San Diego Offshore Fishing: Premium Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing targeting yellowtail, tuna, dorado and sharksAll gear, bait, permits and snacks included onboardChoose between 9 or 12 hour fishing adventures
When you're looking for serious offshore fishing action in San Diego, Bubba Jean Sportfishing delivers exactly what seasoned anglers expect. These full-day charters take you beyond the kelp beds to productive offshore banks where the big fish live. With 9 or 12-hour options for up to 4 guests, you'll have plenty of time to work the best spots without feeling rushed. The crew handles all the details - Mexican permits, live bait, quality tackle, and basic provisions - so you can focus on what matters most: hooking up with some of Southern California's top gamefish.
Your day starts early at the harbor, loading up with fresh live bait and heading out past Point Loma toward the productive offshore grounds. The boat targets prime fishing zones including underwater banks, kelp paddies, and temperature breaks where baitfish congregate. Depending on conditions and seasonal patterns, you might find yourself working structure in 200 feet of water or heading further offshore to blue water where the pelagics roam. The crew knows these waters inside and out, reading the sonar and watching for bird activity that signals feeding fish below. With just 4 anglers maximum, there's plenty of room to fight fish without tangling lines, and everyone gets quality time at the rail when the action heats up.
This operation runs a mix of trolling and live bait fishing depending on what the fish are doing. When covering ground to locate schools, the crew pulls a spread of lures at various depths to trigger strikes from aggressive predators. Once fish are located, it's often time to break out the live bait - sardines, mackerel, or whatever's running fresh that day. The boat carries quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with appropriate line weights, from 20-pound test for smaller yellowtail up to 60-pound for the big bluefin that show up seasonally. Circle hooks are standard to improve survival rates on released fish. The crew provides all terminal tackle and knows how to rig everything from flylined sardines to sinker rigs for deeper presentations.
Mahi Mahi, also called dorado, are absolute favorites among San Diego charter guests for good reason. These colorful fighters typically show up during warmer months when water temperatures climb above 70 degrees. Most mahi here run 15-30 pounds, though occasional bulls push 40-plus. They're aggressive feeders that hit both lures and live bait, often traveling in small schools around floating kelp paddies or debris lines. When hooked, mahi put on an aerial show with wild jumps and bulldogging runs that test your drag system.
Shortfin Mako Shark represent the ultimate offshore challenge for many anglers. These powerful predators cruise the blue water year-round but peak during spring and early summer months. San Diego makos commonly range 100-200 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 300-plus. They're known for spectacular leaps when hooked, sometimes clearing the water completely in their attempts to throw the hook. The fight typically involves long runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line, making them a true test of angling skill and endurance.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the bread and butter of San Diego offshore fishing, available most of the year with peak action from spring through fall. These hard-fighting members of the jack family typically weigh 15-40 pounds locally, with trophy fish exceeding 50 pounds during good years. Yellowtail are notorious for their initial run straight toward structure, testing an angler's ability to turn the fish quickly. They respond well to both live sardines and iron jigs, making them accessible to different fishing styles and skill levels.
Yellowfin Tuna bring speed and power to the fight that few fish can match. San Diego's yellowfin fishery typically peaks during late summer and fall when warmer water pushes north. Local yellows commonly run 20-60 pounds, with the occasional cow tuna pushing 100-plus pounds. These fish are built for speed, capable of runs that seem endless on lighter tackle. They often feed in schools, creating opportunities for multiple hookups that really test the crew's fish-fighting coordination.
Bluefin Tuna represent the pinnacle of West Coast sportfishing when they're around. These powerful pelagics visit San Diego waters seasonally, with the best action typically from late spring through early fall. Local bluefin can range from school fish in the 20-40 pound range up to true giants exceeding 200 pounds. They're incredibly strong fighters that use their size and stamina to wear down anglers, often requiring tag-team efforts on the heavier fish. Bluefin are also among the most selective feeders, sometimes requiring precise bait presentation and perfect timing to trigger strikes.
San Diego's offshore fishing scene delivers consistent action for anglers who want to target multiple species in a single trip. Bubba Jean Sportfishing's small group format means you're not fighting crowds for deck space or waiting in line for the bathroom. The crew's local knowledge and quality equipment stack the odds in your favor, whether you're after your first yellowtail or chasing trophy tuna. With Mexican permits handled and all the essentials provided, just grab your California fishing license and some food for the day. These productive offshore waters are waiting, and the next memorable fish fight could be just one cast away.
This 28' Albemarle Cruiser is your ticket to San Diego's best offshore fishing grounds. Built in 1999 and powered by twin 240HP Yanmar diesels, she'll get you out to the kelp paddies and offshore banks at a solid 24 knots where the yellowtail, tuna, and dorado are waiting. The boat sleeps up to 4 anglers comfortably with all the essentials covered - full galley, head, sleeping quarters, plus an icebox and fridge to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Navigation is dialed in with GPS, radar, and fish finder to put you right on the fish. Whether you're chasing surface schools or working the deep water structure, this proven fishing platform has everything you need for a productive day on the water. Mexican permits, tackle, live bait, ice and snacks are all included - just grab your California license and some food for the trip.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing - massive, intelligent fish that can exceed 200 pounds and dive over 3,000 feet deep. They're warm-blooded, which lets them handle our cooler waters year-round, though spring and early summer offer the best shots at the big ones. These are serious gamefish that'll test every piece of gear you own with blistering runs and deep dives. The meat is legendary - the fatty, rich flesh that commands top dollar at sushi markets. We hunt them around offshore islands and deep feeding areas, using live mackerel or squid. Morning and evening bites are prime time. Fair warning: you'll need heavy tackle and a fishing belt because these fish don't give up easy.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are some of the most colorful fish you'll see out here. Mahi average 15-29 pounds with that distinctive bright yellow and electric blue coloring that puts on a wild light show when they come out of the water. They love hanging around floating kelp, debris, and current lines in the upper water column. Summer through fall gives us the best action when water temps warm up. What makes them special is the combination of acrobatic jumps, solid fight, and sweet white meat that's perfect on the grill. Pro tip: when you spot one, there's usually a school nearby, so get multiple lines ready fast. They're aggressive feeders and will hit live bait or lures skipped on the surface.
Isurus OxyrinchusMakos are the ultimate offshore predator and fastest shark in the ocean, hitting 30+ mph and capable of 20-foot jumps. These blue-gray torpedoes average 8-12 feet but can push 300+ pounds of pure muscle. They cruise open water from surface down to 400+ feet, following baitfish and squid. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they move closer to our offshore banks. Anglers love them for the raw power and aerial displays - nothing quite matches a hooked mako launching itself boat-high. Their firm, tasty meat is a bonus. Here's the key: use heavy wire leaders and 50+ lb gear because they're smart enough to use your own boat against you, circling to snap lines or even jumping aboard.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are what serious offshore fishing is all about - these torpedo-shaped speedsters can hit 50 mph and typically run 40-80 pounds around here. They cruise the top 100 feet of open ocean, following baitfish and often mixed with dolphins. Summer into fall brings the best bite when water temps climb. The fight is pure endurance - long runs and deep dives that'll test your gear and stamina. But the reward is some of the finest sashimi-grade meat you'll find. We target them by trolling spreads with rigged ballyhoo and skirted lures, then switch to jigging when we mark fish deep. Key tip: when the bite gets tough, start chunking cut bait to bring them up from the depths - patience pays off with these finicky feeders.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are the bread and butter of our local fishing, especially around Catalina and San Clemente Islands during summer when warm water moves in. These yellow-finned fighters typically run 15-25 pounds, though 40-pounders show up regularly. They hang around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and structure from mid-water down to the bottom, feeding on sardines, anchovies, and squid. What makes them special is that bulldogging power - they'll take you straight to the rocks if you're not careful. The meat is prized for sushi and makes great steaks. My go-to trick is using live sardines with a slow, steady retrieve. Don't horse them up too fast or they'll dig deeper into the kelp and snap you off every time.
San Diego