Sportfishing Charters in Cabo San Lucas with Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing

Cabo San Lucas is famous for big-game fishing, and Kellyfish puts you on the water early, when the marina is still quiet and the day’s fishing plan is taking shape. You may head toward marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo, bonito, triggerfish, or whatever is biting. Captain Ismael and crewman Andy receive the strongest praise for patient instruction and hard work.

I like two things here. First, this is a private charter for up to four people, so you are not sharing a small boat with a busload of strangers. Second, the crew supplies rods, reels, and tackle, then helps you use them. That matters if your group includes a first-time angler or a child.

The main caution is cost clarity. Your fishing license is extra at $22 per person, live bait is $40 per booking in cash, and the marina charges a $1 dock fee per person. Water is listed as included, but a few customers said it was not provided, so bring your own supply anyway.

Key points before you book

• Early 6:00 am departure: You have about eight hours on the water, with a full morning and afternoon of fishing time.
• Three boats in the operation: You may be assigned to Kellyfish, Pacific Time, or Fish Hunter Jr., so confirm the boat and captain before departure.
• Private group of up to four: This works best for a family, couple, or small group that wants the boat to itself.
• Fishing gear is provided: Rods, reels, and tackle are included, and all experience levels are welcome.
• Extra costs are simple but easy to miss: Allow for a $22 license per person, $40 cash for live bait, and a $1 marina dock fee per person.
• El Arco is part of the route: The famous arch gives you a memorable Cabo view, though the central purpose of the outing is fishing.

Leaving Cabo Marina at 6:00 am

The meeting point is Kelly Fish on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina in Cabo San Lucas. Your day starts at 6:00 am and ends back at the same place, so arrange your morning carefully and arrive ready to deal with the license and dock charges before casting a line.

The early start is not just a scheduling quirk. An eight-hour charter needs time to reach fishing grounds, adjust tactics, and keep working if the first area is quiet. Several fishing accounts describe slow starts followed by better action later, so patience is part of the deal.

You need to buy a fishing license on the dock before departure. The listed cost is $22 per person. Live bait costs $40 per booking and must be paid in cash. There is also a $1 per-person Marina Cabo San Lucas dock fee.

Those charges are normal parts of the day as presented here, but they change the real cost. If you book a charter advertised at $495, for example, a party of four would add $88 in licenses, $40 for bait, and $4 in dock fees. That brings the known total to $627 before any other personal spending. Check the current charter price and extra charges when booking.

Choosing among Kellyfish, Pacific Time, and Fish Hunter Jr.

Kellyfish operates three boats: Kellyfish, Pacific Time, and Fish Hunter Jr. The boat named in your booking may not be the boat used on the day, since the company says it works with several boats and captains to accommodate bookings.

That arrangement can help a small operator handle busy dates. It can also create confusion if you expect one particular boat or captain. Two low-scoring accounts describe arriving to find a different company or boat than expected. The company replied that it uses several qualified captains and boats.

My practical advice is simple: confirm the exact boat, captain, meeting point, and included items by message before you go. Save that correspondence. If you specifically want Ismael, Andy, or another captain, ask directly rather than assuming the name on the booking guarantees that person.

The boats comfortably hold up to four people per charter. That is a real advantage for a small group, though it also means you should not expect the room of a large sportfishing vessel. One dissatisfied customer felt the boat was too small and claimed there was no proper seating. The operator responded that seating for four is available and does not require sitting on the floor.

The supplied information does not give the dimensions of each boat. If anyone in your party needs extra space, has mobility concerns, or is prone to seasickness, ask which boat you will use before paying.

What the crew adds for first-time anglers

You do not need to arrive with a tackle box or years of fishing experience. Rods, reels, tackle, and basic instruction are included, and the charter welcomes beginners as well as experienced anglers.

The most consistently praised part of the operation is the crew’s effort and attitude. Ismael is repeatedly singled out for staying positive, working hard, and helping people catch fish. Andy is also praised for patience and professionalism. Miguel, Daniel, Luis, and Mateo are named in other positive accounts, suggesting that the quality of the day can depend on the assigned team.

If this is your first offshore trip, ask the crew to explain the reel and rod technique before the first fish hits. One happy customer wished the crew had shown everyone how to operate the reel in advance. That is a useful tip. Fishing action can become busy fast, and a two-minute demonstration at the start may save confusion later.

The crew’s job is not only to hand you a rod. They may change lures as conditions shift, help prepare the tackle, and take over at the right moment when a fish strikes. Several accounts describe the crew working hard even on slow fishing days. That cannot guarantee a catch, but it improves your odds and keeps the outing from feeling abandoned when the fish are not cooperating.

Fishing for marlin, mahi mahi, and more

Cabo offers a wide mix of sportfish, but no charter can promise a particular species or a full cooler. Water temperature, color, current, wind, and seasonal patterns affect what is available. The company specifically notes that conditions determine which fish may be found during a given outing.

The strongest catches described include legal limits of mahi mahi, tuna, bonito, triggerfish, and a caught-and-released marlin. One group hooked an almost seven-foot mako shark. Another group caught eight fish and kept three, then had a resort restaurant prepare a four-course mahi mahi meal.

Those stories show the range of the experience, not a guarantee. Other days were slow. One experienced marlin angler fished two days before finally landing a striped marlin outside peak marlin season. Another account describes no bite at all. That is the honest tradeoff with fishing: the crew can search, change lures, and work hard, but it cannot make a fish strike.

If your goal is a specific species, say so before leaving the dock. One angler wanted to fish strictly for marlin and appreciated that Ismael respected the request instead of pushing him toward the most active species. If you simply want action, ask what is currently biting and let the captain choose the best practical target.

You should also decide what you want to do with the catch. The fishing accounts include both keeping fish and releasing marlin. A restaurant near the marina, Solomon’s Landing, was recommended by one crew member for preparing a large wahoo fillet in four ways. The supplied information does not establish that fish preparation, filleting, vacuum packing, or freezing is included, so ask about those services and check your fish carefully before leaving.

Cruising past El Arco de Cabo San Lucas

El Arco is the landmark most associated with Cabo San Lucas. The rock arch sits where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez, and seeing it from a fishing boat gives you the classic Cabo postcard view without turning the day into a separate sightseeing cruise.

The listed itinerary identifies El Arco as the first stop, but it does not describe a shore landing, swimming time, or a formal guided visit. Treat it as a scenic part of the route rather than the main attraction. The charter is built around fishing grounds, not a long sightseeing program.

I like this pairing because the arch gives your group an instant sense of place before the day settles into rods, reels, and open water. Bring a phone or camera, but protect it from spray and keep your attention on the fishing plan once the crew gets to work.

Water, gear, and what to bring

Fishing gear and bottled water are listed as included. Still, two customers said they did not receive water, so I would bring extra drinking water in a reusable bottle or small cooler if allowed. An eight-hour outing in the Cabo sun is not the time to gamble on a single promised bottle.

The included gear keeps the charter convenient and helps first-timers avoid buying equipment for one vacation. It also lets experienced anglers travel light. If you have a preferred rod, reel, lure, or fishing method, ask in advance whether you may bring it, since no policy is provided here.

Wear practical clothing that can handle spray and sun. The supplied information does not specify a dress code or equipment list, so pack the basics you would want for several hours outdoors: sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, and any personal medication. If you are concerned about motion sickness, ask the operator what is permitted before departure.

The charter is offered in English, and most people can participate. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. These details help, but they do not answer every accessibility question. Ask about boarding, seating, bathroom facilities, and space on your assigned boat if those matters affect your group.

Is an eight-hour private charter good value?

The value depends on how your group uses the boat. Four people can share the base charter, which makes the price easier to justify than it would be for one or two anglers. You also receive the equipment, crew assistance, and a full day on the water rather than a brief fishing session.

The extras are not hidden in the supplied cost breakdown, but they are easy to overlook. Add $22 per person for the fishing license, $40 cash for live bait, and $1 per person for the marina fee. The bait charge applies even if you later decide it was not needed, according to one complaint, so ask whether it is required for your target species and fishing plan.

I would judge the value mainly by your expectations. If you want a private boat, personal instruction, and a serious attempt at finding fish, this can make sense. If you want guaranteed marlin, a roomy vessel, or an all-inclusive price with no dock errands, you may be disappointed.

The reported score is 4.7 out of 5 from 85 ratings, with 92 percent recommending the experience. That is a strong overall signal, but the lower scores point to practical risks: inconsistent water provision, confusion over boat assignment, extra charges, and the simple fact that fishing can produce nothing.

Who will enjoy this Cabo fishing trip?

This charter is a good fit for a small group of up to four people who want a private outing and are willing to accept the uncertainty of real fishing. It suits couples, families, friends, first-time anglers, and experienced fishermen who want to state a preferred target.

Families should note the positive account involving a six-year-old and a group that caught eight fish. That does not guarantee a child’s comfort or safety on every boat, so ask about the assigned vessel and seating if you are bringing young children.

Experienced anglers may appreciate the crew’s willingness to target marlin rather than simply chase whatever is easiest. Beginners benefit from supplied tackle and hands-on help. Everyone should understand that the captain can improve the odds, not control the fish.

My booking advice

I would book Kellyfish if I wanted a small private charter, valued direct help from the crew, and could accept a day that might end with a trophy fish, a few smaller catches, or no bites. The repeated praise for Ismael, Andy, and the wider crew is strongest around effort, patience, and keeping the day enjoyable.

Before committing, send four questions: Which boat will we use? Who is the captain? Is bottled water confirmed? What exactly must we pay in cash at the dock? If you care about a species, add that request too.

Book it for the chance to fish Cabo properly, not for a guaranteed souvenir photo. If the crew works as described and the conditions cooperate, you may leave with fish for dinner and a story about marlin, mahi mahi, or a hard-fought shark. If your priority is certainty, comfort, or a fixed all-in price, compare other charters first.

FAQ

How long is the Kellyfish Cabo fishing charter?

The charter lasts approximately eight hours.

What time does the activity start?

The scheduled start time is 6:00 am.

Where does the charter meet?

You meet at Kelly Fish on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Where does the activity end?

The charter ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the private charter?

The boats comfortably accommodate up to four people per charter, and only your group participates.

Which boats may be used?

Kellyfish operates three boats: Kellyfish, Pacific Time, and Fish Hunter Jr.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Rods, reels, tackle, and fishing gear are included.

Is bottled water included?

Bottled water is listed as included. Because some customers said water was not provided, it is sensible to confirm this before departure and bring your own supply.

What extra fees must I pay?

You purchase a fishing license on the dock for $22 per person. Live bait costs $40 per booking and is payable in cash only. The marina dock fee is $1 per person.

Is the charter suitable for beginners?

Yes. All levels of fishing experience are welcome, including first-time anglers, and the crew provides gear and instruction.

Is El Arco part of the outing?

Yes. El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is listed as the first stop on the route.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.