San Diego Coronado Islands Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore fishing trip to Coronado Islands targeting multiple speciesAll fishing gear, snacks and beverages included in trip packageSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests per charter
Looking for world-class offshore fishing without the long boat ride? This 10-hour charter to the Coronado Islands puts you right in the heart of some of San Diego's hottest fishing grounds. Just 18 miles southwest of Point Loma, these Mexican islands offer a completely different fishing experience than what you'll find in U.S. waters. We're talking about structure, current breaks, and kelp forests that hold serious fish year-round. With only 6 anglers max, you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from our crew who've been working these waters for decades.
We'll depart from San Diego Bay in the early morning hours, giving us maximum fishing time once we reach the islands. The ride out takes about an hour and a half, depending on conditions, but trust me – it's worth every minute. The Coronados sit right where warm offshore water meets cooler coastal currents, creating the perfect storm for pelagic species. You'll see the difference immediately when we start marking fish on the sounder. The underwater topography here is incredible, with rocky pinnacles, drop-offs, and kelp beds that stretch for miles. This isn't your typical near-shore fishing – we're talking about legitimate blue water opportunities mixed with kelp forest action. All your tackle, bait, and rigging is handled by our crew, plus we keep you fueled with snacks and cold drinks throughout the day.
We run a mixed bag approach depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. For the yellowtail and larger tuna, we'll have you on 25-40 pound outfits with live bait or heavy jigs. The rockfish and lingcod action happens on the bottom with 6-8 ounce sinkers and fresh cut bait – squid, sardines, or mackerel depending on what we've got. When the bonito and smaller tuna are foaming on the surface, we switch to lighter tackle with surface iron or live anchovies. Our crew knows exactly what to tie on and when, so don't stress about bringing your own gear. We've got Penn and Shimano reels spooled with fresh line, and our tackle selection includes everything from 2-ounce surface irons to 8-ounce bottom rigs. The key out here is staying flexible – these fish move with the bait, and we move with the fish.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish are the crown jewels of any Coronado Islands trip. These fish show up in late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb above 70 degrees. They're absolute rockets when hooked, jumping clear out of the water and peeling line like there's no tomorrow. Most of the mahi we see here run 15-30 pounds, but don't be surprised if you tie into a bull that pushes 40. They love floating kelp paddies and debris lines, so keep your eyes peeled for birds working the surface. What makes them so special isn't just the fight – the meat is some of the best you'll ever put on a plate.
Lingcod are the monsters of the rocky bottom, and the Coronados have some of the best lingcod structure on the West Coast. These prehistoric-looking beasts can hit 40+ pounds and will test your drag system to the limit. They're year-round residents but really turn on during winter and spring months. When you hook a big ling, it feels like you're dragging a truck tire off the bottom – until it decides to swim, then you realize you're dealing with pure muscle. They're ambush predators that hide in rock crevices and pounce on anything that looks like an easy meal. Pro tip: keep your bait moving near the bottom and be ready for a freight train when they hit.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the bread and butter species that keep anglers coming back to the Coronados. These fish are here year-round but peak during summer and fall when bait concentrations are highest. A 20-pound yellowtail will humble even experienced anglers – they're smart, strong, and know exactly how to use the kelp to their advantage. They school up around the island's kelp forests and rocky points, feeding aggressively on sardines and anchovies. When they're biting, it's non-stop action with fish in the 15-35 pound range. The key is getting your bait down quickly before they spook, and once you hook up, keep steady pressure to avoid getting wrapped in the kelp.
Yellowfin Tuna bring the real excitement when water conditions are right. These speedsters show up during warmer months, typically June through October, and they don't mess around. A 30-pound yellowfin can strip 200 yards of line before you even realize what happened. They travel in schools and feed aggressively on baitfish, often showing themselves by foaming on the surface with birds diving all around. The fight is legendary – long, powerful runs followed by deep, stubborn circles that'll test your endurance. When the tuna bite is on at the Coronados, it's some of the best fishing you'll find anywhere on the West Coast.
Pacific Bonito might be the smallest of our target species, but pound-for-pound they're some of the strongest fish in the ocean. These 3-8 pound torpedoes are perfect on lighter tackle and provide non-stop action when they're schooled up. They show up in huge numbers during summer and fall, feeding on anchovies and small sardines near the surface. Bonito are excellent table fare when bled and iced immediately, and they make fantastic bait for larger species like yellowtail and tuna. Don't underestimate these fish – they'll burn your drag and keep you busy all day long when conditions are right.
Step aboard our reliable 38ft Topaz sportfishing vessel, your ticket to productive waters around the Coronado Islands. This well-equipped fishing machine has been taking anglers to prime fishing spots since 1986, powered by twin Cummins 420HP engines that cruise smoothly at 20 knots to get you to the fish faster. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to fight those hard-pulling yellowtail and feisty calico bass. Our fish finder technology helps locate schools of bonito and tuna, while GPS navigation ensures we hit the best rockfish and lingcod structure every time. When visibility drops, radar keeps us safe and on course. Onboard amenities include a full galley with refrigerator and icebox to keep your catch fresh, plus a head and sleeping quarters for those long fishing days. VHF radio keeps us connected to other boats sharing hot bite reports. Whether you're targeting bottom fish or pelagics in Mexican waters, this proven fishing platform delivers the stability and range needed for serious San Diego sportfishing adventures.
Ophiodon ElongatusDon't let the name fool you - lingcod aren't actually cod, but they're one gnarly-looking fish with massive heads full of sharp teeth. Females get big, often over 20 pounds, while males stay smaller. These ambush predators hang out on rocky bottom from 30-300 feet, using their mottled green and brown coloring to blend in perfectly. They're available year-round, but the bigger ones seem more active in cooler months. Guests love them because they're aggressive biters and make excellent eating - firm, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. Here's the thing about lingcod: once hooked, they don't run much, but that first grab can be violent. Drop heavy jigs right to the bottom and work them slow around structure.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are absolute stunners with their brilliant colors - bright blues and greens that shift like a light show when you bring them up. Most run 15-29 pounds, but we've seen some real bulls hit 40+ pounds. They love hanging around floating debris and kelp lines in warmer water, usually near the surface. Summer through fall gives you the best shot when water temps climb. What makes mahi special? They fight hard, taste amazing, and those colors are something else. Pro tip: when you see birds working debris or kelp patties, get your bait skipping on the surface - mahi go crazy for anything that mimics a flying fish. Use 30-50 pound tackle because these fish can really pull.
Sarda LineolataPacific bonito are scrappy little fighters that punch way above their weight class. These tuna-shaped fish with distinctive dark stripes typically max out around 25 pounds, but most run 5-12 pounds. They school up near the surface, often mixed with birds working bait from shore out to 100 miles offshore. June through November is prime time when they migrate through our area. Don't underestimate these fish - they're fast, aggressive, and will give you a real workout on lighter tackle. They're also great for beginners since they bite readily. Local secret: when you find bonito busting bait on the surface, cast small spoons or feathers just past the school and retrieve fast. They'll often follow the bait right to the boat, so be ready.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the ultimate pelagic gamefish - built like torpedoes and capable of hitting 50 mph. Most we catch run around 60 pounds, but monsters over 200 pounds cruise these waters. They roam open ocean in the top 100 feet, following bait schools and temperature breaks. Summer through fall is peak season when warm water pushes north. Guests go crazy for yellowfin because they're pure power - long, screaming runs that test your tackle and endurance. The meat is incredible too, perfect for sashimi or searing. Best tip I can give: when marking fish deep, try chunking with live anchovies or sardines. Get them fired up and feeding near the surface. Use heavy tackle - these fish will humble you quick if you're undergunned.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are the bread and butter of Southern California fishing, and for good reason. These silver rockets with bright yellow fins typically run 15-25 pounds, but 40-pounders show up regularly. They're fast, strong swimmers that cruise kelp beds, rocky reefs, and structure from mid-water to the bottom. Summer's prime time when warm water brings them up from Baja, but we catch them spring through fall. What makes yellowtail special? They fight like crazy, pulling drag and making long runs. Plus, they're fantastic eating - prized for sushi in Japan. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, don't horse it or reel too fast. Let it tire itself out, because if you panic it, it'll dive straight into the kelp and cut you off.
San Diego, CA