Deep Sea Fishing in San Diego, CA Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour deep sea fishing charter targeting multiple species yearroundSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests per tripComplimentary lunch and beverages included with offshore adventure
Picture this: you're eight miles off the San Diego coast, rod in hand, watching the morning sun paint the Pacific golden while your line disappears into 200 feet of blue water. That's what you're signing up for with Impulse Sportfishing's premier deep sea fishing adventure. This isn't your typical harbor cruise – we're talking serious offshore action where the big fish live. With Captain and crew who know these waters like their own backyard, you'll spend eight solid hours targeting some of the most sought-after game fish on the West Coast. The boat holds just six anglers, so you're not fighting crowds for rail space or competing with dozens of other lines. Instead, you get personalized attention, prime fishing spots, and the kind of laid-back atmosphere that makes for legendary fishing stories.
Your day starts early – because that's when the fish are hungry. We'll motor out past the kelp beds and into the deep blue, where the continental shelf drops away and the real action begins. The beauty of San Diego's offshore waters is the diversity. During spring and summer months, we're hunting surface schools of Bonito and Barracuda, watching for birds working bait balls, and setting up on Yellowtail that are absolutely crushing everything in sight. The energy is electric when you see that telltale boil of feeding fish on the surface. But here's the thing about deep sea fishing – it's not all about the glamour species. Some of our best days happen when we're working the bottom for Rockfish and Lingcod during winter, methodically jigging structure in 150 to 300 feet of water. The captain reads the fish finder like a novel, positioning us over productive bottom where these bruisers live. And yeah, we're throwing in lunch and cold drinks because eight hours on the water works up an appetite, and there's nothing better than a fresh sandwich when you're watching your buddy fight a fish.
Offshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We run a mix of techniques depending on what we're seeing out there. When we're chasing pelagic species like Yellowtail and Barracuda, we're trolling with diving planes and heavy jigs, covering water until we find active schools. Once we mark fish, we'll stop and throw iron – those heavy chrome jigs that drive Yellowtail absolutely crazy. You'll learn the yo-yo retrieve that's deadly on these fish, and trust me, when a 20-pound Yellowtail grabs that jig on the drop, you'll feel it in your bones. For bottom fishing, we're using conventional reels loaded with 40 to 60-pound test, dropping whole squid and strip baits down to structure where Rockfish and Lingcod hang out. The key is feeling the bite through all that line – these fish don't always slam the bait like their surface-feeding cousins. We provide all the tackle, but if you've got your own favorite setup rated for offshore work, bring it along. The crew knows these waters intimately, from the hidden pinnacles that hold Lingcod to the temperature breaks where predators ambush bait schools.
Barracuda are the speed demons of San Diego's offshore waters, and they're absolutely explosive when they hit your bait. These silver rockets average 5 to 8 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making screaming runs and aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. Spring through fall is prime time for Barracuda, when they school up in massive numbers over deep water structure. What makes them special is their aggression – they'll hit everything from live sardines to chrome jigs, and their razor-sharp teeth mean you better have your drag set right. The bite can be incredible when you find them, with multiple hookups happening simultaneously.
Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish, are the crown jewel of warm-water fishing, though they're more of a bonus species in San Diego waters during El Niño years or unusually warm summers. These golden beauties are pure magic when they show up, averaging 10 to 25 pounds with their distinctive flat heads and brilliant colors that fade after the fight. Mahi Mahi are notorious for their acrobatic displays, and finding one usually means finding a school. They love floating kelp paddies and debris lines in blue water, making them a perfect target for our offshore adventures when conditions align.
Wahoo Fish are the ghosts of the deep blue – incredibly fast, incredibly strong, and incredibly difficult to land. These torpedo-shaped speedsters can hit 40 mph and strip line off your reel faster than you can blink. In San Diego waters, they're typically a fall species when water temperatures stay warm, and landing one is considered a major victory. Wahoo average 20 to 40 pounds locally, with their distinctive barred pattern and razor teeth. They prefer the clearest, deepest water we fish, making them a true trophy catch for serious offshore anglers.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the bread and butter of Southern California offshore fishing, and for good reason. These powerful fighters average 15 to 30 pounds and are absolutely relentless once hooked. Late spring through early fall is prime time, when they school up over rocky pinnacles and kelp bed edges. Yellowtail have this habit of making long, powerful runs toward structure, testing both your drag and your nerves. They're also excellent table fare, making them the perfect combination of sport and sustenance. The locals call them "rails" because of their streamlined shape, and veteran anglers know that finding feeding Yellowtail often means finding other premium species nearby.
Bluefin Tuna represent the ultimate offshore challenge – these are the fish that separate weekend warriors from serious anglers. San Diego's Bluefin fishery has exploded in recent years, with fish ranging from 15-pound "rats" to 200-pound giants. These
This classic Bertram sport fishing boat gets you to the best fishing grounds off San Diego's coast with style and comfort. Rebuilt in 2021 with twin 450HP Cummins engines, she cruises at 30 knots to maximize your time on the water chasing yellowtail, rockfish, and everything in between. The spacious layout accommodates up to 6 anglers with a full galley, comfortable berth, and clean head for those long days targeting deeper species. Up on the flybridge, you'll have commanding views while the captain uses radar and fish finder to locate schools. Whether you're jigging kelp beds for bass or dropping lines for lingcod, the large icebox and fridge keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Complete with multimedia system for downtime between bites, this boat delivers serious fishing capability with the creature comforts that make 8-hour trips fly by.
SphyraenidaeThese torpedo-shaped predators are some of the most aggressive fighters you'll hook around San Diego. Barracuda typically run 15-30 inches and hunt by sight, making them perfect targets during our spring and summer trips when they're actively feeding near the surface. You'll find them patrolling kelp beds and rocky structures, often in shallow to mid-depth waters where they ambush smaller fish. They hit hard and make blazing runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent when prepared right - firm and flaky. Here's a local trick: use shiny lures or strip baits and keep them moving fast. Barracuda can't resist that flash, but once they see the boat, they get spooky, so make your first cast count.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the apex gamefish - these torpedo-shaped giants range from 30-200+ pounds and are built for pure power. They roam deep offshore waters, often 200-1000+ feet, following baitfish and temperature breaks. Peak season runs late spring through fall when they migrate through our waters chasing anchovies and sardines. The fight is legendary - powerful runs, deep dives, and battles that can last hours on heavy tackle. It's the holy grail for serious anglers, plus the meat is world-class sashimi grade. These fish require permits and strict regulations, so we handle everything properly. My tip: when you hook one, settle in for a marathon. Use the boat's momentum to your advantage and don't rush it - bluefin will punish impatience. It's all about steady pressure and letting the fish tire itself out.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are absolute beauties with their golden sides and electric blue-green backs, though those colors fade fast once they're boated. These fish typically run 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ on a good day. They're surface dwellers that love hanging around floating kelp, debris, or anything drifting in open water. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when they move through our warmer offshore waters. Guests love them because they fight like crazy - jumping, tail-walking, and making long runs. Plus, the meat is some of the best you'll eat - mild, sweet, and perfect for fish tacos. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for more. Mahi usually travel in small schools, so where there's one, there's often several.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these sleek, silver bullets can hit 60 mph and will absolutely scream line off your reel. They typically run 20-40 pounds around here, with that distinctive zebra-striped pattern and razor-sharp teeth. You'll find them in open water, usually between 100-400 feet, cruising around structure or temperature breaks. Summer and early fall are prime time when the water warms up offshore. The fight is pure adrenaline - long, blistering runs that'll have your arms burning. The meat is top-shelf too, white and flaky with a mild taste that's perfect grilled. My advice: troll fast with wire leaders since their teeth will cut through anything else. When one hits, hang on tight and let your drag do the work - trying to muscle them just leads to broken lines.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are the ultimate test of strength and patience - these golden-finned bruisers typically weigh 15-25 pounds but can push 40+ pounds when the bite is hot. They hang around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and structure from 50-200 feet deep, especially near Catalina and the local islands. Spring through summer is your best window when they move into our warmer coastal waters to feed. What makes them special is the fight - they're incredibly strong and will try every trick to wrap you around kelp or rocks. The meat is prized for sushi and tastes amazing grilled too. Here's what works: use live bait like sardines or mackerel, and when you hook up, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let them run, then work them up slowly. Patience wins with yellowtail.
San Diego