5.0(1 Reviews)Private 3-Hour Harbor Fishing Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour private harbor fishing trip for up to six guestsTarget halibut and spotted bay bass using bottom fishing techniquesScenic San Diego skyline views while fishing nearshore waters
Picture yourself casting a line with the San Diego skyline as your backdrop – that's exactly what you'll get on our Private 3-Hour Harbor Fishing Trip with Wild Goose Fishing Charters. This isn't just another fishing trip; it's your chance to target some serious fish while staying protected in the calm waters of San Diego Harbor. We're talking about a relaxed day on the water where you can actually enjoy fishing without fighting rough seas or long boat rides to the fishing grounds.
San Diego Harbor offers some of the most consistent inshore fishing on the West Coast, and this 3-hour window gives you the perfect taste of what our local waters have to offer. You'll be fishing in a protected environment where the conditions stay manageable, making it ideal for both seasoned anglers looking to try something new and first-timers who want to learn the ropes without the intimidation factor. The harbor's structure creates perfect habitat for our target species, and with a maximum of 6 guests on board, you'll have plenty of room to fish comfortably and get personalized attention from your captain. The views alone are worth the trip – watching the city come alive from the water while you're working your bait is something special that never gets old, even for us locals.
We'll be focusing primarily on bottom fishing techniques during this trip, which means you'll be learning one of the most effective methods for targeting the species that call San Diego Harbor home. Bottom fishing involves dropping your bait down to where the fish are actually feeding – along the harbor floor, near structure, and around the channels where these fish hunt for food. We'll set you up with the right tackle for the job, typically using circle hooks to increase your success rate and reduce gut-hooking fish. The technique is straightforward but effective: you'll feel the fish pick up your bait, and then it's all about timing your hook set. Don't worry if you've never done it before – bottom fishing is one of the best ways to learn proper angling skills, and the harbor's consistent action means you'll likely get multiple opportunities to practice. We'll be using fresh bait that's proven to work in these waters, and your captain will position the boat over the most productive spots based on current conditions and fish activity.
"Had the best day out on the ocean with Wild Goose! My boyfriend and I went on their harbor cruise and it was a blast. Captain Ray knows his way around the local waters and showed us a great time. We even saw some dolphins cruising around! Will absolutely be booking with Wild Goose for many more ocean adventures." - Carly
Striped Bass are the heavy hitters you'll be hoping to connect with during your harbor adventure. These powerful fish can range anywhere from 5 to 30+ pounds in San Diego waters, and they're known for their aggressive strikes and strong fights. Stripers are most active during the cooler parts of the day and love to ambush baitfish around structure, making the harbor's docks, pilings, and channel edges prime real estate. What makes them so exciting to catch is their unpredictability – one minute you might be battling a smaller schoolie, and the next you could be hooked up with a real bruiser that tests your drag system. These fish are active year-round in San Diego, but spring and fall tend to offer the most consistent action as they move through the harbor following bait schools.
Atlantic Halibut represent the ultimate prize for bottom anglers, and San Diego Harbor holds some genuine surprises when it comes to these flatfish. While they're not as common as their California cousins, Atlantic Halibut in our waters can reach impressive sizes and provide one of the most satisfying catches you'll experience. These fish are masters of camouflage, lying perfectly flat on the sandy bottom waiting for unsuspecting prey to swim within striking distance. The fight is different from most fish – they use their broad, flat body to create resistance against the water, making even smaller halibut feel much heavier than they actually are. Summer months tend to be most productive for halibut, when they move into shallower waters to feed, and the harbor's varied bottom structure provides ideal hunting grounds for these ambush predators.
California Flounder might not be the biggest fish in the harbor, but they're definitely among the most fun to catch and the best eating you'll find in local waters. These smaller flatfish typically run 1-3 pounds and are incredibly abundant throughout the harbor, especially around sandy areas near structure. What makes them special is their willingness to bite – they're aggressive feeders that will often hit your bait before the bigger fish have a chance, keeping the action steady throughout your trip. California Flounder are active year-round but peak during winter and early spring when they move into shallower water to spawn. They're perfect for anglers who want consistent action and the satisfaction of bringing home a cooler full of fish for the dinner table. Their sweet, delicate meat makes them a favorite among locals who know good eating fish.
This 3-hour harbor fishing experience gives you everything you need for a perfect day on the water without the commitment of a full-day trip. You'll learn proven bottom fishing techniques, target some of San Diego's best eating fish, and enjoy views of the city that most people never get to see. With space for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for families, small groups, or couples looking for a unique way to spend time together. The protected waters of the harbor mean you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about seasickness or rough conditions, making this trip accessible for everyone regardless of experience level. Wild Goose Fishing Charters has built their reputation on showing people a great time while putting them on fish, and this harbor trip delivers exactly that combination. Don't wait – these popular trips fill up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons when the action is at its hottest.
The Goose is your ticket to prime halibut fishing in San Diego Harbor. This 37-foot walkaround gives you 360° access to cast your line from any angle, powered by reliable FPT diesel engines that'll get you to the fish fast. The marlin tower gives your captain perfect visibility to spot feeding birds and bait schools, while the 6-scoop bait tank keeps your sardines and anchovies fresh and lively. Drop lines for halibut, spotted bay bass, and whatever else is biting while staying comfortable in the enclosed helm with AC when the sun gets intense. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating structure and schools below. Between bites, grab cold drinks from the fridge or take a break in the shaded areas. Built for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out without tangled lines. The onboard head means no cutting trips short, and FURUNO electronics keep you on the productive spots. USCG-inspected and fully insured for peace of mind while you focus on filling the cooler with fresh California seafood.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusAtlantic Halibut are the giants of the flatfish world, with diamond-shaped bodies that can reach massive sizes - we're talking fish that average 30 pounds but can grow to several hundred. These deep brown fish with white and black spots are bottom dwellers, preferring cold waters from 160 to over 6,000 feet deep. They're voracious predators that will eat almost anything, including cod, squid, and crustaceans. The meat is considered a true delicacy - firm, white, and perfectly flaky. While they're mainly found in the North Atlantic, the fight they put up makes them worth targeting when available. They mature slowly and can live decades. Best caught using heavy tackle with the drift method in deeper waters. Local tip: once you hook one, be prepared for a long battle - these fish are incredibly strong swimmers, so take your time and let the fish tire itself out before attempting to bring it aboard.
Paralichthys CalifornicusCalifornia Flounder, also called California Halibut, are perfect for our harbor trips since they love sandy bottoms in 20-100 feet of water. These oval-shaped flatfish can grow up to 60 inches and 70+ pounds, though most catches run smaller. What makes them unique is their ability to change color to match the seafloor, and about half are right-eyed instead of the typical left-eyed pattern. They're not big fighters, but they're fantastic eating - clean taste with buttery texture that takes on flavors beautifully. Available year-round, but late spring during spawning season is prime time. They'll chase sardines, anchovies, and squid up from the bottom. Watch out for their sharp teeth when handling! My local tip: use a trap hook setup since these fish often just nibble at bait initially. Give them a few seconds to swim off with it before setting the hook - patience pays off with these bottom huggers.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are some of the most recognizable fish you'll encounter, with their signature seven to eight dark stripes running along their silver-green sides. These powerful swimmers typically run 20-40 pounds, though they can grow much larger. You'll find them around structure like drop-offs, reefs, and along shorelines where they hunt for bait. They're not particularly fast, but they put up a solid fight and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Spring and fall migrations offer the best action when they're actively feeding. In San Diego Harbor, look for them near the bottom around pilings and rocky areas. Pro tip: use live bait like sardines or mackerel and be patient - stripers can be picky about what they'll take, so let them run with it before setting the hook.
5.0 out of 5.0Had the best day out on the ocean with Wild Goose! My boyfriend and I went on their harbor cruise and it was a blast. Captain Ray ...
San Diego