Deep Sea Fishing San Diego | Private 12 Hour Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 12hour deep sea fishing adventure to Coronado IslandsTarget yellowtail, halibut, white seabass, and rockfish speciesExclusive charter accommodates up to 5 guests maximum
When you want to get serious about fishing San Diego's offshore waters, nothing beats a full-day private charter to the Coronado Islands. This 12-hour deep sea adventure puts you right where the big fish live, with Mexico's pristine Coronado Islands just 20 miles south of San Diego Bay. You'll have the boat all to yourself and up to 4 friends, giving you the flexibility to fish your way without dealing with crowded party boats or someone else's schedule. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish while you soak up one of the most beautiful fishing spots on the West Coast.
Your day starts early at the dock where you'll meet your captain and get the lowdown on current conditions and game plan. The 90-minute run to the Coronados gives you time to rig up, grab some breakfast, and watch the San Diego skyline fade as we head into Mexican waters. These volcanic islands rise straight out of 600+ feet of water, creating the perfect environment where baitfish gather and predators hunt. You'll be fishing structure that ranges from shallow kelp beds to deep pinnacles, with plenty of options to adjust based on what's biting. The boat comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle, plus we'll stop for live bait on the way out. Lunch is included so you can stay focused on fishing instead of worrying about meal planning.
The Coronado Islands offer some of the most diverse fishing you'll find anywhere along the California coast. We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on conditions and target species. Live bait fishing with sardines, anchovies, or mackerel is our bread and butter for yellowtail and tuna - dropping them on the kelp edges or working the drift over structure. When the bite gets tough, we'll switch to yo-yo jigs, surface iron, or even slow-pitch techniques around the deeper pinnacles. The north and south islands each have their own personality, with the north island typically holding more yellowtail in the kelp while the south island's deeper water attracts the bigger pelagics. Your captain will read the conditions and move around to put you on the best bite, whether that means anchoring up on a hot kelp paddy or trolling the blue water for wide-open schools.
Sea Bass around the Coronados are some of the healthiest you'll find, with these beautiful silver fish ranging from 8 to 20+ pounds. They love hanging around the kelp beds and rocky structure, typically feeding best during the cooler months from fall through spring. What makes them so fun to catch is their power and the way they'll use the kelp to try and break you off - it's a chess match between angler and fish. The meat is outstanding too, with firm white fillets that taste even better when you know you worked for them.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the kings of the Coronados, and for good reason. These fish are pure muscle, capable of screaming runs that'll test your drag and endurance. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when the water warms up and they move into the kelp beds to feed. A 20-pound yellowtail will fight like a 40-pound fish, making multiple runs and never giving up until it's in the net. They're also fantastic table fare, perfect for sashimi or grilled with some simple seasoning.
Yellowfin Tuna show up when the warmer water pushes north, typically summer into fall. These fish are built for speed and endurance, capable of pulling drag for what feels like hours. The Coronados sit right in their migration path, and when schools move through, it's game on. Most fish range from 15 to 40 pounds, though bigger ones are always possible. The meat quality is unmatched - deep red muscle that's perfect for searing or eating raw.
Bluefin Tuna are the holy grail of San Diego offshore fishing, and the Coronados are one of the most consistent spots to find them. These fish are incredibly powerful and smart, requiring finesse and patience to hook up. They've been showing up year-round in recent years, with fish ranging from 40-pound schoolies to 200+ pound giants. Landing a bluefin is a career highlight for most anglers, and the meat from a fresh-caught bluefin is worth its weight in gold at the sushi counter.
A private 12-hour charter to the Coronado Islands represents the best of what San Diego offshore fishing has to offer. You get world-class fishing grounds, experienced local knowledge, and the flexibility to fish your way without compromise. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, planning a guys' trip, or just want to experience some of the best fishing on the West Coast, this is the charter that delivers. The Coronados have been producing trophy fish for decades, and with the right conditions and a little luck, your group could be heading home with coolers full of premium fish. Don't wait - the best dates book up fast, especially during peak season. Give Reel Deep Sportfishing a call and let's get your private Coronado Islands adventure on the calendar.
This 2013 Contender is built for serious offshore fishing adventures to the Coronado Islands. Powered by twin 300 HP engines, she'll get you to the productive fishing grounds quickly and handle the open water with confidence. The spacious layout comfortably accommodates up to 5 anglers, while the flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting bird activity and baitfish. Essential fishing electronics include GPS navigation, radar for those early morning runs in low visibility, and a fish finder to locate productive structure and schools. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the full 12-hour trip. A private head and plenty of deck space for fighting fish make this boat perfect for targeting Yellowtail, Halibut, White Seabass, and various Rockfish species around the islands. Whether you're dropping jigs on the high spots or trolling the deeper waters, this Contender has the power and features to make your day on the water productive.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing - massive, powerful, and worth their weight in gold. Pacific Bluefin average 40-100 pounds but can reach 400+ pounds and fight like freight trains. They roam deep blue water from 50-1000+ feet, following bait schools and temperature breaks. Best fishing runs spring through fall, with peak action in summer months. These fish will test every piece of your tackle with lightning runs and deep dives. The meat quality is simply the best you'll find - that's why top sushi restaurants pay premium prices. Here's what works: when you hook one, settle in for a long fight. Keep steady pressure, stay patient, and make sure your drag is set right before you even start fishing.
Centropristis StriataWhite Sea Bass are some of the most prized catches around San Diego, averaging 15-30 pounds with trophy fish pushing 50+ pounds. These silvery beauties cruise kelp forests and rocky structure from 20-200 feet deep, especially around the Coronados. They're most active during dawn and dusk from spring through fall when water temps warm up. What makes them special is the fight - they'll make powerful runs and test your drag system. Plus, the meat is absolutely top-shelf eating with firm, white fillets. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it. They have soft mouths, so let your drag do the work and you'll land more fish.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the speed demons of the deep, built like torpedoes and capable of hitting 50 mph. Most fish we see run 30-80 pounds, though giants over 200 are possible in the right conditions. They cruise the top 300 feet of blue water, often found around kelp paddies or temperature breaks offshore. Late summer through fall brings the best action when warm water pushes north. What makes them special is the raw power - once hooked, they'll peel line like nothing else. The meat is world-class for sushi or searing. Pro tip: when trolling, watch for birds working bait. Get your spread out there quick and be ready - when they turn on, it's game time.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are the bread and butter of our Coronado trips, typically running 15-25 pounds with the occasional 40-pounder that'll really test your arms. You'll find them around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and drop-offs in 60-150 feet of water. Summer through early fall is prime time when warm water brings them up from Baja. These fish are pure muscle - they'll make blistering runs and dive hard for structure. The bright yellow tail fins make them easy to spot, and the meat is fantastic grilled or as sashimi. One tip that works well out here: use a yo-yo iron or live sardine and let it flutter down naturally. When they bite, hang on tight and don't let them get back to the rocks.
San Diego, California