Fishing Coronado Island
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Yellowfin, Yellowtail, Bluefin, and Dorado offshoreSmall group charter accommodates maximum four guestsExpert crew guides fishing at kelp paddies and banks
Just 18 miles southwest of San Diego lies one of Southern California's hottest fishing destinations. The Coronado Islands might be in Mexican waters, but they're easily accessible from San Diego and offer some of the most consistent offshore action you'll find anywhere on the West Coast. When you join Single Fin Sport Fishing for this charter, you're getting a genuine shot at world-class pelagics without the long boat ride that other offshore spots require. Our intimate 4-angler maximum ensures everyone gets premium fishing time, and trust me – you'll need it when the bite gets hot.
This isn't your typical harbor cruise. We're heading straight to the productive waters surrounding the Coronado Islands, where warm currents from the south collide with cooler northern waters, creating a marine highway that big fish can't resist. The rocky structure of these islands creates upwelling that brings baitfish to the surface, and where there's bait, there's always predators lurking below. You'll be fishing kelp paddies, underwater seamounts, and open blue water – each spot offering different opportunities depending on what's moving through. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading everything from bird activity to water color to put you on fish. With only 4 spots available, you'll get personal attention that larger party boats simply can't provide.
We run a variety of techniques depending on conditions and what we're seeing. Most of the time, you'll be trolling feathers and cedar plugs to cover water and locate schools, then switching to live bait when we find them. The crew provides all tackle, but if you've got your own heavy spinning gear or conventional reels spooled with 40-80 pound test, bring them along. We'll be fishing everything from surface iron and poppers when fish are up top, to dropping live sardines and anchovies on the kelp edges. When the yellowfin are cooperative, we might break out the fly-lined baits in open water. The beauty of fishing these islands is the variety – one minute you're working kelp for yellowtail, the next you're battling a bluefin that came up from 200 feet down. Come ready to adapt, and don't forget your passport since we'll be crossing into Mexican waters.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the bread and butter of Coronado Islands fishing, and for good reason. These bronze bullets typically run 15-40 pounds here, with the occasional bruiser pushing 50. They're most active during spring through fall, with peak action happening when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 65-70 degrees. What makes yellowtail so addictive is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights – they'll test your drag and your stamina. Look for them around kelp paddies and rocky structure, where they patrol for sardines and mackerel. The crew knows exactly which kelp beds are holding fish, and watching a school of yellows crash bait on the surface never gets old.
Yellowfin Tuna bring the serious firepower to these waters, with fish ranging from 20-pound "footballs" all the way up to 80-pound slobs that'll put your tackle to the test. Summer and early fall are prime time, especially when water temps push above 68 degrees. These fish are built for speed and endurance – expect long, screaming runs that'll have you questioning your reel's drag system. The smaller grade fish are perfect for sashimi, while the bigger ones will fill your freezer for months. Yellowfin often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more below. The crew's ability to read sonar and spot feeding birds is crucial for locating these roaming schools.
Bluefin Tuna are the holy grail of Southern California offshore fishing, and the Coronado Islands consistently produce some of the best shots at these prized fish. These powerful predators can range from 40 pounds up to true giants over 200 pounds. Peak season runs late summer through winter, with the largest fish typically showing up during cooler months. Bluefin are incredibly strong and smart – they'll test every knot and connection you've got. The meat quality is outstanding, making them highly sought after by both sport anglers and sushi enthusiasts. When a big bluefin takes your bait and heads for deep water, you'll understand why anglers travel from around the world to fish these waters.
The Coronado Islands offer some of the most reliable offshore fishing on the entire West Coast, and our small boat approach means you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make the difference between a good day and an epic one. With only 4 anglers per trip, spots fill up fast, especially during peak season when the yellowfin and bluefin are running hot. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some trophy fish to your logbook or someone ready to step up from inshore fishing, this charter delivers the goods. The combination of consistent action, multiple species, and professional crew makes this a customer favorite year after year. Don't let another season pass without experiencing what many consider the best offshore fishing Southern California has to offer.
Our 2020 Parker 2520 XLD Sport Cabin cuts through the waters off Coronado Islands with authority. Twin 200HP Yamaha engines push this 33-footer to a solid 35 knots, getting you to the productive fishing grounds fast and keeping you there comfortably. The pilothouse design shields you from spray while you work the waters for Yellowfin, Bluefin, Yellowtail, and Dorado. GPS and fish finder take the guesswork out of locating schools, while radar keeps you safe when marine layer rolls in. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during long days on the water. With space for 4 anglers, plus a head and bunk for comfort, this boat handles serious offshore fishing around the islands' kelp paddies and drop-offs where the big fish hunt.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail around here - massive, powerful fish that average 30-80 pounds but can hit 200+. These warm-blooded torpedoes roam deep blue water and temperature breaks, often 100+ feet down. Late spring through summer is peak season when they follow baitfish up from Mexican waters. Why chase them? The fight is legendary - long runs, deep dives, and stamina that'll wear you out. Plus, it's the finest sushi fish on the planet. They're heavily regulated, so know the rules before you go. My advice: when you hook one, settle in for a battle. Use heavy tackle and don't rush it. They'll sound deep and test every knot you tied.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of the tuna world out here. Most average 30-60 pounds, though we've seen them push 200. They're warm-blooded speedsters living in the top 300 feet of open water, often around floating kelp paddies or temperature breaks. Spring through fall is best, especially when water temps hit 65+ degrees. What draws people back? That initial screaming run at 50 mph, plus they're fantastic eating - think sashimi-grade meat. They school up, so when you find one, there's usually more. Pro tip: when the bite slows on the troll, switch to chunking with live bait. Toss some chunks overboard to bring them up, then drop a lively sardine back in the mix.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are some of the strongest fighters you'll hook around the Coronados. Most run 15-25 pounds, but we see 40-pounders that'll test your arms. They cruise kelp beds and rocky structure, usually 30-100 feet down, hunting sardines and squid. Summer through fall is prime time when warm water brings them up from Baja. What makes them special? That initial run will surprise you - they're fast and smart, diving straight for cover. The meat is outstanding too, perfect for sashimi. Here's the key: when you hook one, don't horse it. Let them make that first run, then work them steady. If you try to muscle them up, they'll find the kelp and cut you off every time.
San Diego