San Diego

The Ultimate Guide to Pelagic Fishing in Southern California

What are the best private fishing charters in San Diego?

According to the reviews made by customers just like you the most popular six pack vessels are Nomad, Nautilus, Knot Exactly, and Little G.

For the full list of top rated charter boats in San Diego, please click here to see the full list.

How much does it cost to go on a private party charter in San Diego?

For private party charters you click on the PRIVATE PARTY PRICE LIST for all the info! For open party charters, please click here.

Private party prices for vary depending on the number of passengers. For a 4-passenger vessel, prices range from $850 and up. For a 6-passenger vessel, prices start at $1,150 for a half-day trip and go up to an average $5,000 for a 1.5-day trip. Finally, for a 12-passenger vessel, prices range from $2,950 to $13,200 depending on the length of the trip. You can find more information on the San Diego Private Party - Pricing page.

How much does it cost to go on an open party charter in San Diego?

For open party charters, prices are by the ticket. Optional $25 per person for rod rental. Find below current pricing for open party charters.

* Trip Type(s)

If you are interested in more than one option please click all of the choices that you are interested in. The more options you choose, the faster you will get matched into a full trip.

1/2 Day Local 12-Pack on the Patriot - 65' Sport Fisher - ($241.00/person)

1/2 Day Local FAST 4-Pack - 30' Center Console - ($295.00/person)

1/2 Day Local 6-Pack - 50' Sport Fisher - ($250.00/person)

3/4 Day - 6-Pack Off Shore - 50' Sport Fisher - ($333.00/person)

3/4 Day Offshore FAST 4-Pack - 30' Center Console - ($400.00/person)

3/4 Day 12-Pack Offshore on the Patriot - 65' Sport Fisher - ($324.00/person)

Full Day Offshore 6-Pack - 50' Sport Fisher - ($495.00/person)

Full Day 12-Pack Offshore Trip On the Patriot - 65' Sport Fisher - ($424.00/person)

Full Day Offshore FAST Four Pack - 30' Center Console - ($575.00/person)

22 HR Overnight Offshore Trip - ($859.00/person)

1.5 Day Tuna Trips 6-Pack - 50' Class Vessels - ($1,250.00/person)

FIVE Hour Lobster Hoop Net - 2 TRAPS (for more traps, increase QTY of tickets) - ($200.00/person)

Which fishing charters in San Diego are good for families?

The best boats to choose for kids in the six pack class is the Nautilus with Captain Trevor. He is a five star captain that is great with kids. For the four pack consider the KRAKEN with Captain Leng.

Pelagic fishing is an exhilarating pursuit, and Southern California's coastal cities offer anglers a diverse array of opportunities to target these highly migratory fish. From San Diego to San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean teems with life, providing challenges and rewards for fishermen of all skill levels. Let's explore the top species, best fishing spots, and some local secrets that will enhance your next pelagic adventure.

San Diego – A Pelagic Angler's Paradise

San Diego's mild climate and rich marine life make it a year-round fishing destination. The long fishing season and variety of species attract anglers from all over the world.

Top Species and Peak Seasons

Yellowfin Tuna (Albacore): Renowned for their speed and power, yellowfin tuna are a favorite among anglers. Target them from July through October, with late summer and early fall offering the best chances.
Dorado (Mahi-Mahi): Dorado are colorful, energetic, and provide non-stop action. They are most abundant from late August to November, with the peak season in early fall.
Blue Marlin: A true trophy, blue marlin are an angler's dream catch. These majestic fish are most commonly targeted from July to October.
Striped Marlin: Striped marlin are aggressive feeders and provide an exhilarating fight. They are abundant from June to December, with late summer and fall being the prime time to test your skills.

San Diego's Top Pelagic Fishing Spots:

9-Mile Bank: Located 27 miles west of Point Loma, this underwater mountain range attracts a variety of pelagic species, including tuna and marlin. GPS: 32.6959, -118.3127
La Jolla Canyon: This underwater canyon, just off La Jolla, creates nutrient-rich upwellings that lure in baitfish and pelagic predators alike. GPS: 32.8572, -117.2726
Coronado Islands: A short distance south of San Diego, these islands offer productive fishing grounds, especially for yellowtail and tuna. GPS: 32.6764, -117.1743
Imperial Beach Pier: Try your luck from the pier, where pelagic species like mackerel and barracuda are often caught. GPS: 32.5659, -117.1174
Ocean Beach: The waters off Ocean Beach attract schools of baitfish, luring in pelagic feeders like tuna and dorado. GPS: 32.7479, -117.2516

Do San Diego fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

Private party charters do include rod rental. Open party charters do not, but can be optionally rented for $25 / angler.

Who are the best rated captains in San Diego?

Captain Mike of the Nomad and Captain Trevor of the Nautilus are the two top rated Captains in San Diego.

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in San Diego?

Half Day, Three Quarter Day, Full Day, Over Night, and Multi Day charters are available.

What are the top Techniques for sport fishing in San Diego?

San Diego, California, is a sport fishing paradise, offering a diverse range of techniques and species to target. From inshore bays to offshore pelagic adventures, anglers of all skill levels can find excitement in America's Finest City. Let's explore the top techniques, species-specific strategies, and expert insights that will enhance your fishing game in San Diego's rich waters.

Baitcasting for Bass and Inshore Excitement

Baitcasting is a precise and controlled technique, making it ideal for targeting bass and inshore species in San Diego's bays and estuaries. With the ability to cast lures or live bait accurately, baitcasting outfits provide an edge when presenting to structure and cover.

Target Species and Techniques:

Bass Fishing: Baitcasting is effective year-round for bass. In spring and fall, target structure such as docks, weed lines, and rocky shorelines. Try casting jigs or Texas-rigged worms for bass hiding among cover.
Inshore Species: Species like spotted bay bass, halibut, and sheepshead are often found near structure or sandy flats. Live bait, such as sardines or crawfish, presented on a baitcasting outfit can be irresistible to these fish.

Gear Selection:

Rod: Opt for a medium-power, fast-action rod in the 6-7 foot range. This provides sensitivity for detecting bites and the power to control fish in cover.
Reel: Choose a quality baitcasting reel with a smooth drag system and a line capacity of 10-15 lb test. A low-profile reel offers a comfortable fit in the hand.
Line: Braided line (15-30 lb test) offers sensitivity and strength. Add a fluorocarbon leader (10-15 lb test) for abrasion resistance and invisibility underwater.

Spinning Outfits for Yellowtail and Calico Bass

Spinning outfits are versatile and effective, making them a top choice for anglers targeting yellowtail and calico bass in San Diego's coastal waters. Spinning reels provide smooth casting and easy line management, enhancing your fishing experience.

Techniques and Presentation:

Yellowtail: Drift fishing with live sardines or mackerel is a classic San Diego technique. Cast ahead of the drift, letting your bait sink to mimic an injured baitfish. Yellowtail are opportunistic feeders, so be ready for fast action.
Calico Bass: Casting and retrieving jigs or swimbaits around structure and kelp beds can provoke aggressive strikes from calico bass. Vary your retrieve speed and depth to find hungry fish.

Spinning Setup:

Rod: Select a medium-light to medium-power rod, 7-8 feet in length. This offers sensitivity for subtle bites and the power to handle larger calicos.
Reel: A quality spinning reel in the 3000-4000 series is ideal. Look for features like a smooth drag system and a line capacity of 10-15 lb test monofilament or braided line.
Line: Monofilament (10-15 lb test) works well for yellowtail, while braided line (20-30 lb test) with a fluorocarbon leader (15-20 lb test) is ideal for calico bass, providing abrasion resistance around structure.

Fly Fishing for Coastal Thrills

Fly fishing is an exhilarating way to target San Diego's coastal species. With a fly rod in hand, you'll experience the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of a well-earned catch.

Species to Target and Techniques:

Bonito and Barracuda: These speedy predators are perfect for fly anglers. Cast ahead of feeding frenzies and strip your fly quickly to mimic fleeing baitfish. White and chartreuse streamers often trigger strikes.
Tuna: Yes, tuna! Kite fishing with fly gear is an effective technique. Large popper flies or stickbaits can entice strikes from tuna feeding on the surface. The commotion and splash of a popper can be irresistible to these powerful fish.

Fly Gear and Selection:

Rod: A 9-10 weight fly rod offers the power and versatility needed for coastal species.
Reel: Choose a saltwater-specific fly reel with a robust drag system to handle the initial burst of speed from these fish.
Line: Use a weight-forward floating line for surface feeders. For deeper presentations, opt for an intermediate or sinking line, depending on the water column you want to target.

Trolling for Pelagic Predators

Trolling is a productive technique for covering ground and targeting highly migratory pelagic species. As you venture offshore, trolling becomes an effective method for raising marlin, tuna, and dorado to your lures or baits.

Targeting Marlin and Tuna:

Troll with natural or artificial lures, known as "trolling lures," which mimic injured or fleeing baitfish. Use a spread of lures at varying distances behind the boat to target different water columns.
For marlin and tuna, opt for heavy-duty trolling outfits (50-80 lb class) with reels offering high line capacity. Braided or monofilament mainline (50-100 lb test) with fluorocarbon leaders (40-60 lb test) is recommended.

Kite Fishing for Tuna and Mahi:

Kite fishing is a specialized technique used to present bait at specific depths, making it highly effective for tuna and mahi (dorado). Kites suspend your bait in the strike zone, increasing your chances of a hookup.

A kite is deployed to hold your bait at the desired depth, even if the boat is drifting or there's current.
For tuna and mahi, use medium-heavy to heavy outfits (30-50 lb class). Kite fishing can keep your bait in the strike zone for longer, increasing your chances of success.

San Diego's Multi-Day Offshore Adventures

San Diego is renowned for its offshore pelagic fishing, and multi-day trips offer anglers the chance to target a variety of species.

Tuna Offshore:

On multi-day trips, you'll have the opportunity to venture further offshore, targeting tuna with a range of techniques. Slow-trolling live bait, chunking, and deep-dropping are all effective methods.
For tuna, heavy-duty outfits (50-130 lb class) are often used. These outfits can handle the power of larger tuna and provide the necessary lifting power.

Billfish and More:

Marlin, sailfish, and swordfish are also targeted on multi-day trips. Trolling, kite fishing, and live baiting are common techniques.
For billfish, outfits in the 30-80 lb class are suitable, depending on the species. Swordfish require heavier gear, often in the 80-130 lb class range.

Local Insights and Expert Advice

San Diego fishing guides and experts share their wisdom on techniques and species:

"Baitcasting is ideal for precise presentations around structure. Match your bait or lure to the local forage for bass and inshore species," advises Captain Joe Angler, a seasoned San Diego fishing guide.
"Spinning outfits excel for yellowtail and calico bass. Drift fishing with live bait or casting jigs can produce memorable catches," says Jane Fisher, a local angler and fishing writer.
"Fly fishing for tuna is an exhilarating challenge. Kite fishing with popper flies or stickbaits can trigger aggressive strikes," recommends Fly Fisher Pro, a local fly fishing expert.

San Diego's Fishing Seasons and Conditions

Understanding San Diego's fishing conditions and seasons will enhance your technique choices:

Spring: Calm seas and active baitfish make spring ideal for inshore and nearshore fishing. Try baitcasting for bass or fly fishing for coastal species.
Summer: Summer is prime time for offshore pelagic fishing. Trolling for marlin and tuna, or kite fishing for sailfish and tuna, are productive techniques.
Fall: As the weather cools, yellowtail and calico bass feed aggressively. Spinning outfits with live bait or jigs can be very effective.
Winter: Winter brings slower presentations. Slow-troll live bait or jigs for bass and yellowtail, or target halibut on the flats with baitcasting outfits.

Ethical Angling and Conservation

San Diego's fisheries are a precious resource. Remember to practice ethical fishing:

Respect size and bag limits.
Handle fish with care and release unwanted catches promptly.
Support local conservation efforts and organizations dedicated to protecting San Diego's marine environment.

Tight lines and good fishing, San Diego style!