Full Day San Diego Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
9-hour inshore fishing trip targeting multiple coastal speciesPrivate charter accommodates up to 4 guests with Captain DanEarly morning departure allows maximum time on productive waters
Captain Dan's 9-hour inshore fishing trip is exactly what serious anglers have been looking for in San Diego. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking about a full commitment to putting you on fish. Starting bright and early at 6:30 AM from Quivira Basin, you'll have the entire day to work the productive waters where San Diego's coastal shelf meets the deeper blue. With just four anglers max, there's plenty of elbow room and personalized attention to make sure everyone gets their shots at the good stuff.
This trip is built around flexibility and fish-finding. Captain Dan knows that the best fishing often requires patience and the ability to move when conditions change. You'll start the morning working the kelp beds and structure where rockfish stack up, then potentially push out to the 150-300 foot zone where the pelagics cruise. The beauty of having nine hours is that you're not watching the clock – you can follow the bite wherever it takes you. The boat launches from 1699 Quivira Road, putting you within striking distance of some of San Diego's most consistent fishing grounds. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to step up your game or an experienced stick who wants to fish new water, this trip delivers the kind of variety that keeps things interesting all day long.
You'll be fishing a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where we find them. For the rockfish, expect to drop iron jigs and live bait on the structure, working depths from 60 to 200 feet. When we're targeting the pelagics like bonito and marlin, it's all about reading the water and presenting baits where the action is. Captain Dan runs quality gear that can handle everything from finicky rockfish to potential trophy marlin. The boat is set up for both bait fishing and lure work, so you'll get hands-on experience with different presentations. If you've got your own lucky rods, bring them along – there's nothing better than landing a personal best on your own stick.
Black Sea Bass are the ultimate inshore prize around San Diego, and for good reason. These bruisers can push 40+ pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They hang around the kelp edges and rocky structure, usually in 80-150 feet of water. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and when you hook into a quality bass, you'll understand why local anglers get so fired up about them. The take is often subtle – just a gentle tap – but once they realize they're hooked, it's game on.
Canary Rockfish might not be the biggest fish in the ocean, but they're absolutely beautiful and excellent table fare. These bright orange and yellow fish school up on the rocky bottom and provide consistent action when other species are being finicky. They're curious fish that will often investigate your bait, and they're perfect for anglers who want to stay busy with steady bites. Most run 2-5 pounds, but the occasional bigger one will surprise you.
Pacific Bonito are speed demons that show up in schools during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early winter. When they're around, the action can be absolutely electric. These 5-15 pound torpedoes will slam surface iron and live bait with authority, and their blistering runs will test your drag settings. They're also fantastic eating when prepared fresh, with a rich, meaty texture that's perfect for the grill.
Striped Marlin represent the pinnacle of Southern California fishing. These magnificent billfish typically show up in late summer and fall when the water temps climb. Landing a stripe on 20-30 pound tackle is a bucket list experience – the jumps, the runs, the raw power is something you'll remember forever. Most run 80-150 pounds, and even the smaller ones will give you the fight of your life.
Swordfish have become one of the hottest fisheries in San Diego waters over the past few years. These deep-water gladiators are typically targeted in 800+ feet of water, and when conditions are right, Captain Dan might make the run to try for one. Daytime sword fishing involves dropping baits deep and waiting for that unmistakable bite. When a sword decides to eat, you're in for 30-60 minutes of serious arm-burning action.
This full-day fishing experience gives you the best shot at experiencing San Diego's world-class inshore fishing. With Captain Dan's local knowledge, quality equipment, and the flexibility to adapt to conditions, you're setting yourself up for the kind of day that creates lasting fishing memories. The small group size means personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Whether you're chasing that first marlin, looking to load up on rockfish for the freezer, or just want to spend a proper day on the water, this trip delivers. Don't wait until peak season when spots fill up fast – book your 9-hour adventure now and get ready to see what San Diego fishing is really about.
This 1998 Albemarle 28' is built for serious fishing off San Diego's coast. Twin 240HP Yanmar engines give you the power to reach prime fishing spots quickly and handle changing ocean conditions with confidence. The boat's offshore design keeps you stable while fighting Black Sea Bass or tracking down Striped Marlin during your 9-hour adventure with Captain Dan. Inside, you'll find everything needed for a full day on the water - an icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, while the fish finder helps locate schools of Bonito and Rockfish. GPS and radar ensure safe navigation, especially during early morning departures from Quivira Road. The onboard kitchen, bed, and toilet mean comfort during those long stretches waiting for Swordfish to bite. Perfect for groups of 4 anglers, this motorboat combines fishing functionality with day-long comfort, letting you focus on what matters most - landing fish in San Diego's productive coastal waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting fish that love structure. Most range 2-8 pounds, though the bigger males can hit 10+ pounds and develop that distinctive hump on their head. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom in 40-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is best when they move closer to shore to spawn. What anglers appreciate is their willingness to bite and dogged fight - they'll use every piece of structure to try and break you off. Plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. They start as females and change to males as they grow, which is pretty unique. Best approach is dropping squid or cut bait right on the structure and being ready for that solid thump.
Sebastes PinnigerThese bright orange and yellow rockfish are solid fighters that hang around rocky bottoms in 60-300 feet of water. Most run 20-23 inches, but we've seen some push 30 inches and 10 pounds. They school up over structure during the day, making them easier to locate with good electronics. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're more active. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and the solid fight they put up coming off the bottom. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and mild. Pro tip: use a descending device if you're releasing them since they suffer from pressure changes when brought up quickly. Heavy jigs or live bait work great when you find the schools.
Sarda LineolataPacific bonito are the perfect introduction to high-speed fishing. These tuna relatives average 5-15 pounds and max out around 25 pounds. They school up near the surface from shore out to 20 miles, often mixed with birds working bait. June through November is prime time when they're thick along our coast. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and blistering runs - they'll test your drag and reflexes. Great eating when prepared right, though they're oily like most tunas. They're also fantastic live bait for bigger game fish. Best trick is to match the hatch - if they're feeding on anchovies, use small jigs or live bait. Feather jigs behind a cast bubble work magic when they're surface feeding.
Kajikia AudaxStriped marlin are the crown jewel of offshore fishing here. These torpedo-shaped billfish average around 150-200 pounds but can hit 400+ pounds. You'll find them in blue water 15-50 miles out, usually cruising the surface in 200-2000 feet. Best months are July through October when water temps climb above 70 degrees. What sets them apart is their aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and strip line like no other fish. The pale blue stripes stay visible even after they're landed, making for great photos. Excellent table fare too, similar to swordfish but milder. Key tip: watch for bird activity and bait balls on the surface - that's where you'll find them hunting.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep-water challenge, averaging 100-200 pounds with some pushing 400+ pounds. We target them in 1000+ feet of water, usually 20-40 miles offshore where the continental shelf drops off. Peak season runs April through September, though we catch them year-round. Night fishing is most productive when they come up to feed around 300 feet deep. What makes swordfish special is the combination of size, fight, and incredible table quality - they're considered one of the best eating fish in the ocean. The flat bill and prehistoric look make them unforgettable. Pro tip: use plenty of lightsticks and keep your squid baits moving slowly in the current. Patience pays off with these fish.
San Diego