Cabo San Lucas Fishing Report – December 2025

Angler holding a large dorado mahi mahi on a fishing boat near Cabo San Lucas

December marks a transition month in Cabo San Lucas, where fall’s warm-water pelagic bite overlaps with the early stages of winter structure fishing. The Pacific side, Sea of Cortez, and the Finger Bank corridor all remain productive, but success in December depends on understanding where bait is holding and how water temperature shifts influence daily movement. Cabo remains one of the few global destinations where anglers can realistically target marlin, tuna, dorado, wahoo, and bottom species on the same trip.

Water temperatures generally settle into the low to mid-70s by December, with cleaner water pushing closer to shore on calm days. Crowds thin compared to peak fall tournaments, weather stabilizes, and experienced captains gain an advantage by adjusting daily routes rather than running the same numbers.

Offshore Pelagic Fishing in December

Billfish remain the headline draw in Cabo through December, particularly striped marlin. Large schools of stripers continue working bait concentrations along the Golden Gate Bank, Finger Bank, and offshore Pacific current lines. These fish are aggressive, often traveling in packs, and respond well to slow-trolled live bait, teasers, and switch-bait techniques. Double and triple hookups remain common when conditions align.

Blue marlin numbers taper compared to October and November, but quality fish are still caught, especially on warmer water edges offshore. Boats willing to make longer runs are rewarded with fewer competitors and cleaner water. Sailfish appear sporadically, more often on the Sea of Cortez side during calm spells.

Wahoo fishing improves in December as water cools. High-speed trolling along temperature breaks and structure edges produces consistent strikes, particularly early mornings. Dorado numbers decline, but larger bulls linger near floating debris and warmer pockets offshore. Yellowfin tuna remain available, with football-size fish common and occasional larger models taken on live bait or chunking when schools are located.

Inshore and Bottom Fishing Opportunities

December is an excellent month for anglers who prefer structure fishing closer to shore. Sierra mackerel move into shallower water, providing fast action on light tackle. Roosterfish activity slows as water cools, but they are still possible on warmer days along beaches and rocky points.

Bottom fishing becomes increasingly reliable in December. Snapper, grouper, amberjack, and triggerfish hold tight to reefs, ledges, and rocky structure on both the Pacific and Cortez sides. Vertical jigging and bait fishing are productive, particularly when current slows. Half-day trips focused on bottom species are a strong option for anglers looking for consistent action and table fare without long offshore runs.

Sea of Cortez vs Pacific Side in December

Choosing the right side of Cabo is critical in December. The Pacific side offers better striped marlin numbers, wahoo, and structure fishing along rugged coastlines. The Sea of Cortez side tends to hold warmer water longer, increasing chances for dorado, sailfish, and yellowfin tuna during calm conditions.

Experienced captains often decide the plan at the dock based on wind direction, swell, and overnight temperature changes. Flexibility is key. Boats that commit early to one side without adjusting frequently miss opportunities.

Fishing Techniques That Produce in December

Successful December trips rely on efficiency and adaptability rather than brute distance. Live bait remains king for marlin and tuna, with caballito and mackerel producing best results. Teaser fishing followed by pitch baits remains one of the most effective methods for striped marlin.

High-speed trolling is the preferred method for targeting wahoo, especially during early morning hours. Vertical jigs and heavy sinker rigs dominate bottom fishing, while lighter tackle shines for sierra and nearshore species.

Patience matters in December. Bite windows are often shorter but more concentrated. Captains who track bait movement and adjust quickly consistently outperform boats running fixed routes.

December Outlook for Cabo San Lucas

December delivers variety and balance rather than peak abundance of a single species. Striped marlin provide consistent offshore action, wahoo fishing improves, tuna remain available, and bottom fishing strengthens as winter sets in. Weather is stable, crowds are lighter, and experienced crews shine.

For anglers seeking diversity, flexibility, and strong odds at billfish without tournament pressure, December is one of Cabo’s most underrated months.

Book a Cabo San Lucas Fishing Charter

Fishing success in Cabo during December depends heavily on local knowledge and daily decision-making. Charter captains who understand seasonal water movement, bait patterns, and offshore structure consistently put anglers on fish. Below, you’ll find Cabo San Lucas fishing charters experienced in December conditions and capable of adjusting plans to match the day.