Catching fish off Cabo starts early and ends with great stories. With Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing, I like the small private setup for up to 4 and the fact that your rods and tackle are handled so you can focus on fishing, not logistics. The day also includes a scenic El Arco de Cabo San Lucas stop, which gives you more than just time on the water.

The main thing to consider is the trip cost can rise once you add the on-dock fishing license and live bait. Plan for those extras before you book, and you will feel a lot better about the final total.

Key things to know before you go

• Private charter for up to 4 people, with gear and instruction included
• 6:00am starts make this a sunrise style fishing day
• El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is built into the outing for a scenic break
• Species vary by conditions, so you are fishing the plan, not a guarantee
• Bait and license are extra, paid on arrival, so bring cash and patience

Cabo San Lucas sportfishing from Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing: the real vibe

This is a classic Cabo day at sea, but run in a way that feels more personal than the mega-boat scene. You meet in the marina area before sunrise, then you head out to the best fishing grounds around Cabo San Lucas, with a focus on helping you actually land fish. If you are new, they aim to get you catching, not just watching.

I also like that they run more than one boat, so your day is not limited to one vessel. They operate three boats, named Kellyfish, Pacific Time, and Fish Hunter Jr., and you can end up on one of them depending on availability and your booking.

One more plus: the day is in English. That matters early in the morning when you need to understand the plan, the setup, and what to do when you feel a bite.

Meeting at 6:00am and what to sort out before you cast

Your start time is 6:00am, and the charter ends back at the meeting point. That early departure is not just tradition. It often lines up with better conditions for fishing and gives you time on the water before the day heats up.

At the marina, the included setup is straightforward:

• Fishing gear is provided (rods, reels, tackle)
• Bottled water is included

Still, I recommend you do not rely on water alone in the real world. A small mismatch has happened for some people on past outings, even when bottled water is listed as included. Bring a spare sealed bottle if you want zero stress.

Then there is the part you need to budget for, because it is not bundled into the base price:

• Fishing license: $22.00 per person, bought on the dock before you charter
• Live bait: $40.00 per booking, payable in cash only
• Marina Cabo San Lucas dock fee: $1.00 per person

This is the main “math” to do before you say yes. If you plan for it, you avoid the end-of-trip sticker shock and you feel confident you are getting your money’s worth.

The itinerary flow: leaving the marina, fishing the grounds, and the El Arco stop

You start at Kelly Fish Blvd., Paseo de la Marina, in Cabo San Lucas. From there, you head out to the fishing area around Cabo. The day is centered on fishing, not sightseeing, but they do include one notable scenery stop: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas.

What El Arco de Cabo San Lucas gives you

El Arco is the signature rock formation in Cabo, and it is one of those landmarks you understand instantly once you see it. The main value of stopping here is perspective. Even if fishing is slow for a bit, the stop keeps the day from feeling like you are trapped on a boat with nothing to show for it.

Practical note: plan for sun and spray. Even if you are mostly facing forward at the rail, Cabo mornings can still glare. A hat and polarized sunglasses help.

The fishing portion is the main event

After you leave the harbor, the focus becomes finding bite conditions and putting you in the right spot. This is where the guides matter. You are not just being handed a rod. They provide instruction and help you work the setup so you can respond fast when a fish hits.

You will see this in how guides talk during the trip. Some customers specifically praised captains like Ismael and guides like Andy for staying on top of everyone’s experience and working until the group is satisfied. That “stay with you” approach is what turns a fishing trip into a shared win, especially for first-timers.

Landing fish in real time: how the guides help you hook up

Sportfishing success is never pure luck. The big difference between a frustrating trip and a fun one is how quickly a guide can adjust when conditions change.

From the positive feedback, a few patterns show up again and again:

• Guides get excited and stay patient when someone is learning (especially helpful for beginners)
• They work through slow stretches by moving and trying different approaches
• They adjust tactics as the day goes on, including lure changes and rig tweaks

Several people highlighted captains and deckhands by name, including Ismael, Andy, Miguel, Luis, and Mateo. Across those reports, the common theme is that the crew is active, not passive.

Species you might target

Your exact catch depends on season, water temp, and what is moving that day. That said, the kinds of fish people report catching on these Cabo trips include:

• mahi mahi
• marlin
• tuna
• bonita and trigger fish
• and even sharks in some cases

If you are hoping for a specific species, tell the captain early. One angler described how Ismael listened when they wanted to focus strictly on marlin, rather than pushing whatever was on the bite that day. That kind of focus helps you feel like you are in control of your trip goals.

Boat comfort and what to ask about before you board

The charter is designed for up to 4 people per boat. That small headcount is a big deal. It makes it easier to move around, easier for the captain to give hands-on guidance, and easier to keep your own fishing workflow without constant bumping.

Some reviews also mention comfort upgrades like an indoor cabin and bathroom onboard, which can be a life-saver if anyone in your group feels seasick or just wants a dry break from the spray. Not every boat may be identical, so if comfort matters to your group, ask ahead which boat you will be on and what amenities it has.

Also, sit expectations matter. One negative review complained about uncomfortable seating, while the operator response stated there is seating for four guests and you should not have to sit on the floor. The practical takeaway: when you book, confirm your group size and ask what the seating setup looks like for your exact boat.

Price and value in Cabo: what you really pay for

Let’s talk money in a way that actually helps you plan.

The base charter price is what you see when you book, but you should expect additional mandatory costs:

• $22 per person for the fishing license (bought on the dock)
• $40 cash per booking for live bait
• $1 per person dock fee

That can feel annoying if you are used to all-inclusive tours, but it is also normal for Cabo fishing. The value comes from what is included and how small the trip is. Gear and instruction are included, and you are in a private group limited to four.

So the value equation is simple:

• If your captain puts you on active fish early, you feel like you “won” the day.
• If conditions are slow, at least you still get the guidance, the chance to keep trying, and the El Arco stop to keep momentum.

The biggest “value trap” to avoid is assuming bait fees are optional or that every trip uses bait exactly the same way. If you want clarity, ask what bait they expect to use for your target species and how they plan to fish that day.

The catch handling reality: filleting, packing, and what to verify

If you want to bring fish back to eat, you should plan around dock processing. A positive detail that came up is that some captains recommend taking your catch to a restaurant at the marina so they cook it. One person specifically mentioned a restaurant called Solomons Landing for preparing a Wahoo filet in multiple ways.

On the flip side, not every experience with packing and freezing goes perfectly. One negative review raised issues about filleting crew handling and vacuum packing and whether fish were frozen as expected. That does not mean it will happen to you, but it does mean you should be proactive.

Before you hand your fish over for processing, ask what will be done and confirm any paid options like vacuum packing or freezing. Also, if the crew is offering services, tell them you want your fish packed exactly as you expect, and keep a close eye on the handoff.

Who should book Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing, and who should be cautious

This charter makes sense if you want:

• a small private group (up to 4)
• English guidance
• an active crew that keeps working the water when the bite is slow
• a day that mixes fishing with a real Cabo icon photo stop (El Arco)

It is also a good fit for beginners. Several people praised the patient, hands-on style that helped them catch within the first part of the trip. And if you are experienced, you still get the benefit of someone trying to put you on the right structure and adjusting your setup as the day changes.

Be cautious if:

• you cannot start early. The 6:00am departure is real
• you have strict expectations that bottled water and all extras will be handled exactly the same every time. The included items say bottled water is part of the package, but some people reported missing water, so bring a backup
• you need certainty about which exact boat you are riding. Since they operate multiple boats, double-check your confirmation details

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the charter start?

The meeting start time is 6:00am.

How long is the fishing trip?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours, and full and half-day charters are available.

Is fishing gear included?

Yes. Fishing gear (rods, reels, tackle) is included, and you also get instruction.

Do I need to buy a fishing license?

Yes. You purchase a fishing license on the dock before your charter for $22.00 per person.

Is live bait included?

No. Live bait costs $40.00 per booking and is payable in cash only.

What is included besides fishing gear?

Bottled water is included, and the marina includes a stop at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas during the outing.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Should you book this Cabo sportfishing charter?

If you want a serious fishing day without the chaos of a huge boat, I think this is worth considering. The best signal is the repeated emphasis on hands-on crew help, patient instruction, and persistence when the bite is inconsistent.

Book it if you are a small group of up to four, you are okay with an early start, and you are willing to handle the normal Cabo add-ons like the license and live bait. If you prefer a very tightly all-inclusive experience with zero extras and total certainty on every onboard detail, ask more questions before you pay and come with a little extra buffer for the costs you will see on the dock.