Sportfishing Charters in Cabo San Lucas with Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing

Early mornings in Cabo mean real fishing. Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing runs private charters from the marina around 6:00 am, and I like the hands-on guidance from captains (including Ismael and Andy) plus the crew’s effort to find fish even when the bite is slow. Another big plus is the small scale: you’re capped at up to 4 anglers, so you’re not lost in a crowd. The main consideration is that your final total may be higher than you expect once you buy a $22 fishing license per person and pay for live bait in cash, and a couple of guests said bottled water wasn’t provided even though it’s listed as included.

You start with a scenic pass by El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, then you head out to the day’s best fishing grounds around Cabo. This is offered in English, and the charter includes fishing gear and bottled water (with the note above), so you can focus on the fun part: getting bites and landing something you’ll remember.

Key things I’d focus on before you book

• Up to 4 people per charter on a small boat, which usually makes the day feel personal.
• English-speaking experience, plus the crew provides gear and instruction for first-timers.
• Early 6:00 am start (half-day and full-day options), which matters because fish often react to timing.
• El Arco start stop for a quick Cabo “wow” moment before you’re working lines.
• Costs at the dock: license ($22 pp), live bait ($40 cash per booking), plus a $1 marina dock fee per person.

Cabo morning timing: what the 6:00 am start really changes

If you’re the type who likes daylight plans, this charter fits you. The trip starts at 6:00 am and returns to the meeting point, so you’re out when the ocean is still getting its footing and the harbor activity is fresh.

That early start also helps you squeeze in a full day of searching. Fishing around Cabo isn’t one magic spot where you drop a line and wait; it’s a moving game of where the fish are today, which means more time actively cruising than lounging.

Where you meet and why it matters: Kellyfish at the marina

You meet at Kelly fish Blvd. Paseo de la Marina in Cabo San Lucas (23450). The listing points to the area being near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re mixing this day with other plans.

I’d treat the meeting point like a “check-in zone,” not a casual meet-later situation. A few minutes can matter because the boat schedule is tight once you’re heading out, and some guests reported issues when their charter details didn’t match expectations.

Small private boats: up to 4 anglers and real room to fish

Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing operates three boats (Kellyfish, Pacific Time, and Fish Hunter Jr.), and your charter is private, meaning it’s only your group aboard. The cap is up to 4 people, which makes a difference in how much attention you get when a fish hits.

Some boats may have extra comfort features. One past guest mentioned an indoor cabin and bathroom, which can be a lifesaver if someone in your party isn’t feeling well early in the day. Still, keep expectations grounded: this is a fishing boat day, so you’ll be spending hours on the water, and not every boat layout will feel the same for every body.

El Arco first: the quick Cabo view before the serious part

The trip’s only listed stop is El Arco de Cabo San Lucas. Even if your main goal is catching fish, I like that this adds a fast “you’re really here” moment before you’re focused on lines and tackle.

El Arco is one of those Cabo landmarks that makes the morning feel like more than a chore. It’s also a good way to get your bearings while you’re still fresh.

One note: this stop is scenic, not a “main event” by itself. After that, you’re back to fishing—searching for the best grounds around Cabo San Lucas.

Gear and instruction: what you’re actually paying for

The charter includes fishing gear (rods, reels, tackle) and bottled water per the listed inclusions. Even when you’ve fished before, having gear sorted and ready saves time, and it helps the crew move fast once you’re on the bite.

The instruction part is where the value shows, especially for beginners. Multiple guests praised captains for staying patient, keeping the energy up, and helping anglers get the line managed correctly once a fish is on.

You’ll also see the crew actively adjust. People specifically mentioned lure changes and working hard to put the boat where fish are willing to cooperate. And yes, sometimes that means you go through a quiet stretch before it turns on—what matters is whether the captain keeps hunting and doesn’t just wait it out.

Species and seasons: your catch depends on conditions, not promises

Cabo fishing is season-driven, and conditions drive what’s available—water temp, color, current, wind, and more. One provider response also stressed that fishing is still fishing: some days are tough even with experienced effort.

That matters for your planning mindset. If you’re hoping for a specific species like marlin, you can improve your odds by booking a captain who fishes hard and adapts. In the past, guests reported success with mahi-mahi (including hitting legal limits on some trips), tuna, and even a Mako shark. They also described days that produced plenty of action with smaller bites like bonito and trigger fish.

If the day is slow, that doesn’t automatically mean the trip was a waste. Several guests said the crew kept working until the end of the slot, and some even got a surprise strike near the way back in.

Price and dock add-ons: where the real math starts

Here’s the part that trips people up, and it’s worth getting right. The listed inclusions are gear and bottled water, but you should plan on extra cash purchases at the dock:

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

In other words, the base charter price plus these items is your true cost. One guest mentioned paying a $495 charter price and then dealing with the added items, which is the kind of total you should mentally budget for from the start.

Also, look closely at the bottled water detail. The trip lists bottled water as included, but a couple guests said they didn’t receive it. That doesn’t mean it always happens, but I’d still bring a small backup plan (like a sealed bottle) if you’re sensitive to that.

Value check: If you come expecting a true all-in package, you may feel annoyed at the dock charges. If you come expecting a professional half-day or full-day boat experience where you’ll buy license bait as needed, the structure is fairly standard for Cabo fishing—and you’ll be less surprised when the bill appears.

Fishing day comfort: what to expect on a boat for hours

Most travelers can participate, and it’s friendly for beginners. One family trip included a 6-year-old, and multiple couples described the crew as fun and supportive, especially for first-time deep-sea anglers.

Still, comfort depends on the boat you get. A negative report complained about cramped seating and hours spent with limited space, while another guest said their boat had seating without sitting on the floor. The safest approach: pack like you’ll be on a working boat for several hours—sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a layer for morning wind.

If you want quiet, this isn’t a library day. It’s an active fishing environment, with the crew adjusting tackle, setting up gear, and calling out instructions when there’s a bite.

Getting fish handled right: dinner plans and a caution worth hearing

Many Cabo fishing trips are really about turning your catch into a meal, not just a photo. Guests mentioned recommendations to take fish to restaurants near the marina for cooking, including one person who got wahoo prepared several ways at Solomons Landing.

That’s a great idea for your day-to-day enjoyment, but it comes with a practical question: what exactly happens to your fish after you land it?

One caution from a past customer: they felt like they didn’t get all their fish back after filleting, and they had questions about vacuum packing and freezing timing. If you plan to arrange packaging or freezing, I’d ask clear questions before it happens: what’s being done, how it’s packaged, and what the final result should be.

Who this charter suits best (and who should rethink)

This is a smart pick if you want a small private group and you care about learning, not just luck. The crew seems comfortable with mixed experience levels, from first-timers to anglers who know how to chase specific species.

It’s also a good match for couples or a small group who want personal attention when something goes wrong or the bite slows. One major plus in the better reports is effort—captains stayed on it, kept changing lures, and kept helping even when the day wasn’t cooperating at first.

Consider rethinking if you’re extremely price-sensitive and hate surprise dock costs. Also reconsider if your top priority is a smooth, fully scripted experience with no hiccups at all—some negative comments mentioned confusion about which boat or company they were assigned to when booking through an online platform.

So, should you book Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing?

If you want a Cabo fishing charter with a strong track record and a crew that’s happy to work for your bites, I’d book with confidence. The overall rating is 4.7 with 85 reviews, and 92% of guests recommend the experience. Those numbers usually line up with the bigger pattern you’ll see in the details: captains like Ismael, plus guides like Andy, have been praised for professionalism, patience, and keeping anglers engaged.

I’d still go in with your eyes open:

• Budget for dock extras (license, cash bait, marina fee).
• Bring a backup for hydration since bottled water has been listed but not consistently confirmed by every guest report.
• Ask before you go about fish handling choices if dinner and freezing are part of your plan.

If that sounds like your kind of day—hands-on fishing, early departure, and a real shot at mahi or billfish—then Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing belongs on your shortlist.

FAQ

What time does the charter start?

The charter start time is listed as 6:00 am. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the fishing trip?

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

Where do I meet the crew?

You meet at Kelly fish Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, San Lucas, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

What’s included in the price?

The included items are fishing gear (rods, reels, tackle) and bottled water.

What additional costs do I pay at the dock?

You’ll need to purchase a fishing license for $22.00 per person before your charter. You’ll also pay $40.00 per booking for live bait (cash only) and a $1.00 per person marina dock fee.

Is this a private charter?

Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.