Sportfishing Charters in Cabo San Lucas with Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing

Cabo’s best fishing days can feel like a small expedition: you leave the marina before sunrise, pass El Arco, and spend the morning changing tactics as the water and fish dictate. Captain Ismael, along with Andy, Miguel, Luis, and Mateo, has earned especially strong praise for patient instruction and hard work when the bite is slow.

I like the private four-person limit, which keeps the boat focused on your group, and I like that beginners can fish beside serious marlin hunters. The main caution is simple: this is fishing, not a guaranteed catch. You should also budget for a $22 fishing license per person, $40 for live bait, and a $1 marina dock fee per person.

Key points to know before you book

• Three boats serve the charter: Kellyfish, Pacific Time, and Fish Hunter Jr., with space for up to four people.
• Ismael and Andy receive the strongest praise: Their calm instruction and persistence helped beginners land bonito, triggerfish, mahi mahi, tuna, and other catches.
• El Arco is part of the route: You get the famous Cabo rock formation as a scenic marker before or during the fishing run.
• The price has add-ons: Bring cash for the $40 live bait charge, and allow for licenses and the marina fee.
• The fishing changes with the season: Water temperature, current, wind, and color affect which species are available.
• You return to the same marina: The charter begins at 6:00 a.m. and lasts about eight hours for a full-day outing.

Leaving Cabo Marina before sunrise

Your meeting point is Kellyfish on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina, near the Cabo San Lucas marina. The scheduled start is 6:00 a.m., so this is an early morning by vacation standards. That timing matters: a full-day charter needs daylight hours to reach productive water, try different methods, and return without a rushed finish.

The charter is private, so only your party takes part. The maximum is four people, a useful limit for fishing because rods, lines, coolers, and moving fish can quickly make a small boat feel crowded. A family of four or two couples will have the boat to themselves, rather than sharing attention with a large group.

Kellyfish operates three boats: Kellyfish, Pacific Time, and Fish Hunter Jr. The boat assigned to you may matter, especially if you have a strong preference for one vessel. Two people who booked back-to-back trips said their second outing was moved to a different boat and company arrangement than expected. I would confirm the exact boat and captain before departure.

The boats have seating for four according to the operator’s response to one complaint, and one boat was described as having an indoor cabin and bathroom. Still, boat size and amenities can vary. Ask which boat you will use if cabin space, a toilet, or seating is important to you.

Passing El Arco and heading for fishing grounds

El Arco, Cabo’s famous natural stone arch, is the listed sightseeing stop. You will see the rock formation from the water as the boat leaves the marina area and heads toward the fishing grounds. It is a good visual beginning to the day, though this is not a dedicated sightseeing cruise. Fishing is the main event.

The run itself can be part of the fun. You may be watching the coastline, scanning the water, and waiting for the crew to set the first lines. Several strong outings began slowly, while others produced bites within minutes. That difference is normal for sportfishing, and it is the most important expectation to set before you book.

The crew may change lures or fishing methods as conditions shift. One experienced marlin angler singled out Ismael and Luis for staying focused during a slow period and eventually finding a striped marlin. Another group caught a legal limit of mahi mahi and tuna during a half-day outing. Those examples show the range of the day: sometimes the crew works hard for one memorable fish, and sometimes several lines produce action quickly.

How the fishing actually feels

The supplied equipment includes rods, reels, tackle, and instruction. That makes the charter suitable for first-timers who do not own gear. You will still need to listen closely when a fish takes the line. One group wished the crew had demonstrated how to work the reel before the first fish struck, so I would ask for a quick practice explanation at the start.

The captains and deckhands receive the most praise for staying involved. Ismael is repeatedly described as patient with children and beginners, while Andy is praised for helping groups understand what to do when a fish is hooked. The crew may handle lure changes, keep lines ready, and help you respond quickly when a bite comes.

That support is valuable because the first moments after a strike can be confusing. You may need to keep steady pressure, follow the fish, and avoid tangling another line. Ask questions early. A short demonstration can make the difference between feeling helpless and taking part in the fight.

Species reported on these trips include marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, bonito, triggerfish, wahoo, and shark. A catch is never promised, and no captain can control the fish, weather, current, or seasonal conditions. Some groups returned without a bite, while others caught several fish or released a marlin.

The crew’s effort is a recurring strength. On a slow day, Ismael reportedly kept searching and adjusting rather than simply heading home. One group had no action for the first hour, then caught about a dozen bonito and triggerfish on a half-day trip. Another group caught an almost seven-foot mako shark after struggling to find trophy fish earlier in the outing.

Full-day versus half-day fishing

The advertised outing is about eight hours, but Kellyfish also offers half-day charters. A full day gives you more time to search, try different areas, and pursue larger species such as marlin. It also gives the crew more room to recover from a slow first few hours.

Choose the half-day option if you want a shorter introduction, have children with you, or are unsure how everyone will handle time on the water. Several successful half-day trips produced mahi mahi, tuna, bonito, or triggerfish. You can still have a memorable catch without committing an entire day.

A full-day charter makes more sense for a serious angler with a specific target. One guest booked two days with the goal of catching marlin and accepted that it was not peak season. The first day was slow, but persistence eventually produced a striped marlin. If marlin is your priority, tell the captain before leaving the dock rather than accepting the most common fish of the day.

You should also consider the patience of your group. Fishing includes quiet stretches. If one person wants constant action and another wants a full day of serious angling, agree on the plan before booking.

What you pay beyond the charter

The extra charges are easy to miss if you read quickly. Plan for:

• $22 per person for a fishing license, purchased at the dock
• $40 per booking for live bait, payable in cash only
• $1 per person for the Marina Cabo San Lucas dock fee

A few people objected to paying for bait or a license, especially when they did not use all the bait or did not receive the fishing they expected. These charges are not hidden once you know to look for them, but they do raise the real cost of the day. Bring cash for the bait and allow time to buy the licenses before boarding.

The value depends heavily on your group size and fishing goals. Four people can divide the charter cost and the booking-level bait charge, making a private boat more appealing. A solo angler or couple pays more per person but gets direct access to the captain and crew.

One practical point: bottled water is listed as included, but two people specifically said water was not provided. I would bring your own water regardless. It is the sensible choice for an early, active day on the ocean, and it removes any uncertainty.

One complaint referred to a $495 charter charge. Since prices can change and the available information does not give a current official base price, confirm the exact total when you book. Ask whether the amount is for the whole boat, which boat and captain are assigned, and what is included in your selected half-day or full-day option.

The best parts of the crew service

Ismael is the name that appears most often in strong feedback. He is praised for working with children, encouraging beginners, and staying determined when fish were scarce. Andy is also frequently paired with him, with praise for professionalism, humor, and help at the rod.

Miguel, Daniel, Luis, and Mateo are also associated with successful trips. One group said Miguel and Daniel kept fishing until everyone had landed something. Another described Ismael and Mateo as a steady team that helped passengers feel comfortable.

The tone you want from a fishing crew is practical and upbeat. Nobody can make a fish bite, but the captain can keep changing tactics, explain what is happening, and avoid turning a slow period into a miserable one. Kellyfish appears strongest on that human side of the outing.

Communication before the trip has also been praised, including a captain who kept guests updated from the day before through the handling of the catch. That said, two people experienced confusion when a booking made with Kellyfish became an outing on Pacific Time or another partner arrangement. Get the name of the captain, boat, and meeting point in writing.

Handling the catch after the boat returns

If you keep fish, ask exactly how it will be handled after docking. One family brought mahi mahi back and had a resort restaurant prepare it as a four-course dinner. Another group was pleased with help arranging the catch at a marina restaurant, where a large wahoo fillet was prepared several ways.

There is also a warning here. One person felt that not all of the fish was returned after filleting and said that paid vacuum packing and freezing were not completed as expected. I would count the fish with the crew, confirm the filleting and storage price, and check that the package is frozen before leaving.

The cooking option can add real value to the day, especially if you are staying at a resort with a kitchen or restaurant willing to prepare locally caught fish. It also gives the trip a satisfying finish. But treat fish processing as a separate service and clarify the details rather than assuming it is part of the charter.

Who will enjoy this charter most

This is a good fit for a small family, two couples, or a group of friends who want a private boat without sharing the day with strangers. Beginners benefit from the rods, tackle, and hands-on help. Children can take part, though the early start and quiet waiting periods may test their patience.

It also suits serious anglers who want to name a target species. Ismael’s willingness to pursue marlin instead of automatically switching to whatever was biting is useful for people with a clear plan. Tell the crew what you want, but accept that the ocean gets the final say.

I would be cautious if you need guaranteed results, a large boat, or a fully packaged price with no dock expenses. A sportfishing charter can produce an exciting fight, but it can also produce a long ride with no bite. The smaller boats offer a personal feel, yet they may not provide the room you expect from a large offshore vessel.

The activity is offered in English, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The activity ends back at the marina, so you can plan the rest of your day from there.

Should you book Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing?

I would book Kellyfish if you want a private, small-group fishing trip and are comfortable with uncertainty. The strongest case is the crew: Ismael, Andy, and the other captains are praised for patient instruction, careful attention, and persistence when the fishing is difficult.

Before paying, confirm four things: the exact boat, the captain, the current charter price, and the extra costs. Bring water, cash for bait, and a plan for any fish you keep. If you do that homework and understand that a marlin or mahi mahi is never guaranteed, Kellyfish offers a solid chance at a personal Cabo fishing day rather than a packaged sightseeing ride.

FAQ

How long is the Kellyfish Cabo fishing charter?

The full-day experience lasts approximately eight hours. Half-day charters are also available.

What time does the charter begin?

The listed start time is 6:00 a.m.

Where does the charter meet?

You meet at Kellyfish on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina in Cabo San Lucas. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the private charter?

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

What fishing equipment is provided?

Fishing rods, reels, tackle, and instruction are included. Bottled water is listed as included, but because some people reported not receiving it, bringing your own water is sensible.

What extra costs should I expect?

You purchase a fishing license for $22 per person at the dock. Live bait costs $40 per booking and must be paid in cash. There is also a $1 marina dock fee per person.

Can beginners join this fishing trip?

Yes. The charter welcomes first-time anglers as well as experienced fishermen, and the crew provides gear and instruction. Ask for a demonstration of the reel and fishing technique before lines go in.