San Diego Lobster Fishing Charter in Mission Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Seasonal lobster fishing charters October through midMarch in Mission BaySixhour evening trips targeting California Spiny Lobster with hoop netsFamilyfriendly experience includes all gear, bait, tackle, and refreshments
Captain Pablo's lobster fishing charters offer something special in San Diego's fishing scene – a chance to target California Spiny Lobster in the calm, productive waters of Mission Bay and surrounding coastal areas. These 6-hour evening trips run during prime lobster season from October through mid-March, when these crustaceans are most active and legal to harvest. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to try something different or a family wanting to introduce kids to a unique type of fishing, this charter delivers an authentic San Diego fishing experience that's hard to find elsewhere.
Your evening starts as the sun begins to set, when lobsters become more active and venture out of their rocky hideouts. Captain Pablo knows the best spots around Mission Bay, Point Loma, and the local kelp beds where California Spiny Lobster congregate. The trip accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, making it perfect for small groups or families who want personalized attention from the captain. You'll launch from Mission Bay, which means shorter runs to productive lobster grounds and more time actually fishing. The protected waters also mean a smoother ride – great news if you have kids on board or anyone who gets seasick easily. Captain Pablo provides all the gear, bait, tackle, ice, snacks, and water, so you just need to show up with your valid California fishing license and lobster report card.
Lobster fishing is completely different from traditional rod-and-reel angling – you'll be using hoop nets, which are circular nets with bait in the center that lobsters crawl into. Captain Pablo sets you up with quality hoop nets and shows you exactly how to bait them with fish scraps or squid. The technique involves lowering the nets to the bottom near rocky areas, kelp beds, or structure where lobsters like to hide, then waiting 5-10 minutes before quickly pulling them up. Timing is everything – pull too soon and the lobsters haven't found your bait yet, wait too long and they might wander off with a free meal. The captain knows the local bottom structure like the back of his hand, positioning the boat over productive spots where lobsters travel between their daytime hiding spots and nighttime feeding areas. You'll learn to read the sonar, understand tidal movements, and pick up techniques that will make you a better lobster fisher for years to come.
California Spiny Lobster are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These impressive crustaceans can grow over a foot long and weigh several pounds, with the bigger ones putting up a surprising fight as you pull up the hoop net. Unlike their East Coast cousins, California Spiny Lobsters don't have claws – instead, they rely on their spiny antennae and quick backward swimming to escape predators. Peak season runs from October through March when water temperatures cool down and lobsters become more active, moving into shallower water to feed and eventually mate. The best fishing typically happens on dark nights with little moon, as lobsters feel more comfortable leaving their rocky hideouts. What makes catching them so rewarding is the combination of skill and patience required – you're essentially outsmarting a creature that's survived in these waters for millions of years. Plus, few things beat the satisfaction of pulling up a hoop net with a legal-sized lobster inside, knowing you've just caught one of the ocean's premium table fare. Captain Pablo will help you measure each lobster to ensure it meets the minimum size requirements and teach you proper handling techniques to keep them healthy until it's time to head home.
This top-rated lobster fishing charter fills up quickly during peak season, especially on weekends and holidays when families are looking for unique activities. Captain Pablo's personalized approach and intimate group size mean you're getting a premium experience that larger charter boats simply can't match. The 6-hour evening format gives you plenty of time to learn the techniques, move between multiple productive spots, and hopefully load up on some delicious lobster for the dinner table. If your group has more than 4 people, Captain Pablo can work with you on additional passengers for a fee, and he's always happy to customize trips for special occasions or specific group needs. Don't let another lobster season slip by – contact Captain Pablo at Fernandez Charters today to secure your spot on one of San Diego's most unique fishing adventures.
Captain Pablo's Boston Whaler 285 Conquest is the perfect platform for chasing California Spiny Lobster in San Diego's coastal waters. Twin Honda 250s power this 28-footer through Mission Bay and around Point Loma's kelp beds with ease, while the tuna tower gives you great visibility for spotting prime lobster habitat. The boat handles beautifully in calm evening conditions when these crustaceans are most active. With massive bait tanks, fish finder, and GPS, you're well-equipped for productive nights on the water. The enclosed head and galley mean comfort during those 6-hour October-through-March sessions. Seating works great for 4 anglers working hoop nets, and there's an icebox to keep your catch fresh. The stable hull design makes this boat ideal for families and beginners trying lobster fishing for the first time, while experienced anglers will appreciate the range and fishability.
San Diego