Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing (Our bigger boat!)

Cabo’s best fishing starts early, when the marina is quiet and the first light reaches the water. Kellyfish takes you out at 6:00 am on a private boat to chase species such as mahi mahi, roosterfish, striped marlin, bonita, and even mako shark, with the Arch of Cabo San Lucas as the first scenic landmark.

I like the small private-group setup, since your party gets the boat and crew to itself. I also like that Captain Ismael, Captain Orlando, and their mates are described as active, encouraging hands who help with the gear and celebrate each catch with you. The catch is not guaranteed, though, and you should expect quiet stretches between bites, plus extra costs for a fishing license, live bait, food, and drinks.

Key points to know before you book

• Early 6:00 am departure: You get on the water during the cooler morning hours and have more time to search for fish.
• Private boat for your group: No unrelated passengers share the activity with you.
• Captain Ismael and Captain Orlando: These are the named captains associated with especially successful outings, with bilingual service available.
• The Arch is part of the route: The famous Cabo landmark provides an impressive opening view before the fishing begins.
• Fishing gear is supplied: Rods, reels, tackle, and an experienced bilingual captain are included.
• Bring cash for extras: Your fishing license and live bait are not included, and food and drinks are also your responsibility.

A sunrise start from Cabo Marina

You meet the crew at Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 54 in central Cabo San Lucas, inside the marina area. The start time is 6:00 am, so plan to arrive ready for an early morning on the water. The activity returns to this same meeting point.

That early start is more than a scheduling detail. Cabo’s fishing grounds can be productive, and a morning departure gives you a full working window before the heat builds. You also get the softer light of sunrise, which makes the opening boat ride more pleasant than a late-morning departure.

I would wear practical clothing, bring plenty of sunscreen, and carry snacks and drinks for yourself. Food and beverages are not included. One important point is easy to miss: you also need to pay separately for the fishing license and live bait. Bring cash so these purchases do not become a scramble at the marina.

Passing the Arch before the lines go out

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is the named stop on the route, and it gives the trip a clear sense of place right away. This is the dramatic rock formation at the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, one of Cabo’s signature views.

The Arch is not presented as a long shore visit. You should think of it as a scenic part of the boat route before the fishing takes priority. That works well for a short trip because you get an iconic Cabo sight without spending much of your limited time away from the rods.

Keep your camera handy during this first stretch. The wider view is part of the appeal, especially if you have never seen Cabo from the water. After that, the day becomes less about sightseeing and more about watching the lines, reading the water, and waiting for the next strike.

What four hours on the bigger boat feels like

The experience lasts approximately four hours. That is enough time for a proper fishing attempt, but it is not a full-day charter with unlimited range and repeated changes of fishing ground.

You should expect a rhythm of preparation, waiting, movement, and sudden action. The crew sets up the rods and tackle, watches the lines, and helps when a fish takes the bait. In a good stretch, more than one person can hook up at once. One family group had everyone catching fish, while another outing included a double hookup of striped marlin.

The quiet periods matter. Fishing is not a nonstop amusement ride, and you might spend time moving along the coast or waiting for the fish to find you. A family account specifically noted that five hours at sea can feel long when nothing is happening. Since this experience is advertised at about four hours, it is a more manageable choice for many first-time fishers, but you still need patience.

The boat is identified as Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing’s bigger boat, but no passenger capacity or onboard amenities are provided. Do not book expecting a specified cabin, toilet, cooler service, or luxury seating unless the operator confirms those details directly.

The fish you might chase

Cabo is known for a wide range of sportfish, and the catches described here show how varied a morning can be. You might begin with smaller or more common fish, then move toward larger targets along the coast.

Bonita, also referred to as albacore in the supplied information, can provide early action. Roosterfish are prized for their hard runs and strength, and one successful outing produced several of them. Mahi mahi offer bright color and strong pulls, while striped marlin bring the possibility of a much bigger fight.

The most dramatic catches described include a large mako shark and a trophy-sized mahi mahi. These are possibilities, not promises. Conditions, season, bait, and luck all affect the result. The sensible way to book is to value the time on the water and the chance to pursue these species, rather than treating any particular catch as guaranteed.

If you are new to fishing, the captain and mate handle the technical work while you focus on keeping pressure on the fish and following instructions. If you already fish regularly, you may appreciate the chance to pursue several Cabo species in one outing.

Captain Ismael, Captain Orlando, and the mate

Captain Ismael, also written as Ismal in one account, is named several times in connection with the boat. He is described as leading outings that included roosterfish, a mako shark, and a trophy mahi mahi. Captain Orlando is associated with an outing that produced mahi mahi and a double hookup of striped marlin.

The crew includes an experienced bilingual captain, and the fishing team helps with the rods, reels, and tackle. That assistance matters because a hooked fish can turn chaotic fast, especially when two lines go off together. You want someone nearby who can clear lines, coach the angler, and help keep the fish from tangling with the other gear.

There is also a personal touch in the way the crew handles photographs. During one outing, the captain took a picture of an angler whose spouse was busy catching a fish and later emailed photos from the trip. You should not assume that photo service is guaranteed, but it shows that the crew may help record the catch when everyone is occupied.

The tone is clearly energetic and hands-on. That should suit you if you want a fishing trip where the crew stays involved instead of simply handing you a rod and standing back.

What is included, and what you still need to pay for

The basic fishing equipment is covered:

• Rods
• Reels
• Tackle
• An experienced bilingual captain

The important exclusions are the fishing license, live bait, food, and drinks. These costs affect the true value of the trip, especially for a family or group booking several places.

The boat and gear mean you do not need to bring your own fishing equipment. That makes the trip easier for visitors who are flying into Cabo or who want to try sportfishing without buying specialized gear.

At the same time, you should not mistake included equipment for an all-inclusive outing. Ask for the current cost of the license and bait before departure, and budget for snacks and drinks. One practical detail from a successful family outing is that the fish could be taken for filleting afterward, then prepared by a local restaurant. That option is mentioned as a possibility, not as a service included in the boat trip, so confirm the arrangements and cost yourself.

The value of a private fishing trip

No price is provided here, so I cannot judge the exact dollar value. The right comparison is between a private boat and a shared fishing excursion with unrelated passengers.

A private trip can be worth paying more for if your group wants control over the mood and the pace. You can fish with your own family or friends, avoid strangers crowding the cockpit, and let the crew focus on your party. It also works well for mixed groups, since a 17-year-old and a 75-year-old were both able to enjoy the activity on one outing.

The value is less certain if your main goal is simply to catch the largest possible fish at the lowest cost. Four hours is a limited window, fishing conditions vary, and the license and bait come separately. If you want a long offshore expedition, you should ask Kellyfish about longer options instead.

The 4.5 rating from 15 published ratings suggests generally strong satisfaction, but the experience is not risk-free. One serious complaint involved a weather cancellation, a rebooking, and a disputed refund. The operator stated that weather refunds are processed through the booking platform and that its policy is to refund trips canceled because of poor weather. Because that situation points to a communication problem, keep your confirmation number and handle any refund request through the booking company as soon as a cancellation occurs.

Who will enjoy this Cabo fishing trip most

I would consider this a good fit for a private group that wants real time on the water without committing to a full-day charter. It suits families, couples, and friends who are happy to share the excitement when the fish are active and accept some waiting when they are not.

It is also a useful choice for a cruise stop in Cabo. One outing began during an overnight cruise from Los Angeles, and the crew got the group back with plenty of time before the ship’s departure. You should still confirm your own ship schedule directly with the operator, since docking times and return plans can change.

The trip may be less suitable for someone who dislikes early mornings, motion on a boat, or uncertain results. It is also not ideal if you want a sightseeing cruise with a guaranteed series of stops. The Arch is the named scenic point, but the main purpose is fishing.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The private format gives your group more control, but the available information does not specify boat accessibility features, so ask about your needs before booking.

Weather, cancellations, and practical planning

This activity depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. For your own cancellation, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the 6:00 am start time to receive a full refund.

Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted. The cut-off uses local Cabo time, so check the clock carefully if you are booking from another time zone.

I would save the confirmation as soon as you book and keep the booking platform’s contact information handy. If weather affects the trip, ask for the new date or refund in writing. That simple step can prevent confusion.

Should you book Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing?

Book it if you want a private, early-morning fishing outing with supplied gear, an involved bilingual crew, and a real chance at species such as roosterfish, mahi mahi, marlin, bonita, and perhaps something much larger. The combination of the Arch, sunrise, and active fishing gives you more than a simple boat ride.

Go in with realistic expectations. You pay extra for the license and bait, food and drinks are your responsibility, and no captain can guarantee a catch. If you can handle quiet stretches and care more about the shared experience than a sure trophy fish, Kellyfish is a sensible Cabo option.

Before paying, confirm the current total cost, the boat’s facilities, and the exact return timing if you are leaving on a cruise ship. Bring sunscreen, snacks, water, and cash for the license and bait. With those details settled, this is a promising choice for a small group that wants Cabo fishing without signing up for an entire day at sea.

FAQ

Where does the Kellyfish Cabo fishing trip start?

It starts at Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 54, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

What time does the fishing trip begin?

The start time is 6:00 am.

How long does the activity last?

The trip lasts approximately four hours.

Does the boat return to the marina?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is the Arch of Cabo San Lucas included in the route?

Yes. The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is the named stop on the route.

What fishing equipment is provided?

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

Are the fishing license and bait included?

No. 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 are offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled.