Cabo Inshore vs Offshore Fishing | What’s Best for Your 2025 Trip?
🎣 Introduction:
Cabo San Lucas is a world-class fishing destination that offers two incredible but distinct styles of angling: inshore and offshore fishing. Whether you're a first-timer looking for action close to the coast or a seasoned angler chasing pelagic giants, it’s essential to know which experience fits your expectations. In this guide, Epic Ventures Fishing Charters breaks down the key differences between inshore and offshore fishing in Cabo — from target species to techniques and trip duration — to help you plan your ideal 2025 adventure.
🌊 1. Fishing Location & Distance from Shore
Inshore Fishing:
Location: 1–5 miles from shore
Waters: Bays, beaches, reefs, and rocky outcroppings
Time to Fishing Grounds: Often within 10–20 minutes of departure
Offshore Fishing:
Location: 10–40+ miles offshore in deep blue water
Waters: Drop-offs, seamounts, and current lines
Time to Fishing Grounds: 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on conditions
🧭 If you’re short on time or prefer calmer waters, inshore is your friend.
🐟 2. Target Species
Inshore Targets:
Roosterfish (🦜 the star of Cabo's surf)
Sierra Mackerel
Jack Crevalle
Snapper & Grouper
Triggerfish
Offshore Targets:
Striped, Blue, and Black Marlin
Yellowfin Tuna
Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)
Wahoo
Sailfish
🐠 Want hard-hitting predators like marlin or tuna? Offshore is your arena. Want nonstop coastal action? Go inshore.
🛠️ 3. Techniques & Gear Used
Inshore Fishing:
Gear: Light spinning rods (20–40 lb), medium tackle
Techniques: Casting, trolling live bait, bottom bouncing, and topwater
Bait: Sardines, mullet, lures, jigs
Offshore Fishing:
Gear: 30–130 lb tackle, heavy trolling rods, stand-up harnesses
Techniques: Trolling, kite fishing, drifting live bait, using outriggers
Bait: Ballyhoo, skipjack tuna, squid, high-speed trolling lures
⚙️ Inshore offers more hands-on casting; offshore brings big-game gear and advanced setups.
👨👩👧 4. Skill Level & Physical Demands
Inshore:
✅ Great for families, beginners, kids, and casual anglers
✅ Calmer seas, more accessible gear, shorter trips
Offshore:
🔥 Best for serious anglers, thrill-seekers, and trophy hunters
🔥 Requires more stamina, patience, and readiness for a full-day challenge
🧒 For younger anglers or those prone to motion sickness, inshore is a solid choice.
🕒 5. Trip Duration & Price Range
Trip Type Duration Typical Cost (2025) Inshore Trip 4–6 Hours 💲 Affordable starting point Offshore Trip 8–10+ Hours 💲💲 Higher due to fuel, distance & gear
💡 Not sure which is right for you? Start with a half-day inshore to get your sea legs.
🚤 Why Book with Epic Ventures Fishing Charters?
✅ Custom Trip Planning – Choose inshore, offshore, or combine both
✅ Local Expertise – Our crews know where the fish are — and when they bite
✅ Top Gear, Top Boats – From light tackle to marlin harnesses
✅ Family-Friendly & Tournament-Tested options
📅 Ready to Book Your Cabo Fishing Adventure?
Whether you're dreaming of battling a 200-lb tuna offshore or hooking a trophy roosterfish right off the beach, Epic Ventures Fishing Charters has the trip for you. Let us tailor your experience based on your goals, experience level, and time.
👉 Contact us now to reserve your summer 2025 spot — the fish are waiting!
