Fishing Banks of Cabo San Lucas
The Legendary Fishing Banks of Cabo San Lucas: A Deep Dive into Baja’s Bluewater Hotspots
Cabo San Lucas is known as the Marlin Capital of the World, and much of that reputation is built on the backs of its legendary offshore fishing banks. These underwater structures, just a short run from the marina, attract massive schools of baitfish, which in turn bring in billfish, tuna, dorado, wahoo, and more.
If you’re serious about sportfishing in Baja, you need to know about these banks — and how companies like Tag Cabo Sportfishing can take you straight to the action with high-performance boats and expert local captains.
🎯 What Are Fishing Banks?
Fishing banks are underwater seamounts, ridges, or plateaus where the ocean floor rises from the depths, disrupting current flow and creating the perfect habitat for baitfish. These zones become feeding grounds for pelagic predators, often producing some of the best fishing in all of Mexico.
🔥 Top Fishing Banks Near Cabo San Lucas
Here are the most famous and productive banks in the region — each with its own unique characteristics and best seasons:
🟢 Golden Gate Bank
📍 ~15 miles northwest of Cabo
🕒 Best Time: October – February
🎣 Target Species: Striped marlin, wahoo, dorado, tuna, sailfish
The Golden Gate Bank is perhaps the most iconic fishing spot in all of Cabo. Known for massive striped marlin concentrations in the fall and winter months, this bank regularly produces double-digit releases during peak season. Slow trolling with live bait or casting lures near bait balls are go-to tactics.
🧭 Want to target striped marlin at Golden Gate? Book with Tag Cabo Sportfishing.
🟢 Finger Bank
📍 ~50 miles northwest
🕒 Best Time: November – January
🎣 Target Species: Striped marlin (insane numbers), tuna, dorado
Remote and only reachable on larger, long-range vessels, the Finger Bank is world-famous for epic striped marlin bites — sometimes over 20 releases per day. It’s a favorite among film crews and hardcore anglers.
🛥️ Tag Cabo Sportfishing’s 64ft Bertram or 98ft Baratucci yacht are ideal for overnight runs to Finger Bank.
🧭 Explore overnight trips for hardcore marlin fishing
🟢 Gordo Banks
📍 Northeast of San José del Cabo
🕒 Best Time: June – November
🎣 Target Species: Yellowfin tuna, dorado, marlin, snapper, amberjack
This deep-water bank sits closer to San José but is easily accessible from Cabo. Known for giant yellowfin tuna and live bait chunking, Gordo Banks is perfect for those chasing big game without an overnight commitment.
This spot is also a prime jigging location — perfect for those who enjoy vertical fishing for snapper and grouper.
🧭 Check out our guide to slow-pitch jigging in Cabo
🟢 95 & 1150 Spots
📍 Southeast of Cabo
🕒 Year-Round
🎣 Target Species: Blue marlin, black marlin, sailfish, tuna
These two deep drop-off banks are known for big billfish and open-water tuna hunts. Often the starting point for tournament anglers during the Bisbee’s Black & Blue, they’re a staple on almost every offshore run out of Cabo.
🧭 Learn more about offshore fishing tactics in Cabo
🟢 Santa Maria Canyon & Chileno Drop
📍 Just a few miles from shore
🕒 Best Time: Spring and Fall
🎣 Target Species: Roosterfish, amberjack, cubera snapper
While technically not “banks” in the offshore sense, these inshore drops and canyons offer exciting opportunities for light tackle jigging and topwater action near the edge of the reef line.
🧭 Explore the inshore fishing scene
🛥 Fishing the Banks in Comfort with Tag Cabo Sportfishing
These spots are productive — but getting there safely and efficiently requires the right boat, gear, and local knowledge. Tag Cabo Sportfishing runs fully equipped yachts and sportfishers with:
✅ Shimano & Penn tackle
✅ Sonar and GPS tech
✅ Tuna tubes, outriggers, and live bait systems
✅ Bilingual captains and expert crews
✅ Overnight trip options for remote banks like Finger
Whether you’re doing a half-day run to Gordo, a full-day marlin hunt at Golden Gate, or a luxury overnight expedition, Tag Cabo will get you to the fish — in style.
🧠 Tips for Fishing the Banks
🎣 Go early — especially for tuna and marlin
🎣 Use live bait when available, but be ready with jigs or plugs
🎣 Bring polarized lenses to spot surface activity
🎣 Be prepared for long runs — hydration and sun protection are key
🎣 Book larger vessels for comfort and range
Final Word
Cabo’s fishing banks are the beating heart of its world-renowned fishery. From Golden Gate to Gordo, these underwater features offer nonstop action for anglers who want to fish hard and return with stories that last a lifetime.
Ready to experience it firsthand?
🎣 Tap into the legendary banks of Baja with SATFISH App
