Yellowfin tuna are dominating offshore catches from Cabo San Lucas to the Gordo Banks as rising water temperatures and steady bait supplies fuel a strong early summer bite across Baja California Sur. Air temperatures in the region are running 73 to 89°F, seas are calm most mornings, and the pelagic fishing season is ramping up fast.
Charter operators out of Puerto Los Cabos Marina reported the tuna bite as the best action of the week ending June 9. Fish averaging 10 to 20 pounds are hitting live sardines near Vinorama and San Luis Bank, with a handful of 30 to 40 pounders mixed in. Water temperature readings have hovered around 80 to 81°F, a range that pulls baitfish into concentrated schools and keeps tuna feeding aggressively.
Gordo Banks Producing Volume, Striped Marlin Showing
The Gordo Banks, a pair of seamounts roughly eight miles offshore from San José del Cabo, stand out for sheer tuna volume. The live sardine supply has been consistent in both size and availability, according to Gordo Banks Pangas, a long-running charter service in the area. Foot traffic at local marinas has picked up in response to the sustained bite.
Striped marlin are also appearing with regularity. Boats trolling ballyhoo, lures, and live caballito (green jacks) offshore are connecting with billfish on multiple days per week. Blue and black marlin typically become more prominent as summer progresses, and water temps are trending in that direction.
Dorado Building Along Current Lines
Dorado numbers are climbing as warm currents push north along the coast. Anglers targeting dorado should look for current breaks and floating debris, which concentrate bait and draw fish to the surface. The species tends to peak later in summer and into fall, but early arrivals are already showing in catch reports from both Cabo San Lucas and the East Cape corridor.
Inshore, the East Cape between Los Barriles and Cabo Pulmo is producing roosterfish and jack crevalle, particularly during calm early morning hours before afternoon south breezes fill in around midday. The East Cape offers lighter fishing pressure and a well-rounded species mix compared to the busier Cabo launches.
What Anglers Should Know
Mexican law requires all anglers aboard a fishing vessel to hold a valid fishing license, including non-fishing observers. Most charter operators include the license in the trip price. Children under 12 are exempt. Brief weather disruptions remain possible, but the overall two-week outlook calls for stable conditions and continued strong fishing across all major Baja Sur zones.
This report is based on fishing conditions published by the Gringo Gazette on June 10, with additional catch data from Gordo Banks Pangas and Daliken Sportfishing out of Puerto Los Cabos Marina.