San Diego Offshore Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target yellowtail, tuna, dorado and sharks on offshore banksAll fishing gear, live bait, and Mexican permits includedChoose between 9 or 12 hour fishing adventures for four guests
Looking for a real offshore fishing adventure? Bubba Jean Sportfishing knows these San Diego waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on some serious fish. We're talking 9 or 12-hour trips targeting the big names – Yellowtail, Tuna, Dorado, and even sharks when they're biting. This isn't your typical harbor cruise; we're heading out to the offshore banks and kelp paddies where the action happens. With only 4 anglers max, you get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
When you step aboard with Bubba Jean, you're getting the full package. They've got your Mexican permits sorted (huge plus since we often chase fish across the border), quality fishing gear that can handle whatever we hook into, fresh live bait, ice to keep your catch fresh, bottled water, and some light snacks to keep you going. All you need is your California fishing license and whatever food and drinks you want for the day. The boat heads out early to maximize fishing time, and with a small group, everyone gets prime real estate at the rail. Captain and crew know exactly where to find the fish based on current conditions, water temps, and seasonal patterns. They're constantly reading the water, looking for bird activity, bait schools, and temperature breaks that hold fish.
Out here in San Diego's offshore waters, trolling is king. We're pulling lures behind the boat at varying speeds and depths to cover water and trigger strikes from predatory fish. The crew sets up a spread of different lures – some running shallow for surface feeders, others deeper for fish holding down in the water column. When we find kelp paddies or structure, we'll often switch to live bait fishing, dropping sardines, anchovies, or mackerel down to where the big fish are lurking. The tackle is sized right for what we're after – heavy enough to handle a big Yellowfin but light enough that you still feel every head shake and run. Circle hooks are standard for live bait work, and the crew knows how to rig everything properly for maximum hookup rates.
Mahi Mahi, or Dorado as we call them locally, are absolute dynamite on the end of a line. These fish love floating debris and kelp paddies, often showing up in small schools during warmer months from late spring through fall. They hit lures aggressively and put on an aerial show that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Dorado typically run 10-30 pounds out here, with the occasional bull pushing 40 plus. What makes them special is their willingness to eat – they're not shy about smashing a well-presented lure or live bait.
Shortfin Mako Sharks are the ultimate adrenaline rush for offshore anglers. These blue water rockets can hit 60+ mph and jump completely out of the water when hooked. San Diego's offshore waters see Makos year-round, but summer and fall tend to be most productive. They're drawn to the same areas that hold tuna – temperature breaks, offshore banks, and areas with good bait concentrations. A Mako bite is unmistakable – they'll often take line off the reel so fast it sounds like a motorcycle revving up.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the bread and butter of San Diego offshore fishing, especially around the offshore islands and kelp beds. These fish are built for speed and endurance, making long, powerful runs that test your tackle and technique. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but we see them year-round in decent numbers. Yellowtail in the 15-40 pound range are common, with trophy fish over 50 pounds always a possibility. They're smart fish that can be finicky, making a successful hookup even more rewarding.
Yellowfin Tuna are what many consider the holy grail of San Diego offshore fishing. These fish are pure muscle, capable of incredibly long runs and sustained fights that can last 30 minutes or more. Summer and fall are prime time when water temperatures are right, but the bite can extend into winter during good years. Yellowfin out here range from school fish in the 15-40 pound class up to genuine cows pushing 100+ pounds. They're often found around floating kelp, dolphins, or working bird flocks.
Bluefin Tuna represent the ultimate challenge in San Diego's offshore scene. These fish are incredibly strong, incredibly smart, and incredibly rewarding to catch. The local Bluefin population has been strong in recent years, with fish ranging from 30-pound "rats" up to giant 200+ pound fish that can take hours to land. Peak season varies year to year, but late spring through fall typically offers the best opportunities. Bluefin require finesse – light leaders, natural presentations, and a lot of patience.
San Diego's offshore fishing scene is world-class, and Bubba Jean Sportfishing delivers the goods with their top-rated charter service. The combination of experienced crew, quality gear, small group size, and access to productive offshore waters makes this a customer favorite among serious anglers. Whether you're after your first Yellowtail or chasing a personal best Tuna, these waters deliver consistency that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The 9 and 12-hour options give you flexibility based on your schedule and fishing goals, while the included Mexican permits open up even more fishing grounds. Don't wait – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bite is hot.
This 28' Albemarle Cruiser from 1999 gets you out to San Diego's best offshore fishing grounds with twin 240HP Yanmar engines hitting 24 knots. Perfect for up to 4 anglers targeting yellowtail, tuna, and dorado around the kelp paddies and offshore banks. The boat's equipped with everything you need - fish finder to locate the schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Between fishing sessions, you'll appreciate the onboard kitchen, bed, and head for comfort during those long 9 or 12-hour trips. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining during travel time to the fishing spots. Mexican permits, tackle, live bait, ice, water and snacks are all included - just bring your California fishing license and some food. Any fuel surcharges get sorted before you head out, so you can focus on landing those trophy fish in San Diego's productive offshore waters.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail out here - massive, powerful fish that can reach 200-400 pounds and fight harder than anything else in the ocean. These silver bullets live in the open blue from surface to over 1000 feet deep, following temperature breaks and bait schools. Peak season runs late spring through early fall, but they're unpredictable. What draws serious anglers is the combination of size, fight, and that incredible sashimi-grade meat that can be worth hundreds per fish. They're warm-blooded, so they can dive deep and run for miles - literally. The challenge is what makes it special; you might go several trips without seeing one, then hook into the fish of a lifetime. Best advice: bring your heaviest gear and be ready for a long fight. When we find them, live bait like sardines works better than anything artificial.
Coryphaena HippurusDorado are some of the most colorful fish you'll see out here - brilliant gold sides with electric blue and green backs that put on a real light show when they're brought up. Most run 15-29 pounds, but we've seen some monsters push 50+. They love hanging around floating kelp paddies and debris lines in warmer water, usually within the top 100 feet. Summer through fall is prime time when water temps climb. What makes them special is that crazy fight - they'll jump, run, and put on an aerial show that gets everyone on the boat excited. Plus, the meat is fantastic - firm, white, and perfect for the grill. Pro tip: once you hook one, work the area hard because they typically travel in schools and where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
Isurus OxyrinchusThese are the Formula 1 cars of the ocean - the fastest shark species around, clocking 30+ mph and capable of jumping 20 feet out of the water. Most run 8-12 feet and 130-300 pounds, though we've seen some real giants over 500. Makos cruise the open blue water from surface down to 400+ feet, following the warm currents. They're around year-round but really fire up in summer when baitfish are thick. What draws people to target them is that raw power and intelligence - they'll test every piece of your gear and give you a fight you'll never forget. The meat is excellent too, like a cross between swordfish and tuna. Fair warning though: when you hook one, keep your head on a swivel. I've seen them jump right into the boat, so be ready with heavy tackle and plenty of respect.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of the tuna world - those bright yellow fins and torpedo-shaped bodies built for speed. Most range 20-60 pounds, but we get some real cows over 100. They cruise the upper water column out in blue water, usually within the top 300 feet, following bait schools and temperature breaks. Best fishing is late spring through fall when water warms up. What makes them so sought after is that blistering initial run - they'll peel line like nothing else, plus the meat is top-shelf sashimi grade. They're also more predictable than bluefin, so your chances are better. The key technique I've learned is to watch for bird activity and kelp paddies - yellowfin love to hunt underneath. When trolling, keep your lures running fast and don't slow down when you get a bite; they often travel in schools.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are the local favorites around here - those bright yellow fins and tails make them easy to spot, and they typically run 15-25 pounds with some bruisers hitting 40+. You'll find them around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and structure from the surface down to 200 feet, especially near Catalina and the Coronado Islands. Summer is prime time when they move up from Baja in big numbers. What makes them so popular is that they're willing biters and absolute bulldogs once hooked - they'll use every bit of structure to try and break you off. The meat is outstanding too, especially for sushi. My go-to trick is using live sardines on a dropper loop rig, but here's the key: once you hook up, get them away from the kelp fast or you'll be retying all day.
San Diego