San Diego Bay Bass & Halibut Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour private bay charter targeting bass and halibutEarly morning departure with gear and refreshments includedLight tackle fishing techniques in San Diego waters
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't break the bank? Captain Sebastien's 5-hour bay charter puts you right where the bass and halibut are feeding. This isn't some cattle boat experience – with just 5 anglers max, you'll get the personal attention that makes the difference between going home empty-handed and filling the cooler. We launch at 7:30 AM when the bite is hot, and you'll be back at the dock by early afternoon with plenty of time to clean your catch and maybe grab a beer to celebrate.
San Diego Bay might not have the glamour of open ocean fishing, but don't let that fool you – this is where the smart money goes for consistent action. Captain Sebastien knows every structure, drop-off, and weed line where these fish hang out. The bay stays protected from ocean swells, so even if it's blowing 15 knots outside, we're fishing in calm water. Perfect for anyone who gets queasy or just wants to focus on fishing instead of fighting seasickness. The morning bite typically fires up right as we hit our first spots, and with light tackle, even a 3-pound bass feels like a monster. You'll spend most of your time working the deeper channels and rocky structure where halibut ambush baitfish, plus the grass flats where bass cruise looking for an easy meal.
We keep it simple but effective with spinning gear that lets you feel every tap and run. Captain Sebastien provides all the rods, reels, and tackle – no need to drag your own gear or worry about having the right setup. We're talking 15-20 pound class spinning outfits that are perfect for the bay's structure-heavy environment. Most of the fishing happens with live bait when we can get it, but don't worry if the bait's tough – these fish eat plastics and swimbaits just fine. You'll learn to work jigs along the bottom for halibut and pitch soft plastics to bass holding tight to structure. The captain covers all your terminal tackle, drinks, and snacks, plus lunch to keep you fueled up. Just remember to grab your fishing license beforehand – California doesn't mess around with that requirement, and nobody wants their trip cut short by a warden check.
Atlantic Halibut in San Diego Bay are the kind of fish that turn a good day into a great one. These flatfish can range anywhere from keeper-size 22-inchers up to genuine door-mats pushing 15-20 pounds. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand near structure, waiting for baitfish to swim by before exploding upward to crush them. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, but bay halibut bite year-round if you know where to look. What makes them special is the fight – they might not jump like a bass, but they pull hard and steady, using that flat body like a dinner plate to leverage against your drag. Plus, they're absolutely fantastic eating with firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilling.
Sea Bass are the bread and butter of San Diego Bay fishing, and for good reason. These guys are scrappy fighters that hit hard and don't give up easy. You'll find them ranging from schoolie-size fish around rocks and pilings up to genuine 5-6 pound bruisers that know how to use structure to their advantage. They're year-round residents, but summer and fall fishing tends to be most consistent. Bass are curious fish that'll often follow a lure for 20 feet before deciding to eat, which makes sight fishing a blast when the water's clear. They're also surprisingly smart – you might nail three fish off the same piece of structure, then watch the rest wise up and refuse everything you throw at them. That's what keeps it interesting and makes every fish feel earned.
This charter hits the sweet spot between serious fishing and relaxed fun on the water. Captain Sebastien's local knowledge means you're not wasting time running around looking for fish – you're fishing productive water from the minute we clear the dock. The 5-angler limit keeps it personal and ensures everyone gets plenty of rod time. Morning trips put you on fish when they're feeding aggressively, and you'll be back in time for lunch (which is included) and an afternoon nap. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before you commit. San Diego Bay fishing delivers consistent action in comfortable conditions – exactly what you want when you're looking to bend some rods without the drama of big water. Book your spot and get ready to see why locals choose bay fishing when they want to actually catch fish instead of just talking about it.
Get ready to chase bass and halibut aboard our powerful 2013 Contender motorboat in San Diego's productive bay waters. This fishing machine packs dual 300 HP engines that'll get you to the hotspots fast, while the fish finder helps locate schools below. Captain Sebastien knows these waters inside and out, providing all tackle and targeting prime inshore spots where the fish are biting. The boat's designed for serious anglers - an icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, GPS navigation ensures we hit the best fishing grounds, and radar handles any morning marine layer. Light tackle techniques make every fight exciting, whether you're battling a scrappy bass or wrestling in a chunky halibut. The flybridge gives great visibility for spotting surface activity and birds working baitfish. Your 5-hour charter starts at 7:30 AM when fish are most active. Just bring your valid California fishing license and appetite for some quality bay fishing. With comfortable seating for up to 5 anglers and an onboard head, you'll have everything needed for a productive morning on San Diego Bay's prime fishing grounds.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusAtlantic Halibut are the heavyweights of the flatfish world, averaging around 30 pounds but capable of reaching massive sizes - we're talking 200+ pound fish that'll test your gear and patience. These diamond-shaped bottom dwellers prefer deep, cold waters from 150-500 feet, usually hanging around rocky bottoms and drop-offs. They're voracious feeders with huge mouths, eating everything from cod to squid. The fight is what makes them special - they're incredibly strong swimmers that'll give you a workout once hooked. Plus, they're absolutely delicious table fare. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they move into shallower waters. Pro tip: use the drift method with heavy tackle and let the boat's movement work your bait naturally along the bottom - they prefer a slow, steady presentation over aggressive jigging.
Centropristis StriataSea Bass are one of our most reliable bay targets, averaging about a foot long and 9 pounds, though we regularly see fish pushing 20+ inches. These aggressive feeders love structure - jetties, rocky bottoms, and any hard cover where they can ambush prey. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, there's usually more around. What makes them great for our light tackle trips is their willingness to bite and decent fight for their size. They're also fantastic eating - restaurants pay top dollar for these guys. Spring through fall gives us the best action as they spawn and feed heavily in coastal waters. The key trick here in San Diego bay is using soft plastics or cut bait near the bottom around structure. They have sharp teeth and big mouths, so don't be afraid to use a decent-sized hook and leader to avoid bite-offs.
San Diego, California