The East Cape sportfishing corridor between Los Barriles and Cabo Pulmo has opened its 2026 season with early reports of strong marlin activity in the waters off Baja California Sur’s southeastern coast. Charter captains out of Los Barriles and Buena Vista are reporting consistent hookups on striped marlin in the 150 to 200-pound range, with occasional blue and black marlin encounters pushing past 500 pounds in the deeper offshore channels. The warm currents flowing north through the Sea of Cortez bring these pelagic species within striking distance of the cape between March and November, with peak marlin fishing typically running from June through October.
Beyond marlin, the early season has produced strong catches of dorado (mahi-mahi), yellowfin tuna in the 30 to 80-pound class, wahoo, and the prized roosterfish that patrol the rocky shoreline reefs. The East Cape’s reputation as a world-class light tackle fishery continues to draw international anglers who prefer the region’s uncrowded waters and small-town atmosphere over the busier charter fleets operating out of Cabo San Lucas marina.
Charter Companies and Booking
The Buena Vista Sportfishing Fleet operates 22 boats ranging from 23 to 32 feet, departing daily from the Buena Vista beach launch at sunrise. Fish East Cape runs the vessels ReelzUp and Fintastik out of Los Barriles, specializing in fly fishing and light tackle trips for roosterfish and dorado. Felipe Valdez Sportfishing, with more than 20 years of East Cape experience, takes groups of up to four anglers on full-day offshore trips. Scorpion Sportfishing, also based in Los Barriles, offers both inshore and offshore charters with bilingual captains. Baja Fishing Adventures rounds out the major operators with a fleet of well-equipped sportfishers available for half-day and full-day charters. Anglers should book at least two to three weeks in advance during peak season, as the most experienced captains fill their calendars quickly. The East Cape is accessible via a 60-mile drive north from San José del Cabo International Airport (SJD) on the paved coastal highway, Mexico 1 East.
