Overnight Guided Fishing in San Diego Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Overnight fishing trip targeting tuna, mahi mahi, and amberjack offshoreExtended 22hour voyage with complimentary meals and beverages includedSmall group experience accommodating maximum six guests total
This isn't your typical half-day charter. We're talking about a serious offshore adventure that starts when most boats are heading back to the dock. Our overnight guided fishing trip with California Sport Fishing Co. gives you access to the prime fishing grounds that day boats simply can't reach. With a 7:00 p.m. departure and 5:00 p.m. return the next day, you'll have 22 solid hours to target some of San Diego's most prized pelagic species. We keep groups small at just 6 anglers, so you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. Plus, we've got your meals covered with hot breakfast and lunch, along with all the non-alcoholic drinks you need to stay hydrated during the action.
The magic happens while you sleep. We'll cruise out under the stars, positioning ourselves over prime structure or following the temperature breaks where the big fish hunt. By the time you wake up, we're already set up on productive water that's often 30-60 miles offshore. The captain and crew use their years of experience reading conditions, watching for bird activity, and monitoring sonar to put you on fish. You'll be fishing in depths ranging from 200 to 2,000 feet, depending on what's biting and where the bait is holding. The boat runs clean and comfortable, with sleeping quarters so you can rest up between the evening bite and dawn patrol. Most anglers find the rhythm perfect – fish the twilight hours, grab some sleep, then wake up ready for the morning bite when these pelagic species are most active.
We'll be running a mix of trolling and live bait fishing, depending on conditions and what we're seeing on the fish finder. The trolling spread typically includes cedar plugs, feathers, and lures that mimic flying fish and sardines – the main forage out here. When we mark fish or find a kelp paddy holding life, we'll switch to live bait fishing with sardines, mackerel, or whatever bait we can catch fresh. You'll be fishing with 30-50 pound class tackle, strong enough to handle these powerful offshore species but light enough to feel every head shake and run. The crew will help you with rigging and technique, whether you're dropping a live sardine back in the spread or working a yo-yo jig on a school we've marked below the boat. Circle hooks are standard for live bait fishing – they're more effective and better for the fish. Don't worry about bringing gear; everything you need is provided, from rods and reels to terminal tackle and bait.
Yellowfin tuna are the bread and butter of San Diego's offshore scene, and these fish will test your stamina and drag system. Most yellows we're seeing range from 15 to 40 pounds, with the occasional cow pushing 60-plus pounds. They're most active during dawn and dusk, often feeding on schools of sardines and anchovies. What makes yellowfin so exciting is their speed and power – they'll rip line off your reel in long, blistering runs that can last several minutes. The meat is absolutely primo, perfect for sashimi or grilling. Best action typically runs from late spring through early fall, when water temperatures hit that sweet spot above 68 degrees.
Bluefin tuna represent the ultimate prize for Southern California anglers. These fish are pure muscle, built for speed and endurance in the open ocean. Local bluefin typically range from 20 to 80 pounds, though larger specimens show up each season. They're incredibly smart and can be finicky about bait presentation – sometimes they want a slow-trolled sardine, other times they'll only eat a perfectly presented fly-lined bait. The fight is legendary; bluefin will sound deep, then come up and greyhound across the surface. Their rich, fatty meat is considered the finest eating of all tunas. Peak season runs from summer into fall, coinciding with their northern migration patterns.
Mahi mahi, or dorado as locals often call them, bring explosive action and stunning colors to your fishing experience. These fish average 10 to 25 pounds in our waters, with bulls occasionally hitting 40-plus pounds. They're aggressive feeders that will attack trolled lures with reckless abandon, often jumping repeatedly when hooked. Mahi love floating kelp paddies and debris lines, where they hunt for small fish and squid. Their electric blue and gold coloration is breathtaking when they're fresh out of the water. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, mild white meat. You'll find them here from late spring through early winter, with peak numbers showing up during the warmer months.
Yellowtail amberjack round out the target species list and provide some of the most consistent action. These fish typically run 15 to 30 pounds in our area, with larger specimens always possible. They're structure-oriented, often holding around kelp paddies, rockpiles, or temperature breaks. Yellowtail are notorious for their initial runs – they'll head straight for the kelp or structure trying to break you off. The key is keeping steady pressure and working them away from cover. They respond well to both live bait and jigs, and they're excellent eating with firm, flaky white meat. San Diego's yellowtail bite is strong from spring through fall, with some of the best action happening during the warmer summer months.
This overnight adventure gives you everything day trips can't – access to distant fishing grounds, extended time on productive water, and the chance to experience offshore fishing the way it's meant to be done. With only 6 spots available, these trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. The combination of expert local knowledge, top-notch equipment, and prime fishing grounds makes this a standout experience for serious anglers. Whether you're chasing your first yellowf
Step aboard the "Hot Reeling," a rock-solid 54' Mediterranean fishing machine built to handle San Diego's offshore waters with style. This beauty sleeps up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for serious tuna, mahi mahi, and amberjack action. She's equipped with outriggers for spreading your lines wide, plus a full electronics package including GPS, radar, and fish finder to put you right on top of the bite. The flybridge gives you that commanding view of the water while you're working the fish. Below deck, you'll find AC to cool off between fights, a full galley, head, and comfortable sleeping quarters for the overnight journey. The multimedia system keeps things lively during downtime, while the onboard fridge keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. Setting out at 7 PM and returning at 5 PM the next day, this setup gives you maximum time in prime fishing zones that day boats simply can't reach.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail - massive, powerful fish averaging 130 pounds that can hit 1,400 pounds and dive to 3,300 feet. These metallic blue torpedoes with silver bellies are found in both cold and warm water, making long migrations along our coast. Spring through fall offers the best shots, especially during morning and evening hours when they feed aggressively. What makes bluefin legendary is their incredible fight - explosive surface runs followed by deep, grinding battles that can last hours. The meat is unmatched for sashimi, commanding top dollar at markets. We troll heavy tackle with live herring or mackerel, and chumming helps bring them up from the depths. Key tip: use the heaviest gear you can handle and a fighting belt - these fish will humble you quickly.
Coryphaena HippurusThese brilliant golden fish with electric blue and green sides are what dreams are made of. Most mahi run 15-29 pounds, but they're absolute rockets once hooked. We find them around floating debris, kelp patties, and current breaks in warm water, usually within the top 100 feet. Summer through fall gives us the best action when water temps climb. What makes mahi special isn't just their stunning color show when they come out of the water - they're also fantastic eating with firm, mild white meat. The fight is pure chaos with jumps and long runs. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for more - they school up, so where there's one, there's usually several more waiting.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of our tuna fleet, typically running 60 pounds with their torpedo bodies built for speed. These warm-blooded fish cruise the upper water column in blue water, often mixed with dolphin pods or around floating kelp. We target them year-round, but late summer through fall produces the most consistent action. What guests love about yellowfin is the sustained fight - they'll make long, powerful runs at 50 mph and dive deep when they feel pressure. The meat is top-shelf for sushi or steaks, second only to bluefin in quality. When trolling, rigged ballyhoo and cedar plugs work great, but when they're finicky, try chunking with whatever baitfish are around. The trick is keeping your drag smooth - jerky pressure will pull hooks every time.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are the bulldogs of our offshore waters, averaging 15-25 pounds with occasional 40-pounders that'll test your gear. These silver torpedoes with bright yellow fins hang around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and underwater structure, typically in 60-200 feet of water. Summer months bring the best fishing when warm water pulls them up from Baja. What makes yellowtail special is their raw power - they'll make blistering runs and fight dirty, trying to wrap you in kelp. Plus, they're sushi-grade fish that taste amazing grilled or raw. The key to landing them is using live bait when possible and not rushing the fight. Keep steady pressure but let them run, and always wear gloves when handling braided line - learned that one the hard way.
San Diego