Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing (Our bigger boat!)

Cabo’s fishing appeal is not just the chance of a big catch. On this private, roughly four-hour trip, you head out at dawn, pass the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, and fish with a bilingual captain who can help your group work the gear. Roosterfish, mahi mahi, and marlin have all been caught on these outings, though no crew can promise what will bite.

I like two things about this setup: your group gets the boat to itself, and rods, reels, and tackle are included, so you can focus on the fishing rather than bringing a kit. I also like that the trip can bring you close to Cabo’s coast, where wildlife sightings have included dolphins and whales.

The main catch is the cost beyond the charter: you pay separately for the fishing license and live bait, and food and drinks are on you. Fishing can also mean waiting between bites, so pack for several hours on the water and keep your schedule flexible.

• 6:00 am departure: Meet at the Cabo San Lucas marina for an early start.
• Private charter: Only your group participates, rather than sharing the boat with other bookings.
• Arch of Cabo San Lucas: This landmark is the stated itinerary stop and a striking coastal sight.
• Fishing gear included: Rods, reels, tackle, and an experienced bilingual captain are provided.
• License and bait extra: Budget for both, and bring your own food and drinks.
• Catch variety: Roosterfish, mahi mahi, marlin, and other fish have been caught, but results vary.

A dawn start from Cabo’s marina

The meeting point is Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 54 in central Cabo San Lucas, with a 6:00 am start. Arriving early matters: you’ll want time to find the marina entrance and meet the crew without turning the first minutes of your outing into a rush. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

A morning departure puts you on the water early, when the light over the coast can be especially appealing. One outing began with a sunrise view from the boat, but sunrise timing changes through the year, so treat that as a welcome possibility, not a scheduled feature.

The stated duration is approximately four hours. That is a useful half-day window, but I would avoid planning a tight connection immediately afterward. Time on the water can feel longer when fishing slows, and an account of a similar outing described about five hours. Confirm the expected return time with the operator if you have a cruise departure or another fixed appointment.

Passing the Arch before the lines go in

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is the listed stop, giving the trip a scenic landmark alongside its fishing focus. It sits where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez, and seeing it from the water offers a different angle from the usual shore-side view. The exact route and time spent near the Arch are not specified, so think of it as part of the outing rather than a long sightseeing stop.

After the coastal pass, the captain will take your group to fish. The fishing grounds and tactics can depend on conditions and what is biting, so there is no fixed sequence of locations or guaranteed species. Some outings have worked along the coast, while others have gone after larger offshore fish.

The boat ride itself can be part of the pleasure. Dolphins have been seen playing near the boat, and whales have been spotted jumping along the coast. Those sightings are never assured, but they add a memorable bonus when they happen.

Fishing with Ismael, Orlando, or the crew on duty

The company provides an experienced bilingual captain, and captains named Ismael, also spelled Ismal in some accounts, and Orlando have led outings. The captain and mate can help with the equipment and the practical work of fishing. One group particularly valued having the crew help take photos while everyone was busy bringing in fish.

Rods, reels, and tackle are included, which keeps the packing list simple. If you are new to sportfishing, ask the crew how they want you to handle the rod and reel, and follow their instructions when a fish takes the line. If you already fish regularly, tell the captain what you hope to target, while keeping in mind that the crew cannot control the conditions or the catch.

The range of reported catches gives a good sense of the possibilities, not a menu of guaranteed results. Roosterfish have provided a hard fight for anglers along the coast. Mahi mahi, striped marlin, and a mako shark have also been landed on different trips. Smaller catches, including white bonita described as albacore, have filled quieter stretches.

A group of five, ages 17 to 75, all caught fish on one outing. That is encouraging if you are booking for mixed ages, but it does not mean everyone will catch something on every trip. Fishing has slow spells. A good attitude and interest in the time on the water help keep those lulls from feeling like wasted time.

What the four hours can feel like

Sportfishing is not a nonstop parade of action. You may get a bite quickly, as happened on one trip, or spend stretches waiting for the next one. That rhythm is part of the activity. The payoff can be a powerful run from a fish, the crew’s help with the line, and the shared excitement when someone in your group lands one.

There can be busy moments, too. When several lines get bites at once, the crew may be helping more than one person at a time. One angler had to rely on the captain to take a photo of her husband because she was occupied with her own catch. If photos matter to you, ask the crew for help when things are calm, rather than expecting to take a perfect picture during the action.

The trip’s stated duration is short enough to suit a half-day plan, but it is still several hours on the ocean. Bring sunscreen and snacks, as well as water and any other drinks your group wants. Food and drinks are not included. Seasickness precautions are not addressed in the tour details, so if that is a concern for you, ask the operator or your health professional what preparation makes sense.

The real cost: license, bait, and what you bring

The charter includes the boat, fishing equipment, and captain, but not the fishing license, live bait, food, or drinks. Those extras matter when you compare this outing with another charter. The tour price alone does not show the full cost of getting on the water and fishing.

Ask the operator before departure how the license and live bait are arranged, what they cost, and how you should pay. One group advised bringing cash for these expenses, but payment requirements can change, so confirm directly rather than relying on an old tip. The available details do not state the charter’s price, so I can’t judge the total against other boats or fishing trips.

Value here depends on what you want. A private boat gives your group space to fish at your own pace with the captain and mate focused on your party. Gear is supplied, and successful catches may give you the option of taking fish to be filleted and cooked later at a local restaurant. The processing and restaurant meal are not included, so count them as optional extra costs, not part of the charter.

If you are comparing tours, ask what size boat you will board and how many crew members will be on duty. The company describes this as its bigger boat, but no dimensions or capacity are provided. Since the charter is private, your own group is the only group participating; confirm the boat’s fit for your party when booking.

A weather-dependent trip, with clear cancellation terms

This experience requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, the stated policy is to offer another date or a full refund. For a customer-requested cancellation, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refundable, and changes inside that same 24-hour window are not accepted.

If weather disrupts your plans, keep a clear record of any messages and contact the booking platform about the refund process. The operator says weather-related refunds are processed through Viator or Tripadvisor, rather than directly by the company. That is worth knowing before you travel, especially if you have limited time in Cabo and cannot easily switch to another date.

Who will get the most from this charter

This trip suits a group that wants an active morning on the water, is curious about fishing, and is comfortable with an unpredictable result. You do not need to bring rods or reels, and the private format works well for a family or group of friends who want to share the boat without strangers. A wide age range has enjoyed the outing, though each person should be ready for several hours at sea.

It is also a good fit if you value the outing even when the fish are not biting. You might enjoy the coastal views, the Arch, and the chance of seeing dolphins or whales. If your main goal is a guaranteed trophy fish, this is not a sure bet. The crew can put you in position and help you fish, but nature makes the final call.

Before you book, check the total cost for the license and bait, clarify how to pay, and ask about the expected return time. Bring sunscreen, snacks, and drinks. If you are joining from a cruise ship, share your return deadline with the operator and allow a generous buffer; one group made it back to its ship with time to spare, but you should confirm that the timing works for your own schedule.

Should you book Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing?

Book it if your group wants a private, hands-on fishing outing with gear supplied, a bilingual captain, and a chance to see Cabo from the water. The strongest reasons to go are the private format, the crew’s practical help, and the possibility of landing hard-fighting fish such as roosterfish or mahi mahi. The Arch and occasional wildlife sightings add value even when the bite is slow.

Skip it, or choose a different kind of boat trip, if you want a guaranteed catch, a meal included, or an outing with no added expenses. You’ll need to pay separately for the license and live bait, bring your own refreshments, and accept that fishing has quiet periods. If those terms suit you, this is a promising way to spend a Cabo morning, with the right mix of sport and coastal scenery.

FAQ

Where does the trip start and end?

Meet at Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 54, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the charter start?

The stated start time is 6:00 am.

How long is the trip?

The duration is approximately four hours.

Is this a private fishing trip?

Yes. Only your group participates.

What fishing equipment is included?

Rods, reels, and tackle are included, along with an experienced bilingual captain.

Do I need to pay for anything beyond the charter?

Yes. The fishing license and live bait are not included. Food and drinks are also not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.

Can I bring a service animal?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.