San Diego Bay Inshore Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Seabass, Yellowtail, Halibut, and Calico Bass inshoreSmall group charter accommodates up to 4 guests maximumMorning and afternoon departure times available daily
San Diego Bay isn't just another fishing spot – it's where serious anglers and weekend warriors alike come to test their skills against some of California's most sought-after species. When you step aboard with Awol Sportfishing, you're getting more than just a boat ride. You're tapping into decades of local knowledge, prime fishing grounds that most tourists never see, and the kind of personalized attention that only comes with small groups of four anglers max. Whether you're an early bird hitting the 6:30 a.m. departure or prefer the afternoon action at 12:30 p.m., this top-rated charter puts you right where the fish are biting.
Your captain knows these waters like his own backyard, and that makes all the difference when you're chasing finicky fish in San Diego's ever-changing conditions. The bay offers protected waters that are perfect for anglers who want productive fishing without the rough seas of offshore trips. You'll be targeting structure, kelp beds, and drop-offs that hold everything from scrappy calico bass to heavyweight halibut. The intimate four-person limit means you're not fighting for rail space or waiting your turn – you'll have plenty of room to work your rod and actually enjoy the experience. Pack your own snacks and drinks since meals aren't included, but trust me, you'll be too busy reeling in fish to think much about food.
This isn't a one-size-fits-all operation. Your captain adjusts tactics based on what's biting, current conditions, and the experience level of the crew. You might find yourself dropping live bait on the drift for halibut, working iron jigs along kelp edges for yellowtail, or casting swimbaits into shallow structure for calico bass. The boat comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle, but feel free to bring your own setup if you've got favorites. Spinning gear in the 20-30 pound class works great for most situations, though your captain will have heavier sticks ready if the bigger fish are cooperating. Expect to use everything from sardines and mackerel to soft plastics and metal jigs – variety is the name of the game in these productive waters.
Lingcod are the bruisers of San Diego Bay, and when you hook into one of these toothy predators, you'll know it immediately. These bottom-dwellers can push 20+ pounds and love rocky structure and kelp edges. Fall and winter are prime time for lingcod, when they move shallow to spawn and become more aggressive. They hit hard, fight dirty, and make excellent table fare – what more could you want? The key is getting your bait or lure right to the bottom where they're lurking, and don't be surprised if one tries to take your rod right out of your hands.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the speed demons that'll test your drag and your arms. These golden torpedoes can show up any time of year in San Diego waters, but summer and early fall typically offer the hottest action. When a school moves through, it's game on – they'll crush iron jigs, live bait, and just about anything that looks like food. A 15-20 pound yellowtail will make multiple blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. They're also fantastic eating, whether you're grilling, making sashimi, or turning them into fish tacos.
Pacific Halibut are the ultimate prize for bottom fishing enthusiasts. These flatfish masters of disguise can range from keeper-sized "chickens" around 22 inches up to genuine barn doors pushing 40+ pounds. Spring through fall offers the best halibut fishing, with these fish moving into shallower water to feed. They're notorious for their subtle bite – you might think you're hung up on the bottom until that "rock" starts swimming away. Halibut require patience and the right presentation, but landing a quality flatfish is one of fishing's great rewards.
Pacific Bonito bring non-stop action when they're around. These smaller tunas are built for speed and endurance, and they'll show up in schools that can keep you busy for hours. Summer and early fall are peak bonito season, and when they're feeding on the surface, it's some of the most visual and exciting fishing San Diego Bay has to offer. They're perfect for lighter tackle and make great sport on spinning gear. While they're not the biggest fish you'll catch, bonito are scrappy fighters and excellent bait for targeting larger predators.
Pacific Barracuda are the toothy speedsters that add serious excitement to any trip. These silver bullets can appear throughout the warmer months, and when they do, it's often game time. Barracuda have impressive teeth and lightning-fast strikes that'll get your heart pumping. They're particularly fond of shiny lures and will often hit with enough force to nearly rip the rod from your grip. A good barracuda will make several impressive jumps and long runs that showcase exactly why anglers love these aggressive predators.
San Diego Bay fishing with Awol Sportfishing gives you everything you need for a world-class angling experience – knowledgeable local guides, productive waters, quality gear, and the personal attention that only comes with small group charters. Whether you're looking to check new species off your list, introduce someone to the sport, or just get away from the crowds for some quality fishing time, this customer favorite delivers consistent results. The flexible departure times mean you can work this trip into almost any schedule, and the bay's protected waters ensure you'll be fishing comfortably regardless of outside conditions. Don't wait around hoping for the perfect day – book your charter now and get ready to see why San Diego's inshore fishing keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Get ready to chase trophy fish aboard our reliable 28-foot Boston Whaler! This center console fishing machine packs serious power with twin 250HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the hottest fishing spots fast, cruising at speeds up to 43 knots across San Diego Bay's productive waters. Built for serious anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water. Our fish finder will help locate schools of Seabass, Yellowtail, and Halibut lurking below, while GPS navigation keeps us on the prime fishing grounds. The radar system ensures we can stay out longer even when visibility drops. Keep your catch fresh in the built-in icebox, and don't worry about comfort - there's an onboard toilet for convenience during those long fishing sessions. With space for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the rods without bumping elbows. Whether you're targeting Calico Bass near the kelp beds or hunting bigger game in deeper water, this boat handles it all with ease.
Ophiodon ElongatusDespite their name, Lingcod aren't actually cod but greenlings with a fearsome reputation. These gnarly-looking fish have massive heads, razor-sharp teeth, and mottled coloring that helps them blend into rocky bottoms. Most females run 2-3 feet while males stay smaller, but don't let size fool you - they're aggressive fighters that would rather battle than flee. You'll find them lurking in rocky areas from 30-300 feet, especially around kelp beds and strong current zones. They're catchable year-round, but spawning season (December-April) brings them shallower. Guests love their aggressive strikes and excellent table fare. My go-to tip: use metal jigs and don't be afraid to work them right in the rocks - that's where the big ones hide. These bucket-heads will grab almost anything, so once you find their lair, you're in business.
Sphyraena ArgenteaPacific Barracuda are the silver bullets of San Diego waters - sleek, fast, and built for ambush attacks. These torpedo-shaped predators typically run 8-12 pounds and about 3 feet long, with razor-sharp teeth and excellent eyesight that tracks the slightest movement. They cruise kelp forests and rocky reefs from the surface down to 120 feet, often hunting in schools during spring and fall migrations. What draws anglers to them is their explosive strikes and aerial displays when hooked - they'll jump and thrash like crazy. Despite their fierce appearance, they're surprisingly skittish around anything bigger than them. Spring and fall offer the best fishing when mature adults move through. The meat is decent grilled or smoked. Key technique: use live anchovies or sardines and keep them moving. Barracuda love the chase, so a slow, steady retrieve that mimics fleeing baitfish will trigger those lightning-fast strikes every time.
Sarda LineolataPacific Bonito are the scrappy fighters that punch way above their weight class. These tuna-shaped speedsters average around 5-8 pounds but what they lack in size, they make up for in pure energy. You'll recognize them by the distinctive dark diagonal stripes across their metallic blue backs - they're the only local tuna-like fish with this pattern. They travel in schools near the surface, often pushing baitfish up while seabirds work overhead. Peak season runs June through November when they move through our waters chasing anchovies and sardines. Anglers love them for their acrobatic fights and constant runs. While not the finest table fare, they're perfect for smoking or making into fish cakes. Best technique is trolling small spoons or casting bonito feathers with a cast-a-bubble. When you find the school, work fast - they'll stick around if you keep them interested with steady action.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific Halibut are the barn doors of the flatfish world - these bottom-dwellers can grow massive, with fish over 100 pounds being fairly common. Most run 20-40 pounds, but the potential for a true giant keeps everyone excited. They're diamond-shaped with both eyes on their right side, perfectly adapted for life on sandy and muddy bottoms in 20-500 feet of water. Summer brings them into shallower feeding areas where they ambush everything from cod to crabs. What makes them special is the combination of size potential and incredible eating quality - pure white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're strong fighters that use their flat profile to bulldoze against your drag. My key tip: use 1-2 pound weights to get down to them, then bounce your bait slowly along bottom. They hunt by scent in deeper water, so fresh salmon bellies or whole squid work great.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are the speed demons of our local waters, and they'll test every ounce of your tackle and technique. These sleek fish average 15-25 pounds but can hit 40+ when conditions align. You'll spot them by their bright yellow fins and torpedo-shaped silver bodies. They hang around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and structure from the surface down to deeper water, especially during summer when warm water draws them close to San Diego. These fish are pure muscle - fast, strong swimmers that make blistering runs when hooked. The meat is prized for sushi and grilling, making them a favorite target. Best season is summer through fall when water temps climb. Pro tip: use live bait like sardines, and when you hook up, let them run initially. Fighting them too hard early on will just make them dive for the rocks and snap your line.
San Diego