Bonito Fishing Charters In San Diego

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Recently Booked Bonito Fishing Charters Near San Diego, Ca

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Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Local Excursion - 42’ Hershine

100% (1)
42 ft 1 - 12 People From $175 / person
Damn Good

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Local Excursion - 31’ Chris Craft

NEW
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $167 / person

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Coastal Banks Thriller

NEW
29 ft 1 - 4 People From $600 / person

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Coronado Island Fishing Adventure

NEW
29 ft 1 - 5 People From $339 / person

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

Offshore On The Fly SoCal

NEW
30 ft 1 - 4 People From $495 / person

Most Popular Types of Bonito Trips in San Diego

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More Bonito Fishing Charters Near San Diego, Ca

The offshore banks that lie off the coast of Southern California down into Northern Baja, provide a great opportunity to catch big game fish with a fly rod. From the Coronado Islands for yellowtail and Bonito to the outer offshore banks for yellowfin tuna, yellowtail, and Dorado. These offshore fisheries will consist of searching out the ocean for kelp paddies that can hold yellowtail and Dorado and at times, yellowfin tuna. These paddies give you the chance to find fish that are holding in the upper water column. On these offshore trips, you'll be fishing rods that are 10wt up to 13wt, depending on what species and size Captain Mark has you targeting that day. All offshore fly trips include all fly rods, leaders and flies, chum, teasers. No need to bring anything other than your fishing license, lunch, snacks, and beverages! Captain Mark will have a cooler with ice and waters for you to drink and use for storing those food and beverages as well. Be prepared for cool mornings on the run out to the fishery. Recommended to have some lightweight clothing to wear as the day goes on. Average sea conditions can be a little bumpy to having a heavy wind swell. Most winds are in the afternoon and the ride home can be bumpy. Be prepared for all weather conditions. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

Offshore On The Fly SoCal

NEW
30 ft 1 - 4 People From $495 / person

This trip is one in a million. After leaving the dock in San Diego, you'll cruise offshore to the Coronado Islands, a barren group of rocky outcrops that are home to millions of migratory birds and tons of sea life. This area is one of the most productive fisheries in California, attracting pelagic predators such as Tuna as well as nearshore species such as Barracuda, Yellowtail Amberjack, Rockfish, and more. Captain Sam is an expert when it comes to hooking fish out here, so you can cross your fingers for the trip of a lifetime! Because there are so many species to target, you'll mix it up with several different fishing techniques. That could include trolling for Barracuda and Mahi, which love fast-moving baits and lures, and bottomfishing for Rockfish and Amberjack, which hang out near undersea structure, and even letting out some kites to hit surface-feeding Bluefin. Captain Sam will take everything into account, from the season to the weather to your preferences, and do whatever he can to get you on the fish. Captain Sam runs these trips on his brand new 2022 29-foot Defiance center console which is the ideal vessel for bombing it down to the Coronado Islands and bouncing around honey holes. With twin 300 Yamahas strapped to the back of that bad boy, you can get to the fishing grounds in dependable comfort. Since she can easily cruise up to 30 knots cutting through chop like butter, there is almost nowhere for the fish to hide from this beauty. She's decked out with a full suite of electronics, plus a comfortable forward cabin providing shade and protection for the surf. Everything you need for a great trip is provided for you. Just remember to wear proper clothing and bring some sun protection, a cooler with some snacks and drinks, and a California Fishing License. You'll also need your passport, because this trip will take you into Mexican waters. Get out there and have a blast! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Coronado Island Fishing Adventure

NEW
29 ft 1 - 5 People From $339 / person

Join Captain Bai on an unforgettable 12-hour deep sea fishing expedition in the pristine waters of San Diego, CA. Setting sail aboard his 29-foot Grady White vessel, you'll embark on an exhilarating adventure targeting a diverse array of species, including Yellowfin Tuna, Yellowtail Amberjack, Bonita, Skipjack Tuna, and Mahi Mahi. San Diego Fishing Trips don't get more thrilling than this! Captain Bai brings his wealth of experience and local knowledge to ensure a successful and rewarding fishing experience. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, he'll provide expert guidance and top-tier equipment to help you reel in your dream catch. Our San Diego Tuna Trip takes you to the renowned 9 Mile Bank fishing area, renowned for its abundance of prized game fish. The deep, nutrient-rich waters of this region make it a hotbed for trophy-sized catches and memorable moments. Book your adventure today with Captain Bai for an epic deep sea fishing experience that will leave you with stories to tell for years to come. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the rich marine life of San Diego's waters while enjoying the thrill of the hunt. Join us for an unforgettable day on the open sea! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Coastal Banks Thriller

NEW
29 ft 1 - 4 People From $600 / person
Damn Good

Explore the inshore nearshore waters of the Pacific Ocean aboard one of the fastest, sleekest boats in San Diego on this trip with Captain Nathan! The cold, rich Pacific currents that flow along California's coast make San Diego an angler's paradise. The inshore and nearshore water here supports a superb marine ecosystem with tons of species, all of which you can go after with Captain Nathan. You'll be targeting Halibut, Barracuda, Rockfish, and Bonito—a smaller relative of the Tuna that puts up a fun fight. Each of these species occupies a different niche: Halibut lurk on the bottom, Barracuda patrol the middle of the water column, Rockfish hang out on the reefs and rocks, and Bonito inhabit the topwater looking for small prey. Naturally, you'll use different techniques to target these species, including trolling, bottomfishing, trolling, and jigging to pick up bites! Depending on the season, weather, and your fishing preferences, Captain Nathan will make sure that you're equipped with the right gear and tackle to get the job done. Captain Nathan runs a swift 31' Chris-Craft center console, equipped with twin Yamaha engines totaling 500 horsepower. With live wells, trolling gear, and more, she's the perfect vessel for a sweet trip. Captain Nathan and his crew will provide all rods, reels, bait, tackle, ice, small snacks and water. All you need to bring is a California Fishing License for 16 and older, as well as sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and any food or drinks you might want. There's also a cooler provided on board to store your food and drinks! Get out there and enjoy yourself on the beautiful Pacific Coast! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Local Excursion - 31’ Chris Craft

NEW
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $167 / person
Damn Good

Explore the inshore nearshore waters of the Pacific Ocean aboard one of the fastest, sleekest boats in San Diego on this trip with Captain Nathan! The cold, rich Pacific currents that flow along California's coast make San Diego an angler's paradise. The inshore and nearshore water here supports a superb marine ecosystem with tons of species, all of which you can go after with Captain Nathan. You'll be targeting Halibut, Barracuda, Rockfish, and Bonito—a smaller relative of the Tuna that puts up a fun fight. Each of these species occupies a different niche: Halibut lurk on the bottom, Barracuda patrol the middle of the water column, Rockfish hang out on the reefs and rocks, and Bonito inhabit the topwater looking for small prey. Naturally, you'll use different techniques to target these species, including trolling, bottomfishing, trolling, and jigging to pick up bites! Depending on the season, weather, and your fishing preferences, Captain Nathan will make sure that you're equipped with the right gear and tackle to get the job done. Captain Nathan runs a beautiful 42' Hershine sportfisher, made super comfortable for your trip! With live wells, trolling gear, and more, she's the perfect vessel for a fishing adventure. Captain Nathan and his crew will provide all rods, reels, bait, tackle, ice, small snacks and water. All you need to bring is a California Fishing License for 16 and older, as well as sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and any food or drinks you might want. There's also a cooler provided on board to store your food and drinks! Get out there and enjoy yourself on the beautiful Pacific Coast! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Local Excursion - 42’ Hershine

100% (1)
42 ft 1 - 12 People From $175 / person
See All Bonito Trips in San Diego

Everything to Know About Booking a San Diego bonito fishing charter

What are the best bonito fishing charters in San Diego?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 5 bonito trips in San Diego, and the most popular trips in the area are Local Excursion - 42’ Hershine guided by Nathan, Local Excursion - 31’ Chris Craft guided by Nathan, and Offshore on the Fly SoCal guided by Mark.

Our guides in San Diego are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 2413 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly bonito guides in San Diego? Check out our beginner and family friendly bonito guides in San Diego.

What types of bonito fishing charters are common in San Diego?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for bonito in San Diego as well as nearshore fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in San Diego are trolling, bottom fishing, and heavy tackle fishing but light tackle fishing and live bait fishing are popular as well.

How much do San Diego bonito fishing charters cost?

for bonito in San Diego prices can range anywhere from an affordable $1,000 to $2,400, but the average price for a half day trip for bonito in San Diego is $1,000. The average price for a full day trip for bonito in San Diego is $1,690.

What month is best for bonito fishing in San Diego?

The most popular season for bonito fishing in San Diego is summer, and most anglers book their trips 31 days in advance.

Do I need a San Diego fishing license for bonito and what are the bag limits for bonito in San Diego?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in San Diego, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in San Diego. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in San Diego.

What is bonito fishing in San Diego all about?

In the coastal waters of San Diego, the bonito is a popular and prized game fish among anglers, known for its agility, speed, and spirited fighting abilities. These sleek and powerful fish, closely related to tuna, inhabit nearshore and offshore waters along the Southern California coast. Bonito are distinguishable by their streamlined bodies, dark blue or green backs, and silvery sides, making them a visually striking catch. Anglers targeting bonito can expect thrilling battles and adrenaline-pumping fights, as these fish are renowned for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs when hooked.

Bonito fishing in San Diego offers anglers a variety of techniques to successfully target these elusive fish. One common method is trolling with small lures or feathers behind boats at varying speeds. Anglers often cover a wide area of water while trolling, searching for schools of bonito feeding near the surface or along current lines. Adjusting trolling speeds and lure presentations can help entice bonito into striking, as they are attracted to the movement and vibrations created by the lures. With their voracious appetites and aggressive feeding behavior, bonito are known to strike lures with ferocity, providing anglers with thrilling action and memorable catches.

Another effective technique for bonito fishing in San Diego is casting with light spinning tackle or fly fishing gear. Anglers target bonito by casting small jigs, spoons, or flies into schools of feeding fish or along the edges of kelp beds and rocky outcroppings where bonito are known to congregate. Retrieving the lure with a fast and erratic motion can mimic the movements of fleeing baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes from bonito. This active fishing approach requires precision casting and quick reflexes to hook into these fast-swimming fish. With their abundance and accessibility in San Diego's coastal waters, bonito provide anglers with exciting opportunities for a thrilling day on the water.

What are the most popular months to fish for bonito in San Diego?

In San Diego's coastal waters, the seasons for bonito fishing offer anglers distinct opportunities to target these high-energy fish throughout the year. While bonito can be found in the region's waters year-round, certain seasons present more favorable conditions for successful angling. Spring and summer typically mark the peak seasons for bonito fishing in San Diego, as warmer water temperatures trigger increased activity and feeding behavior among these fast-swimming predators. During these months, bonito are often more abundant and actively foraging near the surface, making them easier to locate and target for anglers.

As autumn approaches, bonito activity in San Diego may continue, albeit with some fluctuations in abundance and distribution. While water temperatures may start to cool, bonito can still be found patrolling nearshore environments, particularly around kelp beds, rocky outcroppings, and offshore structures. Anglers may need to adjust their tactics and target areas to account for changing conditions, but with persistence and adaptability, successful bonito outings are still possible well into the fall season in San Diego.

During the winter months, bonito fishing in San Diego tends to slow down as cooler water temperatures prompt these fish to migrate to deeper or warmer waters. While bonito may still be present in some areas, they may be less active and more challenging to locate. However, dedicated anglers who venture out during the winter months can still be rewarded with memorable encounters with these high-energy fish. Whether it's the bustling activity of the spring and summer peaks or the quieter moments of observation in cooler seasons, San Diego offers a diverse and rewarding experience for those seeking to engage with bonito.

What techniques are popular for catching bonito in San Diego?

Bonito fishing in San Diego employs a variety of techniques tailored to the fast-swimming nature of these energetic fish. One common and effective method is trolling with small lures or feathers behind boats at varying speeds. Anglers often cover a wide area of water while trolling, searching for schools of bonito feeding near the surface or along current lines. Adjusting trolling speeds and lure presentations can help entice bonito into striking, as they are attracted to the movement and vibrations created by the lures. This technique allows anglers to explore different areas and depths in search of active bonito, providing an exciting and dynamic fishing experience.

Another popular technique for bonito fishing in San Diego is casting with light spinning tackle or fly fishing gear. Anglers target bonito by casting small jigs, spoons, or flies into schools of feeding fish or along the edges of kelp beds and rocky outcroppings where bonito are known to congregate. Retrieving the lure with a fast and erratic motion can mimic the movements of fleeing baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes from bonito. This active fishing approach requires precision casting and quick reflexes to hook into these fast-swimming fish. With their abundance and accessibility in San Diego's coastal waters, bonito provide anglers with exciting opportunities for a thrilling day on the water.

Chumming is also a common practice among bonito anglers in San Diego, where fish oils, chunks of fish, or commercially available chum are dispersed into the water to create a scent trail that attracts bonito to the boat. Once bonito are drawn near, anglers can cast lures or bait into the chum slick to entice them into biting. Chumming can be an effective way to attract bonito from a distance and increase the likelihood of successful encounters. However, it's essential to adhere to responsible chumming practices to minimize impacts on the marine environment and ensure the safety of both anglers and fish.

What other species are popular in San Diego?

In addition to bonito, San Diego's coastal waters offer a diverse range of fish species for anglers to target, ensuring an exciting and varied fishing experience. One popular catch is the yellowtail, prized for its strong fighting abilities and delectable taste. Yellowtail can be found in nearshore and offshore waters year-round, with peak seasons typically occurring in the spring and fall. Anglers often target yellowtail around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and offshore structures using techniques such as trolling, live bait fishing, or jigging. These sleek and powerful fish provide anglers with thrilling battles and delicious rewards, making them a sought-after species among anglers in San Diego.

Another sought-after species in San Diego is the California halibut, renowned for its delicate texture and mild flavor. Halibut can be found along sandy bottoms and nearshore structures, where they lie in wait for prey to pass by. Anglers commonly use techniques such as drift fishing with live bait, jigging, or trolling to target halibut. While they can be caught year-round, peak seasons for halibut fishing in San Diego typically occur during the spring and summer months when these fish migrate closer to shore to spawn. Pursuing halibut offers anglers a rewarding and delicious fishing experience in the picturesque waters of San Diego.

Additionally, San Diego's coastal waters are home to a variety of other prized species, including barracuda, rockfish, yellowfin tuna, dorado, marlin, swordfish, lingcod, and various types of bass. Whether fishing from shore, pier, or boat, anglers can explore a range of habitats and depths in pursuit of their favorite catches. With its rich marine biodiversity and abundance of fishing opportunities, San Diego remains a top destination for anglers seeking memorable experiences on the water.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip wonderful time. We caught an astonishing variety of fish! Everyone had a great time.

    John H. with Shaun U. of San Diego, California

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time on our trip with Captain Nathan’s crew! Noah was our skipper, and Nick was the deckhand. They were both helpful and engaging, and always there to lend a hand. Would definitely recommend for both beginner and experienced anglers!

    Elena G. with Nathan B. of San Diego, California

  • ★★★★★
    Bobby was our captain and he treated myself, my son and my grandson like we owned the boat. He was very professional and courteous and answered all our questions. He gave us choices which no other service has in the past. This was much appreciated and I plan on returning again.

    John P. with Shaun U. of San Diego, California

What's biting in San Diego?

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