San Diego Mexican Inshore & Coronado Islands
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday fishing trips targeting yellowtail and white seabassAll equipment, bait, and Mexican permits included onboardSmall group charters accommodate up to four guests
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a well-rigged sportfisher, watching the sun come up over the Pacific as we cruise toward some of San Diego's most productive fishing grounds. The Mexican Inshore waters and Coronado Islands have been drawing serious anglers for decades, and for good reason. These waters hold everything from hard-fighting yellowtail to massive white seabass, depending on what Mother Nature's serving up that day. With Bubba Jean Sportfishing, you're getting access to prime fishing real estate that most weekend warriors can only dream about.
This isn't your typical half-day bay trip. We're talking 9 or 12 hours of serious fishing time in waters that consistently produce trophy-class fish. The Mexican Inshore zone and Coronado Islands sit in a sweet spot where deep Pacific currents meet coastal structure, creating the perfect storm for feeding fish. You'll have everything you need on board – top-quality rods and reels, fresh live bait, and all the tackle to handle whatever we hook into. The boat's equipped with proper fish finders and GPS, so we're not just hoping for the best – we're targeting specific spots where the fish are biting. Don't forget your unexpired passport and California fishing license, because we'll be crossing into Mexican waters where the fishing gets really interesting.
The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety of techniques that work. We'll be running live bait on the drift when we find schools of yellowtail or white seabass suspended over structure. When the bite's hot, there's nothing like watching that sardine or mackerel get crushed and feeling that rod load up. For bottom species like rockfish and halibut, we'll anchor up over known ledges and drop jigs or bait rigs down to where the big flatfish are lying. The Coronado Islands offer incredible underwater topography – kelp beds, rock piles, and drop-offs that hold fish year-round. Mexican permits and visas are all handled, so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat.
Lingcod are the bruisers of the rocky bottom, and these waters produce some absolute monsters. These prehistoric-looking fish can push 30-plus pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're ambush predators that love structure, so we'll work the rock piles and kelp edges where they set up to feed. Best action usually comes during cooler months when they're more aggressive, and there's nothing quite like the solid thump of a big ling grabbing your jig.
Yellowtail amberjack are the bread and butter of Southern California sportfishing, and the Coronado Islands are legendary yellowtail grounds. These fish are built for speed and endurance – they'll make screaming runs that test your drag and your patience. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, when water temperatures climb and baitfish schools draw them in close. A 20-pound yellowtail on 20-pound line will humble even experienced anglers, and the sashimi-grade meat makes every fight worth it.
Pacific halibut are the ultimate prize for bottom fishermen, and these Mexican waters hold some impressive flatfish. These camouflaged giants can exceed 40 pounds and provide arm-burning fights from the bottom up. They're finicky feeders that require patience and the right presentation, but when a big halibut decides to eat, you'll know it immediately. Spring and early summer offer the best opportunities when they're feeding heavily in preparation for spawning.
Pacific barracuda might not be the biggest fish in these waters, but they're definitely among the most fun to catch. These silver bullets will destroy surface lures and put on acrobatic displays that rival any gamefish. They show up in large schools during warmer months, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Light tackle makes them even more sporting, and they're excellent table fare when prepared right.
Thresher sharks represent the apex predator experience on this trip. These unique sharks use their oversized tail fins to stun baitfish, creating one of the ocean's most impressive feeding displays. Threshers in these waters commonly reach 100-plus pounds, and their initial runs are absolutely blistering. They're most active during dawn and dusk periods, which is why those longer trip options really pay off. Catching a thresher is a bucket-list experience that separates the casual fishermen from the serious anglers.
The Mexican Inshore and Coronado Islands represent some of the most consistent fishing opportunities on the entire West Coast. With only four anglers per trip, you're getting personalized attention and prime fishing space that larger cattle boats simply can't match. Whether you choose the 9-hour or 12-hour option, you're investing in a world-class fishing experience that targets species most anglers only read about in magazines. The combination of productive waters, quality equipment, and local knowledge makes this a customer favorite that books up quickly during peak seasons. Don't wait until the bite reports start rolling in – by then, the best dates are already gone.
Hit the productive waters off San Diego aboard this solid 28' Albemarle Cruiser. Twin 240HP Yanmar engines push you out to the Mexican Inshore and Coronado Islands at a steady 24 knots, giving you maximum fishing time where the yellowtail, white seabass, and halibut are biting. The boat's fish finder helps locate the schools while GPS and radar keep you on course. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's room to work the lines without bumping elbows. When you need a break from the action, grab a cold drink from the fridge or stretch out in the cabin. The onboard kitchen lets you prep your catch, and the head means no cutting trips short. Ice box keeps your fish fresh and the bait lively. All tackle, live bait, and Mexican permits are handled - just bring your passport and California fishing license. Fuel surcharges discussed upfront, no surprises.
Ophiodon ElongatusDespite their name, lingcod aren't actually cod but greenlings with a gnarly appearance thanks to their massive teeth and speckled coloring. These ambush predators hang out in rocky areas from 30-300 feet, using their mottled pattern to blend in perfectly. Females get much bigger than males, often reaching over two feet while males stay smaller. They're aggressive fighters but surprisingly lazy - they'd rather battle you than flee once hooked. The meat is excellent eating, and they're available year-round around here. One tip: use heavy tackle with at least 30lb braided line since they live in rocky terrain that'll snap lighter gear in a heartbeat.
Sphyraena ArgenteaPacific barracuda are silver missiles that show up around kelp beds and structure, usually staying in the top 120 feet of water. They average about 10 pounds and 3 feet long, but don't let the size fool you - these things are pure aggression with razor-sharp teeth and lightning speed. Best fishing happens during spring and fall when the bigger adults migrate through. What makes them fun is their aerial show once hooked; they'll jump and thrash like their life depends on it. They're also excellent on the table when prepared right. The secret is keeping your lure moving fast and erratic - barracuda love chasing prey, so give them something to hunt. Use a wire leader too, or those teeth will cut through mono like butter.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the big flatfish everyone dreams about - these "barn doors" can stretch over 100 pounds, though most run 20-40 pounds around here. They live on sandy bottoms from 150-500 feet, ambushing anything that swims by with surprising speed for a bottom dweller. Summer brings the best action when they move shallower to feed more actively. What makes them special is the combination of size, great table fare, and that heart-stopping moment when something massive grabs your bait and starts peeling line. The key trick is bouncing your rod tip every few seconds to keep your bait moving - halibut are attracted to that wounded fish action more than dead weight sitting still.
Alopias VulpinusThresher sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, famous for their whip-like tails that can be as long as their body. These beautiful fish average 10-16 feet and pack serious power, capable of 30mph bursts that'll test your heaviest tackle. They cruise 40-50 miles offshore in 25-200 feet, hunting baitfish with that signature tail-slap. Late spring through fall is prime time around here when water temps hit 60-70°F. The fight is what brings people back - imagine hooking into a fish that can leap completely out of the water. Use mackerel or sardines for bait, and here's the key: drift slowly around bait balls at 2-4 knots with your lure 25-50 feet down where they're actively feeding.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are one of our most prized catches around the Coronados, especially during summer when warm water brings them up from Baja. These silver bullets average 15-25 pounds but can hit 40+ if you're lucky. They're fast, strong swimmers that'll test your arms and drag, hanging around kelp beds and rocky structure in 60-200 feet of water. The fight is what hooks most anglers - long, powerful runs that'll have you questioning your tackle choices. Plus, the meat is top-notch for sushi or grilling. Pro tip: when you hook one, don't horse it too hard or they'll dive straight into the kelp and cut you off. Let them run and tire themselves out first.
San Diego