Private 12 Hour Fishing Trip San Diego
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting tuna, dorado, and yellowtailPrivate charter accommodates up to six guests with experienced crewTwelvehour adventure includes complimentary drinks and snacks
Picture this: you're out on the water before dawn, coffee in hand, watching the sunrise paint the San Diego coastline as we head to the most productive offshore waters. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about a serious angler's dream, a full 12 hours aboard the Bluebill with Captain and crew who know exactly where the big fish are holding. With space for just six anglers, you're getting personalized attention and prime fishing real estate without fighting crowds for rod space. We'll keep you fueled with drinks and snacks throughout the day, so all you need to focus on is getting that drag screaming and fighting trophy fish that'll have your buddies back home questioning your fish tales.
When I say we're heading offshore, I mean we're running out to where the blue water holds the giants – sometimes 20, 30, even 50 miles out depending on where the bite is hot. The Bluebill is built for these long runs and designed to handle the open ocean swells while keeping you comfortable during those epic fish fights. You'll start early, typically around 5 AM, to maximize your time on the prime fishing grounds. The beauty of a 12-hour charter is we can chase the bite – if the yellowfin are lighting up the sonar 40 miles out, we've got the time and fuel to get there. The crew will have you rigged and ready before we even reach the first fishing spot, and with our top-rated equipment and local knowledge, you're set up for success from the moment we leave the dock.
We're talking serious offshore techniques here – trolling with cedar plugs and feathers for speedy tuna, live bait fishing with sardines and mackerel for the finicky biters, and when conditions are right, we'll break out the iron jigs for some of the most exciting fishing you'll ever experience. The Bluebill is equipped with Penn and Shimano reels spooled with spectra, 6/0 to 8/0 hooks for the live bait, and a full spread of trolling gear that can handle everything from 15-pound skipjack to 60-pound bluefin. We keep a healthy bait tank stocked with the freshest sardines, and when the fish are feeding aggressively, we'll switch to fly-lining techniques that let that bait swim naturally in the current. The crew knows how to read the sonar, watch for bird activity, and spot those telltale boils on the surface that signal feeding fish below.
Yellowfin Tuna are the bread and butter of San Diego offshore fishing, and for good reason. These powerful fish typically range from 15 to 40 pounds in our local waters, with occasional monsters pushing 60-plus pounds showing up during peak season from July through October. What makes yellowfin so special is their incredible speed and stamina – when you hook one, you're in for a fight that can last 20 minutes or more of pure adrenaline. They school up around kelp paddies and temperature breaks, making them predictable targets when you know what to look for.
Bluefin Tuna are the holy grail of Southern California fishing, and San Diego is world-renowned for producing these incredible fish. Most of our local bluefin range from 20 to 80 pounds, but we see fish over 100 pounds every season that'll test your tackle and your endurance. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and these fish are notorious for being picky eaters – they'll ignore a perfectly good sardine one minute, then attack a piece of iron the next. Landing a bluefin is something every serious angler needs to experience at least once.
Mahi Mahi, or dorado as many locals call them, are pure excitement on the end of your line. These acrobatic fish typically run 10 to 25 pounds and put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. They're most abundant during the warmer months when El Niño conditions push them north, and they love hanging around floating kelp and debris lines. The brilliant gold and green colors make them one of the most beautiful fish in the ocean, and they're also excellent table fare.
Yellowtail Amberjack are San Diego's signature gamefish, available year-round but absolutely on fire during spring and summer months. These fish typically range from 15 to 40 pounds and are known for their bulldogging fights and stubborn refusal to come to the boat easily. They're structure-oriented fish, so we'll target them around offshore banks, kelp beds, and rocky pinnacles. Yellowtail have excellent eyesight and can be line-shy, which makes them a technical challenge that keeps even experienced anglers coming back for more.
Kelp Bass might be the smallest fish on our target list, usually running 2 to 8 pounds, but don't let their size fool you. These fish are scrappy fighters that make excellent light tackle targets, and they're abundant around the offshore kelp forests that make San Diego fishing so unique. They're perfect for filling out your fish box and keeping the action going between shots at larger pelagic species. Plus, they're fantastic eating and easy to clean – perfect for anglers who want to take home a fresh dinner.
Look, there's fishing, and then there's fishing with Bluebill Charters on a full-day offshore adventure that'll remind you why you fell in love with this sport in the first place. Twelve hours gives us the flexibility to chase the bite wherever it takes us, whether that's trolling the 267 Bank for tuna or working the kelp beds for yellowtail and bass. With only six anglers aboard, you're getting the personalized attention and prime fishing spots that make the difference between a good day and an epic day. The
The Shaw 49' Sportfishing boat "Bluebill" is your ticket to serious offshore fishing in San Diego's deep waters. This recently restored 1993 vessel combines classic sportfishing design with modern reliability, powered by a 650HP Lugger engine that'll get you to the fishing grounds at a steady 15 knots. Built for up to 6 anglers, she's equipped with everything you need for a full day chasing tuna, dorado, and yellowtail - including a fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh. The flybridge gives you commanding views of the water while trolling for big game fish. When you need a break from fighting fish, there's air conditioning, a proper galley, head, and even a bed for longer trips. The Bluebill isn't just transportation to the fishing grounds - she's a floating base camp designed by anglers, for anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water.
Thunnus ThynnusThe holy grail of tuna fishing - these massive, warm-blooded fish are built for power and endurance. Pacific bluefin average around 130 pounds but can push 400+. They roam from surface down to 200+ feet, following bait schools along temperature breaks. Best fishing is during cooler months when they move through our waters chasing sardines and mackerel. This is the ultimate challenge fish - long runs, deep dives, and battles that can last hours. The meat is the finest you'll find, worth top dollar at sushi markets. Key tip: when you hook one, settle in for the long haul. Use heavy tackle, stay patient, and let the fish tire itself out rather than trying to muscle it up.
Paralabrax ClathratusThese scrappy fighters live right in our local kelp forests, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action. They typically run 2-5 pounds with olive-green coloring and distinctive white rectangular spots. You'll find them from 8-70 feet deep around any kelp bed or rocky structure. Fishing's good year-round, but May through October brings the hottest bite. What guests enjoy is their willingness to hit lures and their quick, diving fights toward cover. They're great eating too - firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. The trick is keeping them out of the kelp once hooked. Use braided line to cut through vegetation and turn their head immediately - they'll dive straight back into cover every time.
Coryphaena HippurusAlso called dorado, these golden beauties are some of the most colorful fish you'll see. They average 15-29 pounds and put up a solid fight with their speed and strength. You'll find them around floating kelp, debris, or current lines in our warm offshore waters. Best action happens during summer months when water temps climb. What guests love most is watching their colors change from brilliant blues and golds to silver once boated - it's like nature's own light show. The meat is firm, mild, and perfect for grilling. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let up - they love to make long runs and will throw the hook if you give them slack.
Thunnus AlbacaresThese torpedo-shaped speedsters are what serious offshore fishing is all about. Most yellowfin we see run 60-100 pounds, with their distinctive bright yellow fins and silver sides. They cruise the upper water column in our deep blue offshore waters, often mixed with dolphins or feeding birds. Peak season runs late summer through fall when baitfish schools are thick. What makes them special is the combination of power, speed, and incredible table fare - this is sushi-grade fish. The fight is pure strength with long, steady runs. Best technique is chunking with live bait to bring them up from depth. Once you get them feeding, work fast - the bite window can close quickly.
Seriola LalandiThese are the drag-screaming bruisers that'll test your tackle and your arms. Most run 15-25 pounds, but 40-pounders show up regularly around our local kelp beds and rocky structure. They hit hard and dive deep, using every ounce of their strength to get back to cover. Summer's prime time when warm water brings them close to Catalina and the Coronados. Guests love the challenge - these fish don't quit easily and make multiple runs. The meat's oily and rich, prized for sushi. Here's the key: soon as you hook up, turn that fish away from structure immediately. They'll head straight back to the kelp or rocks to cut you off, so heavy tackle and quick action are essential.
San Diego, CA