Sport Fishing

Sport fishing is one of the main reasons people come to San Carlos, and the Sea of Cortez delivers. The target species change through the year: marlin and sailfish peak in summer and early autumn; dorado (mahi-mahi) run strongly from June through October; yellowtail are present almost year-round; and yellowfin tuna appear in large schools from July through November. Roosterfish, cabrilla, and grouper are caught close to shore.

Charters run out of Marina San Carlos and Marina Real. Half-day and full-day trips are available, with full-day trips the better option if you want to reach the offshore canyon where the big pelagics concentrate. Most operators include tackle and bait; ask whether ice and fish cleaning are included before you book. The fleet is experienced and the captains know the local grounds well.

things to do sport fishing
A story
The Sea of Cortez was famously called "the world's aquarium" by Jacques Cousteau, and the waters off San Carlos back up the claim. Blue, black, and striped marlin are all caught here, sometimes in numbers that would be impossible to believe in the Atlantic. The canyon drop-off roughly 25 kilometres offshore creates an upwelling that concentrates baitfish and, in turn, attracts the big pelagics in summer and autumn.