Full Day San Diego Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing targeting Yellowfin Tuna, Yellowtail, Mahi MahiBreakfast and lunch included with Captain Kerim aboard Western StarSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests per trip
Captain Kerim and the Western Star Sportfishing crew are ready to show you what San Diego's offshore waters are all about. This isn't your typical half-day harbor tour – we're talking about a legitimate full day chase targeting the best gamefish Southern California has to offer. With only 6 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be fighting crowds when the bite gets hot. We'll fuel you up with breakfast and lunch so you can stay focused on what matters most: putting fish in the boat.
We'll push off early and head to where the fish are holding – sometimes that's 15 miles out, other days we might run 30+ miles to find the right water temperature and bait schools. Captain Kerim reads the conditions like a book and knows when to stick with proven spots versus when to chase birds and porpoise signs. The small group size means you get personalized attention whether you're a seasoned angler or still learning to work a jig properly. Expect to be out there from sunrise to sunset, covering serious ground and adapting techniques as conditions change throughout the day.
We'll be running a mix of trolling spreads and live bait fishing depending on what's working best. The boat carries quality tackle, but if you've got your favorite rod and reel setup, bring it along. For yellowfin and yellowtail, we typically run 25-40 pound test with circle hooks and live sardines or anchovies when we can get them. Trolling wise, we'll pull feathers, cedar plugs, and rubber squids at varying distances behind the boat. When we mark fish on the sonar or see them busting bait on the surface, we'll switch to casting iron jigs or dropping live bait down to them. The crew knows how to rig everything properly and will coach you through the techniques that work best in San Diego waters.
Yellowfin Tuna are the crown jewel of San Diego offshore fishing, and these fish will test your drag system and your arms. They typically show up in our waters from late spring through fall, with peak action happening during summer and early fall when water temps hit that sweet spot around 68-72 degrees. These fish are pure muscle – a 20-pound yellowfin fights harder than most fish twice its size. They school up around kelp paddies and temperature breaks, often feeding with dolphins and seabirds. What makes them so exciting is their explosive runs and the way they'll sound deep when hooked, making your reel scream.
Yellowtail are San Diego's signature gamefish and for good reason – they're aggressive, hard fighting, and absolutely delicious on the table. These fish love structure and will hang around kelp beds, seamounts, and rocky bottom areas. Spring through fall offers the best shots, with fish ranging from schoolies around 10 pounds up to bruiser 40+ pounders that locals call "homeguards." They're notorious for their powerful initial runs and dirty fighting tactics, often trying to wrap you around kelp or dive into rocks. Live bait fishing with sardines or mackerel is deadly, but they'll also smash iron jigs when they're in an aggressive mood.
Mahi Mahi bring tropical vibes to San Diego waters during warmer months, typically showing up when water temperatures climb and we get some blue water pushed in from the south. These fish are absolute rockets when hooked, known for their acrobatic jumps and blazing fast runs. They love floating kelp paddies and debris lines where small baitfish gather. What makes mahi special is their stunning colors when first brought boatside – brilliant gold, green, and blue that slowly fades after they're in the box. They're also fantastic eating and relatively easy to clean and fillet.
Barracuda might not win any beauty contests, but they make up for it with attitude and fight. San Diego's cuda can get surprisingly large, with fish over 10 pounds not uncommon during peak season. They're year-round residents but bite best during warmer months. These predators have incredible speed and a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth that can slice through light leader in a heartbeat. They'll hit just about anything that moves fast – trolled spoons, cast jigs, or live bait. The key is keeping steady pressure on them because they love to throw hooks with their head-shaking antics.
Pacific Bonito are often overlooked but they're scrappy fighters that show up in good numbers around San Diego. These smaller tunas are built for speed and will test light tackle setups. They school heavily and when you find them, the action can be wide open with multiple hookups happening simultaneously. They respond well to small jigs, feathers, and live anchovies. While they might not reach trophy size, they make up for it with quantity and can save the day when bigger fish aren't cooperating.
Swordfish represent the ultimate challenge in San Diego offshore fishing. These deep-water giants require specialized techniques and typically involve nighttime fishing with deep-dropped baits. When one comes tight, you know you're in for a battle that could last hours. They're not a guaranteed catch by any means, but the possibility of hooking into a 100+ pound sword adds an element of excitement to any offshore adventure. Captain Kerim has the knowledge and equipment to target these magnificent fish when conditions are right.
San Diego's offshore fishing scene is world-class, and this full day trip with Western Star Sportfishing gives you the best shot at experiencing it properly. Captain Kerim's local knowledge combined with a small group size means you're not just another angler on an overcrowded boat. You're getting a legitimate fishing experience with room to move, personalized instruction, and the flexibility to adapt as conditions change. The included meals keep you fueled for the long day, and with only 6
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are aggressive predators that make light tackle fishing a blast. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run 2-4 feet long around San Diego, with their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes. You'll find them in shallow waters near kelp beds and rocky structure, often stalking baitfish in 20-80 feet of water. They hunt by sight and are drawn to anything shiny, so keep your jewelry in the boat. Summer through fall gives you the best action when water temps are warmer. What makes barracuda special is their aggressive nature - they'll hit lures hard and make blistering runs that test your drag. They're decent table fare too, with firm white meat. My go-to trick is using a wire leader with bright spoons or live sardines, and don't set the hook too early - let them turn the bait first before you lean into them.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll encounter, with brilliant gold and blue colors that change as they fight. These fast-growing fish average 15-30 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds. You'll find them in open water around floating debris, kelp paddies, and current breaks, usually in the top 100 feet. Summer through early fall brings the best fishing when warmer waters push them closer to San Diego. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and make long runs that'll have your reel screaming. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, mild meat that's perfect for the grill. The key to landing mahi is having your second rod ready - where there's one, there's usually more. Keep a bait in the water while fighting your first fish, and you'll often double up.
Sarda LineolataPacific bonito are scrappy fighters that'll bend your rod and test your drag system. These tuna relatives typically run 3-8 pounds with torpedo-shaped bodies and distinctive dark stripes along their backs. You'll find schools of them from close to shore out to about 20 miles, usually in the top 50 feet of water around bait schools. June through November gives you the best action, especially when anchovies and sardines are thick. Guests love bonito because they're aggressive biters and strong fighters that punch above their weight class. While not premium table fare like tuna, they're decent eating when bled and iced properly, or perfect for making fish tacos. The trick with bonito is matching your lure size to the bait they're feeding on. Small feathers behind a cast-a-bubble work great, but when they're picky, downsize to tiny spoons and light line.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate trophy - massive, powerful fish that can reach 400+ pounds with that iconic sword-like bill. These deep-water predators live in 800-1500 feet of water during the day, moving shallower at night to feed. We target them year-round, but summer and fall produce the most consistent action. What makes swordfish special is everything - their size, their fight, and their premium table fare that rivals any restaurant. Landing one is a true accomplishment that takes patience and heavy tackle. The challenging deep-drop technique and long fights make every hookup memorable. My key tip is patience with your lights - give them time to draw bait up from the depths before dropping your squid down. Use a good electric reel because hand-cranking from 1000+ feet will wear you out, and keep steady pressure throughout the fight.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the ultimate offshore prize - powerful, fast, and absolutely delicious. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run 20-60 pounds in our local waters, though 100+ pounders show up when conditions are right. You'll find them in deep blue water, usually 100+ feet down, often around kelp paddies or temperature breaks. Late summer through fall offers prime fishing when bait concentrations draw them closer to shore. What makes yellowfin special is their raw power - they'll take line faster than you think possible and test every piece of gear you have. The meat is incredible, perfect for sushi or searing. My best tip is to always have a variety of jigs ready. When the trolling bite dies, drop down a yo-yo jig in different colors until you find what they want. Don't rush the fight - steady pressure wins over muscle.
San Diego, CA