Offshore Full Day Trip at Coronado Islands
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing targeting Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and YellowtailSmall group experience with maximum six guests aboardMeals included with passport required for international waters
Picture this: you're 12 miles offshore, surrounded by nothing but deep blue Pacific waters, with the Coronado Islands rising from the sea like ancient sentinels. This isn't your typical half-day harbor trip – we're talking about a world-class offshore fishing adventure that'll have you battling some of the most sought-after gamefish in Southern California waters. Western Star Sportfishing runs these top-rated full-day charters with a maximum of 6 anglers, so you're getting that intimate, personalized experience that serious fishermen crave. Don't forget your passport – we'll be fishing Mexican waters where the big ones live.
Your day starts early, but trust me, it's worth every minute of that pre-dawn alarm. We'll motor out from San Diego Bay as the sun's coming up, and that 90-minute run to the Coronado Islands gives you time to rig up, grab some coffee, and watch the coastline fade behind us. The Islands sit right on the edge of some serious deep water – we're talking about fishing structure that drops from 60 feet to over 600 feet in the span of a few hundred yards. The kelp beds around North and South Islands hold baitfish like sardines and anchovies, which means predators aren't far behind. With breakfast and lunch provided, you can focus on what you came here for – putting fish in the boat. The small group size means you're not fighting for rail space or waiting in line for the gaff. Captain and crew know these waters like their backyard, and they'll put you on fish.
We run a combination of trolling and live bait fishing depending on what's biting and where we mark fish on the sonar. For trolling, we'll pull cedar plugs, feathers, and Rapala-style lures through the tuna grounds at 6-8 knots. The boat's rigged with outriggers and downriggers, so we can cover multiple depths and spread our baits wide. When we find kelp paddies or bird activity, that's when we switch to live bait – nothing beats a lively sardine or anchovy on a circle hook when yellowtail are fired up. The crew provides all tackle, but if you've got your own setup, bring a 20-30 pound class rod with a quality reel that can handle long runs. These fish don't mess around, and neither should your drag system. We fish barbless hooks in Mexican waters, so make sure your hooksets are solid and keep that line tight during the fight.
Mahi Mahi are the crown jewel of offshore fishing here, and these common dolphinfish are absolutely electric when they hit your bait. They travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's usually more around. Mahi average 10-25 pounds in these waters, with the occasional bull pushing 40 pounds or more. Best time to target them is late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb above 70 degrees. They love floating kelp paddies and debris lines where small baitfish gather. The fight is pure adrenaline – they jump, they run, they change colors from bright green and gold to electric blue as they battle. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Shortfin Mako Sharks are the fighter jets of the shark world, and the Coronado Islands are prime mako territory. These apex predators cruise the deep water edges looking for tuna and other gamefish. Makos here typically run 60-150 pounds, though monsters over 200 pounds show up regularly. They're most active during summer months when baitfish concentrations are thick. What makes mako fishing so addictive is their incredible speed and aerial displays – they can hit 40 mph and launch completely out of the water when hooked. The initial run will test your equipment and your nerve. Many anglers consider mako the ultimate offshore challenge because they never give up, even at boatside.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the bread and butter of Southern California offshore fishing, and the Islands produce some true trophy-class fish. These amberjacks range from 15-pound "firecrackers" up to 40-pound bruisers that'll smoke your reel in seconds. Peak season runs April through October, with the largest fish typically showing in late summer and fall. Yellowtail are structure-oriented, hugging the kelp beds and rocky pinnacles around the Islands. They hit live bait aggressively and make powerful runs toward the bottom or back into the kelp. Smart yellowtail use the structure to their advantage, so you need to muscle them away from cover quickly. The meat is outstanding – firm, white, and perfect for sashimi or the grill.
Yellowfin Tuna bring the offshore game to another level entirely. These pelagic speedsters are built for endurance, with torpedo-shaped bodies and sickle-shaped fins designed for long-distance cruising. Local yellowfin typically range 15-60 pounds, though 100-pound-plus giants show up when conditions align. Summer and fall produce the most consistent action as warm water currents push closer to shore. Yellowfin often travel with dolphins or feed under bird schools in open water. The fight is a marathon, not a sprint – they make long, steady runs that can last 20-30 minutes. Fresh yellowfin sashimi right on the boat is an experience every angler should have at least once.
Skipjack Tuna might be the smallest tuna species we target, but don't let their 5-15 pound average fool you. These little rockets fight harder pound-for-pound than almost any fish in the ocean. They school in massive numbers during summer months, creating some of the most exciting wide-open fishing you'll find anywhere. When skipjack are biting, it's non-stop action – every rod on the boat can
Head out to the legendary Coronado Islands aboard this well-equipped 6-person fishing machine. This motorboat comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - a top-notch fish finder to locate schools, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and plenty of ice storage to keep your catch fresh. The flybridge gives you that perfect vantage point for spotting surface action and working the water. Between fishing sessions, you've got a full kitchen for meal prep, comfortable bed for quick naps, and a clean restroom onboard. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining during the longer runs to prime fishing grounds. Whether you're targeting hard-fighting yellowtail, tasty mahi mahi, or massive tuna, this boat handles offshore conditions like a champ. The spacious layout gives everyone room to fish without getting tangled up, plus there's a refrigerator to keep drinks cold during those long days chasing fish. Perfect setup for serious fishing adventures in these productive waters.
Coryphaena HippurusThese brilliant golden fish with electric blue and green sides are absolute showstoppers - both in the water and on the dinner table. Most mahi run 15-30 pounds around the Coronados, though we've seen them push 40+. They love floating debris and current breaks in the upper water column, usually within the first 100 feet. Summer through fall gives us the best action when water temps climb. What makes guests love targeting mahi? They fight hard, jump like crazy, and their firm white meat tastes phenomenal grilled that same evening. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your lines out - mahi travel in schools and where there's one, there's usually more. The key is working that debris line methodically and having your baits skip on the surface to mimic flying fish.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe fastest shark in the ocean and one hell of a fight. These blue-backed rockets average 6-8 feet and 130-300 pounds, but can hit 13 feet if you're lucky. Makos cruise the open water near the surface but will dive to 400+ feet hunting tuna and billfish. We see them year-round, but warmer months bring better action. What draws people to target makos? Pure adrenaline - they'll hit 30+ mph, leap 20 feet out of the water, and fight like nothing else in the ocean. Plus, they're surprisingly good eating with firm, steak-like meat. Fair warning: these sharks are smart and aggressive. My go-to technique is heavy chumming with ground mackerel and tuna, then live bluefish on 50lb+ gear with wire leaders. Circle hooks are mandatory, and always be ready for them to jump right into the boat.
Katsuwonus PelamisThe scrappy little cousins of yellowfin - skipjacks punch way above their weight class. These 15-25 pound torpedoes with dark stripes on their bellies are built for speed and schooling. You'll find them in the upper 100 feet of open water, often mixed with juvenile yellowfin. They're around year-round but summer brings the biggest schools. Guests appreciate skipjack because they're willing biters, great practice for bigger tuna, and perfect for the smoker or canning at home. They school tight and feed aggressively, so when you find them, it's game on. Best approach is trolling small feathers or hoochies at 4-6 knots. Pro tip: when you hook one, immediately drop more lines - they school heavy and you can often load the boat. Just be gentle with the approach since they spook easily.
Thunnus AlbacaresThe speed demons of the deep blue - yellowfins are built like torpedoes and can hit 50 mph. Around the Coronados, most fish run 40-80 pounds, though we get shots at 100+ pounders. These warm-blooded rockets cruise the upper 300 feet of open ocean, following baitfish and temperature breaks. Year-round fishing, but summer and fall are peak times. What makes yellowfin special? They're incredible fighters that test every bit of your tackle, plus you can't beat fresh ahi steaks or sashimi. The meat quality is restaurant-grade. Best technique is trolling spreads with rigged ballyhoo or cedar plugs, but when they're deep, vertical jigging gets them fired up. Key tip: when the bite goes quiet, try chunking dead bait to bring them up from the depths. Match whatever they're feeding on that day.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are the bulldogs of Southern California fishing - tough, stubborn, and built for war. These silver-sided bruisers with bright yellow fins typically run 15-25 pounds, though 40-pounders show up regularly around the Coronados. They hug rocky reefs and kelp beds, usually 50-150 feet down, feeding on squid and baitfish. Summer months are prime time when warm water brings them up from Baja. What guests love about yellowtail? They're pure muscle - once hooked, they'll drag you around the reef for 20 minutes trying to break you off. And the meat? Fantastic sashimi-grade fish, prized in Japan. The secret is getting them away from structure fast. Use live squid or sardines, heavy tackle, and don't give them an inch once hooked. Steady pressure wins the day.
San Diego, CA