Sportfishing Charters in Cabo San Lucas with Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing

Cabo’s fishing charter offers a small-boat day on the water, with a chance to work for marlin, mahi mahi, tuna or whatever is biting. You leave from the marina around 6:00 am, fish near Cabo San Lucas and return to the same meeting point. El Arco is part of the route, so you get a landmark view alongside the fishing.

I like that the charter is private for up to four people, and that rods, reels, tackle and instruction are included, which makes it approachable if you have never fished before. I also like the crew’s reputation for sticking with the search when the bite is slow. The main caution: fishing is never guaranteed, and license, bait and dock fees add to the price.

Key points to know

• Early start: Meet at Kellyfish on Paseo de la Marina at 6:00 am.
• Private group: The charter is for your party, with space for up to four people.
• Gear included: Rods, reels, tackle and fishing instruction are provided.
• Extra charges: Budget $22 per person for a license, $40 per booking for live bait, and $1 per person for the marina dock fee.
• Fishing is variable: Captains work to find fish, but seasonal conditions and the day’s water and weather affect what may bite.
• Confirm your boat: Kellyfish operates three boats and may use other qualified captains or boats to accommodate bookings.

An early start from Cabo San Lucas Marina

The meeting point is Kellyfish, on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina in Cabo San Lucas. Your listed start time is 6:00 am, so plan for an early morning and confirm the precise meeting arrangement before you go. The activity is offered in English, though one customer reported not receiving the promised English-speaking guide. If clear English instruction matters to you, check that directly when booking.

This is a private activity, not a shared outing with strangers. The boats are described as comfortably accommodating up to four people, a useful limit for a family or a small group of friends. It also means you can ask questions and get help without having to compete with a large crowd for the crew’s attention.

Kellyfish operates three boats: Kellyfish, Pacific Time and Fish Hunter Jr. The crew may include Ismael, Andy, Miguel, Daniel, Mateo or Luis. Past outings describe captains and deckhands who help beginners, change lures as conditions shift and keep working when the first stretch is quiet. Still, some bookings have involved a different boat or company than the customer expected. Ask which boat and crew are assigned to your date, and keep any written confirmation handy.

Passing El Arco on the way to the fishing grounds

The outing sets out from the marina in search of fishing grounds around Cabo. El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is named as a stop on the route, giving you a chance to see the famous rock formation from the water. It is a scenic feature of the trip, but the main purpose is fishing, not a dedicated sightseeing cruise. Don’t book solely for a long visit at the arch unless that has been confirmed with the operator.

After leaving the marina, the captain and crew choose where to fish based on conditions. The target species can include marlin, mahi mahi and tuna, with other catches such as bonito or triggerfish also mentioned on past trips. One customer described catching a legal limit of mahi mahi and tuna on a half-day trip; another had a quiet start before bringing in a dozen smaller fish. Those examples show the range of possible days, not a promise of a particular catch.

Some outings have been slow, even when the crew kept searching and adjusting the approach. That matters if your main goal is a guaranteed fish dinner or a specific trophy catch. The crew can put in the effort, but the fish decide whether to bite.

Eight hours of fishing, with a half-day option

The experience is listed as approximately eight hours, with full- and half-day charters available. The 6:00 am start gives you an early departure, and the activity returns to the original meeting point. Check the exact duration for the option you are booking, since a half-day and full-day trip offer different amounts of time on the water.

The longer charter may suit you if fishing is the main event and you are willing to spend much of the day on it. A half-day can be a sensible choice for a first outing, a family with young children or anyone unsure how they will feel at sea. One family with a six-year-old reported a successful trip, while another group described a boat ride that felt uncomfortable and cramped. Comfort can depend on which boat you receive, so ask about seating and onboard facilities rather than assuming every boat is identical.

At least one customer described a boat with an indoor cabin and bathroom. That is useful to know if you are prone to motion sickness, but it is not specified as a feature on all three boats. Ask which vessel you will be on and what facilities it has before booking.

Gear and instruction for beginners

Fishing rods, reels and tackle are included, and the crew provides instruction to help you fish. You do not need to arrive as an expert. The crew’s practical role can make a real difference: helping you work the reel when a fish takes the line, setting up gear and assisting when it is time to bring a fish aboard.

If you are new to fishing, ask the crew to explain how to operate the reel before the lines go in. One first-time group wished they had been shown what to do once a fish was on. That is an easy request, and it can make the excitement of a strike less confusing. If you have a particular target in mind, such as marlin, say so. One experienced angler reported that the captain honored his preference rather than pushing him toward another species.

The captain may change lures or methods as the boat moves between areas. That is part of the work, but it does not remove the uncertainty: even experienced crews can have a slow day. I would think of the crew’s skill as a way to improve your chances and make the fishing more engaging, not as insurance against an empty cooler.

What the catch can mean after the trip

The catch varies widely. Past outings have produced marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, bonito and triggerfish, sometimes in quantity and sometimes not at all. One group caught and released a marlin and landed two mahi mahi; another had a marlin break the line near the end of the trip. If you land fish, ask the crew what happens next and how the catch is handled.

Some customers have taken mahi mahi to a marina restaurant to be cooked, turning the catch into a meal. That can be a memorable finish, but it is not included in the charter details, so treat it as a separate arrangement and cost. One customer also raised concerns about receiving all of their filleted fish and about paid vacuum packing and freezing not being completed as expected. If you plan to keep fish, agree on the handling, quantity and any extra services before handing over your catch.

Add the dock costs to your budget

Fishing gear and bottled water are included. The additional listed charges are $22 per person for a fishing license, purchased on the dock before departure, $40 per booking for live bait, payable in cash, and $1 per person for the marina dock fee. For two people, those listed charges add $67 to the charter price if you purchase the bait.

Some customers reported that water was not provided, despite it being included in the stated package. I would confirm this shortly before departure and bring your own water as a backup. Do the same with bait: it is an added charge, so ask whether it is needed for the kind of fishing planned that day and whether the fee applies even if you do not use it.

The charter’s value depends on what you want from the day. A private boat, fishing gear and crew instruction give you more direct attention than a large group outing. But the stated extras, possible fish-cleaning costs and uncertain catch all belong in your calculation. Compare the full expected cost, not just the upfront charter price.

Who will enjoy this charter most

This trip makes the most sense if fishing itself is a priority, whether you are a beginner curious to try it or an experienced angler who wants time on the water with a captain. The private format is particularly appealing for a couple, a small family or a group of friends who want the boat to themselves. Several outings have been described as fun and encouraging for children and first-timers.

It is also a good fit if you value the crew’s effort as much as the final catch. Past customers have praised captains such as Ismael and Andy for patience, professionalism and persistence, including on days when the fish were scarce. Strong reports also describe quick bites and successful catches, but you should not treat those outcomes as typical or assured.

Look elsewhere, or ask more questions first, if you need a guaranteed catch, a particular boat layout, a confirmed English-speaking guide or a fixed target species. The experience is fishing, not a promise that the water will cooperate. And if you want a scenic tour centered on El Arco, confirm how much time the boat will spend there.

The charter has an overall rating of 4.7 from 85 reviews, with 92 percent of customers recommending it. That is an encouraging track record, though the low ratings raise practical issues worth checking: additional costs, water, comfort and boat assignment. A little clear communication before booking can help you arrive with the right expectations.

Should you book Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing?

Book if you want a private fishing outing with gear provided, patient instruction and a crew that appears willing to work hard for a bite. The strongest reason to choose it is the chance to fish with a small group and receive direct help from the captain and deckhand. The best reason to pause is the combination of unpredictable fishing and extra dock costs, plus occasional mismatch between the boat or service expected and the one provided.

Before you commit, confirm the exact trip length, assigned boat and crew, English-language support, seating and facilities, and whether bottled water and live bait will be available. Bring cash for the stated bait charge and plan for the license and dock fee. If those details suit you and you can enjoy the day even without a trophy fish, this could be a memorable way to spend a Cabo morning.

FAQ

How long is the Kellyfish Cabo fishing charter?

The experience is approximately eight hours. Full- and half-day charters are available, so confirm the duration of the option you select.

What time and where does the trip start?

The start time is 6:00 am at Kellyfish on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina in Cabo San Lucas. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the private charter?

The boats are described as accommodating up to four people per charter. Only your group participates.

What is included in the charter?

Fishing gear, including rods, reels and tackle, is included, along with bottled water. Instruction is provided for anglers of all experience levels.

What extra charges should I expect?

You purchase a fishing license on the dock for $22 per person. Live bait costs $40 per booking and is payable in cash, and the marina dock fee is $1 per person.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.