San Diego Offshore Fishing Charter for Tuna and Dorado
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target bluefin tuna, yellowfin, and dorado with Captain Pablo812 hour offshore charters extending 60+ miles from San DiegoAll equipment, bait, tackle, and refreshments included for groups
Captain Pablo's offshore fishing charters out of San Diego are built for serious anglers who want to chase the big pelagic species that cruise these Pacific waters. When you're talking about real blue water fishing, this is where it happens – sometimes 60+ miles offshore, where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and the fish get bigger. These aren't your typical half-day trips close to shore. We're talking 8 to 12-hour runs, sometimes longer if you want to really get after it. The boat handles up to 4 anglers comfortably, so you've got plenty of room to work without getting tangled up with each other when multiple fish hit the spread.
Here's the deal – Captain Pablo knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not afraid to run hard to find where the fish are biting. Depending on conditions and where the bite's been happening, you might be looking at a long run offshore before you even get lines wet. That's just how offshore fishing works in San Diego. The good news? Once you get to the right water, you're fishing for some of the most sought-after species on the West Coast. Bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, dorado, yellowtail, and bonito – these are the fish that keep anglers coming back year after year. The captain provides all your rods, tackle, bait, plus ice to keep your catch fresh. He'll also have snacks and water on board, though you'll want to bring your own lunch for these longer trips. The boat's set up specifically for offshore work, with outriggers, downriggers, and all the electronics you need to find and stay on the fish.
Most of the fishing happens by trolling, which is the bread and butter of offshore fishing. Captain Pablo runs a spread of lures and baits at different depths and distances from the boat. You'll see cedar plugs, feathers, and rubber squids in the mix, along with live bait when it's available. The key is covering water and presenting different options to whatever's swimming below. When you hook up on a big bluefin or yellowfin, that's when the real work starts. These fish will test your drag system and your back muscles. The captain knows how to position the boat to help you fight the fish, but you're still going to earn every fish that comes over the rail. The gear is heavy enough to handle these bruisers – we're not talking about light tackle finesse fishing here. This is stand-up tackle designed to get fish to the boat before they wear you out completely.
Bluefin tuna are the crown jewel of San Diego offshore fishing. These fish can range from 30-pound "rats" all the way up to giants over 200 pounds. The bigger fish show up more consistently in fall and winter, while smaller grade fish can be around most of the year. What makes bluefin special is their speed and power – they'll take drag like nothing else, and a big one can pull for what feels like forever. The meat quality is top-notch, especially if you plan to make sashimi.
Yellowfin tuna are another favorite, typically running 15 to 40 pounds in local waters, though bigger ones do show up. They're aggressive biters and great fighters, plus they're excellent eating. Yellowfin tend to be more consistent through the warmer months, from late spring through fall. They often travel in schools, so when you find them, you can usually get multiple fish.
Dorado, or mahi mahi, are probably the most beautiful fish you'll catch out here. The colors are amazing when they first come out of the water – brilliant greens, blues, and gold that fade after they die. They're fantastic eating and put up a great fight with lots of jumps and runs. Dorado fishing is best from summer through early fall, and they often hold around floating debris or kelp paddies.
Yellowtail are year-round residents but fishing peaks in spring and fall. They're incredibly strong for their size and will use every bit of structure they can find to try to break you off. Most fish run 15 to 30 pounds, with some bigger ones mixed in. They're also one of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Pacific bonito might be the smallest fish on the target list, but don't let that fool you. They're fast, aggressive, and when they're biting, you can load up on them. They make excellent bait for bigger fish, and they're also good eating if you know how to prepare them properly.
Captain Pablo's offshore charters fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot. These longer offshore trips aren't something you do every day – they're special occasions when you want to target the best fish San Diego waters have to offer. The captain can customize trips for experienced groups, including extended runs or even overnight trips if you really want to maximize your time on the water. With only 4 anglers per trip, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Contact Captain Pablo directly to talk through what you're hoping to catch and when you want to fish. He'll give you the straight story on what's been biting and what your best options are for the dates you're looking at.
Hit the deep blue aboard this Boston Whaler 285 Conquest – your ticket to San Diego's best offshore fishing grounds. Captain Pablo's ride packs twin Honda 250s that'll get you to the tuna bite fast, plus a tower for spotting feeding birds and bait balls from miles away. This isn't your typical day boat – we're talking 70 and 34-gallon bait tanks to keep the sardines lively, fish finder to mark the schools, and radar for those early morning runs when the marine layer's thick. The 300+ mile range means we can chase bluefin wherever they're biting, whether that's 20 miles out or way beyond the 9-Mile Bank. Between fights, kick back in comfortable seating, grab snacks from the galley, or use the full head with shower. Built to handle San Diego's offshore conditions, this fishing machine keeps you stable when you're cranked down on a big yellowfin. Perfect for serious anglers ready to run hard and fish harder.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing - massive, powerful fish that can hit 200+ pounds in our waters. These silver-blue giants roam deep offshore waters and can dive over 3,000 feet. Peak season runs late summer into winter when they follow bait closer to shore. What sets them apart is their incredible strength and the premium quality of their meat - this is sushi-grade fish that sells for top dollar. The fight is legendary: long runs, deep dives, and sheer power that'll humble any angler. Remember, these are federally managed, so you need permits and must report catches. My advice? Use heavy tackle and be patient. When you hook one, settle in for a marathon, not a sprint.
Coryphaena HippurusDorado are some of the most colorful fish you'll encounter out here - brilliant blues and golds that put on a light show when they come to the boat. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we see bigger ones. They love floating debris and kelp paddies in warm water, usually in the top 100 feet. Summer through fall gives us our best shots when water temps climb. What makes them special is the fight - they're acrobatic jumpers and strong runners. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, mild white meat. My trick? When you see one, stick around and work the area thoroughly. Dorado travel in small schools, so where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
Sarda LineolataBonito are scrappy fighters that punch above their weight class - perfect for anglers wanting non-stop action. They typically run 3-8 pounds with that distinctive striped pattern along their backs. These schooling fish stay near the surface from inshore waters out to 100 miles, feeding constantly on anchovies and sardines. June through November gives us prime time when they're most active. They're relentless fighters for their size and great for keeping kids and beginners engaged. The meat's darker and oilier than other tunas but smokes beautifully. Best strategy? When you find a feeding school, work fast with small lures or live bait. They'll bite feathers, spoons, or cast-a-bubbles - just keep it moving on top.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of our offshore trips - fast, strong, and built for battle. Most fish run 60-100 pounds, with their bright yellow fins and torpedo shape making them unmistakable. We find them in open blue water, usually in the top 300 feet where they school around bait. Year-round fishing with peak action during warmer months. These are prized fish - the meat's perfect for sashimi and grilling, with that rich tuna flavor everyone loves. They're also serious fighters, capable of 50 mph runs that'll test your drag. Pro tip: when we mark fish deep but they won't bite on the troll, switch to vertical jigs. Sometimes you need to get down to their level to trigger a strike.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are the bulldogs of our local waters - powerful fish that'll test your tackle and technique. Most range 15-25 pounds, but 40+ pounders show up regularly around the islands. Look for them over rocky structure, kelp beds, and drop-offs where they hunt squid and baitfish. Summer brings the best action when they move into our warmer coastal waters. These fish are pure muscle and will make long, punishing runs toward structure. They're also excellent table fare - the meat's prized for sushi and grilling. Here's the key: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let them make their run, then work them back methodically. Fight them too hard and they'll find the rocks.
San Diego