5.0(3 Reviews)Private 5-Hour Coronado Fishing Trip | PM
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Five-hour offshore fishing targeting Yellowtail, Rockfish, and Whitefish speciesPrivate charter accommodates up to six guests in Mexican watersPassport and California fishing license required for international trip
Picture this: you're heading south into Mexican waters aboard a top-rated charter, leaving the crowded San Diego fishing spots behind for something way better. Our afternoon Coronado Islands fishing trip puts you and up to five buddies on some of the most consistent rockfish grounds off the Southern California coast. These rugged islands sit about 15 miles south of San Diego, and they're absolutely loaded with structure that holds fish year-round. Captain Ray and the Wild Goose crew know these waters like the back of their hands, and they'll put you on the bite while you soak up killer ocean views and maybe spot some dolphins or sea lions along the way. Don't forget your passport – we're crossing into Mexico, but trust me, it's worth the extra paperwork.
This isn't your typical half-day local trip. We're talking about a legitimate offshore adventure that takes you to prime fishing real estate most weekend warriors never see. The Coronado Islands create this perfect storm of underwater structure, current breaks, and baitfish that draws rockfish like a magnet. You'll be fishing depths ranging from 60 to 200+ feet, depending on what's biting and where the fish are staging. The afternoon departure gives you a relaxed start to the day, and the lighting on the way back is absolutely money for photos. Captain Ray runs a tight ship but keeps things fun – he's not one of those skippers who barks orders. Instead, he'll teach you the ropes and make sure everyone gets their shot at some quality fish. The boat handles the bigger swells out there like a champ, so even if it's a bit bouncy, you'll be comfortable while you're working those jigs and baits.
We're talking about classic bottom fishing here, but don't think that means it's boring. You'll be dropping heavy jigs and cut bait down to structure where these rockfish live, and when you hook into a big vermillion or bocaccio, you'll know it immediately. The crew will get you set up with the right tackle – we're talking about medium-heavy to heavy rods with enough backbone to pull fish up from the deep, plus reels loaded with enough line to handle those long drops. Live bait works great when we can get it, but don't worry if it's a chunk bait day – these rockfish are opportunistic feeders and they'll crush a well-presented piece of squid or sardine. The key is staying in contact with the bottom and being ready for that telltale thump when a fish picks up your offering. Captain Ray and his crew will coach you through the technique, especially if you're new to deeper water fishing. They know exactly where to position the boat to put you over the best structure, and they're constantly watching the fish finder to keep you in the strike zone.
"Captain Ray and first mate are absolute CHAMPIONS! They put us on the FIRST TUNA RUN of the 2024 season. It was early but they were determined and successful in getting the lines tight. Our harvest consisted 55-65 lb tuna X 3. 6 anglers took home a whole lotta SUSHI! Thank you guys- our gang will be back soon." - Jamie
"Machelle the kids and I went out with Capitan Ray and Anthony and it was everything we could have hoped for!! The boat was very nice and clean.. Ray and Anthony were very knowledgeable and helpful! We caught some decent fish and even saw some dolphins, which was an unexpected bonus!! We had so much fun and Ray and Anthony were incredibly friendly!! We can't wait to get back and fish with them again! Definitely would recommend wild goose fishing to anyone!" - Gary
"I have been on several trips aboard the Wild Goose and Captain Ray always makes sure everyone has a great time. Offshore for Bluefin, Yellowfin or Yellowtail or rock fishing the Coronados, the boat rides nice and Ray is determined to land fish. We have taken our young nieces and nephews with us and they had a blast!" - Juli
Vermilion Rockfish are the crown jewel of the Coronado Islands fishery, and for good reason. These beautiful red and orange fish can live over 100 years and grow to impressive sizes around these islands. They're smart, structure-oriented fish that like to hold tight to the rocky bottom during the day, making them a perfect target for our afternoon trips. What makes vermillion so special is their fight – they'll use that structure against you, trying to wrap your line around rocks and kelp. When you finally get one to the surface, that bright red coloration is absolutely stunning against the blue Pacific. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilling. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but the Coronados produce quality vermillion year-round.
Bocaccio Rockfish are the bruisers of the rockfish family, and the Coronado Islands hold some real monsters. These fish can exceed 20 pounds and live in deeper water than most other rockfish species, which makes them a bit more challenging to target. They're aggressive feeders with big mouths, so they'll crush larger baits and jigs that smaller rockfish might ignore. What's cool about bocaccio is their coloration – they start out more orange as juveniles and develop into this beautiful bronze and brown pattern as adults. They're also one of the stronger fighting rockfish, with enough power to really test your tackle on the way up from 200+ feet. The bigger specimens are usually found on the deeper seamounts and drop-offs around the islands, where they ambush baitfish and squid.
Olive Rockfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're consistent biters that help fill out your fish bag on slower days. These brownish-green fish are incredibly common around the Coronados and they're not particularly
The Goose is your ticket to productive waters around the Coronado Islands. This 37-foot walkaround gives you complete fishing access with 360-degree fishability, so you can work every angle when the yellowtail and rockfish are biting. Twin FPT diesel engines get you to the grounds quickly, while the marlin tower puts you up high to spot feeding birds and baitfish. The 6-scoop bait tank keeps your sardines lively all day long. FURUNO electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate structure and schools in Mexican waters. When you need a break from the action, duck into the enclosed helm with air conditioning, grab a cold drink from the refrigerator, or use the onboard facilities. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining during the run out. With room for 6 anglers, comfortable seating, and even a bed for longer trips, you'll fish in comfort while targeting everything from sculpin to whitefish. USCG-inspected and fully licensed for border crossings.
Sebastes PaucispinisBocaccio are the heavyweights of the rockfish family, growing up to 3 feet and 21 pounds. These olive-brown bruisers have those distinctive long jaws that extend past their eyes, making them easy to identify. They hang out in deeper water, typically 150-1,000 feet around rocky structure and drop-offs. What anglers love about bocaccio is the surprise factor - you never know when one will grab your bait and give you a serious workout. The meat quality is top-notch, with a firm texture that holds up well on the grill. Keep in mind there's a 2-fish daily limit with a 10-inch minimum. Best fishing is during cooler months when they move into shallower feeding areas. Pro tip: use heavier tackle than you think you need - these fish will test your gear when they head straight back to the rocks.
Sebastes GoodeiChilipepper rockfish are sleek, pinkish-red fish with pointed heads and that distinctive lower jaw that sticks out. They typically run 1-5 pounds and up to 22 inches, with females growing larger than males. These are midwater feeders that cruise between the bottom and surface, making them more active than typical rockfish. You'll find them in schools from 200 to over 1,000 feet deep around rocky structure. What makes them special is the meat quality - red-fleshed with sweet flavor and firm texture that chefs love. Peak season is winter months during spawning when they're most aggressive. They're less pressure-sensitive than other rockfish, so they're usually cooperative. My go-to setup is a six-hook rig fished midwater with squid or anchovy - they'll often hit multiple hooks at once when you find a school.
Sebastes SerranoidesOlive rockfish are sleek, bass-like fish that often fool people with their elongated bodies and brownish-olive coloring. They average around 10 inches but can reach 2 feet and nearly 6 pounds. You'll find them from surface waters down to 570 feet, especially around kelp beds and rocky structure where they hunt crustaceans and small fish. They're fun targets because they migrate vertically - feeding deep at night and resting shallow during the day. The meat is mild and meaty, perfect for frying up fresh. Fall is prime time when they're spawning and more aggressive. These fish are homebodies that rarely leave their territory, so once you find them, they'll likely be there next trip. My advice: fish the kelp edges with light tackle and small hooks baited with ghost shrimp or anchovies - they're not picky eaters.
Sebastes MiniatusThese bright red beauties with black mottling are some of the most recognizable rockfish around the Coronados. They typically run 14-22 inches and can hit 15 pounds, though most we see are smaller. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms and reefs between 100-500 feet deep, where they hunt squid, small fish, and krill. What makes them fun to target is their solid fight and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Fall through spring tends to be most productive when they're feeding heavily before spawning. Here's a local tip: when you're fishing the deeper structure, use a two-hook rig with squid strips and drop it right into the rocks. They're not shy about hitting bait, but you need to get it down to where they live.
Sebastes FlavidusYellowtail rockfish are easy to spot with their bright yellow fins and greenish-brown bodies that fade to white on the belly. Most run 11-13 inches, though some reach 25 inches and 9 pounds. Unlike other rockfish, they don't suffer from pressure changes, so they survive releases well. You'll find schools of them over rocky areas and reefs from shallow water to 1,800 feet deep. They're active during the day, making them reliable targets when conditions are right. The meat is flaky with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's popular at the dinner table. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding on small crustaceans and squid. Here's what works: use a long leader setup with at least 30 feet of line and a float above your top hook. They school up, so where you catch one, there's usually more.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Ray and first mate are absolute CHAMPIONS! They put us on the FIRST TUNA RUN of the 2024 season. It was early but they wer...
Machelle the kids and I went out with Capitan Ray and Anthony and it was everything we could have hoped for!! The boat was very ni...
I have been on several trips aboard the Wild Goose and Captain Ray always makes sure everyone has a great time. Offshore for Bluef...
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