Overnight Tuna & Mahi Adventure Off San Diego
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Overnight offshore trip targeting tuna, mahi mahi, and amberjackEvening departure with 22-hour fishing adventure experienceMeals and beverages included with 6-guest maximum capacity
Picture this: you're heading out at dusk as the sun paints the Pacific horizon orange, knowing you'll wake up miles offshore where the real fish live. This isn't your typical half-day trip - we're talking about a serious overnight fishing adventure that puts you right in the heart of San Diego's best offshore action. California Sport Fishing Co. has been running these extended range trips for years, and they know exactly where to position the boat for maximum success. You'll depart at 7 p.m. and return the next evening at 5 p.m., giving you nearly 24 hours to target some of the most sought-after species in Southern California waters.
This top-rated overnight trip is all about getting you to the fish zones that day boats simply can't reach. While you sleep, the boat travels to prime fishing grounds 50-100 miles offshore where yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, mahi mahi, and yellowtail amberjack roam in numbers. The beauty of this setup is simple - by the time you wake up with a hot breakfast in hand, you're already positioned over structure or current breaks where these pelagic species congregate. The crew keeps the guest count low at just 6 anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space or competing with a crowd. Your captain and crew know these waters like their backyard, reading water temperature, current edges, and bird activity to put you on fish consistently throughout the day. Between the provided meals and beverages, you can focus entirely on fishing without worrying about logistics.
Out here in blue water, we're primarily trolling and drift fishing with heavy tackle designed for these powerful offshore species. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels, but serious anglers often bring their own setups - think 30-50 pound class conventional reels spooled with spectra backing. For trolling, we'll run a spread of cedar plugs, feathers, and larger lures at varying distances to cover water and locate schools. Once we mark fish, it's all about getting baits down quickly - live bait when available, or chunk baits like sardines and mackerel work great for these species. The crew will set you up with the right terminal tackle, typically 40-60 pound fluorocarbon leaders and circle hooks sized appropriately for your target. When the bite gets hot, especially with tuna, you'll be fishing straight up and down with iron jigs or yo-yo techniques that these fish can't resist.
Mahi mahi, or dorado as many locals call them, are absolute favorites among offshore anglers visiting San Diego waters. These brilliant golden-green fish typically range from 10-30 pounds out here, with occasional bulls pushing 40-plus. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb above 70 degrees. What makes mahi so exciting is their aggressive nature - they'll often travel in schools and compete for baits, leading to multiple hookups. Plus, they're phenomenal table fare and put up an acrobatic fight that'll test your skills.
Yellowtail amberjack are the workhorses of San Diego's offshore scene, available year-round but best from spring through fall. These bruising fish average 15-40 pounds and are known for their initial bulldogging runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. They're structure-oriented, hanging around kelp paddies, high spots, and temperature breaks. Local yellowtail have a reputation for being line-shy, so fluorocarbon leaders are essential. When you hook into a quality yellowtail, expect a battle that combines power, stamina, and cunning.
Yellowfin tuna represent the gold standard of West Coast offshore fishing, and San Diego's waters host some world-class fish. These speed demons typically range from 20-80 pounds in our area, with occasional giants exceeding 100 pounds. Summer and fall offer the most consistent yellowfin action when warm water pushes north. What sets yellowfin apart is their incredible power and endurance - they'll make blistering runs and dive deep, testing both your tackle and technique. The meat quality is exceptional, making them highly prized by both sport and commercial fishermen.
Bluefin tuna have made a remarkable comeback in San Diego waters over recent years, providing anglers with shots at true trophy fish. Local bluefin can range from school-sized 20-pounders to massive 200-plus-pound giants that require heavy tackle and serious skill to land. These fish are most active during cooler months, roughly from late fall through early spring, though smaller grades can show up year-round. Bluefin are incredibly intelligent and often require finesse presentations with light leaders and smaller hooks, creating an interesting contrast to their massive size and power.
This overnight adventure represents everything great about San Diego's offshore fishing scene - extended time on prime grounds, expert local knowledge, and shots at multiple trophy species in a single trip. With only 6 spots available and meals included, you're getting a customer-favorite experience that day trips simply can't match. The crew at California Sport Fishing Co. has built their reputation on consistently putting anglers on fish, and these extended range trips are where they really shine. Whether you're chasing your personal best tuna or looking to load the cooler with quality eating fish, this overnight format gives you the time and positioning to make it happen. Don't wait too long to secure your spot - these longer trips fill up quickly, especially during peak season when the fishing is red hot.
Set sail aboard the "Hot Reeling," a robust 54' Mediterranean fishing vessel built to chase tuna, mahi mahi, and amberjack in San Diego's offshore waters. This well-equipped boat handles up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything needed for serious fishing: outriggers for trolling, fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus air conditioning to keep you comfortable during the heat of battle. The overnight format gives you maximum time on the fishing grounds - departing at 7 PM and returning at 5 PM the next day means you'll be positioned in prime fishing territory while other boats are still making the run out. Sleep in real beds, grab meals from the onboard kitchen, and use the flybridge for spotting fish and bird activity. With a multimedia system for downtime, refrigerator for keeping your catch fresh, and a proper head, you'll have everything covered for 22 hours of serious fishing. Breakfast, lunch, and drinks included.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing - massive, incredibly strong, and worth their weight in gold at the sushi market. These monsters average 130 pounds on the Pacific side but can push 400+ pounds. They're warm-blooded, which lets them hunt in cooler water and dive to 3,000 feet. Spring through fall is prime time when they follow bait schools. What makes them legendary is that combination of size, speed, and stamina - they'll make you question your tackle choices real quick. The meat quality is unmatched, with that rich, buttery flavor sushi chefs dream about. We find them around offshore structure, temperature breaks, and bait concentrations. Heavy tackle is non-negotiable - 80-pound class minimum. Best advice: when you hook one, settle in for a long fight and don't try to muscle them. They require federal permits to keep, so check regulations first.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out there, with brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a real color show when brought to the boat. Most run 15-29 pounds, though we've seen bigger. They love floating debris and kelp lines in warm water, usually in the top 100 feet. Summer and fall are prime time when water temps hit the mid-70s. These fish fight hard with long runs and acrobatic jumps that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Plus, they're fantastic eating - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your bait in the water since mahi usually travel in schools and the commotion often brings more fish up to investigate.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of the tuna world - fast, strong, and built like missiles. Out here we typically see 60-pounders, though they can hit 400+ pounds. These warm-blooded speedsters cruise the upper 300 feet of blue water, hitting 50 mph when chasing bait. They're around year-round but summer and fall are peak season. What draws people to them is that raw power and the quality of the meat - second only to bluefin for sashimi and steaks. They'll make screaming runs that'll test your drag system. We target them with trolled ballyhoo, live bait, and jigs over deep water. The trick is watching for bird activity and bait balls - that's where you'll find feeding schools. When they're finicky, try chunking with whatever baitfish they're feeding on. Don't be afraid to adjust your drag mid-fight.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are serious fighters that'll test your arms and your tackle. Most fish we see run 15-25 pounds, but 40-pounders show up regularly around the islands. They hang near kelp beds, rocky reefs, and structure from 50-200 feet down. Summer's your best bet when warm water pushes them close to shore around Catalina and San Clemente. What makes them special is that raw power - they'll make blistering runs toward the bottom trying to cut you off in the rocks. The meat's oily and rich, perfect for sashimi or grilling. These fish are built like torpedoes and can hit 50 mph when they want to. Here's the key: use live bait when possible and don't horse them up too fast. Let them tire themselves out on that first run, then work them up steady. Gloves are a must - that braid will slice your hands up.
San Diego