Gordo Banks Fishing – Private Charters from San José del Cabo

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 offers private sportfishing charters departing from Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San José del Cabo, providing access to Gordo Banks and other renowned fishing grounds in the Sea of Cortez.

Our experienced local captains understand the seasonal patterns of yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado, marlin, and other game fish. They select fishing techniques and locations based on current conditions, fish activity, and your group's experience.

Whether you're a beginner, a family visiting Los Cabos, or an experienced offshore angler, our private 6-hour and 8-hour fishing charters provide a personalized experience focused on safety, local knowledge, and time on the water.

Our Fleet of Pangas and Boats

Exotic Fish Cabo offers private fishing charters departing from Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San José del Cabo. Our team helps guests choose a suitable fishing boat based on group size, trip duration, and availability.

Our 6-hour and 8-hour private fishing trips include an experienced local captain, crew, fishing rods, reels, and basic tackle. Boat capacity, onboard amenities, and additional services vary depending on the selected charter. We confirm these details before booking so you know what to expect.

For anglers interested in Gordo Banks fishing, our team can help plan an offshore trip based on seasonal fishing opportunities and the selected boat. The captain determines the fishing locations according to weather, sea conditions, and safety. Access to Gordo Banks cannot be guaranteed on every trip.

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 100 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 ElCardon, La Fortuna, Iman bank, 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

Fishing Techniques and Bait at Gordo Banks

Fishing at Gordo Banks requires adapting to seasonal fish activity, water conditions, and bait availability. Our experienced local captains select fishing methods based on the species being targeted and the conditions on the day of your trip.

Live Bait Fishing: Sardines and other locally available baitfish may be used to target yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and other offshore species. Live bait availability varies and cannot be guaranteed.

Natural Bait: Depending on conditions, natural bait such as squid or cut bait may be used for certain fishing techniques.

Artificial Lures and Jigs: Trolling lures, plugs, and jigs are among the techniques that may be used when targeting wahoo, tuna, dorado, and other game fish.

Special Fishing Requests: If you're interested in fly fishing or another specialized technique, please contact us before booking so we will provide guidance on the equipment you must bring.

Our private fishing charters depart from Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San José del Cabo. Your captain will recommend suitable fishing techniques and locations based on safety, ocean conditions, and seasonal fishing opportunities.

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

Every private fishing charter with Exotic Fish Cabo includes:

• A private fishing boat for your group

• An experienced local captain and crew

• Quality fishing rods, reels, and basic tackle

• Fishing techniques adapted to the target species and ocean conditions

• Personalized guidance throughout your fishing trip

Fishing licenses, live bait, food, drinks, fish-cleaning services, and other arrangements depend on your selected charter and will be confirmed before booking.

Our team will explain what's included, what to bring, and any additional costs before your departure.

Booking Your Gordo Banks Fishing Charter

Booking a private fishing charter with Exotic Fish Cabo is easy. Contact our team with your preferred fishing date, group size, and target species, and we'll help you select a suitable trip.

6-Hour Private Fishing Charter – From $350 USD per boat

A flexible option for couples, families, beginners, and experienced anglers. Fishing locations are selected according to ocean conditions and seasonal activity.

8-Hour Private Fishing Charter – From $550 USD per boat

An excellent choice for anglers seeking more time to explore offshore fishing grounds and target species such as yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado, and marlin.

Our charters normally depart at 6:30 AM from Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San José del Cabo. Prices vary depending on the selected boat and group size.

Gordo Banks is one of the fishing areas we may visit when conditions permit. The final fishing location is determined by the captain based on safety, weather, and fish activity.

Advance booking is recommended, especially during popular fishing seasons. Contact us to confirm availability, inclusions, and meeting instructions.

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

Ready to experience Gordo Banks fishing in Los Cabos?

Exotic Fish Cabo offers private fishing charters departing from Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San José del Cabo. Our experienced local captains help anglers explore seasonal fishing opportunities for yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado, marlin, and other game fish.

Choose a private 6-hour or 8-hour fishing adventure and let our team help you plan a memorable day on the Sea of Cortez.

Explore our private fishing charter options for current pricing, availability, and booking details.

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.