5.0(3 Reviews)Private 5-Hour Coronado Fishing Trip | AM
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 5hour offshore trip targeting Yellowtail and Rockfish speciesExclusive access to productive Coronado Islands fishing groundsSmall group charter accommodating maximum 6 guests
The Coronado Islands sit just 18 miles southwest of San Diego, but they might as well be a different world when it comes to fishing. These rocky Mexican islands create upwellings and structure that attract serious game fish, making this one of Southern California's most productive offshore destinations. With Wild Goose Fishing Charters, you'll spend a full five hours working these renowned waters, giving you plenty of time to dial in different techniques and put multiple species in the box. Captain Ray knows exactly where to find the bite, whether that's drifting live bait along the kelp edges or dropping iron jigs into the blue water.
This isn't your typical half-day local trip – five hours gives you the luxury of really exploring what the Coronados have to offer. You'll cruise out at first light, reaching the fishing grounds as the sun comes up and the bite starts turning on. The boat accommodates up to six anglers, so you've got plenty of elbow room whether you're working the stern or posting up on the bow. Since you're crossing into Mexican waters, make sure to bring your valid passport along with your California fishing license and conservation bracelet – these aren't optional. The trip focuses on a mix of pelagic species like yellowtail and bottom dwellers including rockfish, whitefish, and sculpin, so you'll get to switch up your tactics throughout the day.
Fishing the Coronados means adapting to what the fish want on any given day. You'll likely start with live bait – sardines or mackerel – either fly-lined on light tackle or fished under a sliding sinker rig. When the yellowtail are cooperative, nothing beats a lively sardine on 20-30 pound test with a size 2 or 4 live bait hook. For the deeper bottom species, you'll switch to heavier tackle with 6-8 ounce sinkers to get down to the structure where rockfish and whitefish hang out. Captain Ray and his crew will have you rigged up properly and show you the shoulder-hooking technique that keeps your bait swimming naturally. If the surface bite is hot, you might throw iron jigs or even troll feathers through schools of feeding fish.
"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 Coronado fishing, and for good reason. These hard-fighting fish average 8-15 pounds but can push 30 pounds or more when conditions are right. They're most active from late spring through fall, with peak action typically in summer and early fall. Yellowtail love structure and current, so you'll find them around the kelp beds and rocky points of the islands. When hooked, they make blistering runs toward cover, testing your drag and your patience. The key is keeping steady pressure while letting them tire themselves out – rush the fight and you'll pull the hook or get cut off in the rocks.
Vermilion rockfish are the bread and butter of the deeper water around the islands. These beautiful red and orange fish typically run 2-4 pounds and live along the rocky bottom in 150-300 feet of water. They're cooperative year-round but really stack up during cooler months when other species move offshore. Vermilions have a delicate mouth, so steady pressure rather than hard yanking is the ticket. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilling whole.
Ocean whitefish might not win any beauty contests, but they make up for it with their willingness to bite and excellent table fare. These gray-blue fish with their distinctive large eyes typically weigh 1-3 pounds and school up around structure and kelp beds. They're active year-round but really turn on during winter months when other species are scarce. Whitefish will hit both bait and jigs, making them perfect for beginners or when you need to get the kids hooked up. Their mild, flaky meat is incredibly versatile – you can fry it, bake it, or use it for ceviche.
A five-hour trip to the Coronados gives you the best of both worlds – enough time to really work the
The Goose is your ticket to prime Coronado fishing grounds aboard this 37-foot walkaround designed for serious anglers. Twin FPT diesels power you to productive waters where yellowtail and rockfish are waiting, while the 360° fishability means everyone gets their shot at the action. The marlin tower gives your captain perfect visibility to spot birds and baitfish, and the 6-scoop bait tank keeps your hooks loaded with fresh sardines and anchovies. Built for comfort during those long battles with big fish, you'll find AC to cool off between bites, a full galley when you work up an appetite, and a private head when nature calls. The enclosed helm keeps you dry if conditions get choppy, while FURUNO electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder put you right on top of the fish. With room for 6 anglers and plenty of deck space to work, this USCG-inspected vessel handles everything from surface iron for yellowtail to deep drops for rockfish and lingcod in Mexican waters.
Caulolatilus PrincepsThe only tilefish you'll find in California waters, and they're worth targeting for that mild, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. These guys typically run 1-2 feet long with beautiful turquoise fins and that pearly white belly. They hang around rocky reefs and kelp beds from 10-500 feet deep, moving deeper during the day to hunt crabs and squid. What makes them fun is they're always hungry - they'll hit just about anything you drop down. The meat is so good it works raw for sashimi, just make sure to skin them since the skin tastes bitter. Fair warning though: once hooked, they'll dive straight back to the rocks trying to cut your line. Keep steady pressure and don't give them any slack to work with.
Sebastes MiniatusThese bright red beauties with their mottled backs are a staple around the Coronados' rocky bottom structure. Most vermilion run 14-22 inches and make great table fare with that sweet, flaky white meat. You'll find them between 100-500 feet deep, hanging tight to boulders and reef structure where they hunt squid and small fish. They're not fast swimmers but they're smart - once hooked, they'll try to duck back into the rocks. What guests love is how reliable they are and how good they taste. The younger fish hang shallower in kelp, but the bigger ones are down deep. Here's the trick: use a two-hook rig with squid strips and keep them coming up steady once hooked - give them slack and they'll find a hole to hide in.
Seriola LalandiThese beautiful fish are what make the Coronados famous - bright yellow fins and that classic torpedo shape that means business. Most yellowtail we see run 15-25 pounds, but don't let that fool you. They're absolute bruisers that'll test your drag and your shoulders. You'll find them around kelp beds and rocky structure, especially when the water warms up in summer. They love live bait - sardines and mackerel work great. What makes them special is that incredible sushi-grade meat and the fact they fight like fish twice their size. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it. Let them make their runs or they'll wrap you up in the kelp and it's game over.
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