Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing (Our bigger boat!)

The best part of this Cabo fishing trip is the chance to trade the marina for open water before the day heats up. You may start near the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, then chase whatever is biting, from bonito and roosterfish to mahi mahi, marlin, or even a mako shark.

I like the private boat setup, since your group gets the captain and crew’s full attention. I also like the practical inclusion of rods, reels, tackle, and an experienced bilingual captain. The catch is that fishing is never guaranteed, and you must pay separately for your license, bait, food, and drinks.

Key points

• Early 6:00 am departure: Start with cooler temperatures, sunrise views, and more time on the water.
• Private group experience: Only your party takes part, which suits families and small groups.
• Fishing gear included: Rods, reels, tackle, and a bilingual captain are provided.
• Extra costs matter: Bring cash for the fishing license and live bait, and pack your own snacks and drinks.
• Wildlife can add to the day: Whales, dolphins, and seabirds may appear while you move along the coast.
• Catch-and-cook option: Your fish can be taken for filleting, and local restaurants may cook it for your meal.

Fishing Cabo Before the City Wakes Up

Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing begins at 6:00 am from Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 54, in Cabo San Lucas Marina. That early start is not just a scheduling detail. It gives you a cooler beginning, softer morning light, and a better chance to spend useful fishing time offshore before your four-hour outing ends.

You meet the boat at the marina and return to the same point. Since this is a private activity, your group does not share the outing with strangers. That is useful if you are bringing children, older family members, or friends with different levels of fishing experience.

The advertised duration is about four hours. One account describes the outing as lasting five hours, so I would keep your schedule slightly flexible, especially if you have a cruise departure, dinner reservation, or another timed activity afterward. The marina meeting point is straightforward, but you should confirm the exact boat and boarding details before setting out.

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas Comes First

The listed stop is the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, the famous rock formation at the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Seeing it from the water gives you a different view from the usual shore-based photo stop, and it makes a natural opening to a fishing trip.

The Arch is not a long walking stop. You are there by boat, with the coastline and rock formations forming part of the morning ride. The real purpose of this outing is fishing, so do not book it expecting a sightseeing cruise with a long list of shore stops.

Still, the opening ride adds welcome context. You get your bearings around Cabo’s coast before the rods become the focus. On a clear morning, this can be one of the most memorable parts of the trip, particularly if you enjoy being on the water as much as you enjoy the catch.

What Fishing Time Really Feels Like

The crew supplies rods, reels, and tackle, so you do not need to bring your own fishing equipment. The captain is experienced and bilingual, which helps if members of your group are more comfortable in English or Spanish.

Fishing is a waiting game, even on a productive day. You may have several lines working at once, followed by quiet stretches when nothing happens. One family group found that a five-hour outing could feel long during those slower periods, especially for people who are not committed anglers. That is useful advice for groups with mixed interests.

The excitement can arrive quickly. One outing produced a bite soon after the lines went in, followed by white bonito, also called albacore in the account. Other catches included roosterfish, mahi mahi, striped marlin, and a large mako shark. These are very different fish, and that variety is part of the appeal of fishing around Cabo.

You should keep expectations sensible. The trip gives you access to a productive fishing area and a crew that knows how to work the boat, but no captain can promise a particular species or a full cooler. Fishing depends on weather, season, location, and luck.

Roosterfish, Mahi Mahi, and Marlin Possibilities

Roosterfish are known for their hard runs, and catching one can be a highlight even for someone who has fished before. One couple caught several roosterfish and lost a few more, which is a good reminder that a strong strike does not always become a landed fish.

Mahi mahi can provide a colorful and exciting catch, while striped marlin bring a very different sort of challenge. One group had a double hookup of striped marlin with Captain Orlando. A separate outing produced both a large mako shark and a trophy-sized mahi mahi.

These examples show the range of what you might chase, but you should not treat them as a menu. The captain will work with the conditions and the fish available that day. If your main goal is one particular species, ask about current fishing conditions before booking rather than assuming it will be present.

The crew’s role matters here. A captain handles navigation and fishing strategy, while the mate helps with lines, tackle, and landing fish. One group of five, ranging from age 17 to 75, had everyone catch something. That suggests the boat can work well for a mixed-age family, though physical comfort and patience still matter on the water.

Sunrise, Whales, and Dolphins Along the Coast

Fishing is the main event, but the ride can offer its own rewards. One morning included whales breaching and dolphins playing along the coast. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, yet early morning is a sensible time to be outside if you hope to see activity on the water.

I would treat these moments as bonuses, not promises. The boat may pass through areas where whales or dolphins appear, but the crew cannot control animal movements. The same goes for the quality of the sunrise and visibility around the Arch.

This is also where the boat’s comfort matters. The description calls it the company’s bigger boat, and the fishing accounts describe a comfortable boat, but no detailed seating or cabin information is provided. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider your usual needs and bring whatever you normally use, since food and drinks are not supplied.

What You Need to Pay For Separately

The included equipment makes the basic arrangement simple, but several useful items are extra. You must pay for the fishing license and live bait, and one account specifically advises bringing cash for both. Food and drinks are also not included.

That means the advertised booking price is not the complete cost of the morning. I would budget for the license, bait, water, and snacks before you leave the marina. The exact prices are not provided, so ask for the current amount when you confirm the trip.

The value depends on how much your group wants a private fishing outing. A private charter can make sense when several people are sharing the boat and want personal attention from the captain and mate. It is less attractive if you are only looking for a short boat ride, dislike waiting, or want a guaranteed sightseeing program.

Pack sunscreen, snacks, drinks, and cash. One family specifically wished they had made sure to bring enough sunscreen and food for the longer periods between bites. You will be exposed to sun and wind, and the morning can stretch if the fishing is active.

Bringing Your Catch Back to Cabo

If you land fish, the crew can take it for filleting after the trip. Local restaurants are willing to cook the catch for lunch or dinner, giving the outing a satisfying finish beyond the boat ride.

This option is especially useful if you want to make the fishing part of a full Cabo meal. Ask the crew where to take the fish and confirm any restaurant arrangements before you leave the marina. The information provided does not name a particular restaurant or state the cooking fee, so do not assume the meal is included.

The catch-and-cook idea also changes the value of the excursion. You are not simply taking photographs and leaving the fish behind. If the day goes well, you can turn the result into a meal later. Just remember that a catch is not guaranteed, and you will have to pay for related services separately if charges apply.

Guides, Crew, and the Private Setup

Several captains are named in the available accounts, including Ismael and Orlando. Ismael is associated with outings that included roosterfish, bonito, mahi mahi, and a mako shark. Orlando captained an outing with mahi mahi and a double striped-marlin hookup.

The boat also carries a mate. That two-person crew arrangement is useful when multiple people hook fish at once. One family had everyone catching fish at the same time, and the captain helped take a photograph when another person could not.

The private format is a strong point for a family or friend group. You can decide how much time to spend fishing, ask questions, and let the crew know about your experience level. It also avoids the awkwardness of being paired with an unrelated group.

There is a tradeoff. A private charter does not guarantee a better catch, and the social energy depends on your own group. If you want a lively shared boat and a lower per-person cost, a group departure might suit you better, but that option is not described here.

Handling Weather and Cancellation

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That protection is important for a boat trip, since rough seas can affect both safety and enjoyment.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the 6:00 am start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes during that period are not accepted.

If bad weather affects your plans, keep your booking confirmation and contact the booking platform promptly. The operator has stated that weather-related refunds are processed through Viator or TripAdvisor rather than directly by the boat company, so the payment channel matters.

One unhappy account raised a dispute about a weather cancellation and a later rebooking. The operator responded that it refunds weather-cancelled charters through the booking platform and asked for the booking date and confirmation number to investigate. The practical lesson is simple: clarify the refund process before rebooking and keep all confirmation details.

Who Will Enjoy This Cabo Charter?

I would choose this trip for an active family, a small group of friends, or anyone who wants a real fishing morning rather than a sightseeing cruise. It can suit a wide age range, with one group including people from 17 to 75 and everyone enjoying the outing.

It is also a good fit for cruise passengers, provided you leave plenty of time to return to the ship. One account describes getting back with time to spare, but you should still allow a generous buffer for changing sea conditions, a late return, and the trip from the marina to your ship.

I would think twice if you need constant activity. Quiet stretches are part of fishing, and the water can feel long if you do not enjoy waiting. I would also reconsider it if you are unwilling to pay for the license and bait, or if you expect food, drinks, and equipment beyond the listed inclusions.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Still, the supplied information does not give detailed boarding or boat-access information, so contact the operator if anyone in your group has specific mobility needs.

Should You Book Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing?

Book it if you want a private, early-morning fishing trip with a bilingual captain, supplied tackle, and a real chance at species such as roosterfish, mahi mahi, marlin, bonito, or shark. The Arch, sunrise, whales, and dolphins add interest when conditions line up, and the option to have your catch filleted gives the day a satisfying finish.

Skip it if you want a guaranteed catch, a short sightseeing ride, or an all-inclusive outing. Bring cash for the license and bait, pack food and drinks, protect yourself from the sun, and allow some flexibility around the four-hour schedule. For the right group, the private setup and broad range of possible catches make Kellyfish a strong choice for a hands-on Cabo morning.

FAQ

Where does the Kellyfish 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 is the experience?

The listed duration is approximately four hours. One account describes a five-hour outing, so keeping your schedule flexible is sensible.

What equipment is included?

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

Are the fishing license and bait included?

No. The fishing license and live bait are not included. You should bring cash for these expenses.

Are food and drinks provided?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own snacks and beverages.

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. For a full refund after a personal cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.