What the Cabo Tuna Jackpot is
Western Outdoor News has run this tuna tournament for 27 years. It's two days of fishing with a US$1,000 entry fee (per the 2026 rules), so it pulls in a lot of regular anglers and friend groups alongside the big-money teams.
Each team can weigh up to three tuna, one wahoo and one dorado per day. Minimums are 30 pounds for tuna and wahoo and 20 pounds for dorado. There are no boundary limits beyond local law, so boats run wherever the tuna are. Up to six anglers, three crew and two guests are allowed per boat.
2026 schedule
Boats must be inside the outer harbor entrance by 6 PM to weigh fish, so the last half hour at the scale is the busiest.
- Tuesday, Nov 3: early check-in 1 to 5 PM at Tesoro Resort, then the Green Hair Party at Captain Tony's from 7 PM with live music
- Wednesday, Nov 4: registration 3 to 6 PM, captains meeting 7 PM
- Thursday and Friday, Nov 5 and 6: start boat leaves 5:45 AM outside Baja Cantina, shotgun start 7 AM, weigh-in 3 to 6:30 PM
- Saturday, Nov 7: awards dinner 5 to 9 PM at the cruise ship pier, catered by Solomon's Landing
Who should enter
Groups who want to fish a tournament without Black & Blue stakes. If you're staying with a crew of friends, a charter plus an entry is a fun way to anchor a trip; see our notes on sportfishing in Cabo San Lucas. Non-anglers can wander over for the weigh-ins, and the Green Hair Party at Captain Tony's is exactly as rowdy as it sounds.
Early November weather is usually excellent: hot days, calmer seas than October, and the tail of the fall fishing season.
Getting to the marina
Everything happens around the marina, a 15 to 20 minute walk from Hacienda Beach Club or a short taxi ride. For dinner after the scale, Solomon's Landing caters the awards and is right on the water. Our marina guide has the lay of the land.