Extended Full Day San Diego Offshore Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting tuna, mahi mahi, and yellowtailTwelvehour adventure with breakfast, lunch, and beverages includedSmall group capacity of six guests with professional guidance
Picture this: you're 30 miles out from Mission Bay at sunrise, watching the Pacific come alive while prime pelagic species patrol the deep blue water. This isn't your typical half-day harbor trip – we're talking about a serious 12-hour fishing adventure that puts you right in the heart of Southern California's offshore action. From the moment we fire up the engines at 5:30 a.m. until we're back at the dock that evening, you'll be targeting some of the most sought-after gamefish on the West Coast. With only 6 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without the crowded boat experience you'll find elsewhere.
This trip is all about getting you into the offshore zone where the big fish live. We'll cruise out to productive waters within that 30-mile radius, following the bait schools and temperature breaks that hold our target species. The early departure might sting a bit, but trust me – being on the fish at first light is when the magic happens. You'll start the day with a hot breakfast while we make our way to the fishing grounds, then it's game on until we head home. Lunch keeps you fueled for the afternoon bite, and we provide all the non-alcoholic drinks you'll need to stay hydrated under the California sun. The beauty of staying in U.S. waters means no passport hassles – just pure fishing focus.
We run a mix of trolling and live bait fishing depending on what the fish are telling us. For the tuna, we'll be pulling spreader bars, cedar plugs, and feathers at various speeds to match the conditions. When we mark fish on the sonar, we'll stop and throw live sardines or anchovies on the knife jigs and circle hooks. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano combos spooled with 40-60 pound test, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. We'll adjust our approach throughout the day – maybe start with the troll for yellowfin and bluefin, then switch to live bait presentations when we find the kelp paddies holding mahi mahi and yellowtail. The key is staying flexible and reading the water, which is where our local knowledge really pays off.
The Pacific Bluefin Tuna are the heavyweight champions out there, ranging from 20-pound schoolies up to true giants pushing triple digits. These fish are incredibly strong and smart – they'll test your drag system and your patience. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when the water temps hit that sweet spot. What makes bluefin special is their speed and endurance; they can peel line like nothing else, and landing one is a real accomplishment. The Yellowfin Tuna are equally impressive, typically running 15-40 pounds in our waters. They're more aggressive feeders than their bluefin cousins and absolutely spectacular on light tackle. Both species are prized for their incredible sashimi-quality meat.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and acrobatics to your day. These beautiful fish love structure, so we'll work the kelp paddies and floating debris where they ambush baitfish. They're not huge – most run 10-25 pounds – but they make up for size with pure athleticism, jumping and tail-walking when hooked. The Yellowtail Amberjack are the bulldogs of the bunch, using their broad sides and powerful swimming to test your tackle. They're year-round residents but really turn on during the warmer months. These fish are pure muscle and will dive for the bottom the second they feel the hook, making for some serious arm-burning battles.
This extended offshore trip represents serious value for the dedicated angler. You're getting 12 hours of guided fishing in prime Southern California waters, targeting four of the region's most prized gamefish species. The small group size means you're not fighting for deck space or guide attention, and having all meals and drinks covered lets you focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat. Whether you're chasing your first bluefin or looking to add some variety to your logbook, this trip delivers the authentic offshore experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Don't wait too long to secure your date – the best fishing windows fill up fast, especially during peak tuna season.
Get ready to chase some serious fish aboard the "Hot Reeling," a rock-solid 54' Mediterranean fishing machine built for San Diego's offshore waters! This beauty handles up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with outriggers plus all the gear that'll put you on the fish. You'll have everything needed for a comfortable 12-hour day on the water - air conditioning when it gets hot, a full kitchen and fridge stocked with breakfast and lunch, plus a proper head and sleeping quarters if you need to recharge between bites. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting feeding birds and surface action, while the fish finder and GPS keep you dialed into the productive zones. With radar for those early morning fog banks and a multimedia system for downtime, this vessel's set up right for targeting the pelagic species that make San Diego famous - Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Yellowtail all within 30 miles of Mission Bay. Departing at 5:30 AM sharp and returning at 5:30 PM, you'll have plenty of time to work the grounds where these fish are feeding. Non-alcoholic drinks included, and best part - no passport needed for this offshore adventure.
Coryphaena HippurusThese colorful speedsters are one of the most rewarding fish to target in our warm waters. You'll typically find them in the 15-29 pound range, though they can push 40+ pounds. Mahi love floating debris, kelp paddies, and anywhere there's structure in the upper water column. Summer through fall gives us the best action when water temps climb. What makes them special? That golden flash underwater, the acrobatic fight they put up, and some of the best eating you'll find. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your lines in - mahi travel in schools and where there's one, there's usually more. The meat is firm, sweet, and perfect for the grill.
Thunnus OrientalisThese are the heavyweights of our offshore waters - true giants that can reach 200+ pounds, though most fish we see run 50-150 pounds. They cruise the deep blue water 15-30 miles out, often in 800+ feet of water. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when they migrate through our area. What draws people back? The raw power and endurance - these fish will test your tackle and your arms. The meat is world-class sushi grade, worth serious money. Here's my advice: stay patient and use live bait like mackerel or sardines. When they're spooked, slow down your approach and let the chum work its magic to bring them up from the depths.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfins are speed demons with that classic torpedo shape and bright yellow fins that give them their name. Most fish we catch run 30-80 pounds, staying in the top 300 feet of water column. They're here year-round but really turn on during summer months when baitfish are thick. People target them for the pure adrenaline rush - they hit hard and run fast, plus the meat is top-shelf sashimi quality. These fish respond well to trolling and jigging, but here's what works best: when you mark them deep but they won't bite, try chunking with whatever bait they're feeding on. Cut up some anchovies or sardines and let the scent bring them up to your hooks.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are the workhorses of Southern California fishing - strong, willing biters that average 15-25 pounds but can hit 40+ on a good day. You'll find them around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and underwater structure, usually hanging near the bottom but willing to come up for the right bait. Summer is prime time when warm water brings them close to our local islands. Anglers love them for their bulldogging fight and excellent table fare - the oily meat is perfect for sushi or grilled steaks. My go-to trick: use live sardines and wear gloves when fighting them. These fish will pull hard toward structure, so keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the rocks.
San Diego