Sportfishing Charters in Cabo San Lucas with Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing

Cabo San Lucas is one of those places where you can fish in sight of a famous landmark. With Kellyfish, you leave the marina early, pass El Arco, and spend the day searching for marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo, bonita, or smaller reef fish. The catch changes with the season and conditions, so this is real fishing, not a guaranteed aquarium visit.

I like the private four-person setup, which keeps the trip personal and lets your captain focus on your group. I also like the patient, hands-on help from captains such as Ismael and Andy, who have worked with complete beginners as well as serious billfish anglers. The main caution is simple: you pay extra for licenses, live bait, and the marina dock fee, and even a skilled captain cannot make fish bite.

Key points to know before you book

• Early 6:00 am departure: You get on the water during the main fishing window and return to the same marina meeting point.
• Private groups of up to four: The boat is reserved for your party, not mixed with strangers.
• Captains who work hard for the catch: Ismael, Andy, Miguel, Mateo, and other crew members are named in the booking information and customer feedback.
• El Arco forms part of the route: You fish around the Cabo San Lucas area with views of the famous arch.
• Extra costs are clear but easy to miss: Fishing licenses cost $22 per person, live bait costs $40 per booking in cash, and the dock fee is $1 per person.
• Fishing success changes by season: You may catch marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo, bonita, triggerfish, or nothing at all.

Leaving Cabo Marina at 6:00 am

The day starts at the Kellyfish meeting point on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina in Cabo San Lucas. Your departure time is 6:00 am, so plan to arrive with enough time to find the boat, handle the dock fee, and purchase fishing licenses before casting off.

The early start matters. You are not simply paying for a boat ride along the coast. You are giving the crew a full morning to locate fish, change tackle, follow signs of activity, and move if one area is quiet. Several fishing trips described by customers began slowly and improved later, while others found fish within minutes. That unpredictability is part of the deal.

Kellyfish operates three boats: Kellyfish, Pacific Time, and Fish Hunter Jr. The private charter is designed for up to four people. That is a good size for a family, two couples, or a small group of friends, but you should ask which boat and captain are assigned before the morning of your trip. A few customers had expected one Kellyfish boat and instead found themselves with Pacific Time or another affiliated crew.

That does not automatically mean the fishing will be poor. The company says it uses several qualified captains and boats to accommodate bookings. Still, the exact boat matters if you care about seating, cabin space, a bathroom, or a particular captain. Confirm those details in writing.

Fishing around El Arco and Cabo San Lucas

El Arco is the natural visual highlight of the outing. This stone arch marks the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, and seeing it from the water gives you a different angle than the usual sightseeing cruise. The arch is listed as the tour stop, but the main purpose of the trip is fishing, not a guided monument visit.

Once you are out of the marina, your captain chooses areas based on current conditions. Water temperature, water color, wind, current, season, and the movement of bait can all affect what you find. This is why a captain may switch lures or alter the plan during the morning.

If you have a target species, say so at the start. One experienced angler specifically wanted marlin and appreciated that Ismael did not push him toward whatever fish happened to be easier that day. If your priority is simply to catch something, tell the crew that too. The choice between chasing a billfish and working for smaller, more available fish can change how the day feels.

Cabo is known for big game fish, but a successful trip does not always mean landing a trophy. The catch described across the supplied accounts includes striped marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo, bonita, triggerfish, and a nearly seven-foot mako shark. Some fish were released, while others were kept for meals.

You may also see the crew work hard without a bite. One party reported that few boats were catching fish, yet the captain kept searching and eventually found fish for them. Another group had a quiet first hour before bringing in about a dozen bonita and triggerfish. That is useful context: a slow opening does not necessarily mean the whole trip is finished.

What the crew does for beginners

Kellyfish supplies rods, reels, tackle, and fishing instruction. You do not need to arrive as an experienced angler. The crew has worked with first-timers, families, children, and people who wanted to focus on marlin.

The most praised part of the service is the crew’s effort once a fish hits. Captains and deckhands are described as quick to change lures, set up tackle, help with the reel, and get everyone involved. Ismael is repeatedly singled out for staying positive and working hard to put people on fish. Andy is also praised for helping beginners and keeping the mood light.

I would ask for a short reel demonstration before the first line goes in. One otherwise happy customer wished the crew had explained how to operate the reel before a fish was hooked. That is a small request, but it can save confusion when a fast fish suddenly takes line.

You should also tell the crew about the ages and experience levels in your group. A six-year-old has joined a successful family charter, and beginners have caught mahi mahi and tuna with help from the crew. The private format makes it easier to set the pace around your own group, though the trip still takes place on a moving boat and requires some physical participation.

English is listed as the operating language. Because one customer reported that the guide was not English-speaking, I would confirm this directly if clear English instruction is important to you.

Full-day and half-day choices

Kellyfish offers both full-day and half-day charters, while the advertised outing is approximately eight hours and begins at 6:00 am. Check the exact duration attached to your selected booking. The customer accounts include both half-day outings and longer trips, so the format can affect how much time you have to search after a slow start.

A half-day trip can work well if fishing is one part of a larger Cabo holiday. It gives you a focused morning and leaves time for the beach, pool, or other plans. The tradeoff is that you have less time to move between fishing areas. If your main goal is marlin or another less predictable species, a full day gives the captain more chances to keep looking.

A full-day trip is better suited to serious anglers or anyone who wants the best chance of finding a particular fish. One party finished early after catching a large number of fish, while another spent much of the day searching during a slow period. Ask what happens if the crew reaches your booked limit early, since the supplied information does not set out a general early-finish policy.

The real cost of a private Cabo charter

The base charter price is only part of your budget. The supplied booking details list these additional charges:

• Fishing license: $22 per person
• Live bait: $40 per booking, cash only
• Marina Cabo San Lucas dock fee: $1 per person
• Fishing rods, reels, tackle, and bottled water: included

One dissatisfied party referred to a $495 charter charge, but the current total can change. Treat that figure as a warning to confirm the exact price at booking rather than as a fixed current rate.

The value depends heavily on how many people share the boat. Four anglers split the private charter cost more effectively than one or two people. You also avoid sharing the boat with unrelated groups, which gives your party more say in the target species and keeps the captain’s attention on your lines.

The added costs are not hidden in the supplied details, but they are easy to overlook when you first compare the headline price. Bring cash for the live bait and budget for licenses for every person fishing. Also confirm what happens to the catch after the trip. Some accounts describe restaurants cooking mahi mahi or wahoo, while one person raised concerns about receiving all the fish back and about paid freezing and vacuum packing. Those services are not listed as included, so discuss them with the dock staff before handing over your catch.

Boats, seating, water, and comfort

The boats are intended for four people, and the operator says there is seating for the group. One unhappy party felt the boat was too small and said they spent time on the floor. The company disputed that and stated that seating for four was available.

The safest approach is to ask about the assigned vessel before departure if comfort is a major concern. The three named boats may not have identical layouts. One customer specifically appreciated having an indoor cabin and bathroom, but that feature is not promised in the main tour details, so do not assume every boat has the same facilities.

Bottled water is listed as included. Two customers said they did not receive water, so I would bring your own backup supply even though water is part of the stated package. That is sensible on any early fishing trip, especially when you may spend hours in sun and wind.

The activity is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but the supplied information does not give detailed mobility guidance. If anyone in your group has mobility, balance, or motion concerns, ask the operator about the specific boat before booking.

What kind of fishing day should you expect?

The best way to think about this charter is as a skilled search rather than a promised catch. The crew can select areas, change tackle, and keep working, but fish respond to natural conditions. Several strong outings produced marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo, or many smaller fish. Other outings produced no bite.

That distinction matters when you compare Kellyfish with a sightseeing cruise. You are paying for fishing time, gear, crew effort, and a private boat. You are not paying for a guaranteed number of fish.

The crew’s persistence is a real advantage. One group caught the legal limit of mahi mahi and tuna during a half-day trip. Another party landed five fish. A separate couple caught and released a marlin and brought in two mahi mahi. These results show what can happen, but they should not become a promise for your date.

If you want a fish for dinner, ask about local handling after you return. Some people took their catch to a marina restaurant, where a large wahoo fillet was prepared several ways, or had resort staff cook a four-course mahi mahi meal. That can turn the fishing day into a memorable Cabo meal, but you need to confirm cleaning, filleting, packing, and storage arrangements yourself.

Best for families, couples, and serious anglers

This charter suits a small group that values privacy and direct help. A family can keep the outing together, and children can take part with supervision. Couples also get a more personal morning than they would on a large shared boat.

It is a good fit for an angler who wants to name a target species. Ismael, in particular, is described as willing to focus on marlin even when it was not peak season. That kind of flexibility matters if you would rather spend the day pursuing one prized fish than filling the cooler with whatever is easiest.

It is less suitable if you need a guaranteed catch, dislike extra charges, or expect a large boat with lots of room. It may also disappoint someone who assumes that every outing includes the same captain, boat layout, water service, or English communication. Confirm those details before you pay.

Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. The activity is private, ends back at the marina meeting point, and confirmation is sent at booking.

Should you book Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing?

I would book Kellyfish if you want a private four-person fishing trip and understand that the ocean makes the final decision. The strongest reasons are the small group size, supplied tackle, early departure, and captains such as Ismael and Andy, who repeatedly receive praise for patient instruction and determined fishing.

Before booking, ask four direct questions: Which boat will we use? Which captain is assigned? Is bottled water available that day? What is the complete price including licenses, bait, and dock fees? If you want a specific target, ask whether the captain will focus on it.

Book with realistic expectations. You may catch marlin or mahi mahi within minutes, or you may spend hours searching and still come home without a bite. For a private Cabo fishing morning with an experienced crew and a fair chance at memorable fish, that is a reasonable gamble. For guaranteed action or a fixed all-inclusive price, choose a different type of outing.

FAQ

How long is the Kellyfish Cabo fishing trip?

The advertised experience lasts approximately eight hours. Half-day and full-day charters are also available, so confirm the exact duration when selecting your booking.

What time does the charter start?

The listed start time is 6:00 am.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at the Kellyfish meeting point on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina in Cabo San Lucas and ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join a private charter?

The boats comfortably accommodate up to four people per charter, and only your group participates.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. Rods, reels, tackle, and other fishing gear are included.

Is bottled water included?

Bottled water is listed as included. Since some customers reported not receiving it, bringing backup water is a sensible precaution.

How much does the fishing license cost?

The fishing license costs $22 per person and must be purchased on the dock before the charter.

Is live bait included?

No. Live bait costs $40 per booking and is payable in cash only.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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