Bluefin Tuna Fishing Charter California – Offshore
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target hardfighting bluefin tuna in California's offshore watersShared 12hour charter with expert guidance and toptier gearFast, reliable boat designed for highenergy offshore fishing battles
When you're talking about world-class offshore fishing in California, there's nothing quite like hooking into a Pacific bluefin tuna. These apex predators will test every bit of your fishing skills and then some. Our 12-hour shared charter puts you right in the heart of California's offshore waters where the big fish roam. You'll be fishing alongside experienced anglers on a fast, well-equipped boat with all the top-tier gear you need to land the fish of a lifetime. This isn't your typical bay fishing trip – we're heading out where the water runs deep blue and the tuna are built like underwater missiles.
Your day starts early – and I mean early. We're talking 4:30 AM departure times because the best tuna action happens when most people are still dreaming. The ride out to the bluefin grounds takes about 2-3 hours, depending on where the fish have been showing up. Don't worry about getting seasick on the way out; our boat cuts through the swells smooth as butter, and the anticipation of what's waiting out there keeps your mind off any queasiness. Once we hit the fishing zones, you'll see why California's offshore waters have such a reputation. The Pacific stretches endlessly in every direction, and beneath that surface, schools of bluefin are cruising at depths that range from 100 to 400 feet. These aren't the small grade school tuna you might catch closer to shore – we're targeting fish that can easily hit 40-80 pounds, with some monsters pushing well over 100. The energy on deck changes completely when the first rod goes off. That drag screaming sound means someone just hooked into a fish that's about to take them on the ride of their life.
Bluefin tuna fishing is all about precision trolling and having the right setup when these fish decide to bite. We run a spread of cedar plugs, iron jigs, and live bait depending on what the fish are keyed in on that day. The boat carries 50-80 pound class tackle because anything lighter is just asking for trouble when a 60-pound bluefin decides it wants to head for Japan. You'll be fishing with Penn Internationals or Shimano Tiagras spooled with spectra backing and fluorocarbon leaders that can handle the abuse. When we mark fish on the sonar, we might switch to the iron – yo-yo jigging with heavy Salas or Tady jigs that we drop down and work in a fast, erratic retrieve. Live bait fishing is another deadly technique, especially when we can get our hands on fresh sardines or mackerel. The key is reading the water, watching for bird activity, and staying mobile until we find the schools. Our captain has been working these waters for decades and knows exactly where to look based on water temperature, current breaks, and seasonal patterns. When everything lines up perfectly, you might find yourself in the middle of a wide-open bite where multiple rods are going off at once.
Pacific bluefin tuna are the ultimate game fish in California's offshore waters, and once you hook one, you'll understand why serious anglers become obsessed with them. These fish are built for speed and endurance, with torpedo-shaped bodies that can hit speeds over 40 mph. They're warm-blooded, which means they stay active even in cooler water, and they fight like nothing else in the ocean. A typical bluefin will make multiple long runs, often taking 200-300 yards of line in a single burst before you can even think about gaining any back. The best fishing happens from late spring through early fall, with peak action usually hitting in summer when water temperatures climb and baitfish concentrate offshore. What makes bluefin so special isn't just their fighting ability – it's their intelligence. These fish learn and adapt, which means every hookup is different. Some will sound deep and try to break you off on structure, others will make surface runs that'll have you scrambling to keep up. The average fish runs 20-60 pounds, but when you connect with a true giant in the 80-100 pound range, that's a fish that will change how you think about offshore fishing forever.
California bluefin tuna fishing represents some of the best offshore action you'll find anywhere on the West Coast. This 12-hour charter gives you the time you need to locate fish and put in the effort required for success. With expert guidance, professional-grade equipment, and a proven boat, you're setting yourself up for the kind of fishing story you'll be telling for years. These shared trips fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait around if you're serious about tangling with some of California's most sought-after game fish. The bluefin are out there right now, and they're not going to catch themselves. Book your spot and get ready to find out what real offshore fishing is all about.
This 24ft Raider Hard Top cuts through California's offshore waters like it was built for battle. The 2023 model packs a 300hp Suzuki that'll get you to the bluefin grounds fast, cruising at 35mph so you spend more time with lines in the water than burning fuel getting there. The hard top keeps you comfortable during those long 12-hour runs when the tuna are running deep and the action gets intense. Built to handle 4 anglers, this boat gives everyone room to work when multiple fish hit at once. The reliable hull design means you'll stay steady even when fighting those hard-pulling bluefin that can drag for hours. Whether you're targeting massive tuna or working the bottom for lingcod and rockfish, this rig delivers the performance and comfort you need for serious offshore fishing in California waters.
San Francisco