San Diego Fishing
Top Rated Charters in San Diego
Description
The San Diego coastline offers some of the best sportfishing in Southern California. Anglers can target Calico Bass, White Sea Bass, Red Snapper, Ling Cod, Tuna, and Yellowtail. The peak fishing season for Tuna and Yellowtail typically runs from November through May, when water conditions and bait availability align for an excellent bite close to shore.
Located about 150 miles south of San Diego and only four miles off the Baja coastline, San Martin Island is a favorite destination for offshore fishing charters. Productive fishing grounds can be found between two and eight miles south of the island, especially near reef structures like the Breakers and Ben’s Rock. This area is known for strong action on Yellowfin Tuna from July through December, along with consistent catches of Yellowtail, Calico Bass, and White Sea Bass.
Guadalupe Island lies roughly 220 miles south of San Diego and 150 miles off the Baja coast. Towering cliffs rise from the ocean, creating ideal conditions for deep-water predators. The island is famous for its massive Bluefin Tuna, with many fish tipping the scales at over 200 pounds. Yellowfin Tuna also show up in strong numbers from July through December, making this a top destination for serious tuna anglers.
Fishing charters from San Diego often run trips to the Outer Banks, located up to 225 miles offshore. These trips are typically scheduled between May and November, targeting a mix of pelagic species. Anglers can expect to hook Albacore, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, Dorado (Mahi Mahi), and Yellowtail. Trolling and spotting techniques are commonly used to locate and catch fish in these productive offshore waters.
Farther south along the Baja Peninsula lie the productive fishing grounds around Cedros Island, San Benitos, and Hippolito—up to 450 miles from San Diego. These islands are home to large schools of Tuna, trophy-sized Yellowtail, Dorado, and White Sea Bass. Occasionally, great white sharks make appearances, adding to the excitement of fishing in these remote and wild waters.
Alijos Rocks is located approximately 480 miles south of San Diego and 160 miles off the Baja coast. This legendary fishing spot is marked by three rugged rocks breaking the surface and is where the world record Yellowtail was caught. Huge Yellowfin Tuna patrol these waters, especially during peak season, along with seasonal runs of Wahoo and Dorado that attract seasoned anglers from around the world.
Some of the best offshore fishing in Baja occurs near Magdalena Bay, Thetis Bay, and the Finger Banks. These deep-water areas are known for hosting large schools of Yellowfin Tuna, Bluefin Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, and Albacore. It’s also possible to hook Grouper, Amberjack, and even the occasional Marlin or Sailfish. These long-range charters offer some of the most action-packed fishing you’ll find in the Eastern Pacific.
Even during slower periods or while anchored, there’s no shortage of fish to target. The rocky bottoms and reefs along these routes are loaded with Rockfish, Calico Bass, and White Sea Bass, keeping lines tight and anglers engaged at all times.