Private 12 Hour Offshore Bluefin Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 12hour offshore charter targets bluefin tuna up to 60 miles outAccommodates up to 4 guests with professional crew and equipment providedIncludes traditional fishing and spearfishing options for multiple techniques
San Diego's offshore waters are calling, and this private 12-hour charter with Reel Deep Sportfishing is your ticket to some of the best fishing on the West Coast. We're talking about heading up to 60 miles out into the deep blue Pacific, where the big pelagics roam and your drag screaming means serious business. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're going the distance to put you on fish that'll have you talking for years. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the water without bumping elbows, and our experienced crew knows exactly where these trophy fish like to hang out.
When you step aboard our vessel at dawn, you're signing up for a full day of serious offshore fishing. We'll cruise out past the kelp beds and continental shelf, watching the depth finder drop into that magical blue water zone where yellowfin, bluefin, mahi, and yellowtail cruise the current breaks. The ride out gives you time to rig up, chat with the crew about strategy, and watch San Diego's coastline fade into the distance. Once we hit the fishing grounds, it's all about reading the water – looking for bird activity, temperature breaks, and bait schools. Some days we're trolling feathers and cedar plugs, other days we're dropping jigs or fishing live bait on the kite. The crew will keep you dialed in on what's working, and with 12 hours on the water, we've got time to adapt and chase the bite wherever it takes us.
This type of offshore fishing demands the right approach, and we've got it dialed. We run quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with 40-80 pound test, depending on what we're targeting. When the tuna are finicky, we'll drop down to 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders and smaller hooks – these fish have seen plenty of lures, so finesse matters. For the yellowtail, we often work the iron jigs in blue and white or mint, yo-yoing them through the schools. Mahi respond well to trolled lures in bright colors, and when they light up, it's game on with multiple hookups. The bluefin require patience and the right presentation – sometimes that means slow-pitch jigging in 200 feet of water, other times it's a perfectly presented sardine on the fly line. Our crew will coach you through each technique, whether you're a seasoned stick or picking up a rod for the first time.
The mahi mahi, or dorado as the locals call them, are absolute bulldogs when hooked. These gorgeous fish average 15-30 pounds out here, with their electric colors lighting up the deck when they come aboard. They're most active during the warmer months from June through October, often found around floating kelp paddies or debris lines. What makes them special is their willingness to eat just about anything you throw at them, plus they travel in schools – hook one and there's usually more below. The yellowtail amberjack are the local favorites, and for good reason. These 20-40 pound fish are pure muscle, making blistering runs toward the rocks and testing every knot in your setup. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're notorious for their moody feeding patterns – one minute they're crushing iron, the next they want a perfect live sardine presentation. Yellowfin tuna bring the real excitement to offshore fishing here. These speedsters range from 30-100+ pounds in our waters, with their sickle-shaped fins cutting through the surface as they charge bait balls. Summer and fall offer the best chances, especially when the water temps hit that sweet spot above 70 degrees. They're built for speed and endurance, so expect long battles and screaming drags. The bluefin tuna are the holy grail of San Diego offshore fishing. These powerful fish can exceed 200 pounds, and even the smaller school-sized fish will test your tackle to its limits. They're most cooperative during the cooler months when they move closer to shore to feed, but catching one any time of year is a badge of honor among local anglers. Their intelligence and strength make every hookup a chess match between angler and fish.
This 12-hour private charter represents serious value for serious anglers who want to experience San Diego's world-class offshore fishing. You're getting a full crew, top-notch tackle, and access to fishing grounds that most people only dream about. The boat stays out until we've given it our best shot, and with four spots available, you can bring your fishing buddies or make it a family adventure. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so when you're ready to commit to a day of chasing pelagics in the deep blue, give Reel Deep Sportfishing a call. The fish are out there waiting, and this boat will put you in the best position to find them.
This 2013 Contender is built for serious offshore fishing in San Diego waters. Powered by twin 300 HP engines, she'll get you out to the bluefin grounds fast and keep you steady when the fish are biting. The flybridge gives your captain a commanding view to spot birds and baitfish, while the fish finder helps locate schools below. You'll have everything needed for a full day chasing tuna and mahi – icebox to keep your catch fresh, GPS and radar for safe navigation up to 60 miles offshore, plus a head for comfort during those long 12-hour trips. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the deck without getting tangled lines. This boat handles the Pacific swells like a champ, so you can focus on landing that trophy bluefin instead of fighting seasickness.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail - massive, powerful fish with that distinctive blue-black back and silver belly. Pacific bluefin average around 130 pounds here, but we've seen them over 200. They're warm-blooded fish that can handle temperature changes, living anywhere from the surface down to 1000+ feet. Peak season runs late summer through winter when they follow bait schools up from Mexico. What sets them apart is the complete package - the heart-stopping runs, the deep dives, and meat that commands top dollar at sushi markets. These are smart fish that require heavy tackle and serious technique. The fight can last hours with multiple deep runs. Local secret: when the bite gets tough, try dropping down in bait size. Sometimes a smaller sardine or anchovy will get bit when nothing else will. And always keep your drag smooth - these fish will find any weakness in your gear.
Coryphaena HippurusThese are some of the most colorful fish you'll encounter offshore - brilliant gold sides with electric blue and green backs that put on a light show when they come out of the water. Most mahi run 15-30 pounds, though we see some pushing 40+ during peak season. They love floating debris and kelp paddies, so we'll troll the weedlines and current breaks where they hang out feeding on flying fish. Summer through fall gives us the best action when the water warms up. What makes them special is the combination - they fight hard with acrobatic jumps, they're absolutely beautiful, and the meat is fantastic eating with that mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your bait in the water because mahi travel in schools and that first fish will often bring friends right to the boat.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfins are built like torpedoes - streamlined bodies with those bright yellow fins that give them their name. Out here we typically see 60-pounders, though they can push well over 100 pounds. These fish live in the upper water column of deep blue water, and they're constantly on the move following bait schools. They bite year-round, but late summer into fall can be exceptional when the water temperatures are right. What makes yellowfin special is everything - the speed they hit trolled baits, the long screaming runs, and that premium sashimi-grade meat that's worth its weight in gold. They're warm-blooded fish that can dive deep and run fast. My advice: when trolling, watch for bird activity and temperature breaks. And once you hook up, make sure your drag is set right because these fish can hit 50 mph and won't slow down easy.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are the bulldogs of our local waters - built for power with those distinctive yellow fins and that silver-blue body. Most fish we catch run 15-25 pounds, but don't let that fool you - they'll test your arms and your tackle. These guys live around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and structure, usually hanging deeper but we can bring them up with chum. Summer's prime time when they move into our warmer coastal waters around the islands. What guests love is the pure fight - yellowtail are fast, strong swimmers that make long runs and don't quit easy. Plus the meat is primo, especially popular for sushi. Here's the key: when you're fighting one, don't horse it too hard or it'll dive straight back into the rocks and break you off. Steady pressure and patience wins every time.
San Diego, California