AN ANGLER’S GUIDE TO CABO SAN LUCAS

Unless arriving by land or sea, visitors to the

Los Cabos area will fly into the Los Cabos International Airport, with flights serving the major aviation hubs in the United States and elsewhere. The airport is about 30 miles from Cabo San Lucas. Car rentals are available, but it’s preferable to arrange for a pickup or take one of the numerous taxis, unless you’re comfortable with the hectic pace of driving in Mexico. Transcabo does a great job with airport transfers, as does Burgos Transportation.

HOTELS

The choices for lodging in Cabo San Lucas are on par with any other top vacation destination in the world, from hostel to five-star-plus. The Solmar Resort is just steps away from the ocean and is a great choice, as is the Playa Grande Resort. Carved into the mountainside overlooking the area is the Resort at Pedregal, another top pick for visitors looking for beauty and seclusion.

CHARTERS

Perhaps more so than any other sport-fishing destination in the world, Cabo offers a wide range of charter boats. And because the striped marlin can be found within just a few miles of the famous El Arco rock formation at the mouth of the harbor, they’re within range of even the smallest outboardpowered pangas. However, for comfort and safety we prefer the sturdy twin-diesel boats of the Gaviotas and Minerva charter fleets. Another topflight choice is the Cabo Yachts sport-fishers available in the Picante fleet. The choices are nearly endless, although the top boats book early, especially for tournaments. And stop by Minerva’s Baja Tackle for any last-minute necessities.

A note on bait: Most Cabo charters will fish a spread of artificial lures, but live bait is available for purchase at an additional charge from one of the bait pangas in the harbor. It’s worth the extra expense to have a dozen or so live mackerel or caballitos in the well to drop back to a striped marlin that’s raised on a lure or teaser, or cast to one spotted on the surface.

RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE

Again, the choices are numerous when it’s time to dine after a long day at sea. Don’t miss the tuna “lures” at Fisherman’s Landing at the marina, or the margaritas and tacos at Baja Cantina, the unofficial headquarters for the Bisbee’s Black and Blue crowd.

Edith’s is an upscale choice for steaks and seafood. After dark, head for clubs such as Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina, El Squid Roe or the Giggling Marlin. Breakfast on the water at Barra Barra or on the beach at the Office is always a good choice too.