5.0(1 Reviews)Deep Water Rockfish Adventure at North 9 Mile Bank
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 5hour deep water rockfish fishing at North 9 Mile Bank.Target Vermilion Rockfish and Boccaccio in 450700 foot depths.Accommodates up to 6 guests with California fishing license required.
North 9 Mile Bank sits about nine nautical miles off the San Diego coast, and it's one of those spots that serious bottom fishermen have been hitting for decades. This isn't your typical half-day bay fishing trip – we're talking about dropping lines in 450 to 700 feet of water where the big rockfish live. Wild Goose Fishing Charters runs a top-rated private charter that gets you out there with just your group of up to six anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space with strangers. Captain Ray knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when the conditions line up right, this spot can produce some seriously solid catches of vermilion rockfish, boccaccio, and other quality bottom dwellers.
Your five-hour adventure starts early, which is exactly how you want it when you're chasing deep water rockfish. The run out to North 9 Mile Bank takes about 45 minutes, giving you time to get your gear sorted and watch the San Diego skyline fade behind you. Once we hit the fishing grounds, you'll be working in serious depth – this isn't pond fishing. The captain uses his fish finder to mark the structure where rockfish like to hang out, usually around rocky outcroppings and drop-offs that rise up from the deeper ocean floor. The boat's 360-degree walkaround deck gives everyone plenty of room to fish, and when multiple fish hit at once, you won't be bumping into each other trying to land your catch. Don't worry about bringing a passport – we're staying in California waters the whole time, though you will need that valid California fishing license.
Bottom fishing at 450 to 700 feet requires a different approach than shallow water fishing. We're using heavy sinkers – usually 16 to 24 ounces depending on current – to get your bait down fast and keep it where the fish are. The technique is all about feeling the bottom, then reeling up a few cranks so your bait is just off the rocks where rockfish patrol for food. Captain Ray and first mate Ernie will get you set up with the right tackle and show you how to detect those subtle bites that happen when you're fishing this deep. The key is keeping just enough tension on your line to feel the fish pick up your bait, but not so much that you're constantly getting hung up on the bottom structure. When you hook into a good-sized rockfish at 600 feet, that's a solid workout bringing it up through all that water pressure.
"Captain Ray and first mate Ernie got us on the fish and we could barely keep up. Over 50 fish (yellowfin, skipjack, and one dorado) by the end of the day. Both were very helpful with a group of us that had minimal ocean fishing experience. Also got to see some cool dolphin pods. Boat was very nice and the 360 walkaround deck was super helpful when we had hookups around the entire boat. Definitely a day to remember." - Geoffrey
Pacific Cod are one of the most sought-after species you'll encounter at North 9 Mile Bank, and for good reason. These fish typically run anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds in these waters, with the occasional bigger one pushing 20-plus pounds. They're bottom huggers that love the rocky structure, feeding on small fish, squid, and crustaceans that live around the reef. Pacific Cod have firm, white meat that's fantastic eating, which makes them a customer favorite. The best action usually happens from late fall through early spring when water temperatures drop and these fish move into shallower feeding areas. When you hook into a good cod, they fight hard initially but tend to come up relatively easy once you get them off the bottom.
Lingcod are the kings of the rockfish world, even though they're technically not rockfish at all – they're the largest members of the greenling family. These aggressive predators can grow massive, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon in these deeper waters. Lingcod are ambush hunters that sit motionless among the rocks waiting for prey to swim by, then explode into action with lightning speed. They'll eat almost anything that moves, including other rockfish, which is why they respond well to both bait and jigs. The fighting ability of a big lingcod is legendary – they'll use every rock and crevice to try to break you off. Peak season runs from spring through early fall, and there's nothing quite like seeing a 40-pound lingcod come up from the depths with its massive mouth and rows of sharp teeth.
North 9 Mile Bank offers some of the most consistent deep water rockfish action you'll find anywhere along the Southern California coast. This private charter format means you're getting personalized attention from experienced crew members who know exactly where to put you on fish. The combination of productive fishing grounds, quality boat with plenty of fishing space, and knowledgeable crew creates the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Whether you're new to deep water fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to target quality bottom fish, this five-hour trip delivers the goods. The memories you'll make pulling up rockfish from 600 feet of water, along with a cooler full of fresh fillets, make this a world-class fishing adventure that's worth every penny.
The Goose is your ticket to serious rockfish action at North 9 Mile Bank. This 37-foot walkaround gives you 360° access to fish from anywhere on deck, perfect when the Vermilion and Boccaccio are biting in 450-700 feet of water. Twin FPT diesels get you out to the deep water fast, while FURUNO electronics and fish finder help locate those bottom dwellers hiding in the structure. The marlin tower gives your captain a commanding view of the fishing grounds, and the 6-scoop bait tank keeps your hooks loaded with fresh bait. Between drops, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin or grab a cold one from the fridge. The enclosed helm keeps you comfortable during those early morning runs, and with a full galley and head onboard, you're set for the full 5-hour bottom fishing session. USCG-inspected and built for 6 anglers, this boat handles the offshore conditions while you focus on filling the fish box with quality rockfish from San Diego's productive deep water banks.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are some of the nastiest-looking fish you'll pull up from the deep - massive heads, wicked teeth, and mottled green-brown coloring that screams prehistoric. Despite the name, they're actually greenlings, not cod. These ambush predators love rocky structure in 30-300 feet, though we catch them deeper on our trips. Females can hit 20+ pounds while males stay smaller. They're territorial and aggressive, which makes them fun to target - they'll attack almost anything that drops near their rocky hideout. The fight isn't crazy long but they're stubborn and heavy. Meat is fantastic - firm white fillets that grill perfectly. They're catchable year-round but get more active during spawning season in winter/spring. Here's the trick: use heavy jigs and work them slow right on bottom structure. Don't horse them up too fast or you'll lose them in the rocks. Keep steady pressure and bring them up smooth.
Gadus MacrocephalusPacific Cod are solid bottom dwellers that hang around 450-700 feet, making them perfect targets for our deep water trips. These grey-brown fish with dark spots average around 11 pounds but can push 50. They've got a barbel on their chin that helps them hunt crabs, squid, and whatever else is down there - they're not picky eaters. What makes them fun is they're aggressive biters but won't give you the crazy fight some fish do. Still plenty strong enough to bend your rod though. They're around year-round in our waters, but we see better numbers when temps drop in fall and winter. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and mild. Pro tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run with it for a second, then set hard. They've got soft mouths and will spit the hook if you rush it.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Ray and first mate Ernie got us on the fish and we could barely keep up. Over 50 fish (yellowfin, skipjack, and one dorado...
San Diego