Sportfishing Charters in Cabo San Lucas with Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing

Cabo’s fishing trips can turn quiet one minute and electric the next. Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing sends you out early from the marina, past El Arco, and into the Pacific and Sea of Cortez area in search of marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo, bonito, and other local species. The boat, captain, and fish are never fully predictable, which is part of the bargain.

I like two things here: the charter is private for your group, and the crew works with beginners instead of assuming you already know how to fight a fish. I also like the small-group setup, with up to four people aboard, since Captain Ismael, Andy, Miguel, and the other crew members can give direct help when the reel starts screaming.

The main caution is cost clarity. You pay extra for a fishing license, live bait, and the marina dock fee, and some outings have had confusion over water, boat assignments, or which vessel would arrive. Confirm the details before you go.

Key points at a glance

• Early 6 a.m. departure: Starting early gives you a full fishing window during the approximately eight-hour charter.
• Three possible boats: Kellyfish operates Kellyfish, Pacific Time, and Fish Hunter Jr., so confirm your assigned boat and captain before departure.
• Small private group: Your party has the boat to itself, with space for up to four people.
• Big-game possibilities: Depending on season and conditions, you might fish for marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo, bonito, or triggerfish.
• Extra costs matter: Fishing licenses cost $22 per person, live bait costs $40 per booking in cash, and the marina dock fee is $1 per person.
• El Arco is part of the route: You get Cabo’s famous rock formation as a scenic marker during the outing, though the main purpose is fishing.

Leaving Cabo Marina at 6 a.m.

The day starts early at Kellyfish on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina. That 6 a.m. meeting time is not decorative. A full-day charter needs the hours, and a prompt start gives the crew time to reach productive water, adjust tackle, and change plans if the first area is slow.

You meet at the marina and return to the same point at the end. The operator provides rods, reels, tackle, and bottled water. The crew also gives instruction, so you do not need to arrive as an experienced angler. That makes this a workable choice for a first deep-sea fishing outing, though you should still be ready for a long period on the water and changing conditions.

Before boarding, budget for the extras. The fishing license costs $22 per person. Live bait costs $40 per booking and must be paid in cash. There is also a $1-per-person marina dock fee. These costs are not unusual for a Cabo charter, but they change the real price, especially for a family or a group of four.

Bring cash for the bait, and confirm the current charter price when booking. The supplied details do not state a fixed base fare, and one unhappy customer referred to a $495 charge. Prices can change, so do not use that figure as a current quote.

What the three boats mean for your day

Kellyfish operates three boats: Kellyfish, Pacific Time, and Fish Hunter Jr. The small-group promise remains the important part, with a maximum of four people per charter. Still, the boat assignment matters, especially if you have a preference for cabin space, seating, or a bathroom.

One customer specifically praised an indoor cabin and bathroom on the boat used for the outing. That feature can be valuable if someone in your group feels seasick or simply needs a break from the sun. At the same time, another customer felt the boat was too small and complained about sitting on the floor. The operator responded that seating for four was available, but the conflicting experience is a good reason to ask which boat you will use and what facilities it has.

I would also confirm the captain’s name. Ismael appears repeatedly in the supplied information, often working with Andy, Miguel, Luis, or Mateo. The crew may change depending on the boat and date. That is not automatically a problem, but it helps you know what to expect instead of arriving with a different setup than you imagined.

The charter is private, not a shared boat with strangers. That gives you more control over the pace and your fishing goals. An experienced angler can ask to focus on marlin, while a family with children may prefer a better chance at smaller fish. The crew can advise you, but you should state your priorities at the start.

Passing El Arco before the fishing begins

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is the recognizable rock formation at the meeting point of Cabo’s two coastlines. Seeing it from the water gives your morning a scenic start, and the ride around the Cabo area can be as memorable as the fishing itself.

The itinerary names El Arco as the trip’s stop, but this is not a sightseeing cruise with a long shore visit. You are on a fishing charter. Think of the arch as a landmark along the route rather than a separate guided attraction with a set amount of photo time.

The views can be excellent, yet the boat may not linger if the captain is tracking fish or trying to reach a productive area. If your top goal is photography at El Arco, book a sightseeing trip instead. If you want fishing first and scenery as a bonus, this route gives you both in a practical way.

Fishing for marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, and more

Cabo’s appeal is the range of possible catches. The supplied experiences include marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo, bonito, and triggerfish. One half-day outing produced about a dozen bonito and triggerfish after a slow first hour. Another group caught mahi mahi and tuna, while another released a marlin and brought in two mahi mahi.

The largest fish can bring the most excitement. A nearly seven-foot mako shark was landed during one trip, and another outing produced a striped marlin after a slow search focused specifically on billfish. These are possibilities, not promises. Fishing depends on season, water temperature, water color, current, wind, and the location of the fish.

That uncertainty is worth taking seriously. A captain can work hard, change lures, search new areas, and still return without a bite. One outing described a difficult day for many boats, yet the crew kept trying until a marlin struck near the end. Another group caught nothing and felt the trip was poor value.

I would judge this charter by the effort and the type of day you want, not by a guaranteed catch. If you need a sure meal or a guaranteed marlin, no fishing charter can honestly promise that. If you enjoy the process and can accept a blank day, the possibility of a powerful fish makes the gamble worthwhile.

The crew’s role when the reel starts moving

The strongest praise centers on the crew’s attitude and fishing skill. Ismael is repeatedly described as patient, focused, and eager to help people catch fish. Andy is often paired with him, and Miguel, Luis, and Mateo also appear in the supplied experiences.

That matters most when you are new to fishing. One group wished the crew had explained how to operate the reel before a fish hit. This is a useful tip: ask for a quick demonstration before the lines go out. Learn how to hold the rod, work the reel, and respond when the captain gives instructions.

When a fish strikes, the crew handles the technical work, including tackle changes and positioning. You still have to fight the fish, but you are not expected to know every step. Children can participate, too. A family with a six-year-old reported catching eight fish and bringing three back, though the details of the catch will vary by day.

The best crew members also keep working when the first plan fails. Ismael reportedly honored one angler’s request to focus strictly on marlin, even though it was not peak marlin season. That is a good sign for experienced anglers who have a clear target. If you care more about bringing home fish than pursuing one species, say so before departure.

What happens to your catch afterward

You may catch and release some fish, while keeping others according to local rules. One group reached the legal limit for mahi mahi, and another brought fish back to a resort restaurant for a multi-course meal. A captain also suggested taking a wahoo catch to a marina restaurant for preparation in several styles.

That can turn the fishing trip into lunch or dinner, but you should ask exactly how your fish will be handled. One customer raised concerns about receiving all of the catch back and paying for vacuum packing and freezing without getting frozen fish. I would count your fish, confirm any filleting or packing charge, and check the storage arrangement before leaving the dock.

Do not assume these services are part of the charter. The supplied inclusions list covers fishing equipment and bottled water, not cleaning, packing, restaurant preparation, or transport of fish. If you plan to take fish home, ask about each step in advance.

The real value of a private eight-hour charter

A private boat costs more than joining a shared fishing trip, but the comparison is not only about the number on the receipt. With up to four people, you split the charter cost among your own group and avoid sharing fishing time with strangers. You also get a crew focused on your party’s goals.

For a family or two couples, that privacy can be worth paying for. You can ask questions freely, let a beginner take time with the rod, or request a species focus without negotiating with a larger group. The smaller boat can also feel more personal.

The extra charges reduce the value if you do not expect them. Add the $22 license for each person, the $40 cash bait charge, and the $1 marina fee per person. Bottled water and gear are included, but one customer said water was not provided. Since that conflicts with the stated inclusions, confirm the water supply and bring your own as a backup.

The 4.7 rating from 85 ratings and the 92 percent recommendation figure suggest a strong overall record, but they do not erase the bad days. The most useful way to read those numbers is this: many people enjoyed the crew and caught fish, while a smaller number had problems with communication, water, boat expectations, or poor fishing luck.

Who should book Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing

I would consider this charter a good fit for:

• A first-time angler who wants hands-on instruction.
• A small family or group of friends who wants a private boat.
• An experienced fisherman who wants to request marlin or another target species.
• A visitor who likes the chance of bringing fish to a Cabo restaurant.
• Anyone comfortable with an early start and uncertain results.

I would hesitate if you dislike early mornings, get uncomfortable on small boats, or need a guaranteed catch. I would also ask more questions if someone in your party needs a bathroom or indoor cabin. One boat may have those features, but the information does not promise the same setup on every vessel.

The activity is offered in English, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but the supplied details do not give a full accessibility description. Contact the operator if you need specific seating, mobility, or onboard facilities.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. That gives you some useful flexibility, but it does not protect you from a disappointing fishing day after the cancellation window closes.

Should you book this Cabo fishing trip?

Book Kellyfish if you want a private, small-group fishing day with a real chance at marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, or other local fish, and you value a crew that works directly with you. The most convincing part is the repeated praise for Ismael, Andy, and the other captains when they help beginners, keep trying during slow periods, and adjust tactics to the conditions.

Before paying, confirm the total price, boat name, captain, water supply, bait charge, license cost, marina fee, seating, and any bathroom or cabin facilities. Ask how you want to fish: for a specific species or for the best available action. If you accept that fishing is never guaranteed, this can be a memorable Cabo morning. If you expect every outing to produce a trophy, choose with more caution.

FAQ

How long is the Kellyfish fishing charter?

The charter lasts approximately eight hours. The stated start time is 6 a.m., and the activity ends back at the Kellyfish meeting point in Cabo San Lucas Marina.

Where does the charter meet?

You meet at Kellyfish, Boulevard Paseo de la Marina, San Lucas, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The return point is the same meeting location.

How many people can join the private charter?

The boats comfortably accommodate up to four people per charter. Only your own group participates in the private activity.

What is included in the fishing trip?

Fishing rods, reels, tackle, and bottled water are included. The crew also provides gear and instruction for anglers of different experience levels.

What extra fees do I need to 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.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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