Damn Good San Diego Fishing Charters

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.

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

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.

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.

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.