Sportfishing Charters in Cabo San Lucas with Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing

Cabo’s fishing day begins before most vacationers have finished breakfast. You leave the marina at 6:00 am, head toward the fishing grounds, and work with a small crew that may include captains such as Ismael, Andy, Miguel, or Mateo. The boats hold up to four people, so this feels more like a private outing than a crowded party boat.

I like two things here: beginner-friendly instruction and captains who keep working when the bite is slow. Several outings produced mahi mahi, tuna, bonito, marlin, wahoo, or even a hard-fighting mako shark. The main caution is simple: this is fishing, not a fish guarantee. You also pay extra for each license, bait, and the marina dock fee.

Key points before you cast

• Private groups of up to four: You share the boat only with your own party.
• Early 6:00 am departure: The start time gives you a full morning and most of the eight-hour charter on the water.
• Captains who work with beginners: Ismael, Andy, Miguel, Mateo, and other crew members provide gear and instruction.
• Species change with conditions: You might target marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, bonito, wahoo, triggerfish, or other local fish.
• Extra charges apply: Plan on $22 per person for a fishing license, $40 per booking for live bait in cash, and $1 per person for the marina dock fee.
• El Arco is part of the route: You get Cabo’s famous rock formation as part of the morning on the water.

A small Cabo boat with a private feel

Kellyfish operates three boats: Kellyfish, Pacific Time, and Fish Hunter Jr. The company describes them as suitable for up to four people per charter, which is the key detail for deciding if this trip fits your group.

A private four-person boat gives you more control than a large shared excursion. You can talk directly with the captain, ask for help, and spend your time fishing rather than waiting for other groups. It also suits a family, two couples, or a small group of friends who want the boat to themselves.

The tradeoff is space. One unhappy account described a cramped boat and sitting on the floor, while the company replied that seating for four is available. That difference is worth taking seriously. A boat built for four is not the place for extra passengers, bulky luggage, or a relaxed lounge setup. Ask which of the three boats you will use, how seating is arranged, and whether the boat has an indoor cabin or bathroom before you go.

One boat was specifically described as having an indoor cabin and bathroom, but that feature should not be assumed for every vessel. Confirm it if comfort matters to you, especially if anyone in your group is prone to seasickness.

What your eight hours on the water look like

The meeting point is Kellyfish on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina in Cabo San Lucas. You meet there at 6:00 am, pay the required dock charges, and board for the morning run. The trip ends back at the same point.

The exact fishing route is not fixed. Your captain will respond to the conditions and the fish available that day. Water temperature, color, current, wind, and the season all affect what you might find. That is why one trip can produce fish within minutes while another spends a long stretch waiting for a bite.

You will pass or visit El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the striking rock formation at the tip of the peninsula. It adds a memorable Cabo view to a day that is otherwise focused on fishing. Do not mistake this for a sightseeing cruise, though. The main purpose is to find fish, and time spent near the arch may be brief depending on the fishing plan.

The charter lasts about eight hours. That gives the crew time to change lures, try different grounds, and keep looking after a slow start. One party had a quiet first hour before catching bonito and triggerfish on a half-day outing. Another group had a late marlin strike while returning to the harbor, although the line broke. Patience matters here.

The fish you might actually catch

Cabo is known for big-game fishing, and the possible catch gives this trip its appeal. The most frequently praised results included mahi mahi, tuna, bonito, and marlin. One private family outing brought in eight fish and kept three for a restaurant meal. Another half-day trip reached the legal limit of mahi mahi and also produced tuna.

Marlin can be the dream target, but it is not a sure thing. A dedicated angler who fished two days with Ismael finally caught a striped marlin outside peak marlin season. On another outing, the crew helped the group catch and release a marlin along with two mahi mahi.

You might also encounter wahoo, triggerfish, or a mako shark. One nearly seven-foot mako provided a major battle at the end of a day that had not produced a trophy fish. The variety is part of the fun, but it also means you should tell the captain what matters most to you.

If marlin is your priority, say so before lines go in. If you would rather bring home mahi mahi or catch steady smaller fish, say that instead. A good captain can shape the plan around your goal, but the fish and conditions still make the final decision.

Fishing instruction for first-timers

You do not need to arrive as an expert. Kellyfish supplies rods, reels, tackle, and basic instruction, and the crew welcomes first-time anglers as well as experienced fishers.

The crew’s role becomes most important when a fish strikes. You may need help with the reel, line tension, lure changes, or moving around the boat. One group suggested that the crew explain reel handling before the first fish arrives. That is sensible advice. Ask for a quick demonstration before you begin, especially if no one in your group has worked a saltwater reel.

Ismael receives especially strong praise for helping beginners, staying patient with children, and continuing to search when the first hour was quiet. Andy is also repeatedly paired with him as a helpful deckhand and fishing partner. Miguel and Daniel were praised for keeping the action going, while Mateo was described as part of a calm, professional team.

The crew’s attitude matters on a fishing charter. A captain cannot order a marlin to bite, but he can change tackle, search new water, explain what is happening, and keep the mood pleasant. That steady effort is one of the strongest reasons to consider this company.

What is included, and what costs extra

The charter includes fishing gear and bottled water. The gear covers rods, reels, and tackle, so you do not need to bring your own equipment unless you have a personal preference.

The extra charges are important:

• Fishing license: $22 per person, purchased at the dock before departure
• Live bait: $40 per booking, payable in cash
• Marina Cabo San Lucas dock fee: $1 per person

These charges can make the final cost feel higher than the initial charter price. One unhappy party also reported that water was not provided, despite it being listed as included. Because water and bait arrangements can affect your morning, confirm both when you check in. Bring extra drinking water anyway. It is a practical precaution for any long morning outside.

The bait charge is listed separately, and it is payable in cash. Ask what bait is planned, if it is required for your target species, and what happens if you do not use it. That short conversation can prevent an unpleasant surprise at the dock.

The charter value depends on how many people share the cost. For four anglers, a private boat can be reasonable compared with paying separate seats on a larger trip. For one or two people, the same price may feel steep, particularly if the fish do not cooperate. You are paying for the boat, crew time, equipment, and private access, not a guaranteed catch.

The catch, the dock, and your dinner plans

A good day may end with fish for the table. Several outings included mahi mahi, tuna, bonito, or other legal catch, and one family had a resort restaurant prepare a four-course mahi mahi dinner. Another captain suggested taking a wahoo filet to a marina restaurant, where it was prepared several ways.

You should clarify the handling of your catch before you leave the dock. A past customer felt that not all of the fish was returned after filleting and also reported paying for vacuum packing and freezing without receiving frozen fish. That is not a reason to reject the charter outright, but it is a reason to count your fish and confirm the price and method for cleaning, packing, and storage.

If you plan to fly home with fish, ask precise questions about packaging and freezing before handing over the catch. Keep receipts where possible. The charter and the dockside filleting service may be separate parts of the process, so know who is responsible for each step.

When to book for your style of fishing

The best time depends on the species you want, and the available fish changes with the season. The company points to water temperature, color, current, and wind as factors that shape the day.

You can book a full day or a half day. The supplied schedule is about eight hours and begins at 6:00 am, while some past outings referenced four-hour half-day trips. Ask which length you are buying and what time you return.

A full day makes sense if marlin is your main goal or if you want more time to recover from a slow start. A half day is a better fit for families, first-timers, or anyone who wants time for other Cabo plans. It also limits your exposure if someone in your group feels sick on the water.

The early start is not negotiable for a late sleeper, but it is useful. You get the cooler morning hours and a full fishing window before the marina becomes your focus again. Plan your evening accordingly.

Who will enjoy this charter most

I would consider Kellyfish for a small private group that values personal attention over a polished resort package. It suits a serious angler who wants to name a target species, a couple looking for an active day, or a family with children who want a real fishing experience rather than a short photo stop.

Beginners can do well here because the crew supplies equipment and coaching. Parents should still ask about seating and boat layout, especially with a young child. The boats are sized for four, not for a large family reunion.

Experienced anglers may appreciate the captains’ willingness to pursue a requested species. One angler who wanted only marlin said Ismael respected that goal rather than pushing him toward whatever fish was most available. That kind of direct communication is worth seeking at the start.

I would be more cautious if your ideal morning requires a large, spacious boat, guaranteed air conditioning, a full meal, or an all-inclusive price. None of those features is promised here. The product is a focused fishing charter with basic equipment and a small group.

Practical preparation for a better morning

Wear clothes you can move in and protect yourself from the sun. Bring cash for the $40 bait charge, since that payment is specified as cash only. Also carry any personal medication and extra water you may want beyond the bottle supplied.

Arrive ready to discuss your priorities. Tell the captain if you want marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, or a mix. Ask for a reel demonstration before fishing begins, and confirm the boat, captain, seating, bathroom, water, bait, and catch handling.

The meeting point is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, though you should raise any mobility or medical concern before booking. This is a private activity, so only your group takes part.

The cancellation window is 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. That gives you some flexibility if plans change, but do not wait until the morning of the charter.

Should you book Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing?

Book it if you want a private boat for up to four, direct help from an active fishing crew, and a genuine chance at Cabo’s larger species. The strongest part of the experience is the human effort: captains such as Ismael and Andy keep adjusting the plan, help new anglers, and continue working when the bite is poor.

Go in with realistic expectations. A marlin, mahi mahi, or mako shark would make a thrilling day, but a quiet ocean is always possible. Add the license, bait, and dock fee to your budget, confirm which boat you will use, and ask exactly what happens to your catch afterward.

For a small group that accepts those conditions, Kellyfish offers a solid way to spend a full morning on the water. For anyone seeking certainty, luxury, or a fixed all-in price, another style of Cabo excursion may be a better match.

FAQ

How long is the Kellyfish fishing charter?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours. Full-day and half-day charters are available, so confirm the duration when booking.

What time does the charter start?

The stated start time is 6:00 am.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at Kellyfish on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico. 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. Only your group participates.

What fishing equipment is provided?

Fishing rods, reels, and tackle are included. Fishing instruction is also provided.

What additional fees should I expect?

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

Is the experience offered in English?

Yes. The activity is offered in English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.