8 Hour Private Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 8hour offshore fishing charter for up to 4 guestsTarget Yellowtail and Calico Bass around kelp pattiesReturn to dock by dinner time with fresh catches
When you want the whole boat to yourselves and serious time on the water, this 8-hour private charter delivers exactly what fishing families and groups are looking for. You'll push offshore to work the kelp patties and structure where the big fish hang out, then head back to port with plenty of time to clean your catch and grab dinner. With Kraken Sportfishing, you're getting a full day of fishing without the crowds – just your crew of up to 4 anglers and all the room you need to fish comfortably.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're watching the clock. Eight hours gives you real fishing time, and going private means the captain works your schedule and targets what your group wants to catch. You'll start by running offshore to locate those kelp patties that hold Yellowtail and other quality fish. The beauty of kelp fishing is you're working structure that concentrates baitfish, which draws in the predators you're after. Your captain will position the boat to drift these areas effectively, giving everyone a shot at the action. Since you've got the boat to yourselves, there's no rushing to rotate spots or competing with other anglers for the best fishing positions. You can work an area thoroughly when it's producing, or quickly move on if the bite is slow. The private setup also means you can adjust the day based on conditions and what the fish are doing – maybe spending extra time on a hot kelp paddy or exploring different depths if that's where the action is.
Kelp paddy fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. You'll be using live bait when it's available – sardines, anchovies, or mackerel work great around kelp structure. The key is getting your bait down to where the fish are holding without getting tangled in the kelp itself. Most of the time you're fishing with lighter tackle than you might use for bottom fishing, typically 20-30 pound test, because the fish around kelp can be spooky. Yo-yo jigs and surface iron also produce well when the fish are aggressive and feeding up in the water column. Your captain will have the gear knowledge to match tackle to conditions, but if you've got your own setup, bring rods in the 7-8 foot range that can handle both live bait and artificials. The offshore environment means you might encounter anything from schoolie-sized fish to real bruisers, so having a variety of tackle options keeps you ready for whatever swims up. Circle hooks are standard for live bait fishing, and barbless hooks help with quick releases if you're practicing catch and release on smaller fish.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the main target on this trip, and for good reason – these fish are absolute fighters that'll test your tackle and technique. Yellowtail typically run anywhere from 10 pounds up to 40+ pound models, with the bigger fish showing up more consistently during their peak season from late spring through fall. They're ambush predators that cruise kelp edges and structure, looking for schools of bait to crash. When you hook into one, expect multiple runs and a fish that uses the kelp to its advantage, trying to wrap you up or break you off. What makes Yellowtail so popular with anglers is their combination of size, fight, and table quality – they're excellent eating and put up a battle that gets everyone on the boat excited. Calico Bass are another highlight of kelp fishing, especially for anglers who enjoy more technical fishing. These fish are structure-oriented and can be picky about presentation, but they're also aggressive once they commit to a bite. Calicos around kelp patties tend to be larger than their nearshore cousins, often pushing 3-5 pounds with occasional fish going bigger. They're perfect for lighter tackle fishing and provide steady action when the bigger pelagics aren't around.
An 8-hour private charter gives your group the time and space to really fish without compromises. You're getting the full offshore experience with kelp fishing that targets quality species, all while having the boat to yourselves. Whether you're a family wanting to fish together or a group of friends looking for a serious day on the water, this trip delivers the fishing time and flexibility that makes for memorable days. The fact that you're back for dinner means you can enjoy your day without the pressure of an overnight commitment, plus you'll have fresh fish to show for your efforts. Book with Kraken Sportfishing and get ready for the kind of fishing day that keeps you planning the next one before you even reach the dock.
Your private fishing vessel comes equipped with everything needed for a successful day chasing kelp patties and targeting prime species. The motorboat features a reliable fish finder to locate schools of Yellowtail and Calico Bass, plus GPS navigation to hit the best offshore spots. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard refrigerator and ice box, while the toilet ensures comfort during those long fishing stretches. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rails without crowding. The boat's design handles offshore conditions well, getting you to productive waters and back to the dock in time for dinner. Perfect setup for families or small groups wanting their own dedicated fishing platform without sharing space with other parties.
San Diego, CA