San Diego Inshore Fishing with Bubba Jean
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing charter targets Yellowtail, Bass, Bonito, and HalibutAll equipment, live bait, and ice included with charterMaximum 4 guests for personalized San Diego fishing experience
San Diego's inshore waters are some of the most productive fishing grounds on the West Coast, and you'll get to experience them firsthand on this top-rated charter with Bubba Jean Sportfishing. Whether you choose the 6-hour or 9-hour option, you'll be targeting premier species like Yellowtail, White Seabass, Halibut, and even the occasional Thresher Shark during spring runs. With space for up to 4 anglers, this intimate charter gives everyone plenty of room to fish and fight their catch without feeling crowded. Captain Bubba Jean knows these waters like the back of his hand, having fished San Diego's kelp beds and structure for decades.
Your day starts early with a quick brief on safety and the game plan for targeting whatever's biting best. San Diego's inshore zone stretches from the beach out to about 20 miles, covering everything from shallow kelp beds to deeper structure where the big White Seabass hang out. The boat is equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle for every situation you'll encounter. Live bait is the name of the game here - sardines, anchovies, and mackerel work magic on hungry Yellowtail and Bass. You'll also have access to jigs, swimbaits, and iron when the fish want something with more action. The 6-hour trip gives you solid fishing time, while the 9-hour option lets you hit multiple spots and really dial in on what's working. Captain Bubba Jean provides bottled water and light snacks, but you'll want to bring your own lunch for the longer trip.
Inshore fishing around San Diego is all about reading the water and adapting to conditions. You'll be working kelp beds with live bait on sliding sinker rigs, perfect for tempting Calico Bass and Sheephead hiding in the structure. When Yellowtail are running, it's game on with surface iron and yo-yo jigs that mimic fleeing baitfish. The captain will position you over productive bottom for Halibut and Lingcod, using heavier sinkers to keep your bait in the strike zone. Spring brings the best chance at hooking into a Thresher Shark - these prehistoric predators put up fights you won't forget. All rods are spooled with appropriate line weights, from 15-pound test for finesse fishing up to 40-pound for the bigger players. Circle hooks are standard for live bait to ensure solid hooksets and easier releases. The boat's fish finder and GPS help locate schools and structure, but local knowledge is what really makes the difference between okay fishing and epic fishing.
Vermilion Rockfish are year-round favorites that fight hard and taste even better. These bright red beauties live around rocky structure and kelp beds in 60 to 300 feet of water. They're aggressive biters that hit live bait and jigs with authority, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Most Vermillion you'll catch run 3 to 8 pounds, with the occasional bigger fish pushing double digits. They're excellent table fare and relatively easy to fillet, making them a customer favorite.
Lingcod are the apex predators of the rocky reefs, growing massive and ambushing anything that looks like an easy meal. San Diego's Lingcod typically run 10 to 30 pounds, with trophy fish exceeding 40 pounds not unheard of. They're seasonal, with best fishing from October through April when they move into shallower water. These fish have huge mouths full of sharp teeth and will absolutely crush whatever you put in front of them. Their firm white meat makes excellent fish tacos, and their aggressive nature means heart-pounding hookups.
California Sheephead are quirky fish that change sex as they mature, with the big males sporting distinctive black and red coloration and prominent teeth. They're structure-oriented fish that love kelp beds and rocky reefs, feeding on crabs, urchins, and shellfish. Most Sheephead you'll encounter weigh 3 to 12 pounds, and they're surprisingly strong fighters that use the kelp to their advantage. They're curious fish that often investigate divers and anglers, making them fun to target with live bait presentations.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the crown jewel of San Diego inshore fishing, known for blistering runs and never-say-die attitudes. These fish travel in schools and can show up anywhere from kelp beds to open water, especially during their spring and fall migrations. San Diego Yellowtail typically range from 15 to 40 pounds, with bigger fish always possible. They're incredibly strong swimmers that will test your drag and your endurance. When they're biting, it's some of the most exciting fishing you'll find anywhere on the coast.
Pacific Halibut are the ultimate prize for bottom fishermen, with their massive size potential and delicious white meat. San Diego's Halibut season peaks in summer and fall, when these flatfish move into shallower water to feed. Most fish run 10 to 50 pounds, but trophy Halibut exceeding 100 pounds swim these waters. They're ambush predators that lie buried in sand waiting for bait to swim overhead. The fight might not be as flashy as a Yellowtail, but there's nothing quite like the steady, bulldogging power of a big Halibut heading for the bottom.
This world-class inshore fishing experience fills up fast, especially during peak season when the Yellowtail are running thick. Bubba Jean Sportfishing has built a reputation for putting clients on fish and creating memories that last a lifetime. The 4-person limit ensures everyone gets personal attention and plenty of fishing
The 28' Albemarle Cruiser is your ticket to San Diego's prime inshore fishing grounds. This 1999 vessel runs on twin 240HP Yanmar engines that'll cruise you at 24 knots to the kelp beds and flats where Yellowtail, Bass, and Halibut are waiting. The boat's fish finder and GPS will put you right on the money spots, while the radar keeps you safe if the marine layer rolls in. With space for 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the rails without getting tangled up. The onboard kitchen, fridge, and icebox mean you can stay out longer chasing that White Seabass or spring Thresher Shark bite. When you need a break from fishing, there's a comfortable bed and clean head onboard. All your tackle, live bait, and ice are included – just grab your California license and get ready to fish some of the West Coast's most productive waters.
Semicossyphus PulcherCalifornia Sheephead are one of our most distinctive catches - males have black heads and tails with bright orange-red middles, while females are more pink overall. They're part of the wrasse family and can get surprisingly big, with males reaching 20-35 pounds. You'll find them in rocky reefs and kelp forests, usually 10-100 feet deep, where they crush urchins and crabs with their powerful jaws. Best fishing runs June through September during spawning season when they're most aggressive. Guests love the challenge because sheephead are incredibly strong fighters that use the rocky bottom to try breaking your line. The meat is sweet and firm, almost lobster-like. Pro tip: once you hook one, especially a big male, keep constant pressure and try to pull them up and away from structure immediately. Use heavy tackle with 40-pound leaders - you'll need it.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are some of the most aggressive predators you'll encounter on our local reefs. Despite the name, they're actually greenlings, not cod, and they've got the gnarly looks to prove it - massive heads, wicked teeth, and mottled green-brown coloring. Most range 5-15 pounds, but females get much larger than males, sometimes pushing 20-30 pounds. They live in rocky areas from 30-300 feet, especially around kelp forests where they ambush prey. Available year-round, but spring through fall offers the best action. Guests love them because they fight hard and the meat is fantastic - firm, white, and flaky. They're not fast swimmers but they're stubborn fighters that'll try to wrap you around structure. My tip: use heavy tackle with at least 30-pound braid and metal jigs. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the rocks.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific Halibut are the barn doors of the flatfish world - these diamond-shaped bottom dwellers can reach impressive sizes, with 20-40 pounders being common and 100+ pound fish definitely possible. They're muddy brown with dark spots and live on sandy or muddy bottoms from 150-500 feet deep. While more common up north, we do get them here in San Diego waters, especially during cooler months when they move into shallower feeding areas. What guests love is the surprise factor - you never know if that tap on the bottom is a 10-pounder or a genuine giant. The meat is outstanding, firm white fillets that are perfect for any preparation. They're ambush predators that lie buried in sand waiting for prey. My go-to technique: use 1-2 pound weights to get bait down, then bounce it slightly off bottom. Salmon bellies, herring, or large squid work best.
Sebastes MiniatusThese bright red beauties with their black-mottled backs are a solid catch in our local waters. Most vermilion run 14-22 inches and average around 6-10 pounds, though we've seen some push 15 pounds. They hang out around rocky bottoms and reefs between 100-500 feet, with younger fish often found shallower in the kelp beds. Year-round fishing is good, but spring through fall tends to be most productive when they're more active. What makes them fun is they're pretty cooperative once you find them - they'll take squid strips or small baits readily. The meat is excellent eating, firm and mild. Here's a local tip: when you're fishing deeper structure, use a two-hook rig with squid strips and keep it right on the bottom - they don't chase baits far.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are the gold standard of Southern California gamefish - fast, strong, and absolutely delicious. These sleek silver-blue fish with bright yellow fins typically run 15-25 pounds, though 40-pounders show up regularly. They cruise kelp beds, rocky reefs, and open water structure, often near the surface but can dive deep when spooked. Summer through early fall is prime time when warm water brings them up from Baja. What makes them special is the combination of speed and power - they'll make long runs and test your drag system. The meat is prized for sushi and grilling, with a rich, oily texture. They're also one of our most cooperative biters when conditions are right. Local secret: if you hook one, others are usually nearby. Use live bait when possible and once you land the first one, get your line back down fast - schools often stick around for multiple hookups.
San Diego