San Diego Fishing Trips
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing trips in scenic San Diego BayTarget halibut, rockfish, seabass, and seasonal yellowtail catchesSmall group charters accommodating up to four guests maximum
San Diego Bay offers some of the most productive inshore fishing on the West Coast, and our half-day charters put you right where the fish are biting. Whether you're an early bird who wants to hit the water at dawn or prefer a more relaxed afternoon departure, we've got you covered. With just four anglers max per trip, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between coming home with stories and coming home with dinner. Our local captains know every productive reef, kelp bed, and structure in the bay – spots we've been fishing for years that consistently produce quality catches.
Your San Diego fishing adventure starts right from the harbor, where we'll brief you on the day's game plan based on current conditions, tides, and what's been biting lately. The beauty of San Diego Bay fishing is the variety – one minute you might be working a sandy bottom for halibut, the next we're drifting along rocky structure targeting sheepshead and rockfish. The intimate four-person capacity means no crowded rails or fighting for the best fishing spots. You'll have plenty of room to work your baits and fight fish properly. Our boats come rigged with quality tackle, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. We fish both live bait and artificials depending on conditions and target species, adapting our approach throughout the day to keep you connected to fish.
San Diego Bay fishing is all about reading the water and matching your technique to the target species. For halibut, we'll drift the sandy flats with live anchovies or swimbaits, keeping your bait just off the bottom where these flatfish ambush their prey. When we're targeting rockfish and sheepshead around structure, it's all about precise presentations with dropper loops and sliding sinker rigs. The key is feeling the bottom and working your bait through the strike zone without getting hung up. For sea bass, we often switch to lighter tackle and work the kelp edges with soft plastics or live bait on Carolina rigs. During yellowtail season, we'll break out the heavier gear and work iron jigs or live mackerel around the kelp paddies and deeper structure. Our captains will coach you through each technique, helping you feel the difference between a bite, the bottom, and kelp so you can hook up consistently.
Pacific Halibut are the holy grail of San Diego Bay fishing, and for good reason. These flatfish can range from legal-sized 22-inchers up to barn doors pushing 40 pounds or more. Halibut are ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy bottoms, waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. The best action typically happens during moving tides, especially the incoming tide when baitfish get pushed into the bay. What makes halibut so exciting to catch is their initial run – when a big halibut feels the hook, it takes off like a freight train, peeling drag and testing your technique. They're also fantastic table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilling.
Sheepshead might look odd with their human-like teeth and black and white stripes, but they're one of the most challenging and rewarding fish in San Diego waters. These structure-loving fish use their powerful jaws to crush crabs, mussels, and sea urchins, making them incredibly strong fighters pound-for-pound. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, requiring finesse and quick hook sets to connect. They're most active during cooler months, typically October through April, when they move into shallower waters to spawn. Landing a quality sheepshead over five pounds is a real accomplishment, and their sweet, flaky meat makes them a prized catch for the dinner table.
Sea Bass, including both calico and sand bass, are year-round residents that provide consistent action for San Diego anglers. Calicos prefer rocky reefs and kelp beds, while sand bass cruise sandy bottoms and structure edges. These fish are aggressive predators that hit both live bait and lures with authority. The beauty of bass fishing in San Diego Bay is their willingness to bite – they're perfect for beginners learning to feel bites and set hooks, but big bass still challenge experienced anglers. Both species fight hard with multiple runs and head shakes, and they're excellent eating when prepared fresh.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the speed demons of San Diego waters, showing up during warmer months typically from late spring through early fall. These pelagic fish follow bait schools and cruise kelp paddies, offering some of the most exciting fishing in Southern California. When yellowtail are in the area, they hit fast and fight harder than almost any fish their size. A 20-pound yellowtail will test your drag, your stamina, and your technique as it makes blistering runs and tries to wrap you around kelp or structure. They're highly prized for sashimi and grilling, with rich, red meat that's absolutely delicious when fresh.
San Diego Bay delivers world-class inshore fishing just minutes from the harbor, making it perfect for anglers who want maximum fishing time without long boat rides. Our small group charters ensure you get the personalized instruction and prime fishing spots that make for memorable days on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or a beginner wanting to learn proper techniques, our experienced captains will put you on fish and help you improve your skills. The combination of consistent action, beautiful scenery, and variety of target species makes these trips a customer favorite year after year. Don't wait – the best fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the yellowtail are running hot.
Hit the productive waters of San Diego Bay aboard our 2020 Parker 2520 XLD Sport Cabin. This 33-foot fishing machine packs twin 200HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the hot spots at 35 knots, leaving more time with lines in the water. The pilothouse design keeps you comfortable while targeting everything from chunky Halibut to feisty Yellowtail when they're running thick. Our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS and radar keep you on course even when the marine layer rolls in. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers without feeling cramped when the bite gets heavy. Between fishing sessions, grab a cold drink from the icebox or take a break in the cabin. There's even a toilet onboard so you won't miss prime fishing time heading back to shore. Whether you're working the kelp beds for Rockfish, drifting for Seabass, or sight-casting to Sheepshead around structure, this boat puts you in position to succeed. The stable platform makes fighting fish easier, and there's plenty of deck space to work multiple rods when the fish are cooperative.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are true giants of the deep, with most fish running 20-40 pounds but 100-pounders showing up regularly around San Diego. These diamond-shaped flatfish live on sandy bottoms in 150-500 feet of water, ambushing prey from below. Summer brings the best fishing when they move into shallower feeding areas before heading deep to spawn in winter. What gets anglers fired up is the sheer size potential - you never know if that next bite is a 20-pounder or a 200-pounder. The meat is phenomenal too, firm white fillets that are hard to beat. They hunt by sight in shallow water but rely on scent in the depths. My best advice: use heavy weights to get down fast, then bounce your bait along bottom - these fish like movement that mimics wounded prey.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are solid fighters that average around a foot long and 9 pounds, though we see some pushing 26 inches. They hang out on hard bottom near jetties, wrecks, and rocky structure where they can ambush prey. These aggressive feeders will hit cut squid, clams, or soft plastics worked near the bottom. Year-round fishing is decent, but they really turn on during spawning season from January through July. Guests love them because they fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare - you'll see them on high-end restaurant menus for good reason. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. My go-to tip is using braided line so you can feel every tap on the bottom and detect those subtle bites.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are one of our most distinctive catches, with their black and white prison stripes and those famous human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds around the bay's docks and bridge pilings, though 20-pounders show up occasionally. These guys love munching on barnacles and crabs around any structure they can find. Spring through early summer gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes them fun to target is they're notorious bait thieves - you'll feel them nibbling before they commit. The payoff is sweet, mild white meat that's restaurant-quality when you get past those tough scales. Pro tip: get your bait right against the pilings and set the hook hard when you feel that first tap.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are the speed demons of our local waters, typically running 15-25 pounds but capable of hitting 40+ when conditions are right. They cruise kelp beds and rocky structure, usually staying deep but coming up to feed. Summer months are prime time when warm water brings them close to Catalina and San Clemente Islands. What makes them special is the combination of blazing runs and that incredible fight - plus they're prized for sushi-grade meat. These fish are fast and strong, so once you hook up, be ready for a battle. They'll take live bait or artificials, but I always tell guests to use heavy tackle and never rush the fight. Local trick: if you can get some chum going, you can often coax them up from the depths to within casting range.
San Diego