San Diego Fishing Charters

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Recently Booked Fishing Charters Near San Diego, Ca

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

6 Hr (AM Or PM)

100% (2)
30 ft 1 - 4 People From $244 / person

Inshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

San Diego Bay Half Day Trip

NEW
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $217 / person
Damn Good

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Local Excursion - 42’ Hershine

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

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Half Day Inshore/Coastal

NEW
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $244 / person
Damn Good

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

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

NEW
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $499 / person
Damn Good

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Full Day Local Offshore

NEW
31 ft 1 - 5 People From $400 / person

Most Popular Types of Trips in San Diego

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

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More Fishing Charters Near San Diego, Ca

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 Andrew is en 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 lines to hit surface-feeding Bluefin. Captain Andrew 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. 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! You'll be out there aboard Andrew's 28' Boston Whaler center console. She's a sweet boat for deep-sea fishing, and runs twin Yamaha engines with a combined 50o horsepower. Everything you need for an epic day will be provided; all you need to bring is sun protection, your California Fishing Licenses, and a smile. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Coronado Islands Expedition

NEW
28 ft 1 - 5 People From $474 / person
Damn Good

On this trip, you'll explore the offshore waters of the Pacific Ocean, hunting for monster pelagic species including Yellowfin Tuna, Striped Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and more! Whether you'd like to stay in US waters or explore down toward Mexico or Catalina Island, Captain Nathan and his crew will show you a great time and get you hooked up on some amazing fish. The pelagic species you'll be targeting on this expedition are all big-time Pacific sportfish that offer hard fights and amazing eating to boot! To catch 'em up, you'll primarily be trolling and drifting, targeting different parts of the water column by adjusting your speed and the gear you put put there. 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 that's fully equipped for amazing fishing. With a full cabin, 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

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

Long Run Offshore - 42' Hershine

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42 ft 1 - 6 People From $850 / person

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. You'll explore the waters around the Coronado Islands, while targeting Yellowtail and a variety of Rockfish, Lingcod, Whitefish, and Sculpin. Add the scenic beauty of the islands and the likelihood of seeing dolphins, seals, and whales, and you have a great adventure on this Coronados trip! 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. You'll also need your passport, because this trip will take you into Mexican waters. You'll be out there aboard Captain Ray's 37' Strike walk around Sportfisher. She's a purpose-built fishing machine, and runs twin engines with a combined 960 horsepower. Everything you need as it pertains to fishing will be provided; Mexican Fishing licenses and visas are an additional cost but we will help get those for you. The islands are a beautiful place to fish. Let's go see whats out there! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Coronados Half Day Trip

NEW
37 ft 1 - 6 People From $200 / 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 luxurious 42' sportfisher, equipped with everything you need for a great fishing trip! 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

Full Day Local Offshore - 42’ Hershine

NEW
42 ft 1 - 12 People From $252 / person

On this trip, Captain Ian will take you out into local waters to bottomfish for Rockfish and Yellowtail. Of course, when you're fishing over rocks and structure, there's a good chance you'll hook some other species as well! Whether you're new to fishing or have many trips under your belt, this will be an amazing opportunity to enjoy the productive fishery off San Diego, CA! There are may different species of Rockfish, each slightly different from the others. Every single species is excellent eating, with a mild flavor and tender, flaky meat. These fish are voracious ambush predators, and are best caught with typical bottomfishing and jigging techniques. Captain Ian is happy to show you the ropes and will make sure you're equipped with the best bait and tackle for the job. You'll get out there aboard his beautiful 38' Phoenix sportfisher. She's a top-level fishing machine, originally built in 1999 and continuously maintained and updated since then. She runs twin Caterpillar engines with a combined 840 horsepower, and features a spacious cabin, restroom, kitchen, and more, plus all of the fishing gear and equipment your heart could desire. Everything will be provided for you, including rods, reels, bait, tackle, and more! All you need to bring is sun protection and your California fishing license, and you'll be good to go! Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Local Rockfish And Yellowtail

NEW
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $267 / person

This full-day trip is designed to make the most of the world-renowned offshore fishing off the coast of San Diego. This fisherman's paradise is fed by cold, rich water from deep in the Pacific, making this an extremely productive fishery from the inshore water all the way to deep offshore. On this trip, Captain Ian will take you offshore where you can target pelagic species such as Yellowtail Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, and Yellowfin Tuna. The season will determine the fish you target, but all of these fish are amazing fighters and some of the best-eating fish anywhere in the ocean. On this trip, you'll primarily be trolling, using multiple baits and lures to attract these fast, aggressive fish. You will be using top-of-the-line gear, artificial lures, and hand-rigged bait. Captain Ian guides his trips aboard a 38' Phoenix sportfisher equipped with twin 420HP Caterpillar engines that provide a ton of speed to get you out there quick. This vessel is equipped with outriggers for trolling, flybridge, and a spacious cabin with bunks, a kitchenette, and more. She's ready to get you and your crew out on the offshore trip of a lifetime! All the rods, reels, bait, tackle, and gear is included. Just bring your California fishing license, sun protection, and polarized sunglasses and you'll be set to go! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Close Offshore All Ages Trip

NEW
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $525 / person
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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in San Diego

What are the best fishing charters in San Diego?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 29 trips in San Diego, and the most popular trips in the area are 6 hr (AM or PM) guided by Shaun, San Diego Bay Half Day Trip guided by Kevin, and Local Excursion - 42’ Hershine guided by Nathan.

Our guides in San Diego are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 2404 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 charters 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 in San Diego as well as nearshore fishing and inshore fishing.

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

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?

in San Diego prices can range anywhere from an affordable $850 to $3,000 and up, but the average price for a half day trip in San Diego is $1,130. The average price for a full day trip in San Diego is $2,035.

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 41 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 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

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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