Pier Fishing in San Diego with Captain Theodore
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
2hour shared pier fishing trip departing at 8:00 AMAll fishing gear, tackle, lures, and live bait includedCaptain Theodore guides inshore fishing in scenic San Diego waters
Looking for a solid morning of fishing without the hassle of a full-day commitment? Captain Theodore's 2-hour pier fishing trip in San Diego hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing time with professional guidance. Starting at 8:00 AM, this shared trip gives you the chance to fish some of San Diego's most productive pier spots while learning from a captain who knows these waters inside and out. Whether you're visiting from out of town or you're a local who wants to try pier fishing with expert backup, this trip delivers real fishing action in a short window.
Captain Theodore runs a no-nonsense operation that focuses on putting you on fish fast. The 2-hour format means every minute counts, and he's dialed in the timing to hit the pier when fish are most active. You'll meet at the designated pier location right at 8:00 AM - early enough to catch the morning bite but not so early that you're stumbling around in the dark. The shared trip format keeps costs reasonable while still giving you personalized attention since the boat only takes one guest at a time. This isn't a cattle boat situation where you're fighting for rod space or waiting your turn to get help with a tangle.
Everything you need comes included - rods, reels, tackle, lures, and live bait. Captain Theodore stocks quality gear that can handle whatever's biting, from smaller species that require finesse to bigger fish that'll test your drag. Pier fishing in San Diego typically involves bottom rigs for species hanging around the pilings, but you might also run some mid-water presentations depending on what's showing up on the finder. Live bait often outperforms artificials here, especially when targeting species that cruise the structure looking for an easy meal. The captain will set you up with the right rig for conditions and walk you through proper technique if you're new to pier fishing or just rusty on your skills.
San Diego pier fishing produces a solid variety of species throughout the year, each with its own personality and fighting characteristics. Halibut are always a possibility around pier structure, especially during spring and summer months. These flatfish can range from keeper-sized 22-inchers up to genuine door-mats pushing 30+ pounds. They're ambush predators that lie in wait near the bottom, making them perfect targets for live bait presentations. When a halibut hits, you'll know it - they pull hard and steady, using that broad body to create serious resistance.
Spotted bay bass frequent the pilings and love the cover that piers provide. They're scrappy fighters that punch above their weight class, and they're not shy about taking both live bait and artificials. Most run 1-3 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. Summer and fall are prime time for bay bass, when water temperatures get them really active. Corbina also cruise these areas, particularly in the surf zone near pier approaches. They're selective feeders that require some finesse, but when you dial in the right presentation, they'll reward you with runs that'll get your heart pumping.
Yellowfin croaker and spotfin croaker are bread-and-butter pier species that provide consistent action when other fish are being finicky. They're excellent table fare and typically bite throughout the day, making them reliable targets for shorter trips like this one. White croaker round out the croaker family options, and while they're smaller, they're aggressive biters that keep rods bent when the action is steady. Mackerel also move through these areas seasonally, offering fast-paced action when schools are present.
This 2-hour format works perfectly for visitors with packed schedules or locals who want to squeeze in some fishing time without burning a whole day. Captain Theodore's experience with San Diego pier fishing means you're getting insider knowledge about timing, technique, and the best spots to target different species. The all-inclusive gear package eliminates the guesswork about what to bring, and the early morning departure gets you on the water when fish are most cooperative. With space for just one guest, you're guaranteed personal attention and the flexibility to adjust tactics based on what you want to target. Book your spot and get ready to see why San Diego's pier fishing scene keeps anglers coming back for more.
San Diego