A charter fishing cruise is the best bet for a big catch. RELATED LINKS City Guide: Cabo San Lucas

With the Pacific Ocean on one side, the exceptionally fertile Sea of Cortez on the other, and a privileged location just below the Tropic of Cancer where tropical and temperate ecosystems converge, Los Cabos has long been known as one of the world’s top sport fishing destinations. Anglers can land a wide variety of feisty game fish in these waters, including blue, black and striped marlin, swordfish, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo and dorado.

The most comfortable and costly option for game fishing is to charter a cruiser specially outfitted for locating and landing trophy-size fish. Rates vary from boat to boat, typically upwards of $150 per person for an eight-hour excursion. Most charters include tackle, but you might have to pay extra for live bait, fishing licenses, lunch and cold cervezas.

For a fraction of the cost, fishing trips also may be arranged on smaller craft locally known as pangas. The downside is you’ll be out in an open boat with no head, cabin or comfy seating, but just imagine the thrilling tail you’ll have to tell your friends back home if you manage to hook a 15-foot marlin from a 22-foot launch.

Whatever kind of boat you choose, many conservation-minded Baja fishing guides advocate a catch-and-release policy, especially for marlins and other prized billfish. On the other hand, some commonly caught species make very good eating, and if you do reel in a tasty tuna or dorado, it’s possible to have your catch of the day cleaned, packed and frozen for the flight home.