Sportfishing Charters in Cabo San Lucas with Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing

The best part of Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing is the chance to fish with a small crew rather than sit among a boatload of strangers. You head out at 6 a.m. with up to four people, rods and tackle supplied, and a captain focused on finding fish around Cabo San Lucas.

I like two things here: the private four-person format and the patient instruction for first-timers. Captains such as Ismael and Andy have helped beginners handle fish, while experienced anglers can request a target such as marlin. The main caution is cost clarity: fishing licenses, live bait, and the marina dock fee are extra, and you should confirm the boat, captain, water, and final price before departure.

Key points at a glance

• Three boats are used: Kellyfish, Pacific Time, and Fish Hunter Jr., with space for up to four people per charter.
• The fishing can be excellent: catches have included mahi mahi, tuna, bonito, triggerfish, wahoo, striped marlin, and released marlin.
• Captains work hard on slow days: Ismael and Luis, among others, have changed lures and searched different areas when the bite was poor.
• El Arco is part of the outing: the famous Cabo rock arch gives you a memorable coastal view while you are on the water.
• Extra costs matter: licenses cost $22 per person, live bait is $40 per booking in cash, and the marina dock fee is $1 per person.
• Bring a backup plan: fishing is never guaranteed, and a small boat can feel cramped during a long eight-hour trip.

Leaving Cabo Marina at 6 a.m.

Your day begins at Kelly Fish on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina in Cabo San Lucas. The scheduled start is 6 a.m., and the charter returns to the same meeting point after roughly eight hours.

That early start is not decorative. You want the full fishing window, and the crew needs time to reach productive water. Set your alarm, arrive ready, and give yourself enough time to buy the required license on the dock before boarding.

This is a private activity for your own group. The maximum is four people per charter, a useful limit for a family, a couple who wants room to fish, or a small group of friends. Four is not a huge boat party, but it is also not a roomy yacht gathering. One unhappy account described sitting on the floor, while the operator replied that the boats have seating for four. I would settle that question before paying: ask which boat you are getting and where each person will sit.

The three boats connected with the operation are Kellyfish, Pacific Time, and Fish Hunter Jr. The name on your booking may not be the boat that leaves the dock. A few customers were surprised to be transferred to Pacific Time or another partner boat, even after expecting Kellyfish. That does not automatically mean the trip will be poor, but it does mean you should ask for the exact boat and captain in writing.

Fishing Cabo’s changing waters

Once away from the marina, the goal is not a fixed sightseeing route. The captain searches for fish, adjusting tactics to water temperature, color, current, wind, season, and recent activity.

That last point matters. A fishing charter is not a restaurant where you order a guaranteed dish. The target species change through the year, and even a skilled captain can have a slow morning. One day can bring quick mahi mahi action; another can produce only a few bites or none at all.

The strongest part of this operation is the crew’s willingness to keep working. Ismael has been praised for changing lures and searching hard when the fishing was poor. On another outing, Ismael and Andy stayed with the fishing until everyone caught a fish. That attitude is worth more than a flashy promise of a trophy catch.

The catch list is broad. Depending on conditions, you might pursue mahi mahi, tuna, bonito, triggerfish, wahoo, or marlin. Some outings have produced several smaller fish, while others have reached the legal limit of mahi mahi or included a marlin that was caught and released. One group hooked an almost seven-foot mako shark, though an event like that should be treated as an unusual possibility, not a promise.

If you have a particular goal, say so before leaving. An experienced angler booked two days specifically for marlin, and Ismael honored that request even though it was not peak marlin season. That is good advice for you: tell the captain if you want billfish, table fish, or simply plenty of action. The crew may explain what is most likely, but your priorities should be clear.

What the crew adds for beginners

You do not need to arrive as a fisherman. Rods, reels, and tackle are provided, and the crew gives instruction.

The practical help matters most when a fish hits. One person who enjoyed the outing still wished the crew had explained how to operate the reel before the first strike. I would ask for a quick demonstration at the start, especially if you have never handled a big reel. Learn how to hold the rod, when to reel, and what to do when the line runs.

The captains named in the feedback include Ismael, Andy, Miguel, Daniel, Mateo, and Luis. You may not receive one of these specific crew members, so ask before departure if a certain captain is important to you. Ismael receives the most repeated praise for effort, calm instruction, and putting beginners at ease.

Families can fit well into this setup. A six-year-old joined a private trip with two adults, and the group caught eight fish, keeping three. That does not mean every child will find eight hours comfortable. It means the private format lets your group set a gentler pace than a shared boat would.

For an experienced angler, the appeal is different. You can discuss the target species, ask what is biting, and focus on technique rather than basic equipment. One seasoned fisherman described Ismael as a top-level captain after finally getting a striped marlin during a slower period.

El Arco and the Cabo view

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is the named stop on the itinerary. This famous natural rock arch sits at the meeting point of Cabo’s coastal waters, and seeing it from a boat gives you a different angle than viewing it from shore.

Do not mistake this for a dedicated sightseeing cruise. The outing is built around fishing. El Arco is part of the route, but the exact timing and length of the stop are not specified. You may pass near it, pause for the view, or see it as the captain moves between fishing areas.

Still, it gives the day a useful visual marker. Even when the fish are slow, Cabo’s rock formations and open-water views provide something to enjoy. Bring a phone or camera, but protect it from spray and keep your attention on the rods once the action starts.

The boat experience varies by vessel. One particularly positive account notes that a boat had an indoor cabin and bathroom, which helped when some of the group felt seasick. Do not assume every boat has the same interior setup. Ask about the cabin, restroom, and seating on your assigned boat before the trip.

The real price of a private charter

The posted information does not state a single current base price, but one customer refers to paying $495. Treat that figure as a price example, not a guaranteed current rate, and verify the amount at checkout.

The extras are clear:

• Fishing license: $22 per person
• Live bait: $40 per booking, cash only
• Marina Cabo San Lucas dock fee: $1 per person
• Fishing gear: included
• Bottled water: listed as included

For four people, the stated extras total $132. If the base charter price is $495, the total would come to $627 before any other charges. That works out to about $157 per person for a full private boat, but only if four people share the charter. For two people, the cost per person rises sharply.

That is where the value question becomes personal. You are paying for privacy, a small crew, equipment, and a full fishing window. A private boat can make sense if you have four people who genuinely want to fish. It is less attractive if one or two people are uncertain about spending eight hours on the water.

The license is not optional, and the bait charge is payable in cash. Bring the correct amount or confirm where you can obtain it. Several complaints focused on these costs, even though they are stated in the tour details. I would read every charge aloud with the operator before the morning of the trip.

Water also deserves a quick check. Bottled water is listed as included, but two accounts say no water was provided. That conflict is easy to avoid: ask the operator to confirm what is on board, then bring your own supply as insurance. Water is not a luxury on a long fishing morning.

Fish handling and taking your catch home

Some outings have ended with enough fish for a restaurant meal. One group took mahi mahi back to its resort, where a restaurant prepared a four-course dinner. Another group was directed to Solomon’s Landing at the marina, where a large wahoo fillet was cooked in four ways.

That can be one of the most satisfying parts of a Cabo fishing day. You are not just collecting a photo. You may be able to turn the catch into dinner, depending on local rules, the restaurant, and the amount of fish retained.

Ask exactly how the catch will be handled after returning. One customer felt that not all of the fish came back from the filleting crew and also reported paying for vacuum packing and freezing without receiving frozen fish. This is not a reason to reject the charter outright, but it is a reason to count your fish, confirm the filleting charge, and inspect the package before leaving the marina.

The crew may also catch and release species such as marlin. That is part of the sport, and a released billfish can still be the highlight of the day. Do not book this trip only for a guaranteed cooler of fish.

The drawbacks you should weigh

The biggest drawback is simple: fishing is unpredictable. Even a captain who works hard cannot control the season, current, wind, or mood of the fish. A good day can bring marlin and mahi mahi. A poor day can mean hours without a bite.

The second issue is space. A boat that is comfortable for four may feel tight during an eight-hour outing, especially if everyone is carrying bags or if the sea is rough. Ask about seating and the bathroom before you go. The three boats may not offer identical layouts.

The third is communication. The activity is offered in English, and many positive accounts praise the crew’s communication. Still, one person reported that the guide did not speak English, and others had confusion about boat assignments. Confirm the captain’s name, boat name, meeting point, included water, bait, and license costs by message.

I also recommend being honest about your sea legs. One boat had an indoor cabin and bathroom, but that feature may not apply to every vessel. If anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness, ask what boat you will board and what shelter it offers.

Who will enjoy Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing

I would consider this trip for a small group that wants a serious fishing morning with personal attention. It suits a family with older children, a couple where one person loves fishing, or friends who want the boat to themselves.

It is also a good fit for an angler who has a specific target. Tell the captain if you want to chase marlin rather than switch to whatever is biting. The crew has shown patience with both beginners and people who already know their way around a reel.

I would think twice if your main goal is a guaranteed catch, a roomy boat, or a low final price. You should also skip it if most of your group would rather sightsee than fish. Eight hours is a long time to spend on a small boat when only one person is eager to hold a rod.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can participate, but the operator should still know about any special needs in advance.

Should you book it?

I would book Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing if I had three or four people who truly wanted to fish and I was comfortable with an uncertain catch. The strongest case is the small private group, the supplied equipment, and captains such as Ismael and Andy who have worked hard for both beginners and serious anglers.

Before paying, confirm four things: the current total price, the assigned boat, the captain and English support, and exactly what water and seating are provided. Bring cash for the $40 bait fee, budget $22 per person for licenses, and remember the $1 dock charge per person.

If you can accept that the fish make the final decision, this can be a memorable Cabo morning. If you need certainty, comfort, and no extra charges, choose a different kind of outing.

FAQ

How long is the Kellyfish Cabo fishing charter?

The charter lasts approximately eight hours.

What time does the fishing trip start?

The scheduled start time is 6 a.m.

Where does the charter meet?

It meets at Kelly Fish on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Where does the activity end?

The charter returns to the same meeting point at the marina.

How many people can join the private charter?

Each charter can accommodate up to four people.

Which boats does Kellyfish use?

The operation uses three boats: Kellyfish, Pacific Time, and Fish Hunter Jr.

Is fishing equipment included?

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

Is bottled water included?

Bottled water is listed as included, although you should confirm this before departure because it has not always been provided.

What extra fees do I need to pay?

You must pay $22 per person for a fishing license, $40 per booking for live bait in cash, and $1 per person for the marina dock fee.

Can beginners join the fishing trip?

Yes. All experience levels are welcome, and the crew provides instruction. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed.