Who is Team CABO MAGIC ® Sportfishing and when were you established?
Good question!

Tommy & Lori Garcia's Team CABO MAGIC ® Sportfishing was offically established in 1999.

Tommy Garcia, known affectionately by locals as "El Milagro" has been coming here since the early 1970's. His biological father Tomas was a semi-pro soccer player for Team CHIVAS of Los Mochis, Sinaloa. Tomas came to the US in the 1940's on a work visa.

Tomas brought young Tommy to Cabo San Lucas to fish and enjoy the endless beauties and bounties of the region. Many of the original 'old-timer' pescadores have sons and grandsons that also proudly now fish our waters - as boat owners, captains and mates.

How do I charter a boat with you?
Call us! We are delighted to work with you to make your arrangements. Call us on our Vonage line 1-619-819-8634

It is helpful to be on our website when you call - we like to use the website as a visual brochure.

We will discuss and consider what fits your needs and budget.

Click on the photo of any boat - the page will open to show more information specific to that one.

OR if you prefer, you can complete our online Charter Request. We proudly set new standards for website business practices with this product in 1999. We will contact you promptly to discuss your request.

What is Vonage?
Vonage is VoiceOverIP Technology that allows you to dial a telephone number that is neither long distance nor international and it comes to us in Cabo San Lucas. Our CSL Office Vonage number is 619-819-8634

For those of you interested check out www.vonage.com and see how you can effectively and efficiently manage operating expenses at home and office. If you say you were referred by CABO MAGIC we appreciate that.

What is required to confirm a reservation for boat charter?
A monetary deposit is required. Without deposit, a reservation is held in good faith for a short period of time. If no deposit is received & we do not have continued communications, we will release that boat and make it available for charter.

What can I expect from your crews?
First and foremost, our crews are concerned with the safety of our VIP guests.

Next they want to entertain you and really 'get you on the fish'. To succeed, a necessary combination of skill, timing and luck all work together.

It is very important to keep your wits about you while aboard any boat. Sea conditions can go from 'smooth' to 'choppy' or even a rogue swell can appear seemingly out of nowhere. Because guests safety is always a primary consideration, 'sunbathing' on the bow of a boat is not recommended . However, aboard PEGASUS the sundeck is designed specifically for guests to sunbath or relax safely.

It is helpful to watch what the crew is doing. They will work hard to find you fish. They are watching for signs of action below the surface of the water. They watch birds, surface bubbles, bait fish, jumping fish, fins & tails. Their eyes are trained & skilled in watching for the slightest sign of fish action. They will troll lures in attempts to catch the attention of fish below the surface. Sometimes the fish you are hunting will hit a trolled lure and sometimes the crew will pitch live bait to entice them.

Our captains & mates can speak and understand English in various levels. Several take great pride in their ability to do so. ALL crews do their best to understand what you say to them. Some are understandably more comfortable speaking their native language of Spanish amongst themselves. Just as you might appreciate their effort to speak english to you, they do appreciate any effort made to speak to them and will extend gracious courtesy in kind. All of our crews speak fantastic Fish English!

Our crews will do what is necessary to maintain the boat & equipment functioning and operationing properly.

Where do we board the boat?
Our boats are slipped in private slips around the IGY Marina of Cabo San Lucas. Confirmation paperwork will be emailed to you providing specific location information on receipt of deposit to 'ink & confirm' your reservation.

Where and at what time do we get aboard the boat?
All dock gates are locked and require a special pass to enter. All CABO MAGIC Crews and Staff have this required pass.

We are very respectful of your time - you are on vacation! We do not require you to check in at our office - We ask you to meet our staff at the Dock Gate where the boat you will be aboard is located - just a few minutes prior to your charter departure time.

Boats generally depart the marina from 6:30 - 7:30am. Specific information to your charter is provided in confirmation emails.

For those guests wishing a custom itinerary we are delighted to accomodate your requests and needs.

How long does the charter last?
Full day fishing charter is (8) hours.

Half day fishing charter is (5) hours

We now offer what we call "Min" fishing charters of (3) hours aboard select team boats.

We are happy to arrange shorter or longer time aboard - just ask!

What is included in our charter? What is not included?
All of our charters includes: Boat, Fuel, Tackle/Gear, Crew, Marina Departure fees, IVA Mexican Tax, Angler Licenses, Ice.

Crew gratuity is not included in any of our charters and is respectfully recommended at 15% and up of charter cost.

Live bait "carnada" is not included with our charters - You purchase carnada directly from bait vendors as you depart the marina.

Food and/or beverages are available to purchase for your convenience and enjoyment. We will discuss this with you in detail on confirmation.

What do you accept for payment of charters? Do you accept credit cards? Do you accept travellers checks?
We gladly accept Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover card.

We do not accept travellers cheques under any circumstances due to the extensive delays to process them.

We do not accept credit cards for tournament charters.

Will you take my credit card over the phone?
YES! Call 1-619-819-8634 for secure processing of your payment.

Is there a best time for certain species of fish I am targeting?
Our ANNUAL FISH CHART indicates when a particular species is known to be in our region. Our waters are visited year round by most species. Each calendar year we are surprised by the catch of a species not known to be available at that particular time. The Athletes of The Ocean you are HUNTING do not follow the monthly calendar and arrive and depart when they are moved to .. inspired by moon phases, tides, water temperature changes and bait availability.

What will the seas be like when I want to go fishing?
Difficult to impossible to answer with accuracy. We can have calm seas or they can be 3' to 5'. Keep in mind that we have two bodies of water crashing together, and, moving in opposite directions. The Pacific Ocean moves from west to east while the Sea of Cortez generally moves from east to west.

For example, if there are winds originating from the north that are hit by a high or low pressure system in California this can affect our waters. Sometimes weather conditions experienced for prior years changes with no plausible explanation other than "That’s nature".

What live bait do you use?
Local variety of bait fish. Makarela about 7 to 10 inches long. Sometimes chuhuilla or caballitos. Sardines are used when larger bait is not available and also for small inshore fish.

What techniques do your crews use to catch fish?
Big game sportfishing is a hunt!

The captain will use the highest point on his vessel to watch for signs of action. Some boats have a bridge while others, such as the 35' Bertram Sportfisher "CABO MAGIC" have a full tuna tower that puts the highest level 30' above the water level. Think of 'crows nest' for a 'birds eye view".

Some species of birds are often an indicator of fish below the surface. Especially the bird called frigate whose height above the water can be indicative of where a fish may be below the surface.

Bait fish jumping can be a sign that what you seek might be near.

Locally we use a method called trolling - pulling lures/artificials at varying rates of speed to entice fish interest.

We encourage active participation by all guests aboard. Watching the water for signs such as birds, jumping fish, dorsal fins are important to point out to the crew. Good teamwork can lead to good results!

Do I have to bring tackle? Can I?
All of our boats are outfitted with the tackle required to fish our waters. Some guests enjoy using a personal setup. You may bring your own if you wish. If you do so it is at your own risk.

Do you use chum bags?
No.

Do you use spreader bars?
No.

How many people will be on the boat with us?
Aboard our Cruisers and Sportfishers you will have the skills of a Captain and First Mate. From time to time you will have a deckhand-in-training aboard.

Pangas offer a Captain/Guide only.

On the larger yachts you will have a 4 person crew team, and you will enjoy the culinary skills of an onboard chef.

Is the boat chartered to us or do we we share the boat with others? Do you arrange boat sharing?
We arrange private charters.

Our years of experience has shown that arrangments for boat sharing is difficult for many reasons. We do our best when asked, to assist in arranging a share, however, respectfully recommend private charter.

Consider that not everyone has the same definition of fun or fishing. What if the people you were paired with did not show up? They paid for their share so the boat cannot leave until a ‘reasonable’ period of time has passed. What if you don’t drink much, or at all, but, the ones you are paired with partied until 4am and intend to continue their activities on board? What if you really want to fish and the others on board just want to do some leisurely sightseeing?

Some folks enjoy spending a full day on the water with newly made friends. We have found it best to leave that decision to you. This is why the boat/yacht is chartered to you and you decide who accompanies you.

Is there anything we need to bring with us?
We remind guests to bring personal items for sunscreen and sun protection. The UV index is generally quite high. The reflection off the water will add to sun exposure. A camera to capture "KODAK" moments is always a good idea! It might not be a bad idea to have some tissues 'just in case' the toilet paper is all used up. Tho we do everything we can to ensure a well stocked boat, sometimes TP is inadvertantly overlooked.

Can we drink alcohol on the boat? Do you offer sightseeing tours? Do you offer sunset cruises? How about whale watching?
Our primary concern is your safety. We do not permit "hard liquor" on board during sportfishing excursions. "Hard liquor" is tequila, rum, vodka, gin, scotch, etc.. If guests wish a "Party" cruise aboard a cruiser or smaller sportfisher we will accomodate this request with no fishing. Exception is made aboard larger (68' and larger) yachts. These vessels have more staff that can attend to guests needs without sacrificing safety, and they also provide additional & safe seating areas.

We offer excursions (No fishing) for smaller more intimate groups as well as large groups - Sunset, Whale Watching, Sightseeing tours. Private Parties, Wedding/Engagement Parties, Sales Events, Corporate Meetings, and Incentive Groups.

*Whale watching season typically begins in November and continues thru January. Please keep in mind however whales can be seen before and after this period as well.*

What happens to the fish we catch?
Billfish - MARLIN & SAILFISH are to be released. Crews can sometimes bring the fish aboard for you to photograph. They are skilled in process of release. If REVIVAL is required first mate will hold fish in water alongside boat by “bill” while captain moves boat at slow rate of speed forcing oxygen into the fish. The crew instinctively knows when a fish can be returned to the water without revival procedure.

Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, Snapper, Grouper, Shark etc. can be cleaned & filleted to enjoy. Rules set forth by governing authorities are followed by Team CABO MAGIC Sportfishing. We remind you this is Mexico & thus urge patience & understanding as sometimes rules & enforcement change. Be assured that we do what is required of us by the governing agencies.

We respectfully remind you our crews are working for you & not recreationally fishing for themselves. A gratuitous donation of fresh fish is sincerely appreciated & enjoyed.

Bringing fish home to the USA is generally accepted w/the following guidelines: Your icechest cannot be styrofoam. We respectfully recommend you double check with your airlines for up to date information concerning fees, restrictions and any other pertinent information.

We suggest you bring duct tape. Do not seal your icechest until it has been viewed at the airport by airline officials. A “reasonable” amount of fish is permitted by Mexican Officials. Ice and/or frozen water bottles, are not permitted, and are subject to removal by airport officials.

Its always a good idea to check with your airlines for any specific size restrictions or conditions concerning bringing fish back.

Other things for us to know?
Swimming on the Pacific side can be EXTREMELY dangerous due to currents, riptides and powerful waves. ROGUE WAVES are a regular occurance.

Many beaches on the Sea of Cortez side have undertows which are not visible from the beach, dangerous breakers, rip tides, or deep drop-offs close to shore. There MAY NOT be posted warning signs and if they are they will be in Spanish!

Our area was a fishing village first - golf added in the mid 1990's. Old-timers can tell stories about there being a roped-off area in front of the old Hacienda Beach Resort for swimmers - way before the jetskis, waverunners or parasail activities were introduced.

Please do not litter our beaches. Always take along a plastic trash bag for your trash. Help keep the beaches clean and beautiful.

There are NO LIFEGUARDS repeat NO LIFEGUARDS. Please be aware of this for youself and your childrens safety.

When walking on the beach please be aware that TURTLES lay their eggs in nests here. Please DO NOT ride ATV bikes on the beach as you will not know when you are disturbing nests and destroying eggs.

Refund and Cancellation policy?
This policy applies to non-tournament charters only.

If a charter group or individual does not appear on the date specified all monies paid are forfeited.

If cancellation is received 30 days or more prior to boarding date full credit vouchers are issued. Vouchers are non-transferable and are valid for two years from date of issuance. If cancellation is received less than 30 days prior to first fishing date, credit would be subject to ability to re-charter confirmed boat/s.

In the event the port captain or port authorities closes the port due to inclement weather, prior to marina departure, attempts will be made to reschedule during clients stay. If this is not successful, all monies paid will apply as full credit towards a future trip. Credit vouchers will be valid for two years from date of issuance.

In the event the port captain or port authorities closes the port due to inclement weather, after marina departure, a proportionate pro rata amount of monies paid will apply as credit towards a future trip. Credit voucher will be valid for two years from date of issuance.

In the event of mechanical malfunction, which prevents charter on intended vessel, client will be put aboard a vessel of comparable value. If only a greater value suitable replacement is available this will be arranged at no additional client cost.

We reserve the right to make a vessel change in the event of malfunction or mechanical failure.

We sincerely appreciate your business and thank you for understanding our policies.

What happens to billfish?
We encourage the release of billfish during Non-Tournament fishing. Billfish species include Striped Marlin, Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Pacific Sailfish. The technique involved to release these pelagics is to revive them before release. Our crews are skilled in this technique. Observe what the crew does!

Do I/we need a passport to visit Cabo San Lucas?
A passport to allow return to the USA is now required.

The following website www.travel.state.gov provides current and updated information.

If you do not have a passport, please consider the time needed for passport processing and possible delays. Your local post office can provide passport processing.

How about CONSERVATION?
We encourage and support responsible practices.

Since 1999 we have been proud supporters of The Billfish Foundation (www.billfish.org) and the International Game Fish Association (www.igfa.org)