Damn Good San Diego Fishing Charters

Check real-time availability and compare rates on San Diego fishing trips. Deep Sea, Nearshore, Inshore, and Jetty trips available.

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Recently Booked Fishing Charters In San Diego, Ca

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

3/4 Day - Offshore Banks (9 Hr.)

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,995
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

Full Day Offshore Banks (12 Hr)

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $2,295
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

Half Day

NEW
1 - 12 People From $1,350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

Offshore Tuna Chase

NEW
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

San Diego 3/4 Day Roundup

100% (1)
28 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,375
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

San Diego Offshore Roundup

100% (1)
28 ft 1 - 5 People From $2,195

Top Types of Trips in San Diego

Top Species for in San Diego

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Target Species in San Diego

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  • Get it while it's HOT!
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Deep Sea Fishing Charters In San Diego, Ca

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

San Diego Offshore Roundup

100% (1)
28 ft 1 - 5 People From $2,195
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

Long Run Offshore - 42' Hershine

50% (2)
42 ft 1 - 6 People From $5,100
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

San Diego 3/4 Day Roundup

100% (1)
28 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,375
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

3/4 Day - Offshore Banks (9 Hr.)

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,995
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

Full Day Offshore Banks (12 Hr)

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $2,295
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Coronado Islands Expedition

100% (1)
28 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,895

Nearshore Fishing Charters In San Diego, Ca

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Local Excursion - 31’ Chris Craft

50% (2)
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Inshore/Coastal (9 Hr.)

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,395
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

San Diego Half Day Roundup

100% (1)
28 ft 1 - 5 People From $925
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

6 Hr (AM Or PM)

100% (2)
30 ft 1 - 4 People From $975
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Half Day Inshore/Coastal

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $975
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Full Day Local Offshore

50% (2)
31 ft 1 - 5 People From $2,000

Inshore Fishing Charters In San Diego, Ca

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Inshore/Coastal (9 Hr.)

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,395
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

6 Hr (AM Or PM)

100% (2)
30 ft 1 - 4 People From $975
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

San Diego Coastal Waters

NEW
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $850
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Half Day Inshore/Coastal

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $975
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Local Rockfish And Yellowtail

NEW
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

San Diego Bay Half Day Trip

NEW
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,300

More Fishing Charters In San Diego, Ca

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Mako Shark On The Fly

NEW
30 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in San Diego

PIER FISHING ADVENTURES

NEW
1 - 4 People From $75
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Local Rockfish And Yellowtail

NEW
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Coronado Islands Expedition

100% (1)
28 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,895
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Coronados Half Day Trip

NEW
37 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

San Diego Half Day Roundup

100% (1)
28 ft 1 - 5 People From $925
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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in San Diego

What are the best fishing charters in San Diego?

Why should I book a fishing charter in San Diego with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 31 trips in San Diego, and the most popular trips in the area are Offshore Tuna Chase guided by Ian, San Diego 3/4 Day Roundup guided by Andrew, and Half Day guided by Frank.

Our guides in San Diego are rated a 4.5 out of 5 based on 3664 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are 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 charters / fishing lessons in San Diego? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in San Diego.

What types of fishing charters are common in San Diego?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing in San Diego as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and jetty fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in San Diego are: 1. yellowtail amberjack, 2. rockfish, 3. halibut, 4. yellowfin tuna, and 5. barracuda.

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

How much do San Diego fishing charters cost?

Prices in San Diego can range anywhere from about $815 to $2,808, but the average price for a half day trip in San Diego is $612. The average price for a full day trip in San Diego is $2,099.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for fishing in San Diego?

The most popular season for fishing in San Diego is summer, and most anglers book their trips 43 days in advance.

Do I need a San Diego fishing license and what are the bag limits 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.

San Diego Fishing Charters Overview

San Diego is a renowned year-round fishery, boasting one of the largest sportfishing fleets in the nation. With a variety of fishing options available, San Diego Bay is an ideal location for beginners, offering a range of fish species such as California Halibut, Spotted Bay Bass, and Bonefish. For those seeking a more challenging experience, offshore fishing charters provide the opportunity to catch Yellowtail, while long-range fishing charters offer the chance to catch big game such as Tuna and Dorado.

San Diego's charter fleet is primarily located in local boat landings, including Fisherman's Landing, Point Loma Sportfishing, H&M Landing, and Helgren's Sportfishing. However, it is important to note that anglers aged 16 or older must purchase a California fishing license to fish in San Diego, with the exception of ocean fishing piers.

Deep Sea and Offshore Fishing in San Diego

The fleet of offshore and deep sea fishing boats in San Diego is unmatched by any of its kind. Arguably the largest and most modern private charter fleet in the country, there are fishing charter options for groups of all sizes and experience levels.

The seafloor off of San Diego is characterized by banks and deepwater canyons. The seafloor topography and current create a sport fish's paradise. Dozens of bluewater species can be caught offshore, but tuna fishing in San Diego is the most popular by far. Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna of frightening proportions can be caught in the late spring through early fall when the water temperature rises. Other popular pelagic (oceanic) species including Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, and Yellowtail Amberjack have been known to grace these waters frequently as well.

While trolling is generally the method of choice for targeting these offshore beasts, kite fishing for tuna is also really popular in San Diego. Kite fishing gives a perfect flying fish imitation as the bait bounces off the surface of the water, suspended from a kite behind the boat. This technique is sure to excite, as most of the bigger tuna are caught using this method, and watching "the eat" on the surface is the memory of a lifetime.

Reaching the prime offshore fishing waters generally takes a full day trip of at least (8-10 hours). At Captain Experiences, we even offer plenty of extended day (10+ hours) overnight, multi day, and even weeklong trips that take anglers south to Mexico to warmer waters.

View All San Diego Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Bay Fishing Charters in San Diego

Not to be overlooked is the inshore fishing in San Diego. The inshore grounds consist of San Diego Bay and north in Mission Bay, and they're every bit as bountiful as the offshore waters. San Diego Bay is 60 feet deep at its max and has shallow mud flats in its south end - giving anglers the opportunity to target a variety of species year round. Just outside of the bay and going north to La Jolla are massive kelp forests teeming with biodiversity and life, giving anglers the opportunity to catch dozens of species in a very special environment.

There is great inshore fishing in San Diego year round, but the winter time tends to be the most dominant. The winter months bring cold waters and wind offshore which slows the bite down. Meanwhile, the inshore bite is just heating up.

Unless you've fished San Diego before, there are some species in the bay that you've probably never heard of, much less seen. White Seabass are the largest of the inshore species, with some growing to over 100 pounds.

Other popular species include the Spotted Bay Bass, Rockfish, California Halibut, and Yellowtail. Cortez Bonefish - almost identical to the Bonefish of the Florida tropics - are bountiful in the shallow southern bay mud flats. Light tackle and fly gear are the weapons of choice while fishing in San Diego Bay.

Popular Types of Fishing In San Diego

San Diego fishing charters offer a variety of options for anglers of all levels. The most common types of fishing charters in San Diego include deep-sea fishing, bay fishing, and offshore fishing.

Deep-sea fishing charters take you out to the open ocean where you can catch big game fish like tuna, marlin, and swordfish. Bay fishing charters are perfect for families and beginners, as you can catch smaller fish like halibut, bass, and sand sharks. Offshore fishing charters are a mix of both, taking you to the edge of the continental shelf where you can catch a variety of fish.

Some of the most common fish to catch in San Diego include yellowtail, tuna, dorado, and halibut. Depending on the type of fishing charter you choose, you may also have the opportunity to catch marlin, swordfish, and even sharks.

San Diego fishing charters often depart from popular landmarks like Mission Bay, Point Loma, and the San Diego Bay. These areas offer easy access to some of the best fishing spots in the region, making them a popular choice for both locals and tourists alike.

Other Things To Do In San Diego

While San Diego fishing charters are a popular attraction, there are plenty of other things to do in this vibrant city. Take a stroll through Balboa Park, home to over 15 museums and beautiful gardens. Visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo or catch a game at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres. For a day of family fun, head to LEGOLAND California or SeaWorld San Diego. If you're looking for a more laid-back experience, explore the beaches of La Jolla Cove or Coronado Island. And don't forget to indulge in some delicious Mexican cuisine in the city's vibrant neighborhoods like Old Town or Barrio Logan.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Went out fishing with Capt Andrew and his first mate Ace. The boat was clean and everything was set up and ready for us to enjoy the day. Unfortunately our day turned out with not any fish, but Capt Andrew and Ace worked very hard trying to find fish and searching all over. Saw a lot of aquatic life on our trip and enjoy the day out in the Pacific Ocean, zero fish but a 10 rating on effort, a very enjoyable day. We will be back to get that big one.

    Guy D. | August 9, 2024

    Trip: San Diego Offshore Roundup

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

    John H. | October 11, 2023

    Trip: 6 hr (AM or PM)

  • ★★★★★
    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. | August 2, 2023

    Trip: Local Excursion - 42’ Hershine

  • ★★★★★
    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. | June 5, 2023

    Trip: 6 hr (AM or PM)

Top Fishing Techniques in San Diego

Top Types of Fishing in San Diego

How are fishing conditions in San Diego?

View San Diego Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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