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November in Cabo is prime time for fishing—you’ll find incredible action! Cooling waters bring pelagic species like marlin (up to 200 pounds!), sailfish, and yellowfin tuna closer to shore. These fish offer acrobatic fights that require 50- to 80-pound test line. Dorado, snapper, and roosterfish are plentiful inshore. Don’t forget your $20 fishing license and sunscreen! Calm seas and fewer crowds mean more time to focus on the exciting moment when a fish strikes. Choosing the right trip—a panga or a cruiser—will enhance your understanding of these waters.
Why November Fishing Excites New Anglers
Many anglers dream of the ultimate fishing trip, but fear a wasted excursion.
Don’t! November consistently delivers a successful fishing trip.
The water’s cooled, the bait’s abundant, and the fish respond. You won’t be fighting for space either; crowds haven’t fully arrived.
Cabo fishing in November is a sweet spot – perfect for all levels! Discover why anglers love this time of year. Also, conditions in November favor the migration of game fish closer to shore, offering excellent opportunities to target species like roosterfish and snapper.
Top Fish Species to Catch
You’ll find November waters teeming with impressive game fish, but three species really stand out.
Expect acrobatic battles with Striped Marlin—they’re known for their spectacular jumps—and fast-paced runs from Sailfish as they slice through the waves.
Don’t forget the heavyweight fighters, Yellowfin Tuna, which can test your skill and endurance like nothing else. November falls within the peak season, coinciding with warmer ocean temperatures that attract abundant baitfish and increase marlin activity.
Striped Marlin: Acrobatic Giants of November
As November arrives, Cabo San Lucas transforms into a striped marlin hotspot, kicking off their peak season and offering an adrenaline rush unlike any other.
You’ll find those acrobatic giants during your deep-sea fishing adventures, especially 12-14 miles offshore near Gordo Banks. The billfish fishing is world-class; Cabo regularly ranks among the best marlin fisheries globally.
Striped marlin can reach 10 feet and 200 pounds, so prepare for a fight! They’re most often caught trolling with live bait – mackerel works wonders – and circle hooks promote healthy catch-and-release. 50-80 lb rods are essential for a successful fight, providing the appropriate power and flexibility to handle these impressive fish.
Don’t be surprised if a 150-pounder takes 30-45 minutes to reel in! Recall to keep the line taut and communicate any seasickness to your captain. November in Cabo offers incredible game fishing opportunities you won’t want to miss.
Sailfish: Speedy Challengers of the Deep
Though not at their peak during November, sailfish bring a thrilling, lightning-fast experience to Cabo’s waters.
You’ll find these speedy billfish—the fastest in the ocean, topping 65 mph—in the deep sea around the Golden Gate Bank. November fishing for sailfish isn’t as hot as summer, but they’re a fantastic bonus.
These predatory fish average 60-120 pounds and demand respect.
Trolling with fast lures or live bait, like sardines, is your best bet. Be prepared for a fight; they dart and twist, testing your skills. Use 30-50 lb test lines and listen to your captain. It’s a demanding game fish, tiring your arms quickly, so pace yourself!
Cabo’s mild November swells help, and recall, we commonly practice catch and release to support healthy populations. They’re a great introduction to big-game fishing, and remembering that October through January is prime marlin season can increase your chances of spotting these impressive fish alongside sailfish.
Yellowfin Tuna: Heavyweight Fighters Await
November transforms Cabo’s waters into a heavyweight arena, where yellowfin tuna deliver a relentless fight which enthralls every fisherman.
You’ll find those big game fish—ranging from 20 to over 200 pounds—thrilling you on deep sea fishing trips.
That’s peak season for exceptional tuna, particularly near Gordo Banks.
During your cabo fishing offshore adventures, you’ll be targeting those incredible fish with heavy (50-80 lb) tackle; they’ll test your strength!
Trolling deep-sea rigs or chunking with baitfish works best. Don’t underestimate their stamina—you’ll feel it!
Locals say mornings yield aggressive feeders.
Lands End Charters recommends early starts. As fishing trips aren’t cheap (starting around $500), the reward–delicious, fresh fish–is worth it.
Keep in mind bag limits (5 per angler) help protect this wonderful tuna population, and obtaining fishing licenses is required to participate legally.
Perfect Conditions for Cabo Fishing
November brings weather one will appreciate, especially if one is newer to bluewater fishing—one can expect calmer seas and comfortable temperatures.
These conditions don’t just feel good, though; they coincide with strong ocean currents which pull baitfish into the area.
This movement intensifies the migration of marlin, tuna, and dorado, giving one excellent opportunities for a fantastic catch. Cabo San Lucas is a prime location during this period, as the late summer and early fall represent bluefin peak season for tuna fishing in the region.
November Weather: Ideal for Beginners
When you’re planning a Cabo fishing trip, the weather is everything, and thankfully, it really shines in November.
You’ll find november weather creates great fishing weather, especially if you’re a beginner. The temperature averages 87°F, with lows in the high 70s and humidity around 65-70%, making for a smooth fishing experience.
Forget the rough seas you might find during cabo san lucas fishing in march; November’s seas typically remain calm, rarely exceeding 3-5 feet.
That stability is key. You won’t be battling huge waves—you’ll be focusing on the fish! Winds stay manageable too, around 10-15 knots, enhancing boat control.
As water temperatures of 71-73°F attract fish closer to shore, bear in mind sunscreen and a hat. Inshore charters provide accessible fishing in calmer waters, making conditions even more inviting for those new to the sport.
That’s the sweet spot of the cabo fishing season, offering accessible, exhilarating conditions for all.
Ocean Currents: Fish Migration Boost
Owing to the unique ocean currents around Cabo San Lucas, November truly kicks the fishing into high gear.
The collision of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez creates upwellings, bringing nutrient-rich waters which fuel incredible fish migration. You’ll find pelagic fish like marlin and sailfish flocking to these productive fishing grounds, 10-20 miles offshore.
November is great as you can target the famous marlin Cabo is known for.
These currents cool the water to 71-73°F, triggering a massive influx of migratory fish. Baitfish school up, attracting predators and creating exciting feeding frenzies. Los cabos becomes a hotspot. Consistent mild weather and calm seas provide advantages for anglers, mirroring conditions found in La Paz.
During peak cabo fishing seasons, you might even hook 50+ marlin in a single day! Don’t worry about finding them—experienced captains know how to track these patterns, making your trip successful.
Planning Your Fishing Adventure
You’ll want to evaluate if inshore or offshore fishing suits your style—each offers a distinct experience and targets different species.
Booking a charter doesn’t need to be tricky, assuming you’re new to it, so we’ll guide you through securing the right boat and captain.
Let’s examine how to plan for the best possible trip, ensuring you aren’t missing out on what November fishing in Cabo provides. Cabo San Lucas showcases a hyper-competitive charter market, so researching options beforehand is essential for ensuring a quality experience.
Inshore vs. Offshore Trips
Deciding between inshore and offshore fishing in Cabo San Lucas is like choosing between a quick jig for panfish or setting lines for a marlin—both are fishing, but the experiences couldn’t be more different. In November, your fishing adventure truly begins with that choice.
Consider inshore fishing first. You’ll explore calmer waters within five miles of shore aboard smaller boats (pangas, $200-$300/day) and target feisty roosterfish and snapper. Inshore fishing is also more pocket-friendly than offshore adventures, making it a great option for anglers mindful of their budget.
Offshore trips, yet, mean bigger boats (cruisers, $500-$1000/day) and a chase for marlin, sailfish, and tuna 10-20 miles out.
Don’t underestimate the thrill of a 20-pound roosterfish in under an hour, or the stamina needed for a 45-minute battle with a 150-pound marlin! Choose fishing charters to match your budget and tolerance for open water.
Booking Tips for Novices
Though booking your first Cabo fishing trip in November can seem tricky, a little planning will mean more time reeling in fish and less time worrying about details.
Don’t let the fishing seasons overwhelm you; focus on securing reliable charters.
You’ll want to begin your booking 2-3 months ahead, particularly if your trip coincides with tournaments. Consider these tips:
- Research top fishing charters like Picante Sportfishing—look for established names.
- Read reviews on TripAdvisor; they’ll give you honest feedback.
- Confirm what’s included to avoid cost overruns—gear, food, and licenses ($20/day) are key.
- Plan for a morning day fishing trip; fish are most active then.
Reel in the Adventure
November in Cabo is often considered a prime time to chase pelagic dreams, and for good reason.
You’ll find yourself amidst peak Cabo fishing and a high fishing season, teeming with productive fishing opportunities. Don’t think it’s just for experts—it’s an adventure for everyone!
During some plan their fishing in Cabo in April, November is when we see a lot of really great dorado, alongside incredible sailfish fishing and yellowfin fishing action.
You can target massive yellowfin tuna or even test your skills against a strong black marlin fishing challenge. Sportfishing here isn’t just about the catch; it’s about the experience.
Don’t forget your $20 fishing license!
To make the most of it, book with a reputable charter like Picante. Pack plenty of sunscreen and your favorite gear. Every fisherman knows the tense moment when feeling the tug—get ready for it!
Plan now, decide if inshore or offshore calls to you, and prepare for an unforgettable thrill ride.
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