Sportfishing Charters in Cabo San Lucas with Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing

Fish first, postcard second. Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing gives you a private boat for up to four people, a useful setup for families, couples, and friends who want the captain’s attention instead of sharing a crowded deck. I also like that the crew supplies rods, reels, and tackle, and that captains such as Ismael, Andy, Miguel, and Mateo are repeatedly praised for patience and hard work. The catch is that fishing is never guaranteed, and the extra dock costs can make the final price higher than expected.

The roughly eight-hour trip starts early, at 6:00 am, from Cabo San Lucas Marina. You will need to buy a fishing license for $22 per person, and live bait costs $40 per booking in cash. Confirm the boat, water, and bait arrangements before departure, since a few customers reported confusion about those details.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boats hold up to four people: This is best for a small group that wants a personal charter rather than a shared outing.

• Captains work hard when the bite is slow: Ismael and his crew have been praised for changing lures, staying patient, and continuing to search for fish.

• Cabo fishing changes with the season: Marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo, bonito, triggerfish, and sharks have all appeared in the catch reports, but no species is promised.

• El Arco adds a memorable Cabo backdrop: The famous rock arch is listed as a stop, giving the trip more than open-water fishing alone.

• Bring cash for required extras: A $22 fishing license per person, $40 for live bait, and a $1 marina dock fee per person are separate from the charter.

• Check what boat you are assigned: Kellyfish operates Kellyfish, Pacific Time, and Fish Hunter Jr., and some bookings may be placed on another boat in the company’s group.

Leaving Cabo Marina at 6:00 am

The early start is not a minor detail. You meet at Kellyfish on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina, inside the Cabo San Lucas Marina, at 6:00 am. The morning departure gives the crew a full fishing window and gets you on the water before the day grows hotter.

I would arrive early. You need time to find the meeting point, handle the marina entrance fee, and buy the fishing license before boarding. The marina dock fee is only $1 per person, but small cash payments are easier when handled before the boat is ready to leave.

This is a private activity, so only your own group participates. That makes the four-person limit important. A party of two to four can spread out, ask questions, and receive direct help with the gear. If you have a larger group, you will need to arrange more than one boat.

The company runs three boats: Kellyfish, Pacific Time, and Fish Hunter Jr. The supplied information does not give separate boat specifications for each one, so ask which boat is assigned to you. That question matters because two customers described arriving and finding themselves booked onto Pacific Time instead of the boat they expected. The operator explained that several boats and captains are used to accommodate bookings.

Fishing Cabo’s waters for about eight hours

Once you leave the marina, the main purpose is clear: find fish. The crew provides rods, reels, and tackle, then helps you use them. That makes the charter suitable for a first fishing trip, not just for people who already know how to work a reel.

Several customers singled out Ismael for his patience and effort. One first-time group said he and Andy helped them catch fish even after a quiet first hour. Another party praised Ismael for changing lures as conditions shifted and for making sure everyone had a chance when a fish struck.

I would still ask for a short demonstration before the first line goes out. One customer wished the crew had explained how to manage the reel when a fish was hooked. That is a useful tip, especially if you are bringing children or someone who has never handled a larger fish.

The fishing can produce a wide mix of species. The catch reports include mahi mahi, tuna, bonito, triggerfish, wahoo, marlin, and an almost seven-foot mako shark. One half-day group caught the legal limit of mahi mahi and added tuna. Another family caught eight fish and brought three back for a meal at their resort.

Those stories show the possible range, not a promise. Cabo has changing water temperature, color, current, wind, and seasonal patterns. Even when the crew does everything right, the fish may not cooperate. One experienced marlin angler booked specifically for striped marlin during a slower period and eventually landed one after a long, patient effort. That is the right mindset for this kind of charter: you are paying for time, local skill, and a serious attempt to find fish, not a guaranteed cooler full of dinner.

El Arco gives the trip a Cabo landmark

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is the listed stop on the route. This famous rock formation marks the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez and is one of Cabo’s defining sights.

The supplied details do not promise a dedicated sightseeing cruise or a specific amount of time at the arch. I would treat El Arco as part of the day’s setting rather than the main attraction. You may see the landmark during the run, but the captain’s priority is fishing.

That is still a nice bonus. A fishing trip around Cabo can feel more memorable when the scenery includes the arch, coastline, and open water. Bring a phone or camera, but protect it from spray and keep it out of the way when the crew is working a line.

What the crew does well when fish are scarce

The strongest part of this charter is the crew’s attitude. Ismael is praised again and again for staying upbeat, helping beginners, and continuing to work when other boats were having trouble.

One party reported catching fish quickly, while another said the crew searched hard during a poor day for the whole fleet. A marlin angler also appreciated that Ismael honored the request to fish specifically for marlin instead of pushing the group toward whatever species was easiest to find.

That kind of communication is worth discussing before you leave the dock. Tell the captain whether your priority is marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, or simply catching anything. You may not get your preferred species, but the crew can at least understand what would make the day successful for you.

The captain’s role is not only to steer. The crew handles bait, tackle, lure changes, and the fast work needed when a fish hits. Several people described Ismael and his deckhands as professional, friendly, and excited alongside the people fishing. That energy matters. A quiet day can still be enjoyable when the crew keeps everyone involved.

The boat layout deserves a clear conversation. One unhappy family described a boat that felt too small and claimed there was no comfortable seating. The operator responded that seating for four was available and did not require sitting on the floor. Another party praised having an indoor cabin and bathroom, which helped when some members felt sick. Since boats differ, ask directly about seating, cabin space, and restroom access on your assigned vessel.

The real cost: charter plus dock extras

The basic charter price should not be your only number. The separate charges are:

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

A family of four would pay $88 for licenses and $4 in dock fees, before deciding on the $40 bait purchase. That makes the added cost noticeable, especially when the charter itself is priced in the several-hundred-dollar range. One complaint referred to a $495 booking price, but confirm the current rate before paying because prices can change.

Live bait deserves a specific question. It is listed as an extra, and one customer objected to paying for bait that was not used. Ask whether bait is required for the species you want and whether the $40 charge applies even if the crew changes tactics.

Bottled water is listed as included, but two customers said no water was provided. I would bring your own supply anyway. It costs little, avoids a problem on a hot boat, and does not stop you from asking the crew to confirm what is stocked.

At a fair price, the value comes from having a private boat, a small group, supplied tackle, and a captain who works directly with you. It is less appealing if your only goal is guaranteed seafood. The cost is easiest to justify when the boat is full with four people and everyone wants the same kind of day.

Bringing home your catch

Some customers had their fish prepared after returning to the marina. One family took mahi mahi back to its resort and had a restaurant turn it into a four-course dinner. Another party brought a wahoo filet to Solomon’s Landing, where the restaurant cooked it four ways.

That can turn a successful fishing trip into one of the most personal meals of your Cabo stay. Before you rely on this option, ask who handles filleting, storage, vacuum packing, and freezing. One person reported receiving less fish than expected and said the fish paid for freezing was not actually frozen.

I would count and identify your fish before leaving the dock. If you arrange packing, confirm the service and storage conditions clearly. This is not a complaint about the fishing crew’s ability to find fish, but it is a practical reminder that the day does not end when the boat returns.

Catch limits and regulations can also affect what you keep. The supplied information says one group reached the legal limit of mahi mahi, while another caught eight fish and brought three back. The captain should guide you on what may be retained, but you should ask if you have a particular species in mind.

Who will enjoy Kellyfish most?

I would recommend this charter most strongly to:

• Couples who want a private day on the water
• Families with children who need patient instruction
• Small groups of up to four anglers
• Experienced fishers who want to name a target species
• Visitors who care as much about the crew and setting as the final catch

The trip can work for beginners because gear and instruction are supplied. A six-year-old joined one successful family outing, and the crew helped the group catch fish. Still, children should be comfortable with an early start, boat motion, and several hours on the water.

Experienced anglers may appreciate the chance to explain their goal before departure. One repeat customer with billfish experience said Ismael respected his request to focus on marlin. That is a good sign for anglers who do not want a generic trip.

I would be cautious if you need guaranteed fish, guaranteed water service, or a specific boat. The fishing can be slow, the extra costs are separate, and boat assignments should be confirmed in advance.

Booking details worth confirming

You receive confirmation at booking, and the activity is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The meeting point is near public transportation, though the provided details do not include transportation from your hotel.

The trip ends back at the same marina meeting point. It lasts about eight hours, although some bookings are described as full-day or half-day options. Ask which duration you are buying, since the supplied start time of 6:00 am does not by itself confirm your return time.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Keep the confirmation and any messages about the boat, captain, bait, water, and fish processing. That simple paper trail can prevent confusion at the marina.

The current overall score is 4.7 from 85 ratings, with 92 percent recommending the activity. That is a strong record, but the lower scores point to specific issues rather than random grumbling: water, bait charges, boat expectations, and reassignment to another vessel.

Should you book this Cabo fishing charter?

I would book Kellyfish if you want a small, private charter and are willing to accept the basic truth of sportfishing: the crew can find the fish, but it cannot command them to bite.

The best reason to choose it is the repeated praise for Ismael, Andy, Miguel, and the other captains. They have helped beginners, stayed positive during slow conditions, and worked hard for marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, and other species. The private four-person format also gives you a more personal day than a large shared boat.

Before you pay, confirm the assigned boat, seating, restroom, bottled water, bait charge, license cost, target species, trip length, and fish processing. If those details are clear, Kellyfish offers a good chance at an active, memorable Cabo outing, with El Arco and the open sea providing a fine backdrop even when the fish are having a quiet morning.

FAQ

Where does the fishing charter begin?

The meeting point is Kellyfish on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina in Cabo San Lucas Marina, Mexico.

What time does the charter start?

The listed start time is 6:00 am.

How long does the fishing trip last?

The main experience lasts approximately eight hours. Full-day and half-day charters are also available.

How many people can join one private charter?

Each boat comfortably accommodates up to four people per charter.

Is fishing equipment included?

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

Do I need to buy a fishing license?

Yes. You purchase the license at the dock before departure. The stated cost is $22 per person.

Is live bait included?

No. Live bait costs $40 per booking and must be paid in cash.

Does the trip return to the marina?

Yes. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.