Private 6-Hour San Diego Nearshore Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 6hour nearshore fishing charter for up to 4 guestsTarget Yellowtail Amberjack, Halibut, White Seabass, and RockfishProfessional first mate assistance included aboard spacious vessel
Want to get away from the crowded party boats and actually catch some serious fish? This private 6-hour nearshore charter out of Harbor Island puts you right where San Diego's best fish hang out, without the hassle of fighting for rail space. You'll have our 32-foot sportfisher all to yourself – well, you and up to 3 of your fishing buddies – plus our experienced first mate who knows exactly where to find the biters. We're talking prime yellowtail grounds, halibut holes, and rockfish structure that most weekend warriors never even see.
Your day starts early at Harbor Island, where you'll meet your captain and first mate who've been working these waters for years. We'll brief you on the game plan while we load up the boat with fresh bait, check the tackle, and fire up the engines. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility – if the yellowtail are busting on the kelp beds, we're heading there. If the halibut bite is hot on the sand, that's our target. Your first mate handles all the rigging, bait prep, and net work, so you can focus on what you came for: catching fish. We'll hit multiple spots throughout the day, from shallow water structure for rockfish to deeper edges where the big white seabass cruise. The boat's equipped with top-shelf electronics, so we're not just fishing blind – we're marking fish and putting you on them.
We run a mixed bag of techniques depending on conditions and what's biting. For yellowtail, we're usually live bait fishing with sardines or mackerel on 20-30 pound fluorocarbon leaders. When we're targeting halibut, it's all about that perfect drift with live anchovies or strip baits near the bottom. The rockfish bite calls for dropper loops and multiple hooks to maximize your catch rate. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are provided – we're talking quality Penn and Shimano setups that can handle anything from 2-pound rockfish to 30-pound yellowtail. Your first mate will show you the proper technique for each setup and help you dial in your presentation. We've got a full selection of jigs, plastics, and iron for when the fish want artificials, plus enough live and dead bait to keep you fishing all day long.
The yellowtail amberjack are the crown jewel of our nearshore fishery, and for good reason. These fish are absolute bulldogs – hitting 15 to 25 pounds on average, with the occasional 30-plus pounder that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when the water temps hit that sweet spot in the mid-60s. They school up around kelp beds and structure, often feeding aggressively on sardines and anchovies. When you hook into a yellowtail, get ready for multiple screaming runs and some serious arm burn. Pacific halibut are our flatfish prize, ranging from 10 to 40 pounds with the occasional barn door that'll make your day. These ambush predators lay on sandy bottoms waiting for baitfish, and the fight is all about that initial head-shaking run before they try to dive back to the bottom. Best months are late spring through summer when they move into shallower water to feed. White seabass are the ghosts of the kelp forest – these silvery beauties can hit 20 to 50 pounds and are known for their subtle bite and powerful runs. They're most active during dawn and dusk periods, cruising kelp edges and structure looking for squid and small fish. Summer nights under a full moon are absolutely magical for white seabass fishing. Canary rockfish round out our target list and they're perfect for keeping the action going when the bigger fish are finicky. These bright orange and yellow beauties live around rocky structure and are excellent table fare. They're available year-round and great for getting kids or novice anglers into the action.
Look, San Diego's nearshore fishing is world-class, but the best days book up fast. This private charter gives you everything the big sportfishing boats can't – personal attention, flexibility to chase the hot bite, and enough space to actually enjoy your day on the water. Your first mate will put you on fish, help with technique, and make sure you're set up for success from the first drop to the last cast. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to saltwater fishing or you want to target trophy fish without the crowds, this 6-hour private trip delivers. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so once you're booked, you're committed to an awesome day of fishing. Give us a call and let's get you scheduled for your next San Diego fishing adventure – the yellowtail are waiting.
This 2013 Contender with twin 300 HP engines is built for serious fishing in San Diego's nearshore waters. The boat cuts through swells with confidence while you target yellowtail, halibut, white seabass, and rockfish around Harbor Island. Onboard fish finder helps locate schools while GPS and radar keep you on course. The flybridge gives you elevated visibility to spot diving birds and bait balls. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 6-hour trip. The head means no rushing back to dock, and with space for 4 anglers plus your skilled first mate, there's plenty of room to work the rails without crowding. This setup handles everything from drift fishing for halibut to chasing kelp paddies for yellowtail in San Diego's productive waters.
Sebastes PinnigerThese bright orange and yellow beauties average 20-23 inches and live surprisingly long lives - up to 75 years. You'll find them around rocky bottoms and kelp beds, usually in deeper water as adults. They school up in loose groups, making for steady action when you locate them. Spring through fall offers the best fishing when they're more active. What makes canary rockfish special is their willingness to take both bait and jigs, plus they're excellent table fare. Here's a local tip: use a descending device when releasing them since they suffer from pressure changes coming up from depth. Rubber-tail jigs work great when you find suspended schools.
Hippoglossus StenolepisThese flatfish are true giants - while they average 20-40 pounds, 100-pounders aren't uncommon and they can reach 500+ pounds. They're bottom dwellers that prefer depths of 150-500 feet over sandy and muddy bottoms. Summer brings the best action when they move into shallower feeding areas before heading deep to spawn in winter. What makes halibut fishing special is the anticipation - you never know if that bite is a keeper or a barn door. They're also some of the finest eating fish in the ocean. Here's the key: use heavy weights to get down, bounce your rod tip to attract them, and be patient. Salmon bellies and large herring work best for the big ones.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are scrappy fighters that average around 12 inches and 9 pounds, though 26-inchers have been caught. These aggressive feeders love hard bottoms near jetties, wrecks, and reefs where they hunt crabs, shrimp, and small fish. They spawn from January through July, making late spring and early summer prime time. What guests love most is their strong fight for the size and their reputation as premium table fare served in high-end restaurants. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Pro tip: use squid or clam strips on the bottom - their sharp teeth can handle tough baits, and braided line helps you feel those subtle bites on structure.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are the ultimate gamefish - fast, strong, and typically running 15-25 pounds with occasional 40+ pounders. You'll find them around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and structure where they hunt squid and baitfish. Summer's prime time when warm water brings them closer to shore near Catalina and local islands. What makes them special is that powerful run when hooked - they're built for speed and will test your drag system. Plus, they're prized for sushi-grade meat. These fish live deep but can be chummed to the surface. Local secret: use live bait for best results, and never reel too hard or fast - let them tire themselves out while keeping them away from structure.
San Diego, California