Gordo Banks Fishing - The Wahoo Banks of Los Cabos

The Gordo Banks stand out as one of the richest fishing grounds off the Los Cabos region, strategically positioned at the gateway of the Sea of Cortez. This unique geographic location creates exceptional marine habitat that supports an abundance of game fish throughout the year. The banks are characterized by underwater topography that concentrates baitfish and attract predatory species, making them incredibly productive fishing grounds.

What makes the Gordo Banks special is their accessibility and consistency. Located just 10 miles from our launch point at Puerto Los Cabos Marina in La Playita, the banks are reachable in under an hour. This proximity means more time fishing and less time traveling, allowing you to maximize your fishing opportunity during full-day or half-day charters.

The Gordo Banks are particularly famous for wahoo, earning them the nickname "Wahoo Banks" among local fishing guides. However, the banks also host excellent populations of yellowfin tuna, dorado, striped marlin, and other pelagic species. The specific species available depends on seasonal migrations, bait availability, and current conditions, but there's always something to catch at Gordo.

Why Choose EXOTIC FISH CABO

Exotic Fish cabo is the premier charter operation focused on the Gordo Banks and surrounding fishing grounds in the San Jose del Cabo area. Founded in 2014, who brought decades of fishing experience, the operation has built an unmatched reputation for quality, personalized service, and consistent fishing success.

Our team is an English-speaking American who personally oversees virtually every aspect of the operation—from boat maintenance to crew management to customer service. This hands-on approach ensures that every angler receives unequaled quality and personalized service.

What sets Exotic Fish cabo apart is the philosophy and intimate knowledge of local waters. The captains and crew have fished these grounds for years, understanding the seasonal patterns, knowing where fish congregate during different conditions, and possessing the expertise to put you on fish consistently.

Our Fleet of Pangas and Boats

Pangas are good fishing platform for accessing the Gordo Banks and surrounding waters. These versatile, maneuverable boats are designed for Mexican coastal fishing and offer several advantages over larger sport fishing yachts. Pangas are faster, more agile, and more fuel-efficient, allowing us to cover more ground and reach productive fishing spots quickly.

Our fleet includes 23-foot and 26-foot pangas, each equipped with modern fishing equipment, comfortable seating, and safety gear. The smaller pangas are perfect for intimate fishing experiences with 1–2 anglers, while our larger vessels can accommodate groups of 4 people. Each boat is meticulously maintained and regularly serviced to ensure reliability and safety.

Our pangas feature comfortable fighting chairs, quality fishing rods and reels, coolers for your catch, and protective shade. Modern electronics including GPS, fish finders, and marine radios keep our captains connected and informed. Many pangas are equipped with live bait wells to keep your bait fresh and lively throughout the day.

Target Species at Gordo Banks

Yellowfin Tuna are the signature species of the Gordo Banks. These powerful, fast-swimming fish provide incredible action and can weigh anywhere from 5 to over 100 pounds. Tuna at Gordo range from small 15–20 pound fish to trophy specimens exceeding 80 pounds. They're caught year-round, though fishing varies seasonally. Tuna strike live sardines, live caballito, skipjack strips, squid strips, and various artificial lures.

Wahoo are what give the Gordo Banks their local nickname—the Wahoo Banks. These aggressive, fast-striking fish are prized for their fighting ability and delicious flesh. Wahoo can reach 40–80 pounds or larger and provide explosive surface strikes that create unforgettable moments. They're caught on live bait, strips, and fast-moving lures.

Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) are beautiful, colorful fish that strike aggressively and leap spectacularly when hooked. These fish are abundant during spring through fall months and can reach 30–50 pounds or more. Dorado are caught on live bait and a variety of lures, and limits are typically 2 fish per angler per day.

Striped Marlin are occasionally caught at the Gordo Banks, particularly during certain seasons. These billfish provide the ultimate trophy experience with their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs. Striped marlin are caught on live bait and large lures, with catch-and-release being standard practice.

Bottom Fish and Inshore Species including amberjack, grouper, red snapper, yellow snapper, spotted-rose snapper, barred pargo, roosterfish, and Spanish mackerel (sierra) are also available, particularly at nearby rock structures and shallower grounds. These species provide excellent action for anglers seeking variety or for those days when offshore bite is slow.

Fishing Grounds Beyond Gordo Banks

While the Gordo Banks are our primary focus, our charters have the range and flexibility to fish numerous productive grounds depending on conditions, bait availability, and fish migrations. We regularly fish El Cardon, La Fortuna, Iman, San Luis, and Vinorama—all premium fishing locations north of San Jose del Cabo.

El Cardon is known for excellent sierra (Spanish mackerel) action, particularly during certain seasons. La Fortuna offers good tuna and bottom fishing. Iman bank produces consistent tuna action and bottom fish. San Luis and Vinorama are further north but offer access to additional species and less crowded fishing grounds.

This range of fishing grounds means we can adapt to seasonal conditions and fish migrations. If the Gordo Banks are slow, we can quickly move to nearby productive areas. This flexibility ensures you have the best possible chance of landing fish regardless of the specific day or season.

The San Jose del Cabo Advantage

Exotic Fish cabo operates from San Jose del Cabo, a charming colonial town with a rich fishing heritage. Located 21 miles from the center of Cabo San Lucas and just 10 miles from the airport, San Jose del Cabo offers an excellent alternative to the crowded resort atmosphere of Cabo.

Our base at Puerto Los Cabos Marina in La Playita is minutes away from historic San Jose del Cabo. The marina features modern facilities, including fish-cleaning services, bait stations, restaurants, and shops. Being based in San Jose del Cabo means you experience authentic Mexican fishing culture rather than the commercialized tourist experience found in Cabo San Lucas.

La Playita, the fishing village where we're located, is the heart of San Jose's fishing tradition. Walking the docks, you'll see commercial fishing boats alongside sport fishing pangas, a living reminder of the area's deep connection to the sea. The village maintains a genuine, unpretentious character that many anglers prefer to the more developed Cabo San Lucas.

Bait and Fishing Techniques

Live bait is critical to success at the Gordo Banks. We use live sardines, live caballito (small jacks), and live skipjack to target tuna, wahoo, and other pelagic species. Our bait suppliers net fresh sardines daily in front of the Secrets and Marriott hotels, ensuring a constant supply of quality bait.

Dead bait including sardine strips, skipjack strips, and squid strips are also effective, particularly for tuna. These baits are excellent for extended chum lines that attract fish from a distance.

Artificial lures including plugs, jigs, and specialized tuna and wahoo lures are also productive, particularly when live bait is unavailable or when targeting specific species. Our experienced captains know which lures work best for current conditions.

Fly fishing is also available for anglers interested in pursuing dorado, wahoo, and other species on the fly. The Gordo Banks provide excellent opportunities for saltwater fly fishing enthusiasts.

Seasonal Fishing Patterns

Winter months (January–March) bring excellent tuna action at the Gordo Banks, with fish ranging from 40–80 pounds. Striped marlin are also present during these months. Winter offers ideal weather conditions with calm seas and comfortable temperatures.

Spring (April–May) sees continued tuna action and the arrival of dorado. Wahoo are also abundant during spring months. This is an excellent time to experience multiple species on a single charter.

Summer (June–August) brings peak dorado season with beautiful fish and explosive strikes. Tuna action continues, and wahoo remain abundant. Water temperatures warm significantly during summer months.

Fall (September–November) is another excellent season with good tuna and wahoo action. This period can see varying conditions as tropical systems occasionally pass through the region, but fishing remains productive.

December offers a mix of species with tuna, wahoo, and dorado all available. This is an excellent month to experience the Gordo Banks before the peak winter season begins.

What's Included in Your Charter

Each Exotic Fish cabo charter includes a professional captain and experienced crew trained in fish handling, safety, and customer service. Your captain possesses intimate knowledge of the Gordo Banks and surrounding waters and will position the boat to maximize your fishing opportunity.

All fishing equipment and tackle is provided, including modern rods, reels, hooks, and lines suitable for the species you're targeting. We provide live bait and chum to attract fish throughout the day.

Your Mexican fishing license is arranged by our operation, so you don't need to worry about paperwork. The license is included in your charter cost.

Fish cleaning and filleting services are available through our marina partners. If you want to take your catch home prepared and ready to cook, we can arrange this service.

Refreshments and snacks are typically available, and many anglers bring their own food and beverages. We have coolers available to keep your catch and drinks cold.

Photography assistance is provided by our crew to capture your trophy moments. Many anglers appreciate having professional-quality photos of their fishing experience.

Booking Your Gordo Banks Fishing Charter

Booking with Exotic Fish cabo is straightforward and personalized. Contact our team directly to discuss your fishing goals, preferred dates, and group size. We'll recommend the best fishing grounds and boat size based on your needs.

We offer full-day charters as our standard offering, providing maximum time on the water and the best opportunity to land multiple species. 3/4-day and custom packages are also available for those with limited time or specific preferences.

Advance booking is recommended, particularly during peak seasons (winter months and summer dorado season). This ensures you get your preferred dates and boat selection.

Our team will brief you on what to bring, what to expect, and how to prepare for your fishing adventure. We're happy to answer any questions and help you plan the perfect fishing trip.

The Gordo Banks Experience

When you arrive at Puerto Los Cabos Marina in La Playita, you'll be greeted warmly by our team. You'll meet your captain and crew—professionals who live and breathe fishing and genuinely care about your experience.

Your captain will brief you on the day's plan, explain fishing techniques, and ensure you're comfortable with your equipment. As you cruise toward the Gordo Banks, you'll experience the beauty of the Baja coastline and the genuine fishing culture of San Jose del Cabo.

Once on the banks, your captain will position the boat based on current conditions, fish activity, and your preferences. You'll experience the thrill of strikes, the fight of powerful fish, and the camaraderie that comes from pursuing fish together. Whether you land a trophy tuna, explosive wahoo, or beautiful dorado, you'll create memories that last a lifetime.

Conservation and Sustainability

Exotic Fish Cabo is committed to sustainable fishing practices that preserve fish populations for future generations. We practice catch-and-release for billfish, ensuring that striped marlin and other billfish species are released unharmed to continue breeding.

For other species, we follow Mexican fishing regulations regarding bag limits and size restrictions. Our captains understand the importance of maintaining healthy fish populations and fish responsibly.

Book Your Gordo Banks Fishing Charter Today

Experience the legendary Gordo Banks fishing with the most experienced, dedicated charter operation in San Jose del Cabo. Exotic Fish Cabo offers authentic, personalized fishing experiences that put you on fish consistently while providing the exceptional service and professional expertise that define a world-class fishing adventure.

Contact us today to book your charter. Whether you're seeking tuna, wahoo, dorado, or striped marlin, the Gordo Banks await with unforgettable fishing action.