Fishing The Coronado Islands
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
9hour offshore fishing trip targeting Yellowtail and RockfishSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests capacityValid passport required for Coronado Islands access
Just 18 miles southwest of San Diego, the Coronado Islands offer some of the most consistent and productive fishing waters on the West Coast. This 9-hour charter with Awol Sportfishing puts you right in the heart of prime Mexican waters, where rockfish, lingcod, and yellowtail patrol the kelp forests and rocky pinnacles. With a maximum of 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from the crew. Fair warning though – you'll need a valid passport for this cross-border adventure, but trust me, the fishing is worth the extra paperwork.
This isn't your typical half-day local trip. Nine hours gives you serious time to work different depths and structures around the four main islands. You'll start early, usually around sunrise, to make the most of prime feeding windows. The Coronados sit in deep blue water with dramatic underwater topography – think steep drop-offs, kelp beds, and rocky reefs that create perfect ambush spots for predator fish. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so expect to hit multiple spots depending on conditions and what's biting. Spring is prime time here, when the water starts warming and baitfish move in close to shore. The bite can be wide open one moment and require finesse the next, keeping things interesting all day long.
You'll be fishing everything from surface iron for yellowtail to heavy jigs for deep rockfish. The crew typically provides all tackle, but serious anglers often bring their own setups. For yellowtail, expect to throw 6-8 oz surface irons like Salas 6X or scrambled eggs on 40-50 lb gear. When the yellows are finicky, live bait fishing with sardines or mackerel on fluorocarbon leaders does the trick. Rockfish action happens on the bottom with 12-16 oz jigs or dropper loop rigs loaded with shrimp flies. Lingcod fishing requires heavier tackle and big baits – they love whole squid or large swimbaits worked near structure. The kelp bass bite best on lighter gear with smaller jigs or plastics, making them a fun target when you want to feel every headshake.
Vermilion Rockfish are the bread and butter of Coronado Islands fishing. These bright red beauties live along the rocky bottom in 100-300 feet of water and are absolutely delicious table fare. They're aggressive biters that hit jigs, bait, and even bare hooks if you're lucky. Peak season runs from late winter through early summer when they're spawning and feeding heavily. What makes vermilions special is their fighting spirit – they'll dive straight for the rocks when hooked, testing your drag and rod tip. Most fish run 2-4 pounds, but the islands produce plenty of 5+ pound specimens that'll make your arms burn.
Lingcod are the apex predators of these waters, and hooking into a big ling is like connecting with a freight train. These toothy monsters can exceed 30 pounds and have zero quit in them. They ambush prey from rocky lairs and will absolutely demolish anything that looks like an easy meal. Spring is prime time when they move shallow to spawn, making them more accessible to sport anglers. The current California record lingcod came from these waters, so you're always fishing with trophy potential. Their white, flaky meat rivals halibut, making them as good on the plate as they are on the end of your line.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the speed demons that'll test your tackle and skills. These silver bullets show up in schools around the islands from spring through fall, with peak action in the warmer months. They're notorious for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. A 20-pound yellowtail will smoke 200 yards of line before you can blink, which is why many anglers consider them the ultimate light tackle gamefish. They're also fantastic eating, especially as sashimi or grilled whole. The Coronados consistently produce fish in the 15-30 pound range, with occasional giants pushing 40+ pounds.
Kelp Bass might be smaller than the other target species, but they're pure fun on appropriate tackle. These chocolate-colored fighters live in the kelp canopy and are incredibly structure-oriented. They're perfect for finesse fishing when the bigger fish aren't cooperating. Kelp bass are also great confidence builders for newer anglers since they're typically willing biters. The islands produce quality fish in the 3-6 pound range that fight way above their weight class. They're excellent table fare too, with sweet white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or ceviche.
The Coronado Islands deliver world-class fishing just minutes from San Diego, and this 9-hour adventure gives you the time to really capitalize on what these waters offer. With only 4 spots available, you're getting a semi-private charter experience at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated boat. The crew at Awol Sportfishing knows how to put clients on fish, and their track record speaks for itself. Remember to bring your passport, pack some snacks since meals aren't included, and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your return trip before you even hit the dock. These trips fill up fast during prime season, so don't wait too long to secure your spot on one of Southern California's top-rated fishing adventures.
Our 28-foot Boston Whaler center console is built for serious anglers targeting the productive waters around Coronado Islands. Twin 250HP Yamaha outboards push this reliable fishing platform at speeds up to 43 knots, getting you to the yellowtail and rockfish grounds quickly. The spacious deck comfortably accommodates 4 fishermen with plenty of room for casting and fighting fish. Essential gear includes a fish finder to locate schools, GPS navigation, radar for those early morning runs, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. There's even an onboard toilet for those long 9-hour fishing days. This proven Boston Whaler design handles the open ocean swells between San Diego and the Coronados while providing a stable platform for landing lingcod and bass. The center console layout gives everyone clear access to the fishing action whether you're bottom fishing the rocky structure or casting to surface-feeding yellowtail.
Paralabrax ClathratusThese calico-patterned bass are the bread and butter of SoCal fishing. Running up to 2 feet and 15 pounds, they live almost exclusively in kelp forests from 8-200 feet deep. Adults have that distinctive olive-green color with white rectangular spots, while younger ones are lighter brown. They're year-round residents, but May through October gives you the best action during their heavy feeding period. What guests love is their scrappy fight and willingness to hit lures that match their diet - anchovies, sardines, small crabs. The key challenge: they'll dart straight back to the kelp after striking. My advice is simple - the moment you hook one, get them away from cover fast. Use braided line and keep steady pressure to cut through kelp if needed.
Ophiodon ElongatusDon't let the name fool you - these aren't actually cod, but they're some of the nastiest-looking fish you'll hook. With massive heads, wicked teeth, and mottled green-brown coloring, they live up to their "buckethead" nickname. Females run over two feet while males stay smaller. They lurk in rocky lairs from 30-300 feet, perfectly camouflaged until they ambush prey. Unlike most fish, they won't run when hooked - they'll fight you tooth and nail right where they are. That aggressive nature makes them fun to target year-round. The meat's excellent too, firm and white. Here's the key: once you hook one, get them up and away from the rocks fast. Use braided line and metal jigs - they'll hit anything that moves near their territory.
Sebastes MiniatusThese bright red beauties with their mottled backs are what make rockfish trips worthwhile. Running 14-22 inches on average, they hang out around rocky bottoms and reefs between 100-500 feet deep. The younger ones stick to shallower kelp beds, but the bigger fish go deep. They're not picky eaters - squid, small fish, octopus, whatever's around. What makes them special is they can live up to 100 years and often stay territorial to the same spot for years. They fight decent for their size and make excellent table fare. Pro tip: when you're fishing the deeper structure, use a two-hook rig with squid strips - they'll hit it even without much current. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding.
Seriola LalandiThese are the fish that'll test your tackle and your endurance. Yellowtails are built for speed with their streamlined bodies and bright yellow fins, typically running 15-25 pounds but capable of hitting 40-plus. They cruise kelp beds and rocky reefs, often near the bottom but will chase bait to the surface. Summer's prime time when warm water brings them close to the Coronados. What makes them special is the fight - they're fast, strong, and won't give up easy. The meat's prized for sushi, oily and rich. Best trick I can share: use live bait and throw some chum to bring them up from the depths. Once hooked, don't horse them - steady pressure and let your drag work. Keep them away from structure or they'll cut you off.
San Diego