Cabo San Lucas fishing reports

Unleash Your Inner Angler: Top Jigging Hotspots to Conquer in 2025 🎣

Jigging fishing: it’s not just dangling a lure, it’s a full-body workout with a saltwater trophy at the end. This high-energy style demands skill, but the rewards are massive. Ready to test your mettle against monster fish? These jigging hotspots are calling your name!

1. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: Jigging in Paradise 🇲🇽

Cabo San Lucas isn’t just tequila shots and spring break. Beneath the party vibes lies a jigging haven. The Sea of Cortez teems with hard-fighting game fish, and with its dramatic scenery, it’s an angler’s dream come true.

Why Cabo Rocks for Jigging:

• Species Diversity: Yellowfin tuna, amberjack, grouper, snapper… you name it, Cabo’s got it! This biodiversity keeps the action exciting.
• Year-Round Fishing: Cabo’s fishing season is practically endless, making it a prime destination no matter when you’re itching to jig.
• Accessibility: Countless charters cater to jigging fanatics, with experienced crews who know the hotspots like the back of their hand.
• Top Tip: For a jigging trip that’s off the hook (pun intended!), hook up with US Tag Cabo Sportfishing. These guys live and breathe jigging, with top-notch gear and a passion for putting you on the fish.
• Don’t Miss:
• Jigging for Yellowfin Tuna in the Fall: Witness the tuna frenzy as these powerful fish chase baitfish, creating a jigging bonanza.
• Targeting Grouper near Underwater Structures: Drop your jig around reefs and wrecks for a chance to hook into these behemoths.
• Exploring the Gordo Banks: This legendary fishing ground is a short boat ride from Cabo and offers incredible jigging opportunities.

2. The Andaman Islands, India: Where Giants Dwell 🇮🇳

Tucked away in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands are a jigging frontier. Crystal-clear waters hide giants like giant trevally (GT), dogtooth tuna, and even marlin. If you’re after a true test of strength, this is it.

Why the Andamans are a Jigging Jewel:

• Pristine Waters: Limited fishing pressure means healthy fish populations and a pristine environment.
• Big Game Paradise: GTs here are legendary for their size and power. Be prepared for an epic battle!
• Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: Combine your jigging trip with exploring the islands’ lush rainforests and stunning beaches.

Recommended Guides:

• Andaman Angler: These guys specialize in GT jigging and know the waters intimately.
• Sportquest Holidays: Offers custom-built boats and experienced guides for a comfortable and productive trip.

Jigging Tactics for the Andamans:

• Heavy Duty Gear: Pack your strongest rods and reels, as you’ll be tackling some serious heavyweights.
• Deep Water Jigging: Many of the prized fish here lurk in deeper waters, so be prepared to drop your jigs down.
• Live Bait: Supplement your jigging with live bait to increase your chances of enticing a bite.

3. Southern Japan: Jigging with the Masters 🇯🇵

Japan is a jigging mecca, and the southern islands are where the action’s at. Think amberjack, yellowtail, and a host of bottom dwellers, all ready to test your jigging prowess.

Why Southern Japan is a Must-Visit:

• Jigging Culture: Immerse yourself in the rich angling traditions of Japan and learn from the masters.
• Unique Species: Encounter fish you won’t find anywhere else, adding a unique dimension to your jigging experience.
• Culinary Delights: After a day on the water, indulge in the freshest sushi and seafood you’ve ever tasted.

Expert Guidance:

• Tsurusaki San: This legendary angler and his team offer unparalleled expertise and access to prime fishing grounds.
• OceanGate: Provides high-quality charters with experienced captains who know the local waters like the back of their hand.

Jigging Tips for Japan:

Respectful Angling: Observe local customs and fishing etiquette to ensure a positive experience.

Light Tackle Approach: While heavy jigs are sometimes needed, finesse techniques often prevail in these waters.

Vertical Jigging: Focus on vertical jigging techniques to entice the bottom-dwelling species.

4. Northwestern Australia: The Wild West of Jigging 🇦🇺

Northwestern Australia is where the outback meets the ocean, creating a rugged and wild jigging playground. Brace yourself for strong currents, deep waters, and powerful fish like giant trevally, Spanish mackerel, and coral trout.

Why Northwestern Australia is an Adventure:

• Untamed Beauty: Experience the raw beauty of the Australian coastline while battling impressive game fish.
• Challenging Conditions: Test your skills against strong currents and powerful fish, making for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
• Beyond Fishing: Combine your jigging trip with diving, exploring the outback, and encountering unique wildlife.

Top Charter Recommendations:

• Cobourg Fishing Safaris: Based in the Northern Territory, they offer expert guidance for targeting giant trevally and other pelagic species.
• Peak Sportfishing Adventures: Operating out of Exmouth, they specialize in jigging for a variety of fish, including tuna and mackerel.

Gear Up for the Challenge:

• Heavy-Duty Tackle: Strong rods and reels are essential for handling the powerful fish and strong currents.
• Wire Leaders: Protect your line from sharp teeth with wire leaders, especially when targeting mackerel and sharks.
• Sun Protection: The Australian sun is intense, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses.

5. The Azores, Portugal: Jigging in the Atlantic’s Embrace 🇵🇹

Rising from the depths of the Atlantic, the Azores offer a unique jigging experience. These volcanic islands are surrounded by deep waters teeming with tuna, amberjack, and even sharks.

Why the Azores are an Angler’s Paradise:

• Deep-Sea Encounters: Explore the depths of the Atlantic and target large pelagic species that will put your skills to the test.
• Volcanic Landscape: Enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Azores, both above and below the water.
• European Flair: Combine your jigging adventure with exploring the charming towns and villages of the Azores.

Charter Your Adventure:

• Ratinho Sport Fishing & Tours: A well-respected charter company offering jigging trips throughout the Azores.
• Azores Fishing Charter: Provides experienced guides and modern boats for comfortable and productive jigging excursions.

Azores Jigging Essentials:

• Versatile Jigs: Pack a variety of jigs in different sizes and colors to attract different species.
• Motion is Key: Experiment with different jigging techniques to find what works best on any given day.
• Respect the Environment: Practice sustainable fishing and follow local regulations to protect the Azores’ pristine ecosystem.

Ready to embark on your jigging adventure? Remember to research local regulations, book your charter in advance, and most importantly, have an unforgettable time battling these incredible fish!

Cabo San Lucas is famous for its incredible sportfishing, and while many anglers head straight offshore for marlin and tuna, the inshore action is equally thrilling! The diverse coastline and abundant marine life make it a haven for a variety of gamefish. Let’s dive into the species you can target and the exciting techniques we use to hook them.

Inshore Targets:

• Roosterfish: The iconic roosterfish, with its flamboyant dorsal fin, is a prized catch. These powerful predators put up an incredible fight and are known for their acrobatic jumps.

• Dorado (Mahi-Mahi): These vibrant fish are a favorite for their beautiful colors and aggressive strikes. They’re often found near floating debris and are known for their exciting runs.

• Spanish Mackerel: These speedy fish provide non-stop action. They’re often found in schools and are a blast to catch on light tackle.

• Jack Crevalle: These hard-fighting fish are known for their powerful runs and stubbornness. They’re a great challenge for anglers of all skill levels.

• Groupers: Cabo’s rocky reefs and structures are home to various groupers, including the Goliath Grouper. These fish are a challenge to pull out of their rocky hideouts.

• Amberjacks: Another powerful reef dweller, amberjacks are known for their strong runs and powerful fights.

• Yellowtail: These hard-hitting fish are a favorite among anglers. They’re known for their aggressive strikes and delicious taste.

Exciting Techniques:

• Topwater Action: Nothing beats the excitement of a surface strike! We use poppers and stick baits to entice dorado and roosterfish into explosive attacks. These lures create a commotion on the surface, mimicking fleeing baitfish and triggering the predatory instincts of these fish.

• Jigging: Jigging is a highly effective technique for targeting groupers, amberjacks, and yellowtail that lurk around reefs and structures. We use a variety of jigs, including metal jigs and diamond jigs, to attract these fish. The key is to work the jig with an enticing action that triggers a strike.

• Fly Fishing: For a truly unique and challenging experience, we offer fly fishing trips. We target all the species mentioned above, using flies that mimic baitfish and crustaceans. To increase our chances, we often chum the water with live bait to attract fish to the boat, making for exciting sight-fishing opportunities.

Why Choose Inshore Fishing?

Inshore fishing in Cabo San Lucas offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the thrill of sportfishing in a beautiful setting.

It’s a great option for anglers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans.

Ready for an Adventure?

If you’re ready to experience the excitement of inshore fishing in Cabo San Lucas, book your trip today!

Our experienced guides will take you to the best spots and provide you with the knowledge and equipment you need to land that trophy fish.

Reach out at tagsportfishing@gmail.com

Cabo San Lucas, the undisputed fishing capital of the world, offers anglers an incredible variety of gamefish. But among the marlin, dorado, and wahoo, a true gladiator reigns supreme: the yellowfin tuna. And for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping, arm-burning challenge, there’s no better way to target these powerful predators than with slow-pitch jigging.

Why Slow-Pitch Jigging?

Slow-pitch jigging (SPJ) has taken the angling world by storm, and for good reason. This technique involves a specialized jigging style and equipment, resulting in a tantalizing, fluttering action that drives tuna wild. Unlike traditional jigging, which relies on rapid, vertical movements, slow-pitch focuses on subtle, horizontal presentations. This mimics the movements of a wounded baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes from even the most finicky tuna.

The Cabo Advantage

Cabo’s deep, nutrient-rich waters provide the perfect habitat for yellowfin tuna, attracting schools of all sizes, from football-sized fish to behemoths exceeding 200 pounds. The underwater topography, with its dramatic drop-offs and seamounts, creates ideal ambush points for tuna, making it a prime location for slow-pitch jigging.

Gear Up for Battle

Before you head out to the fishing grounds, make sure you have the right gear for the job:

• Rod: A specialized slow-pitch rod is crucial. These rods are typically shorter and more parabolic than traditional jigging rods, allowing for precise control and optimal action of the jig. Look for a rod with a fast tip and a strong backbone to handle the powerful runs of yellowfin tuna.
• Reel: A high-quality spinning reel with a smooth drag system is essential. Choose a reel with a high gear ratio for quick retrieval and a large line capacity to handle long runs.
• Line: Braided line is the preferred choice for slow-pitch jigging. Its thin diameter and low stretch provide excellent sensitivity and direct contact with the jig. A leader of fluorocarbon is recommended to reduce visibility and abrasion resistance.
• Jigs: The heart of slow-pitch jigging lies in the selection of jigs. Opt for long, slender jigs with a center-balanced design. These jigs flutter enticingly on the fall, creating the irresistible action that triggers strikes. Experiment with different weights, colors, and shapes to find what works best on the day.
• Assist Hooks: Sharp and strong assist hooks are crucial for securing a solid hookup. Choose hooks that are appropriately sized for your jigs and target species.

Slow-pitch jigging is a finesse technique:

1. The Drop: Let the jig fall freely, maintaining slight tension.
2. The Pitch: Lift the rod tip slowly, creating a subtle upward motion.
3. The Pause: After the pitch, pause, allowing the jig to fall naturally.
4. Repeat: Continue this sequence, varying the speed and intensity.

Tag Cabo Sportfishing’s Insider Tips

At Tag Cabo Sportfishing, we leverage technology and experience to maximize your success:

• Water Temperature and Wind Conditions: Before heading out, we always check the water temperatures and wind conditions using the Satfish app. This gives us a great idea of where the water breaks are, which are prime hunting grounds for yellowfin tuna.
• Follow the Signs: Spinner dolphins often follow yellowfin tuna, and birds follow the dolphins. We use our binoculars to detect these signs from afar, allowing us to pinpoint the tuna’s location.
• Strategic Positioning: Once we find birds and dolphins, we get to the front of the school and stop before they even reach us. This allows us to drop our jigs right in front of the oncoming tuna.
• Transducer Confirmation: As the dolphins approach, we usually start seeing tuna marks on our transducer, confirming their presence.

Get $20 off your Satfish subscription with promo code TAGCABO!

Beyond the Thrill of the Catch

Slow-pitch jigging is not just about catching fish; It’s about feeling the power of the fish, anticipating the strike, and experiencing the thrill of the fight. It’s a challenging and rewarding technique that will create unforgettable memories.

Conservation and Sustainability

While enjoying Cabo’s fishing opportunities, it’s important to practice responsible angling:

• Practice catch and release specially bill fish: Consider releasing your Bill fish catch.
• Use circle hooks: Circle hooks are less likely to harm fish.
• Support sustainable fishing practices: Choose operators who prioritize conservation.

Experience the Magic with Tag Cabo Sportfishing

For an unforgettable slow-pitch jigging adventure in Cabo San Lucas, join Tag Cabo Sportfishing.

With our expert guides, top-of-the-line equipment, and commitment to sustainable practices, we’ll help you experience the thrill of a lifetime.

Contact us today at tagsportfishing@gmail.com and get ready to chase yellowfin Tunas!

The Thrill of Inshore Fishing in Cabo San Lucas: Panga and Center Console Adventures

At Tag Cabo Sportfishing, we believe in tailoring every fishing trip to match the angler’s vision.

When it comes to inshore fishing in Cabo San Lucas, we offer two fantastic options: the traditional panga and our versatile center console boats. Both provide unique experiences, and I’d love to share why these are perfect for targeting inshore species and how they’ve become a big part of our fishing stories.

Inshore Fishing in Cabo San Lucas: An Angler’s Paradise

Inshore fishing in Cabo San Lucas is nothing short of spectacular. The diverse marine environment along the coastline provides endless opportunities to target a wide variety of species, making every trip an adventure. From dazzling dorados to powerful roosterfish reaching up to an impressive 75 pounds, these waters are teeming with life and excitement.

The beauty of inshore fishing here is the proximity to the shoreline, meaning less time traveling and more time casting. This makes for action-packed outings where you can hook into species like jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel, needlefish, cubera snapper, groupers, and, of course, those trophy-sized roosters.

Would you like me to refine this or add more details about targeting dorados or those massive roosterfish?

Choosing the Right Boat for the Adventure

Panga Boats: Tradition Meets Simplicity

When I think of classic fishing, the panga is always the first thing that comes to mind. These nimble, open boats are ideal for anglers who want to feel connected to the water. Pangas allow us to get incredibly close to the shoreline, where roosterfish and other predators hunt. The simplicity of the setup, combined with the excitement of being just feet from the action, creates an unforgettable experience.

A day on a panga often starts with a live bait tank filled to the brim. We use live bait to draw fish toward the boat, setting the stage for the real fun: casting artificial lures like poppers and stick baits into the frenzy. The compact size of the panga keeps you close to the action, making every cast and catch feel personal.

Center Console Boats: Comfort and Versatility

For anglers seeking a bit more comfort and flexibility, our center console boats are the way to go. These boats are perfect for inshore fishing, offering a 360-degree casting range that’s especially useful when the action heats up. Whether you’re casting into a school of jack crevalle or sight-fishing for roosterfish along the surf, the open deck space and stability of a center console make it easy to move and react.

I often recommend center consoles for families or groups, as they provide more space and amenities without sacrificing the excitement of inshore fishing. Plus, they’re equipped with the latest technology to help us locate fish and navigate the beautiful coastline of Los Cabos.

Techniques and Tips for Inshore Success

No matter which boat you choose, inshore fishing requires a mix of strategy, skill, and a little bit of luck. Here’s what works for me:

• Live Bait Setup: Live bait is our secret weapon for attracting fish. It’s the perfect way to entice curious predators to come closer.
• Topwater Lures: For roosterfish, jack crevalle, and Spanish mackerel, I love using poppers and stick baits. Casting near sandy beaches or rocky outcrops and watching a fish explode on the lure is a rush like no other.
• Jigging for Structure Species: When targeting cubera snapper or grouper, I focus on areas with lots of structure, like reefs or rocky bottoms. Dropping a jig into 150-300 feet of water and feeling that unmistakable strike is pure adrenaline.

My Favorite Memories from Inshore Fishing

One of my most memorable trips involved a center console outing with a family of four. The father was a seasoned angler, while the kids were casting for the first time. We set up just off a sandy stretch of beach known for its roosterfish activity. After drawing in a few jacks with live bait, the youngest son hooked into a roosterfish on his first cast with a popper. Watching his excitement as he reeled it in was a reminder of why I love this job. Moments like these make every trip special.

Plan Your Inshore Adventure with Us

Whether you prefer the traditional charm of a panga or the comfort and versatility of a center console, Tag Cabo Sportfishing has the perfect option for your inshore fishing trip. Our experienced guides, top-notch equipment, and passion for fishing ensure you’ll have an unforgettable experience.

Ready to make your own fishing story?

Contact us today at tagsportfishing@gmail.com to book your adventure and discover the magic of inshore fishing in Cabo San Lucas!

By Arturo Chacon, Tag Cabo Sportfishing Fleet, Cabo San Lucas

In the heart of Panama’s Chiriqui area lies Isla Parida, a remote and pristine island accessible only by a flight into David and a subsequent boat ride. This hidden gem, far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern life, offers an unparalleled fishing experience. I had the privilege of experiencing this firsthand, thanks to an invitation from SIMRAD representatives Alejandro Desantos and Steve Rea. Our host for this adventure was Shane Jarvis, the owner of Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge.

The Journey

Getting to Isla Parida is an adventure in itself. After landing in David, we traveled to the island, which is a stunning, isolated jungle paradise. The lodge, nestled in this serene environment, provided the perfect base for our fishing excursions. The tranquility of the island, coupled with its lush greenery, set the stage for an unforgettable experience.

The Fishing Experience

Our target was the big grade yellowfin tuna, a species known for its strength and speed. The waters around Isla Parida are teeming with marine life, making it a prime location for anglers. Over the course of four days, we employed various techniques, including the use of stick baits, poppers, and live bait. The strategy was to locate feeding frenzies and cast directly into them, a method that proved highly effective.

Stick Baits: These lures were particularly successful in enticing the tunas to strike. Their lifelike movement and appearance made them irresistible to the fish, leading to numerous hookups.

Poppers: The excitement of using poppers lies in the surface action they create. By mimicking the frantic motion of fleeing baitfish, these lures triggered explosive strikes from the yellowfin tunas.

Live Bait: For those moments when the fish were more cautious, live bait was our go-to option. The natural movement of live bait proved to be a reliable way to attract and catch the tunas.

The Highlights

Each day on the water brought new challenges and rewards. The sight of tunas boiling at the surface, the sound of lines screaming off the reels, and the thrill of battling these powerful fish created an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. The camaraderie among our group added to the experience, as we shared tips, celebrated catches, and relished the beauty of our surroundings.

One of the most memorable aspects of the trip was the sheer beauty of Isla Parida. The island’s lush jungle, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife made it a paradise for nature lovers and anglers alike. The isolation of the island added to its charm, offering a sense of peace and seclusion that is hard to find elsewhere.

Conclusion

Fishing at Isla Parida, Panama, is an experience that combines adventure, natural beauty, and the thrill of the catch. As a Prostaff of SIMRAD in Latin America and a proud Owner of the Tag Cabo Sportfishing fleet, I am grateful for the opportunity to explore this incredible destination. Whether you’re an avid angler or simply someone who appreciates the great outdoors, Isla Partida offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Panama’s fishing paradise.