San Diego Inshore Fishing Charter - 6 Hours
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore charter targeting multiple Southern California speciesSmall group experience with maximum six guests aboardDeparts Mission Bay, fishing grounds from inshore to La Jolla
When you're looking for a solid day of fishing without burning a whole tank of gas getting to the grounds, our 6-hour inshore charter hits the sweet spot. We'll cruise out of Mission Bay and work the productive waters between Point Loma and La Jolla, where the kelp beds hold some serious fish. This isn't about chasing trophy marlin 40 miles offshore – it's about consistent action, multiple species, and filling the cooler with quality fish you'll actually want to eat. With only 6 anglers max, you're not fighting for rail space or waiting forever for your turn at the hot corner.
We'll meet you at the dock in Mission Bay before sunrise, get the gear sorted, and head out while the water's still glassy. The inshore zone we fish runs from the shallow sand flats to the deeper rocky structure along the coast – it's like having multiple fisheries in one trip. You'll start the day maybe working some sand bass in 60 feet, then move to the kelp edges for calicos, and finish up on the deeper reefs where the bigger white seabass and yellowtail cruise. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety. One cast you're bouncing a dropper loop on the bottom for rockfish, the next you're working a swimbait through the kelp canopy. Captain adjusts the game plan based on what's biting, tide, and conditions, so every trip feels different even though we're fishing the same general area.
We keep it simple but effective out here. Most of the time you're looking at medium-heavy spinning gear spooled with 20-30 pound braid and a fluorocarbon leader. For the bottom fish, we'll rig up dropper loops with 2-4 ounce sinkers depending on current – nothing fancy, just hooks and weight that get the bait down. When we're working the kelp for calicos or looking for suspended white seabass, we switch to swimbaits, surface irons, or live bait if we can find it. The key is staying versatile because inshore fishing changes fast. One minute the fish want a slow presentation on the bottom, the next they're blowing up on anything that moves through the mid-water column. We provide all the terminal tackle and bait, so you just need to bring your fishing license and be ready to adjust your technique as we move through different spots.
White Bass are actually white seabass around here, and they're the crown jewel of our inshore fishery. These silver torpedoes can push 20-40 pounds and fight like freight trains once they get their head down. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when the squid are around thick. They cruise the kelp edges and deeper reefs, often suspended 20-30 feet off the bottom. What makes them special is they're smart – you need to present your bait just right or they'll ignore it completely. When you do hook one, that first run will test your drag and your nerves.
Lingcod are the bulldogs of the rocky reefs, and San Diego's southern range means they're a bonus catch that gets everyone fired up. These prehistoric-looking fish hide in the rocks and ambush anything that gets too close. Fall and winter are your best shots, when they move shallower to feed. They're not the prettiest fish in the ocean, but they fight dirty and taste fantastic. A 10-pound ling will feel like 20 when it tries to wrap your line around every rock on the reef.
California Sheephead are the characters of the kelp forest – the big males have that distinctive black and red coloring with the bulbous forehead that looks like they're wearing a helmet. They're year-round residents but really turn on during summer when the water warms up. These fish are tough fighters for their size and absolutely fantastic eating. They're also curious, so sometimes they'll follow your bait up from the bottom, giving you a good look before deciding whether to bite.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the speedsters that can show up any time but really light up the inshore grounds from late spring through early fall. When they're here, they're aggressive – hitting surface irons, swimbaits, and live bait with authority. A 15-20 pound yellowtail on the right tackle is pure adrenaline, making long runs and using that sickle tail to maximum advantage. They school up, so when you find one, there are usually more around.
Pacific Halibut are the flatfish that can really surprise you size-wise. While most of our halibut run 5-15 pounds, every once in a while someone hooks into a 30-40 pounder that's been laying on the sand like a dinner table. Spring and summer are prime time when they move shallow to feed on anchovies and sardines. They're ambush predators, so you're usually dragging bait slow across the sand until something grabs it and tries to bury back down.
This 6-hour inshore trip delivers exactly what most anglers are really looking for – consistent action, multiple species, and a cooler full of fish without the expense and time commitment of an all-day offshore run. You're fishing proven grounds that produce year-round, with a small group that means personalized attention and plenty of elbow room. Whether you're a local looking for your regular fish fix or visiting from out of town with limited time, this charter gives you the best of San Diego's inshore fishing scene. Book now while we still have open dates – the good fishing windows fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Ready to hit the productive waters off San Diego? Our classic 38ft Topaz sportfisher has been hauling in catches since '86 and knows these fishing grounds like the back of her hand. With twin Cummins 420HP engines pushing 20 knots, you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time getting there. The boat comfortably fishes up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to work your gear. Find your targets with the fish finder, keep your catch fresh in the icebox, and grab snacks from the fridge between bites. GPS and radar keep you on the productive spots, while the VHF radio connects you to the fishing fleet. When you need a break from the action, there's a proper head, galley for prepping bait, and even a berth if someone needs to rest up. Whether you're chasing rockfish around the kelp beds or hoping for that trophy halibut, this proven fishing platform delivers the goods in San Diego's rich inshore waters.
Semicossyphus PulcherCalifornia Sheephead are one of our most distinctive catches - the males show off with black heads and tails, bright orange midsections, and that characteristic fleshy bump on their forehead. Females are more subdued in pinkish tones. These wrasse family members live in kelp forests and rocky reefs from 10-150 feet, using their powerful jaws to crush urchins, crabs, and mollusks. Summer months from June through September are prime time when they're spawning and more aggressive. What makes them special is the challenge - they're easy to hook with crab or clam baits, but landing them is another story. They're incredibly strong and will try to break you off in the rocks. The reward is some of the sweetest white meat you'll find - many say it tastes like lobster. My advice: use heavy tackle with 40-pound leader and keep them away from structure once hooked.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are the gnarly-looking predators that make every trip memorable. Despite the name, they're actually greenlings with massive heads, razor-sharp teeth, and mottled brown-green coloring. These ambush hunters live around rocky reefs and kelp beds in 30-300 feet of water, where they blend into the bottom waiting for prey. Females get much bigger than males - we're talking 2+ feet versus under 2 feet. They're available year-round, but the cooler months often produce better fishing. What guests love about lingcod is their aggressive attitude - they don't run when hooked, they fight tooth and nail. The meat is excellent too, firm white fillets that cook up beautifully. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, don't let it get back to the rocks. Keep steady pressure and bring it up quick - once they reach their rocky home, you'll lose them every time.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific Halibut are the barn doors that can make your whole trip. These massive flatfish average 20-40 pounds but 100-pounders aren't uncommon - they can actually reach 500+ pounds and 8 feet long. They live on sandy and muddy bottoms from 150-500 feet, though they'll come shallower in summer to feed. That's your best window - warmer months when they move up to hunt salmon, cod, and crabs. What draws people to halibut fishing is the mystery - you never know if that tap on the bottom is a 20-pounder or a 200-pounder. The meat is phenomenal too, firm white steaks that are perfect for any preparation. Here's the trick: use heavy tackle with 1-2 pound weights to get down, then bounce your bait slowly along the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap, don't set the hook immediately - let them take it and start moving before you lean into them.
Morone ChrysopsWhite Bass are scrappy little fighters that typically run 10-12 inches and weigh up to 7 pounds. You'll recognize them by their silver-white color and distinctive dark stripes along their sides. These carnivorous fish are visual feeders that love chasing live bait like minnows and worms. They school up in shallow rivers, reservoirs, and big creeks, often moving upstream where densities are higher. Spring through early summer gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them popular with our guests is their aggressive nature - they hit hard and put up a solid fight for their size. Plus, they taste fantastic on the table. Pro tip: when you spot a school working the surface, throw small white or black jigs right into the action and work them fast - these fish are competitive and will strike out of pure aggression.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are the speedsters that'll test your skills and your tackle. These sleek silver fish with their trademark yellow fins typically run 15-25 pounds, though 40-pounders show up regularly. They cruise kelp beds and rocky structure from the surface down to mid-depth, hunting sardines and squid. Summer brings the best action when warm water draws them close to our local islands and kelp forests. What makes yellowtail so popular is the incredible fight - they're fast, strong, and never give up easy. Plus, that oily meat makes outstanding sashimi and grilling fish. The key to landing them is patience - live bait works best, and when you hook up, don't horse them. Let them run, keep steady pressure, and whatever you do, don't let them dive back into the kelp. Once they wrap you up down there, it's game over.
San Diego, CA