Damn Good Golden Dorado Fishing Charters In San Diego

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Recently Booked Golden Dorado Fishing Charters In San Diego, Ca

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Coronado Islands Adventure

NEW
29 ft 1 - 4 People From $2,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Coastal Banks Thriller

NEW
29 ft 1 - 4 People From $2,400

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Target Species in San Diego

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
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Other Trips in San Diego

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

Inshore/Coastal (9 Hr.)

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

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

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

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Full Day Local Offshore

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

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, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Coronado Islands Expedition

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

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Everything to Know About Booking a San Diego golden dorado fishing charter

What are the best golden dorado fishing charters in San Diego?

The best golden dorado fishing charters in San Diego are:

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 2 golden dorado trips in San Diego, and the most popular trips in the area are Coastal Banks Thriller guided by Leng and Coronado Islands Adventure guided by Leng.

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 golden dorado guides / fishing lessons in San Diego? Check out our beginner and family friendly golden dorado guides in San Diego.

What types of golden dorado fishing charters are common in San Diego?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for golden dorado in San Diego as well as nearshore fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in San Diego are topwater fishing, trolling, and sight casting but live bait fishing and drift fishing are popular as well.

How much do San Diego golden dorado fishing charters cost?

Prices for golden dorado in San Diego can range anywhere from about $2,040 to $2,360, but the average price for a full day trip for golden dorado in San Diego is $2,200.

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 golden dorado fishing in San Diego?

The most popular season for golden dorado fishing in San Diego is summer, and most anglers book their trips 0 days in advance.

Do I need a San Diego fishing license for golden dorado and what are the bag limits for golden dorado 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 golden dorado fishing in San Diego all about?

Golden dorado, while a highly prized gamefish in South America, are not typically found in the waters off San Diego. These iconic fish are native to the rivers of South America, particularly in countries like Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. Known for their vibrant colors, powerful fights, and acrobatic leaps, golden dorado are a favorite target among anglers seeking thrilling freshwater fishing experiences in their native habitat.

Anglers eager to pursue golden dorado typically travel to destinations in South America where these fish are abundant. Rivers such as the Parana, Paraguay, and Uruguay are renowned for their populations of golden dorado, offering anglers the chance to hook into these hard-fighting fish amidst stunning natural scenery. Techniques for catching golden dorado vary but often involve casting artificial lures such as spoons, spinners, and streamers, as well as fly fishing with large, brightly colored flies.

While golden dorado may not be found in the waters off San Diego, anglers in Southern California can still enjoy a diverse range of offshore and freshwater fishing opportunities. From targeting species such as yellowfin tuna, dorado, and marlin offshore to pursuing bass, trout, and catfish in freshwater lakes and rivers, San Diego offers anglers ample opportunities to enjoy the thrill of the catch amidst the beautiful landscapes of Southern California.

What are the most popular months to fish for golden dorado fishing in San Diego?

Golden dorado, being native

to the rivers of South America, are not typically found in the waters off San Diego. These iconic fish are renowned for their vibrant colors, powerful fights, and acrobatic leaps, making them a prized catch among anglers seeking thrilling freshwater fishing experiences. However, in San Diego, where the climate and water conditions are vastly different from those of their natural habitat, golden dorado are not present.

Anglers in San Diego are more likely to target offshore species such as yellowfin tuna, dorado (also known as mahi-mahi), marlin, and other pelagic fish that inhabit the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean. The seasons for these species vary depending on factors such as water temperature, ocean currents, and migratory patterns. Generally, the warmer months, from late spring through early fall, are the peak seasons for offshore fishing in San Diego, with anglers enjoying plentiful catches of tuna, dorado, and marlin during this time.

While golden dorado may not be available in the waters off San Diego, anglers can still enjoy a diverse range of fishing opportunities in the region. From targeting bass, trout, and catfish in freshwater lakes and rivers to pursuing offshore species like tuna, dorado, and marlin, San Diego offers anglers ample opportunities to experience the thrill of the catch amidst the stunning coastal landscapes of Southern California.

What techniques are popular for catching golden dorado in San Diego?

In San Diego, anglers typically do not target golden dorado as these fish are not native to the region's waters. However, if anglers were to pursue golden dorado, they would likely employ techniques similar to those used in their native habitats in South America. Golden dorado are known to be aggressive predators that respond well to fast-moving lures and flies, making casting and retrieving an effective method. Anglers might use brightly colored lures, such as spoons, spinners, or streamers, to mimic the natural prey of golden dorado.

Another technique commonly used for targeting golden dorado is fly fishing. Anglers may use large, brightly colored flies tied to imitate baitfish or other prey items favored by golden dorado. The action of fly fishing can be particularly exciting as anglers cast their flies into likely holding areas, such as eddies, riffles, and current seams, and watch for explosive strikes from these hard-fighting fish.

While golden dorado are not found in San Diego's waters, anglers in the region can still enjoy a wide range of fishing opportunities for offshore and freshwater species. From targeting pelagic species like tuna, dorado, and marlin offshore to pursuing bass, trout, and catfish in freshwater lakes and rivers, San Diego offers anglers diverse options for experiencing the thrill of the catch amidst the beautiful coastal landscapes of Southern California.

What other species are popular in San Diego?

In San Diego, anglers have a plethora of other species to target aside from golden dorado, which aren't typically found in the region's waters. One popular catch among offshore fishermen is the yellowfin tuna. Known for their fast runs and powerful fights, yellowfin tuna are prized for their delicious flesh and are abundant in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean off San Diego. Anglers often use trolling techniques with artificial lures or live bait fishing with squid or small fish to target these pelagic predators.

Dorado, also known as mahi-mahi, are another sought-after species in the offshore waters of San Diego. These colorful and acrobatic fish are known for their aggressive strikes and aerial displays, making them a favorite catch among anglers. Dorado are often found near offshore kelp paddies, floating debris, and other structure, particularly during the warmer months when water temperatures are higher. Anglers commonly target dorado using trolling techniques with artificial lures or live bait fishing with squid, mackerel, or small fish.

For anglers seeking freshwater fishing opportunities, San Diego offers a variety of species to pursue in its lakes and rivers. Largemouth bass, spotted bass, and smallmouth bass are popular targets among freshwater anglers, with many lakes and reservoirs in the region providing excellent bass fishing opportunities. Additionally, anglers can target species such as trout, catfish, bluegill, and crappie in freshwater lakes and rivers throughout San Diego County. Whether fishing offshore or in freshwater, anglers in San Diego have plenty of options for experiencing the thrill of the catch amidst the stunning coastal landscapes of Southern California.

What's biting in San Diego?

View Golden Dorado Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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