Pacifictime Sports Fishing in Cabos san lucas

Cabo’s Pacific waters can turn a quiet morning into a serious fishing story. On Pacifictime Sports Fishing, Captain Paulo and crew members such as Eddie, Julio, Cesar, and Enrique work the lines from a 34-foot Blackfin, targeting marlin, tuna, wahoo, sailfish, dorado, roosterfish, snapper, and other local species. The strongest trips have produced multiple marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi, and even a large wahoo.

I like the private-boat format, since your group of up to six does not share the fishing day with strangers. I also like the crew’s willingness to change tactics when the first plan is slow. The main caution is cost clarity: the $799 price does not include fishing licenses or live bait, and hotel pickup, fish cleaning, drinks, and other services may add more.

Key points before you book

• Three experienced crew members may work the lines: Captain Paulo and deckhands including Eddie, Julio, Cesar, and Enrique have guided many of the strongest outings.
• Marlin is the main event: Several trips produced one or more marlin, with sailfish, wahoo, dorado, tuna, and roosterfish also possible.
• The boat leaves early: The stated start is 6:00 am, with some hotel pickups reported around 5:30 to 5:45 am.
• Extra cash is essential: Licenses and bait are separate, and fish cleaning, filleting, transportation, and tips can add to the final bill.
• Fishing is active rather than instructional: The boat generally trolls big lines while underway, though casting with jigs may be arranged if requested.
• Conditions decide the day: A poor catch is always possible, and rough water or seasickness can affect your comfort.

Setting out from O Dock at 6:00 am

The official meeting point is O Dock 2 in central Cabo San Lucas, and the boat returns there after roughly five hours. The early departure is practical. You reach the fishing grounds with a full morning ahead, and the sunrise over the water can be one of the day’s best moments even before a rod bends.

Hotel pickup is not perfectly consistent in the information provided. Some arrangements include pickup from your hotel, while one account says a $30 charge was added for it. Other outings describe Captain Paulo collecting the group around 5:30 or 5:45 am. I would confirm the pickup price, time, and exact meeting plan before you go, especially if you are staying outside central Cabo.

At the marina, allow time for the less glamorous parts of sport fishing. You need a fishing license, and live bait is not included. The license cost has been reported as $20 per adult or about 200 pesos per person, while bait has been listed at $40, $45, or about $100 cash depending on the trip and amount purchased. Those figures vary, so bring extra pesos and US dollars rather than relying on a card.

There is a small convenience store near the marina for coffee, drinks, and snacks. That matters because the boat includes bottled water, ice, and a cooler, but not a full breakfast or meal. Bring something simple to eat if you need food early in the morning.

What fishing on the 34-foot Blackfin is really like

This is a private charter for your party, with room for up to six people. The 34-foot Blackfin offers a useful middle ground: larger and more capable than a small open skiff, but still intimate enough for the crew to focus on your group.

You should not expect a quiet, polished sightseeing boat. The vessel is set up for fishing, with rods, tackle, and equipment taking up much of the working space. One account found the inside area dirty and crowded with gear. Another noted that the engines are loud enough that earplugs would help. I would bring ear protection, a hat, sunscreen, and clothing that can handle spray and fish scales.

The boat has a small toilet, according to one outing, and water is provided. Comfort depends on the sea state and your tolerance for motion. One group had several people become seasick, while other groups spent hours handling large fish without trouble. If you are prone to motion sickness, take that risk seriously and ask your doctor or pharmacist about suitable preparation before the trip.

The crew does most of the technical work. This is generally a trolling trip, with the boat moving and several heavy lines set behind it. You are not usually casting and retrieving your own rod all morning. When a fish strikes, the crew clears lines, helps with the harness and tackle, and guides you through the fight.

That arrangement is ideal if your priority is landing a big fish. It is less satisfying if you want a lesson in casting, knots, lure choice, or bottom fishing. Families can request time for casting with jigs, and one group said the crew happily arranged that for teenagers. Make the request early rather than assuming it will happen.

The Cabo fishing plan: start with marlin, change when needed

The crew may ask what you want to catch before leaving. That conversation is important. Tell Captain Paulo if your goal is marlin, roosterfish, wahoo, tuna, dorado, or a mix of species. The trip can be adjusted to suit your request, within the limits of the day’s conditions.

Offshore trolling is the usual focus for large game fish. The most dramatic accounts describe several rods firing at once. One morning produced three hooked fish at the same time, including a marlin and two sailfish said to weigh more than 100 pounds. Other successful trips brought in blue or striped marlin, skipjack tuna, bonito, dorado, and wahoo.

A marlin fight can take real time and stamina. One fish took about two hours to reel in, while another group brought an 8.75-foot marlin aboard for mounting. You may be sharing the rod with a family member or taking turns, particularly when children or teenagers are involved. That makes the catch a group event, but it also means you should not expect every person to land a fish alone.

The captain may switch targets if the first approach is slow. One group spent four hours with little action, then caught tuna during the final hour after Captain Paulo suggested changing tactics. This is a good example of why local judgment matters. Fishing is not a guaranteed conveyor belt of bites, and a flexible plan gives you a better chance than stubbornly chasing one species.

The possible catch list is unusually broad. Along with marlin and tuna, the boat may target wahoo, roosterfish, sailfish, yellowtail snapper, vermilion snapper, pompano, mackerel, bonito, and mahi mahi. You might see fish without landing them, or spend much of the trip waiting. The day’s success depends on location, season, weather, bait, and luck.

Captain Paulo and the working crew

Captain Paulo is the name most often connected with this charter. He has been praised for choosing productive water, speaking clear English, explaining the fishing process, and responding to requests. Deckhands named Eddie, Julio, Cesar, Enrique, Ramon, Derek, Eric, Armando, and Josue appear across different outings, so your exact crew may vary.

The strongest feature is the crew’s work rate. They bait hooks, manage multiple rods, clear tangles, reset lines, and help you handle heavy fish. That matters when several fish strike together. A good crew keeps the boat organized while you concentrate on the rod.

Communication is the area where expectations need care. Some outings describe the captain and crew as friendly, helpful, and easy to understand. Two lower-scoring accounts felt largely ignored after boarding, with little explanation or conversation unless a task required it. I would ask questions as the day begins: What are we targeting first? How long will we try this area? Can the children cast? What happens to the catch?

The crew’s role is closer to that of working sport fishermen than entertainment hosts. If you want constant narration and a polished resort excursion, this may feel spare. If you want people focused on finding fish and handling tackle, that practical style can work in your favor.

Wildlife and scenery beyond the catch

Even a slow fishing day can include good sightings. Groups have seen breaching whales, dolphins, sea lions, and the Cabo Arch during the outing. The sunrise and views along the coastline add a sightseeing element, though the trip is built around fishing rather than wildlife watching.

Whales and dolphins are bonuses, not promised stops. The boat may pass scenic points while heading to fishing grounds, and one group made a special pass near the Arch for photographs. Do not book this as a dedicated whale watching cruise. You are there to fish, with marine life as an extra reward.

The early light is worth noticing. Cabo’s coastline looks different from the water, and leaving before the marina becomes active gives you a quieter start. Bring a phone or camera in a waterproof pouch, but keep it secure around the rods and spray.

Keeping your fish and handling the extra charges

The $799 price is per group of up to six, which can be reasonable if you fill the boat and especially if you land valuable game fish. Split among six people, the base cost is about $133 per person before licenses, bait, transport, cleaning, and gratuities. For two people, the same charter feels much more expensive.

The catch is not automatically ready for your kitchen. Fishing licenses and live bait are excluded. After returning to the dock, local workers can help transport, clean, fillet, bag, vacuum pack, freeze, or send fish to your hotel for a fee. Reported examples include $35 for filleting and $50 for cleaning and bagging, but prices can change.

One group took about 25 pounds of fish to a restaurant for 20 people. Another kept wahoo or mahi mahi for dinner, and one family arranged to have fish cleaned and bagged. Ask before boarding what you can legally keep, what the processing fee will be, and how the fish will reach your hotel.

Carry cash for these services and for tips. One group specifically advised having money ready for dockside help. If you plan to keep a large marlin, ask about the process before you set out. Catch-and-release may be the better choice for some fish, and one family was glad to return one of two marlin while keeping another.

Who will enjoy this charter most

I would choose Pacifictime Sports Fishing if your group has a clear interest in catching a substantial fish and you like the idea of a private working boat. It suits families with older children and teenagers, couples who want a serious fishing day, and friends who can share the cost of a six-person charter.

It is also a good fit for repeat anglers. The crew can adjust the plan, and some clients return annually. English is offered, and Captain Paulo has been described as easy to understand.

I would be more cautious if your party wants a luxury boat, a spotless interior, constant conversation, or guaranteed action. The vessel is functional, not a floating lounge, and fishing can be quiet for long stretches. A five-hour trip is enough time for a worthwhile attempt, but the eight-hour option may suit you better if you want more time on the water and can handle the added cost.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The activity is private, but specific arrangements for mobility needs are not detailed, so contact the provider if you require anything beyond standard participation.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

The listed experience is commonly reserved about a month ahead, with an average booking lead time of 31 days. That is a useful warning for peak vacation periods. Book early if you need a particular date or want to fish during a short Cabo stay.

The stated start time is 6:00 am, and the trip ends back at O Dock 2. Confirm whether hotel pickup is included in your rate, since the arrangements described are not uniform. Also confirm the boat assigned to your group if you are offered a larger vessel for an extra charge.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book Pacifictime Sports Fishing?

I would book this charter if catching marlin or another large Cabo fish is high on your list and you are comfortable with a practical, equipment-filled fishing boat. Captain Paulo and his crew have repeatedly put groups on marlin, tuna, wahoo, dorado, sailfish, and roosterfish, and the private format gives your party the full attention of the crew when the action starts.

Before paying, get the total cost in writing. Ask about hotel pickup, licenses, bait, fish cleaning, the boat assigned to you, and your preferred target species. Bring cash, snacks, sunscreen, earplugs, and seasickness protection.

The overall rating is strong at 4.8 from 197 ratings, with 94 percent recommending the experience. That matches the main pattern: excellent fishing and hard-working crews on many days, but occasional disappointment over limited communication, boat cleanliness, and surprise costs. If you accept those tradeoffs, this can deliver the kind of Cabo morning you will still be talking about at dinner.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip start?

The stated meeting point is O Dock 2, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the trip begin?

The stated start time is 6:00 am. Some pickup arrangements have collected groups from their hotels around 5:30 to 5:45 am.

How long is the fishing trip?

The listed tour lasts about five hours. The provider also offers five-hour and eight-hour trips.

How many people can join the private charter?

The price is $799 per group for up to six people. Only your group participates in the private activity.

What fish might I catch?

Possible targets include marlin, tuna, wahoo, roosterfish, sailfish, yellowtail snapper, dorado, vermilion snapper, pompano, mackerel, and bonito.

Are fishing licenses and bait included?

No. Fishing licenses and live bait are not included in the tour price and must be paid separately.

What is included in the trip?

Bottled water, ice, and a cooler are included. A small toilet is also available on the boat according to the provided trip details.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, while a weather cancellation offers a different date or a full refund.