El Budster Pride Lands Eight 35-40 lb Yellowfin Off Cabo San Lucas

Eight yellowfin tuna in the 35-40 pound range were landed by the John Smith party aboard the El Budster Pride, fishing roughly 14-16 miles off Cabo San Lucas. The catch came during a trip on January 17, 2026, when water temperatures ran 73-76 degrees, conditions that often coincide with active yellowfin schools in the area.

The El Budster Pride crew reported consistent action on those grounds, putting a solid stringer in the boat for anglers looking for mid-weight tunas ideal for steaks and sashimi. For local charters and weekend anglers, fish in the 35-40 lb bracket are a sweet spot: large enough to provide a fight and plenty of usable meat, yet manageable on conventional tackle without resorting to heavyweight gear.

The location and water temperature details matter. Fishing 14-16 miles from Cabo keeps the trip accessible to half-day and three-quarter-day operations while still getting beyond immediate nearshore pressure. Water temps of 73-76 degrees are within the range that yellowfin favor this time of year, so other boats running similar lines may see action if those conditions hold.

Practical takeaways for anglers: plan rigs for 30-50 pound class tackle with durable fluorocarbon leaders and keep a mix of trolling and chunking options ready. Shorter runs that stay within the 14-20 mile band can save fuel and time while still hitting productive water. For anglers organizing trips, the El Budster Pride is taking reservations and can be reached at 712 790-1991 (US) or 011-52-1-624-125-4697 (Mexico). The El Budster Pride listing on SportfishingReport includes contact and charter details, plus links to recent reports from the boat.

This catch also informs the broader Cabo scene: continued yellowfin in this size range helps sustain local markets for fresh tuna and keeps bite reports encouraging for winter anglers. It suggests that, as long as water temperatures remain in the low-to-mid 70s, productive yellowfin grounds will be within reach of many Cabo operations.

Expect more activity from boats working similar ranges in the coming days if the thermal structure and current lines hold. For now, the John Smith party’s haul is a reminder that reliable, fishable yellowfin are close enough for short runs, and that smart gear choices and timely bookings will keep anglers on the rail when the schools show. Tight lines and fair seas, book early if you want in on the next run.