, that can be reasonable for a group that values time together and wants a serious shot at offshore fishing.

But the base price does not cover everything. Fishing licenses and live bait are specifically excluded. Costs described by people who have gone vary: licenses were about $20 per adult in one case and 200 pesos per person in another; bait was reported at $40 to $45, while another group paid $100 cash for bait and licenses together. Prices may vary, so ask for the current amounts and payment method before departure.

There may be other costs, too. Hotel pickup has been charged separately, and one person described an extra fee to enter the slip area. These details are not consistent enough to treat as standard charges, but they are good reasons to confirm the full out-of-pocket total before booking. Bring extra cash for any agreed add-ons, tips, and shore services.

If you keep fish, processing and transport are also separate considerations. Examples include a $35 filleting charge and a $50 charge to clean and bag a catch. Some people have arranged to take fillets to a restaurant or hotel; one account describes vacuum packing and freezing fish for an additional fee. Ask what is available at the marina and agree on costs before handing over your catch.

The value depends partly on your group’s expectations. If you want a private boat and a chance at large fish, the price may make sense. If you mainly want a guaranteed meal, or expect bait and licenses to be included, the extra costs and uncertainty may leave you disappointed.

Comfort, motion, and what to bring

A five-hour offshore trip can be tiring, especially if the sea is rough. One person reported seasickness, and another warned that the boat’s engines are loud enough that earplugs may help. If you are sensitive to motion or noise, prepare accordingly. The trip is not described as a luxury cruise; it is a working charter with fishing equipment aboard.

Water and ice in a cooler are included. Bring any other drinks or snacks you want, and consider having coffee before boarding if you need it for an early start. Cash is useful for licenses, bait, tips, pickup, or fish processing, but confirm which of those apply to your booking rather than relying on another group’s total.

Wear clothes you do not mind getting wet or marked by fishing work. That is practical advice for an active boat, though no particular clothing requirement is specified. If your group includes children, ask how they can take part and whether the crew can accommodate a request to cast.

Who will enjoy this charter most

This trip suits a group that wants a private outing and is excited by the chance to catch a large fish. It can work well for families with older children or teenagers who want to help reel in a catch, as well as friends who are content to spend the morning on the water even if fishing is slow.

It is less suited to anyone who expects a guaranteed catch, a quiet ride, or a highly polished tourist experience. The crew’s main job is to fish, and some people have felt under-engaged when the action was slow. Set expectations at the start: tell the captain what you want to target, ask how the day will work, and speak up if you want more explanation or a chance to cast.

The charter is offered in English, and most people can participate. Service animals are allowed, according to the activity information. The booking confirmation is provided at the time of booking. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start; cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book Pacifictime Sports Fishing?

Book it if your group wants a private Cabo fishing trip, understands that bait and licenses cost extra, and will value the outing even if the fish do not cooperate. Captain Paulo and his crew have helped many groups land memorable catches, and the chance to see whales or dolphins adds appeal to the morning.

Before paying, confirm the trip length, pickup cost, license and bait prices, and whether any marina access fee applies. If those terms suit you, this is a strong choice for a group eager to fish Cabo’s offshore waters. If you need a guaranteed catch or expect every cost to be bundled into the $799 price, look for a different fit.

FAQ

How much does the fishing trip cost?

The listed price is $799 per group of up to six people. Fishing licenses and live bait are not included.

How long is the trip?

The listed experience lasts about five hours. The operator also offers five- or eight-hour trips, so confirm which duration you are booking.

What time does the trip start?

The listed start time is 6 a.m.

Where do I meet the boat?

The meeting point is O Dock 2, Centro, Cabo San Lucas. The trip ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is mentioned as an option, but it may cost extra. Confirm availability and the price before the trip.

What fish might I catch?

Target species can include marlin, tuna, wahoo, roosterfish, yellowtail, sailfish, and snapper. Dorado has also been caught on trips. No catch is guaranteed.

Are fishing licenses and bait included?

No. Fishing licenses and live bait are excluded from the listed price. The amounts paid have varied, so ask for current prices.

Is the boat shared with other groups?

No. This is a private activity, and only your group participates. The listed group limit is six.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered a different date or a full refund.