5.0(3 Reviews)Private 5-Hour Coronado Fishing Trip | AM
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
5-hour offshore trip targeting Yellowtail and Rockfish at Coronado IslandsPrivate charter accommodates up to 6 guests in productive Mexican watersPassport, California fishing license, and conservation bracelet required
If you're looking to step up your San Diego fishing game, this private 5-hour morning trip to the Coronado Islands is where you want to be. Just a short run from San Diego Bay, these Mexican waters hold some of the most consistent fishing on the West Coast. Captain Ray and his crew at Wild Goose Fishing Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip gives your group the personalized attention you deserve while targeting yellowtail, rockfish, whitefish, and whatever else is biting around the islands.
This isn't your typical bay fishing trip – you're heading offshore to one of Southern California's premier fishing destinations. The Coronado Islands sit about 15 miles south of San Diego in Mexican waters, which means you'll need a valid passport along with your California fishing license and conservation bracelet. Don't worry about the paperwork though; the crew will walk you through everything before you head out. The boat ride gives you time to rig up and get mentally prepared for what's often fast-paced action once you hit the fishing grounds. These islands create upwelling and structure that attracts baitfish, and where there's bait, there's always something bigger looking for an easy meal. The crew runs a clean operation with a full walk-around boat that gives everyone plenty of room to fish without getting tangled up with your buddies.
Depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding, you'll be using a variety of techniques throughout the day. For yellowtail, expect to be throwing live bait on medium-heavy tackle, often sight fishing to fish you can actually see cruising the surface. The crew knows how to properly shoulder hook sardines and anchovies to get the most natural presentation possible. When targeting rockfish and other bottom dwellers, you'll be dropping jigs or bait rigs down to rocky structure around the islands. The depth can vary from 60 to 200+ feet depending on conditions and what's biting best. The crew provides all the tackle you need, but if you have favorite rods or reels, feel free to bring them along. They'll make sure everything is rigged properly and help dial in your technique whether you're working iron jigs or fishing live bait.
"I took my friends, most of whom have pretty limited fishing experience, for a full day offshore trip and it was an absolute blast. Captain Ray had us on the fish all day long and both him and the deckhand were top notch. They took the time to help my friends get the proper techniques down and I even got some tips on how to properly shoulder hook my bait. Can't recommend them enough and I know we'll be back again next year. Thanks again for a great trip!" - Payton
"Awesome trip! Captain Ray & first mate Anthony were great guys and worked hard to put us on the fish. We caught an early- season bluefin and stocked up on rockfish at the Coronados on the way back in. The boat was very clean and the full walk-around was perfect for our party (4 people). Highly recommended ." - Max
"Great people, Great boat, Great trip. I can't recommend these folks strong enough. Ray and Anthony were amazing- always helping the kids and making sure they were having a good time. They have fished their entire lives. Ray communicates everything well, no surprises. The boat is extremely clean, smooth riding and quick. They can fish in 8 hours what others fish in 12. No sea sickness and no getting "beat up" for us. The trip was exactly what I'd hoped for. Fun and Memorable for the kids. I've fished my whole life and used to guide. I can tell you that these are the guys you want to fish with whether you are hardcore or out to have a fun family trip with the kids." - Brian
Yellowtail Amberjack are the crown jewel of Southern California fishing, and the Coronados consistently produce some of the best yellowtail action you'll find anywhere. These hard-fighting fish typically run 15-40 pounds in these waters, with the occasional bruiser pushing 50+. They're most active during warmer months from late spring through fall, but you can find them year-round around the islands. What makes yellowtail so special is their incredible fight – they'll make blistering runs that can strip 100+ yards of line in seconds, then turn around and try to wrap you around the nearest piece of structure. They're also fantastic table fare, making them a favorite for anglers who want great action and a quality fish dinner.
Vermilion Rockfish are one of the most reliable catches around the Coronados, and for good reason. These beautiful red and orange fish live around the rocky structure and ledges that surround the islands, typically in 100-300 feet of water. They average 2-5 pounds but can grow much larger, and they're known for their excellent eating qualities. Vermilion rockfish are available year-round, making them a consistent backup when other species aren't cooperating. They hit both bait and jigs aggressively, and once you dial in the depth they're holding at, you can often catch them steadily throughout the trip.
Ocean Whitefish might not have the glamorous reputation of yellowtail, but they're scrappy fighters that will keep your rod bent and provide plenty of action. These silver-sided fish typically run 2-6 pounds and are found around kelp beds and rocky areas throughout the region. They're particularly active during cooler months and can provide fast-paced fishing when conditions are right. Ocean whitefish hit a variety of baits and lures, making them perfect for anglers still learning different techniques. They
The Goose is a 37-foot walkaround fishing machine built for serious anglers heading to Coronado's productive waters. Her twin FPT diesel engines power you to the fishing grounds while the marlin tower gives your captain perfect visibility for spotting fish activity. The 360-degree fishability means you can work every angle when the yellowtail are biting or when you're dropping deep for rockfish and sculpin. Six anglers fish comfortably with plenty of deck space and a 6-scoop bait tank keeping your sardines lively. FURUNO electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate the hottest spots in Mexican waters. The enclosed helm offers protection from spray, while the onboard head, galley, and AC keep everyone comfortable during the full 5-hour trip. An icebox and refrigerator handle your catch and refreshments, plus there's a multimedia system for the ride out. The flybridge provides additional fishing space and scenic views of the Coronado Islands. USCG-inspected and fully insured, The Goose delivers a professional offshore fishing experience targeting the species that make San Diego waters famous.
Caulolatilus PrincepsOcean whitefish are a local favorite that many visiting anglers haven't heard of. These lean, brown-topped fish with turquoise fins usually run 12-18 inches and are hands-down some of the best eating you'll find. They stick close to rocky reefs and kelp beds from 10-200 feet deep around the islands. What makes them fun is they're scrappy fighters for their size and will use every rock and kelp frond to try breaking your line. The meat is mild, flaky, and works great grilled or as sashimi. They bite year-round but are most active during daylight hours when they're hunting crabs and squid. Fresh squid strips work best, but they'll hit most baits. Keep steady pressure when fighting them - they'll wrap you up in structure if you give them slack.
Sebastes MiniatusVermilion rockfish are one of our most reliable catches around Coronado's rocky bottom structure. These bright red beauties with black mottling typically run 14-22 inches and make great table fare. You'll find them hugging the bottom between 100-500 feet, though we sometimes pull them from deeper. They're homebodies - some stay in the same spot for years. What guests love about vermilion is they're steady biters and excellent eating with firm, white meat. They feed on small fish, squid, and krill, so they're not picky about bait. The fishing stays consistent year-round since they don't migrate much. My go-to setup is a two-hook rig with squid strips dropped right on structure. Keep your bait near the bottom and be ready - they hit hard and fast.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are the crown jewel of our Coronado trips - these powerful fighters average 15-25 pounds but can hit 40+ if you're lucky. You'll spot them by their bright yellow fins and silvery bodies. They love the kelp beds and rocky structure around the islands, hanging in depths from 20-150 feet. Summer through fall is prime time when warm water brings them up from Baja. What makes yellowtail special? They're absolute bulldogs on the line - fast, strong swimmers that'll test your tackle and technique. The meat is outstanding too, perfect for sushi or grilling. Pro tip: use live bait and don't horse them in too fast. Let them run, then work them up gradually, or they'll dive straight into the rocks and snap your line.
5.0 out of 5.0I took my friends, most of whom have pretty limited fishing experience, for a full day offshore trip and it was an absolute blast....
Awesome trip! Captain Ray & first mate Anthony were great guys and worked hard to put us on the fish. We caught an early- season b...
Great people, Great boat, Great trip. I can’t recommend these folks strong enough. Ray and Anthony were amazing- always helping t...
San Diego