Damn Good Yellowtail Amberjack Fishing Charters In San Diego

Check real-time availability and compare rates on San Diego yellowtail amberjack fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

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Recently Booked Yellowtail Amberjack Fishing Charters In San Diego, Ca

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

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

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

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

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Coronado Island Fishing Adventure

100% (1)
29 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,693
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Coastal Waters Fun!

NEW
29 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,600

Top Types of Yellowtail Amberjack Trips in San Diego

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Target Species in San Diego

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  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
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More Yellowtail Amberjack Fishing Charters In San Diego, Ca

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

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

Close Offshore All Ages Trip

NEW
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,150
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
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

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Half Day Inshore/Coastal

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $975
See All Yellowtail Amberjack Trips in San Diego

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Everything to Know About Booking a San Diego yellowtail amberjack fishing charter

What are the best yellowtail amberjack fishing charters in San Diego?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 21 yellowtail amberjack trips in San Diego, and the most popular trips in the area are Half Day guided by Frank, San Diego Offshore Roundup guided by Andrew, and Full Day Offshore Banks (12 hr) guided by Scottie.

Our guides in San Diego are rated a 4.75 out of 5 based on 3721 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 yellowtail amberjack guides / fishing lessons in San Diego? Check out our beginner and family friendly yellowtail amberjack guides in San Diego.

What types of yellowtail amberjack fishing charters are common in San Diego?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for yellowtail amberjack in San Diego as well as nearshore fishing and inshore fishing.

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

How much do San Diego yellowtail amberjack fishing charters cost?

Prices for yellowtail amberjack in San Diego can range anywhere from about $975 to $2,948, but the average price for a half day trip for yellowtail amberjack in San Diego is $1,217. The average price for a full day trip for yellowtail amberjack in San Diego is $2,180.

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 yellowtail amberjack fishing in San Diego?

The most popular season for yellowtail amberjack fishing in San Diego is summer, and most anglers book their trips 41 days in advance.

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

In the coastal waters of San Diego, the yellowtail amberjack, often simply referred to as yellowtail, is a prized game fish highly esteemed by anglers for its fighting prowess and delectable taste. Yellowtail are powerful swimmers known for their distinctive yellowish-green backs and silver-white bellies. These formidable fish inhabit both nearshore and offshore waters, with populations commonly found around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and underwater structures. Anglers in San Diego eagerly target yellowtail for their thrilling battles and the culinary delights they provide.

Yellowtail fishing in San Diego presents anglers with a range of techniques to entice these prized fish into biting. One common method is live bait fishing, where anglers use lively baitfish such as sardines, anchovies, or mackerel to attract yellowtail. Fishing around kelp beds or rocky outcroppings, anglers carefully present their baits at various depths to intercept passing schools of yellowtail. This technique requires patience and finesse, as yellowtail can be selective feeders, but the reward of hooking into one of these powerful fish is well worth the effort.

Another popular technique for targeting yellowtail in San Diego is trolling with lures or rigged baits. Anglers cover a wide area of water, searching for signs of feeding activity such as birds diving or surface disturbances. Once located, anglers deploy lures or rigged baits behind the boat, adjusting trolling speeds and depths to match the behavior of the yellowtail. This active fishing approach allows anglers to explore different areas and depths in search of actively feeding fish, providing an exciting and dynamic fishing experience amidst the stunning coastal scenery of San Diego.

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

In San Diego's coastal waters, the yellowtail amberjack, or simply yellowtail, presents anglers with exciting fishing opportunities throughout the year, although certain seasons offer particularly favorable conditions for targeting these prized game fish. Spring and summer are typically considered prime seasons for yellowtail fishing in San Diego. As water temperatures rise, yellowtail become more active and abundant, making them easier to locate around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and offshore structures. During these months, anglers can expect increased opportunities to encounter yellowtail and enjoy thrilling battles with these powerful swimmers.

Fall also offers excellent yellowtail fishing in San Diego as the weather begins to cool and yellowtail continue their feeding patterns. While not as prolific as the spring and summer seasons, fall still provides ample opportunities for anglers to target yellowtail in nearshore and offshore waters. Additionally, the fall season often sees yellowtail migrating closer to shore, making them more accessible to anglers fishing from boats or even from piers and jetties along the coast. With the right techniques and a bit of luck, anglers can still enjoy successful outings targeting yellowtail well into the fall season in San Diego.

While winter tends to see a decline in yellowtail activity compared to the warmer months, dedicated anglers can still find opportunities to catch them. Yellowtail may move to deeper waters or migrate to warmer areas during the winter months, requiring anglers to adjust their tactics and target areas accordingly. While yellowtail fishing in San Diego during the winter may not be as consistent as other seasons, patient anglers who are willing to brave the cooler temperatures can still be rewarded with memorable encounters with these prized game fish.

What techniques are popular for catching yellowtail amberjack in San Diego?

Yellowtail fishing in San Diego employs a variety of techniques tailored to the habits and preferences of these powerful and elusive fish. One effective method is live bait fishing, where anglers use lively baitfish such as sardines, anchovies, or mackerel to entice yellowtail. Fishing around kelp beds, rocky outcroppings, or offshore structures, anglers carefully present their baits at various depths to intercept passing schools of yellowtail. Patience and finesse are key in live bait fishing, as yellowtail can be selective feeders. Using light tackle and sensitive rigs helps anglers detect the subtle bites of yellowtail and increases their chances of hooking into these prized fish.

Trolling is another popular technique for yellowtail fishing in San Diego, particularly in offshore waters or along underwater drop-offs. Anglers use downriggers or planer boards to present lures or rigged baits at varying depths while covering a large area of water. Adjusting trolling speeds and depths helps anglers target yellowtail at their preferred depth, increasing their chances of success. This active fishing approach allows anglers to explore different areas and depths in search of actively feeding yellowtail, providing an exhilarating and dynamic fishing experience amidst the scenic coastal landscapes of San Diego.

Another effective technique for targeting yellowtail in San Diego is jigging with heavy metal lures or jigs. Anglers drop these lures to the bottom and jig them upwards in a rhythmic motion to mimic the movements of injured baitfish, enticing strikes from hungry yellowtail. Jigging allows anglers to cover a wide area of water and explore different depths where yellowtail may be lurking. Varying the speed and motion of the jigging technique can help anglers effectively trigger strikes from yellowtail, especially when they are more active at certain times or depths. With their impressive size and strong fighting abilities, yellowtail provide anglers with an exciting and rewarding fishing experience amidst the stunning coastal landscapes of San Diego.

What other species are popular in San Diego?

In addition to yellowtail amberjack, San Diego's coastal waters offer a diverse array of fish species for anglers to target, ensuring an exciting and varied fishing experience. One popular catch 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.

Another sought-after species in San Diego is the California yellowtail, prized for its strong fighting abilities and savory 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.

Additionally, San Diego's coastal waters are home to a variety of other prized species, including rockfish, bonito, barracuda, lingcod, dorado, marlin, swordfish, 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

  • ★★★★★
    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)

  • ★★★★★
    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)

What's biting in San Diego?

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