REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing (Our bigger boat!)
Book on Viator →Operated by Kellyfish sport fishing · Bookable on Viator
Morning in Cabo has a different feel.
Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing (their bigger boat) sets you up for serious action near the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, with a bilingual captain and the rods, reels, and tackle handled. The vibe in the reviews is all about getting lines in fast, staying relaxed, and enjoying the coast while you hunt sportfish.
One thing to plan for: it’s a 4-hour run on the water, and fishing can have slower stretches. You’ll also want to budget for what’s not included—especially the fishing license, live bait, and food/drinks—so you’re not scrambling mid-trip.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You Should Know
- 6:00 a.m. Start Time and the Marina Location That Keeps Things Easy
- The Arch of Cabo San Lucas: Why That First Stop Is So Often the Game Plan
- What You Get On Board: Included Gear and the Captain Work That Changes Everything
- The 4-Hour Rhythm: Fun, Fast, and Sometimes Quiet
- Sunrise Views, Whales, and Dolphins: The Part You’ll Remember Even If You Hook Less
- Fish Stories From the Real Day: Roosterfish, Mahi Mahi, and a Shark That Makes the Crew Proud
- What’s Not Included: The Budget Items That Keep You From Getting Stuck
- Photos, Crew Energy, and the Small Things That Make It Feel Like Care
- Weather and Refund Reality: What the Policy Says Versus One Tough Review
- Who This Cabo Charter Fits Best
- Should You Book Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing?
- FAQ
- How long is the fishing trip?
- Where do I meet Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing?
- What time does the tour start?
- What’s included in the price?
- What’s not included?
- Is this a private tour?
- What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?
Key Highlights You Should Know

- Bigger-boat comfort for the morning push from the Marina at 6:00 a.m.
- Arch of Cabo San Lucas is the main first fishing stop, a classic “get productive early” location
- Gear is included: rods, reels, and tackle, plus an experienced bilingual captain
- A very photo-friendly crew (from the helpful captain moments to follow-up pictures)
- Private charter feel: only your group participates
- Real wildlife vibes in the mix when conditions are good (whales and dolphins show up)
6:00 a.m. Start Time and the Marina Location That Keeps Things Easy

Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing runs an early departure, starting around 6:00 a.m. That timing matters in Cabo. Early light usually means calmer conditions and more active fish. It also gives you daylight fishing, which makes the whole experience feel easier—no guessing what you’re doing when visibility drops.
You’ll meet at Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 54, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The trip ends back at the same place, which helps if you’re trying to line up plans after your charter. In one account, the boat even worked with an overnight Cabo cruise schedule from Los Angeles, getting everyone back with time to spare—so if you’re on a tight itinerary, this kind of timing can be a big deal.
The tour is offered in English, and you’ll get a mobile ticket with confirmation at booking time. It’s also a private tour, meaning it’s only your group onboard, not a mixed cattle-car situation.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Cabo San Lucas
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas: Why That First Stop Is So Often the Game Plan

Your first stop centers on the Arch of Cabo San Lucas. This is the kind of landmark that matters more than it looks. Structurally, the area around Cabo’s iconic rock features and nearby waters can create the current and bait movement that sportfish key in on.
What this means for you in practical terms: you’re not just “going out to see the ocean.” You’re getting focused fishing time tied to a location anglers recognize. And because this is an early outing, you’re more likely to hit the kind of bite people talk about—like the first-chance hookups that can happen right after lines go in.
From the reviews, the best results don’t come from waiting around. They come from the rhythm: get out, get gear organized, and get fishing attention where it counts.
What You Get On Board: Included Gear and the Captain Work That Changes Everything

Kellyfish includes the essentials so you can show up and fish without bringing a tackle kit from home:
- Rods, reels, and tackle
- An experienced bilingual captain
This is one of the biggest value points. If you’ve ever rented gear in a hurry before a trip, you know how much time and stress that saves. Here, you can focus on the fun part: learning the setup, watching for bites, and letting your crew help you land fish.
The captain is repeatedly highlighted in the feedback by name. I wouldn’t treat this as a guarantee, but it’s a strong sign of consistency in the team. You’ll see Captain Ishmael called out for being incredible and for keeping the day moving with confidence. Another captain mentioned is Orlando, praised for guiding successful fishing efforts like mahi mahi and double hookups of striped marlin. Even when the catch was shared, the crew dynamic comes through as supportive—excited when you hook up and ready to help when you lose one.
If you care about a good “host” feel, this matters. Fishing is technical, and the best trips have a captain who keeps things calm and clear while still hyping you up for the next bite.
The 4-Hour Rhythm: Fun, Fast, and Sometimes Quiet

This charter is about 4 hours on the water (approx.). Four hours sounds short on paper, but it’s long enough for the sea to change your experience. Reviews mention that there can be periods where nothing major is happening. That’s normal in sportfishing. Even when the day is solid, there are stretches where you’re scouting, repositioning, and waiting for bait to show.
So here’s how to think about the trip:
- Treat it as a focused fishing window, not a guarantee of constant action.
- Expect some time spent working lines and watching your rig, not only “reel in fish” moments.
Bring your mindset accordingly and you’ll enjoy the day more. If you’re also the type who loves the boat ride itself, you’ll have company. Cabo’s coastline can be a show while you’re waiting—especially with sunrise in the mix.
Sunrise Views, Whales, and Dolphins: The Part You’ll Remember Even If You Hook Less

The water time isn’t just about fishing. One standout account describes a beautiful sunrise right out of the gate on a comfortable boat, then watching whales jumping and dolphins playing along the coast.
That matters because it keeps the trip enjoyable even in the quiet moments. Sportfishing has a special kind of patience. If the scenery is doing something, the waiting feels like part of the adventure instead of dead time.
If you’re traveling with people who are not hardcore fish-chasers, this helps them have fun too. The boat ride becomes an experience on its own, not just a means to an end.
Fish Stories From the Real Day: Roosterfish, Mahi Mahi, and a Shark That Makes the Crew Proud

The best part of any fishing review is the variety of results, and Kellyfish’s feedback shows a wide range of targets. You’ll see:
- Roosterfish mentioned as a major goal and a true fighting highlight
- Mahi mahi showing up, including trophy-sized examples
- White bonito / albacore and other sportfish hookups
- Even a mako shark reported as landed
What I like about this variety is that it suggests the crew is not rigid. They’re reacting to what the day gives them. That flexibility is where you often separate a decent charter from a great one.
Also note the “lost fish” reality. Several reports mention losing fish along the way. That’s normal. The exciting part is that the crew stays engaged through the whole process—so you don’t feel like the day is ruined if your first chance slips away.
What’s Not Included: The Budget Items That Keep You From Getting Stuck

Here’s what you’ll need to handle separately:
- Fishing license
- Live bait
- Food & drinks
This is where you can protect your trip from little headaches. One review directly advises bringing cash for the fishing license and for bait. That’s practical advice. Even if you can sometimes pay another way, cash tends to keep things smooth when it’s time to get onboard and get fishing.
Food and drinks not being included is also worth planning for. People do recommend packing sunscreen and snacks, because you’re on the water and you’ll be in the sun longer than you think. If you’ve got kids, older adults, or anyone who gets cranky when hungry, plan snacks like it’s a road trip.
Photos, Crew Energy, and the Small Things That Make It Feel Like Care

One of the most consistently praised pieces is how the crew treats you after the fish is on the line.
Multiple accounts describe:
- The crew being friendly and helpful
- Guides getting genuinely excited when anyone catches fish
- The captain taking photos when everyone can’t get their own shot
- Emailing or sending pictures afterward from the excursion
That might sound small until you’re on the boat and realize the action happens fast. When hooks, lines, and camera angles are all competing, having someone who thinks ahead makes the day easier—and makes the memories more shareable later.
Weather and Refund Reality: What the Policy Says Versus One Tough Review
This experience requires good weather. If your trip is canceled due to poor weather, you should expect either a different date or a full refund.
The cancellation policy also states free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before start, the amount paid isn’t refunded.
Now for the balanced note: there is at least one negative review complaining about a refund after weather cancellation and rebooking, with the issue seemingly tied to how refunds are processed through the booking platform. The provider response clarifies that refunds are handled via the platform (not directly by them). So if you want to feel fully protected, keep your confirmation details and understand that refund timing may depend on the site you booked through.
Who This Cabo Charter Fits Best
Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing tends to work well if you:
- Want a private trip feel without having to bring gear
- Like early starts and are happy to be on the water at sunrise
- Want a crew that shows real energy and support when the bite turns on
- Enjoy the coastal scenery and wildlife while you fish
It can also work for mixed ages. One review describes a group spanning ages 17 to 75, with everyone landing fish and enjoying the day—so it’s not only for experienced anglers.
If you’re the type who needs food/drinks provided, or you hate planning around licenses and bait, you’ll want to prepare ahead. The trip is best when you show up ready for a true fishing outing, not a packaged all-inclusive meal cruise.
Should You Book Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing?
Yes, I’d consider booking—especially if you care about a guided experience with provided gear and a captain/crew that aims to keep the day moving. The “best of” feedback centers on early action, strong captain leadership (Captain Ismael comes up more than once), and a real mix of catch excitement plus wildlife/scenery.
I’d book with clear expectations: it’s 4 hours of fishing on the water, and there can be quiet stretches. If you bring snacks, sunscreen, cash for the fishing license, and plan on live bait being your responsibility, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother day.
And if your trip timing is tight—like you’re connecting from an overnight cruise—this outfit’s timing flexibility is something to ask about when you confirm.
FAQ
How long is the fishing trip?
The charter is about 4 hours (approx.).
Where do I meet Kellyfish Cabo Sportfishing?
You meet at Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 54, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The activity also ends back at this meeting point.
What time does the tour start?
The start time listed is 6:00 a.m.
What’s included in the price?
The experience includes rods, reels, tackle, and an experienced bilingual captain.
What’s not included?
The fishing license, live bait, and food & drinks are not included.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s listed as private, so only your group will participate.
What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?
This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.



























