Gone Fishin’

Cabo San Lucas is sometimes called “the town that marlin built,” and it comes by that reputation honestly. Landing a marlin that’s well over 100 pounds or larger is a regular occurrence here, and with yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado, yellowtail, and sailfish in plentiful supply, there’s no wonder this once-sleepy town on the southern tip of Baja California has been drawing anglers from around the world for decades. But if there’s one prized catch that keeps them coming back, it’s the billfish, those stunning beautiful sailfish, swordfish, and marlins that put up a titanic fight at the end of a line, even to the point of occasionally injuring the fisherman lucky enough to land one. Wrestling one of these beasts of the sea is a jolt of an experience—the kind from which legends are born.

Cabo San Lucas and its sister resort town, San Jose del Cabo, are easily reached from Los Cabos International Airport. From either town, or just about anywhere on the tip of Baja, it’s a simple affair to arrange a fishing trip. Strolling onto a marina with that “I want to fish” look in your eyes will net you several options for taking a trip out on a panga, the small, speedy boats that are a favorite with the local pescaderos (fishermen). Those who prefer a more cushy experience should make reservations with one of the larger cruisers that offer an all-inclusive experience combining lunch, drinks, fishing license, beer, bait, gratuity to the crew and the filleting and freezing of your catch.

The tip of Baja isn’t all about fishing, either. When the fish aren’t biting, ATV trips out of town, glass-bottom boat cruises, horseback riding, snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing—as well as plentiful golf and tennis opportunities—can help anglers pass the time.

Marlin and their fellow billfish are fast, aggressive, powerful predators that make for a fantastic man-vs.-nature struggle. They’re also increasingly in danger of being overfished, so most reputable captains and pescaderos insist on catch-and-release fishing, to ensure that stocks of these magnificent creatures remain ample for generations, and that the balance of all fish species in the region’s waters is maintained. As one lifelong fishing aficionado stated, “If you love something, set it free.” But you won’t walk away empty-handed; anglers usually get a certificate that the fish they caught was tagged and released humanely back into its deep blue home. —ML

Los Cabos Tourism Office, Plaza San José, Locales 3 and 4 ( 624/146-9628).

Tours: Pisces Fleet ( 624/143-1288; www.piscessportfishing.com). Minerva’s ( 624/143-1282; www.minervas.com).

When to Go: Apr–Nov.

$ Cabo Inn, 20 de Noviembre and Leona Vicario ( 624/143-0819; www.caboinnhotel.com). $$ Casa Bella B&B, Hidalgo 10 ( 624/143-6400; www.loscabosguide.com/hotels/casa-bella-hotel.htm.com).