Private Fishing Trip in San Diego
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private inshore fishing trip accommodates up to four guestsAll fishing gear and equipment provided by experienced captainFlexible itinerary allows targeting various productive fishing locations
San Diego's coastal waters offer some of the most productive inshore fishing on the West Coast, and this private charter puts you right in the heart of the action. With Captain at the helm of Kraken Sportfishing, you and up to three buddies get the full run of prime fishing grounds without the crowds. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to the sport or chase personal bests, this trip delivers the kind of flexibility that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Your private charter kicks off bright and early from one of San Diego's top-rated marinas, where you'll meet your captain and get the lowdown on current conditions. The beauty of going private means the day revolves around your crew's preferences and what's biting. Some days that means bouncing between multiple spots to maximize variety, other times you'll plant yourself over a productive piece of structure and work it hard. The captain brings all the gear you'll need - rods, reels, tackle, and bait - so you can focus on what matters most: getting fish in the boat. Families love this setup because there's no pressure from other anglers, and beginners get plenty of one-on-one instruction without feeling rushed.
Inshore fishing around San Diego means adapting your approach to conditions and target species. Your captain will have you rigged with everything from live bait rigs for the bigger tuna to jigs for working the bottom structure where lingcod and halibut hang out. Depending on what's running, you might find yourself drift fishing over kelp beds, trolling along temperature breaks, or anchored up over rocky reefs. The boat comes equipped with quality spinning and conventional setups in various weights, plus a solid fish finder to locate structure and mark schools. Don't worry if you've never used heavier tackle before - your captain will walk you through proper technique and help you fight fish without burning out your arms.
Mahi Mahi, or dorado as locals call them, are hands-down one of the most exciting fish you can tangle with in San Diego waters. These electric-colored speedsters typically show up during warmer months, often around floating kelp paddies or debris lines. They're aggressive feeders that'll slam live bait or lures, and their acrobatic fights make them a customer favorite. Most mahi here run 10-25 pounds, perfect for lighter tackle and making memories with the family.
Lingcod are the bruisers of the rocky bottom, and San Diego's inshore reefs hold some monsters. These ambush predators can exceed 20 pounds and fight like they're twice that size, using every rock and crevice to their advantage. They're most active during cooler months and respond well to large jigs or live bait worked near the bottom. The toothy grins on these fish make for great photos, and they're excellent table fare when prepared right.
Pacific Bluefin Tuna represent the holy grail of San Diego inshore fishing. These world-class game fish have been showing up closer to shore in recent years, giving private charter guests legitimate shots at fish over 100 pounds. When bluefin are around, usually late spring through fall, they'll test every piece of your tackle and technique. Even smaller school fish in the 20-40 pound range deliver fights that'll have you talking for years.
Yellowfin Tuna are the workhorses of the San Diego fleet, available most of the year and willing to bite when conditions align. These fish combine speed, strength, and stamina in a package that challenges anglers of all skill levels. Most inshore yellowfin range from 15-40 pounds, perfect for the gear provided on your charter. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, making them a win-win target.
Pacific Halibut fishing peaks during summer months when these flatfish move into shallower waters to feed. San Diego's halibut can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon on productive days. They require patience and proper technique, typically responding to live bait fished near sandy bottoms. Landing a quality halibut is a rite of passage for many West Coast anglers, and the meat quality is second to none.
San Diego's inshore fishing scene stays hot year-round, but the best days book up fast, especially for private charters. This trip gives you everything needed for a top-rated fishing experience - expert local knowledge, quality gear, and the flexibility to fish your way. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to get away from the crowds, Kraken Sportfishing delivers the kind of personalized service that keeps customers coming back season after season. Don't let another weekend slip by watching other boats head out - grab your crew and book this charter for a day of fishing you'll be talking about long after you're back on dry land.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our well-equipped motorboat, designed to get you to the best inshore spots around San Diego. This boat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - a fish finder to locate where they're biting, GPS to navigate the coastline, and an ice box plus refrigerator to keep your catch fresh. The onboard toilet means you can stay out longer chasing the big ones without cutting your trip short. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, whether you're bringing the family or a small group of fishing buddies. The captain provides all the gear, so just bring your appetite for action and get ready to feel those rods bend when the fish start hitting your lines in San Diego's productive inshore waters.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out there, with their golden sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a real light show when they come out of the water. These guys average 15-29 pounds but can get much bigger. We find them around floating debris and kelp lines in warmer months, usually in the top 100 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders and fantastic fighters - they'll jump and make long runs that'll get your heart pumping. The meat is top-notch too, firm and mild, perfect for the grill. My tip: when we find one, there's usually more around, so we'll often switch to lighter tackle and catch several. Look for bird activity over floating objects - that's where these beauties hang out.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod aren't actually cod at all, but they're one of the more interesting fish we target. These bottom dwellers have massive heads full of sharp teeth and can weigh anywhere from 10-30 pounds, with females getting much bigger than males. You'll find them in 30-300 feet of water around rocky reefs and kelp beds where they ambush prey. They're available year-round, but spring and fall tend to be most productive. What makes them fun is they're aggressive and won't back down from a fight - they'd rather battle than run. The meat is excellent, white and flaky. Here's the thing about lingcod: once you hook one, don't give it any slack. They'll try to get back into the rocks and cut your line, so keep steady pressure and get them up quick.
Thunnus OrientalisPacific bluefin are the ultimate game fish - torpedo-shaped speedsters that can hit 20 mph and grow over 400 pounds, though most we see are 100-200 pounds. These are deep water fish, usually found 800+ feet down in open ocean, and they're constantly on the move following bait schools. Best fishing is typically summer through fall when they're closer to shore chasing sardines and mackerel. What makes them special is the fight - they're built for endurance and will test every bit of your gear. Plus, the meat is world-class sushi grade, worth serious money. The trick with bluefin is staying quiet and using live bait. They spook easily, so we'll drift with the engines off and let a live mackerel or sardine do the work.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are some of the largest flatfish you'll encounter, with most running 20-40 pounds but capable of reaching 200+ pounds. These diamond-shaped bottom dwellers live in 150-500 feet of water over sandy and muddy bottoms along the continental shelf. Summer is prime time when they move into shallower feeding areas. What makes halibut special is the size potential and excellent eating - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They're ambush predators that lie flat and wait for prey to swim by. The key is getting your bait right on the bottom and keeping it moving slightly. I use a 1-2 pound weight and bounce it along the seafloor. Patience is everything with halibut - they'll mouth the bait before committing, so wait for that solid hookset.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are built for speed and power, averaging 60 pounds but capable of reaching 200+ pounds. You can spot them by their bright yellow fins and that classic tuna torpedo shape. We find them in open water, usually in the top 300 feet, following schools of bait fish. Summer and fall are prime time when the water's warm and bait is thick. These fish are pure adrenaline - they'll rip line off your reel at 50 mph and jump like crazy. The meat is outstanding, second only to bluefin for sashimi quality. Year-round season makes them a reliable target. When we're marking fish deep but they won't bite the trolling spread, I like to stop the boat and drop jigs down to them. Sometimes that change in presentation is all it takes to get them fired up.
San Diego, CA