5.0(3 Reviews)Private 5-Hour Coronado Fishing Trip | PM
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fivehour offshore fishing trip targeting Yellowtail and RockfishPrivate charter accommodates up to six guests maximumScenic journey to Coronado Islands in Mexican waters
Nothing beats the feeling of heading into Mexican waters for some serious fishing action at the Coronado Islands. This 5-hour afternoon trip with Wild Goose Fishing Charters takes you beyond San Diego's crowded local spots to where the real fish hang out. Captain Ray and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not messing around when it comes to putting you on quality fish. You'll be targeting everything from hefty yellowtail to chunky rockfish while soaking in some of the best ocean views Southern California has to offer. Just remember to bring your passport – we're crossing into Mexico for this one, and trust me, it's worth the extra paperwork.
This isn't your typical half-day trip close to shore. We're talking about a legitimate offshore adventure that puts you in the prime fishing zones around the Coronado Islands. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, so you're getting that private charter feel without fighting for rail space. Captain Ray runs a tight ship – literally and figuratively – and his first mate Anthony knows how to keep the lines tight and the fish coming over the rail. The afternoon timing works perfectly because you're hitting prime feeding hours when the fish are actively hunting. You'll be fishing in Mexican waters, which means you need that California fishing license plus a conservation bracelet. The scenery alone is worth the trip, with rugged island terrain and marine life that'll have you reaching for your phone between hookups.
The crew sets you up with everything you need to succeed out here. We're talking about a mix of techniques depending on what's biting – sometimes you'll be dropping jigs for rockfish in deeper water, other times you might be fishing live bait for yellowtail when they're cruising the kelp edges. The Coronados offer diverse structure, from rocky pinnacles perfect for bottom fishing to open water where the pelagics roam. Captain Ray adjusts tactics based on current conditions and what the fish are telling him. You don't need to be a pro angler to succeed here – the crew walks you through everything from proper jigging technique to how to fight a fish without losing it at the boat. The tackle is quality stuff that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait, whether it's a scrappy rockfish or a bulldogging yellowtail.
"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 bread and butter of Coronado fishing, and for good reason. These bright red beauties typically run 3-8 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They love the rocky structure around the islands and hit jigs aggressively when you find a school. Spring through fall offers the best action, but winter fishing can be stellar when conditions line up. What makes vermilion special is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – firm white meat that tastes as good as it looks.
Bocaccio Rockfish are the bruisers of the rockfish world, often pushing 10-15 pounds when you hook into a good one. These fish patrol deeper water and require some muscle to bring up from the bottom. They're not as common as other rockfish species, which makes landing one feel like a real accomplishment. Bocaccio have that classic rockfish fight with strong head shakes and determined runs back toward the rocks. They're most active during cooler months and provide some of the best action when the bite is on.
Olive Rockfish might not win any beauty contests, but they make up for it with aggressive strikes and solid fights. These brownish-green fish typically run 2-5 pounds and school up in good numbers around rocky bottom. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit everything from squid to small jigs, making them perfect targets for anglers of all skill levels. Olive rockfish are year-round residents, but they really turn on during summer months when baitfish populations peak.
Yellowtail Rockfish bring that classic rockfish experience with their distinctive yellow fins and solid build. Don't confuse these with California yellowtail – these are true rockfish that love cooler water and rocky habitat. They typically range 3-7 pounds and provide consistent action when you locate a good school. Their pink and yellow coloration makes them one of the prettier catches, and they're fantastic eating. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures hit their sweet spot.
Chilipepper Rockfish are the speed demons of the rockfish family, often hitting lures with lightning-fast strikes that'll surprise you. These reddish fish with distinctive black spots prefer slightly deeper water and can be incredibly abundant when conditions align. They're
Step aboard The Goose, a 37-foot walkaround built for serious fishing adventures off San Diego's coast. This diesel-powered vessel features 360° fishability, letting you cast lines from anywhere on deck while chasing Yellowtail and Rockfish around the Coronado Islands. The marlin tower gives your captain perfect visibility for spotting fish, while the 6-scoop bait tank keeps your offerings fresh throughout the 5-hour trip into Mexican waters. Inside, you'll find AC relief from the afternoon sun, a full kitchen for snacks, comfortable sleeping quarters, and a private head. The enclosed helm houses top-tier FURUNO electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finders to locate those productive spots. With space for 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out without tangling lines. The flybridge offers commanding views of the rugged island scenery and marine life that make these waters special. USCG-inspected and fully equipped, The Goose delivers both comfort and fishing performance for your offshore California adventure.
Sebastes PaucispinisBocaccio are the heavyweights of the rockfish family and real crowd-pleasers on our trips. These fish can reach 3 feet and over 20 pounds, making them one of the larger rockfish species you'll target. They live anywhere from 150-1000 feet deep around rocky areas and underwater structure. What makes them special is their long jaw that extends past their eye - easy to spot once you know what to look for. The bigger fish have moved deeper in recent years, but we still connect with quality bocaccio in the 240-foot range. They're regulated to 2 per day with a 10-inch minimum, so we're selective about keepers. The meat has great shelf life and mild flavor that's perfect for the table. Winter months are typically your best bet. Pro tip: use a heavier sinker than you think you need - these fish live deep and you want your bait down in their zone quickly.
Sebastes GoodeiChilipepper rockfish are among the best eating fish we target, with their bright pink-red color and elongated body making them easy to identify. They average 1-5 pounds and can reach 22 inches, preferring depths between 200-1000+ feet around both rocky areas and soft bottom. What sets them apart is their excellent meat quality - restaurants specifically seek out chilipepper for their sweet taste and firm texture that holds up well. They're midwater feeders, so you don't always need to fish right on the bottom. Peak season runs September through April, with winter months being most productive when they're spawning. They school up in good numbers, so when you connect with one, expect multiple hookups. The key technique that produces well is fishing midwater with a 6-hook rig and enough weight to reach bottom quickly. Use tough baits like squid strips since it takes time to reel up from those depths - you want bait that stays on the hook during the long retrieve.
Sebastes SerranoidesOlive rockfish are scrappy mid-sized fighters that often surprise guests with their bass-like appearance and fight. They average around 10 inches but can reach 2 feet, with their olive-brown coloration and elongated body shape. You'll find them from the surface down to 570 feet, usually around kelp beds and rocky reefs. They're day feeders that move up and down in the water column, making them accessible targets throughout our trips. What makes them fun is they travel in small groups mixed with other rockfish species, so when you find one, there's usually more around. The meat is mild and meaty - great fried up fresh. Fall is prime time when they're most active during mating season. Here's a local trick: when fishing kelp edges, let your bait drift naturally through the structure rather than holding it tight. These fish like movement, and that drifting presentation gets more strikes than a static bait.
Sebastes MiniatusVermilion rockfish are some of the most striking fish you'll encounter around the Coronados. These bright red beauties average 14-22 inches and can hit 15 pounds, though most run smaller. You'll find them hanging around rocky structure and reefs in 100-500 feet of water, where they feed on squid, small fish, and krill. They're territorial fish that stick to home areas for years, which makes them reliable targets. What guests love most is their excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They hit year-round but fall and winter tend to be most productive when they're more active. One tip that works well: when you're fishing deep structure, add a small strip of squid to your hooks. Even when they're finicky, that squid scent usually gets their attention and triggers strikes.
Sebastes FlavidusYellowtail rockfish are solid mid-water targets that guests appreciate for both their fight and their forgiving nature when brought up from depth. These fish typically run 11-13 inches, though bigger ones up to 25 inches show up occasionally. Unlike other rockfish, they can release gas from their swim bladders, so they handle the pressure change better when you bring them up - meaning better survival rates for catch and release. You'll find schools of them around rocky structure and walls from shallow water down to 1800 feet. They're active during the day, feeding on small crustaceans and squid in the water column. The meat is flaky with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Year-round fishing is good, but they seem most active during daylight hours. One thing that works well: use a long leader setup with at least 30 feet of line and a float above your top hook. This keeps your bait in their strike zone.
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...
San Diego