5.0(1 Reviews)Private 5-Hour Deep Water Rockfish Fishing
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target deep water rockfish at North 9 Mile Bank offshore locationFish depths of 450-700 feet for Vermilion Rockfish and BoccaccioPrivate charter accommodates up to 6 guests for 5 hours
Get ready to drop lines into some of San Diego's most productive deep water fishing grounds at the legendary North 9 Mile Bank. This private charter takes you and up to five fellow anglers into 450-700 feet of crystal blue Pacific waters, where bottom fish congregate in numbers that'll keep your arms burning and your fish box filling. Captain Ray and the Wild Goose crew know these depths like the back of their hand, positioning you over structure where vermilion rockfish, boccaccio, and other quality bottom dwellers call home. With a full five hours on the water and a 6-pack setup, you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention to make the most of every drop.
The North 9 Mile Bank sits about 9 nautical miles offshore from San Diego, and it's one of those spots that consistently produces when conditions line up right. You're looking at a solid run out to deep water where the bottom drops off dramatically, creating the perfect habitat for rockfish species. The boat features a 360-degree walkaround deck that gives everyone space to fish without getting tangled up when multiple fish hit at once. Don't worry if you're new to deep water fishing – the crew will get you dialed in on technique and help with everything from rigging to gaffing. Just bring your valid California fishing license and get ready for some serious bottom fishing action. No passport needed since you're staying in U.S. waters, which means more time fishing and less time with paperwork.
Fishing in 450-700 feet of water is a whole different game than your typical inshore setup. You'll be using heavy sinkers – usually 16 to 24 ounces – to get your bait down through the water column and keep it pinned to the bottom in the current. The crew will set you up with stout rods and reels that can handle the depth and the weight of multiple fish coming up from the deep. Most of the action happens with traditional bottom rigs baited with fresh sardines, anchovies, or squid. The key is feeling the bite through all that line and then cranking hard once you set the hook. These deep water rockfish fight differently than surface species – it's more of a steady, powerful pull that tests your endurance. When you hook into a quality vermilion or a chunky boccaccio, you'll know it right away.
"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 top draws at the North 9 Mile Bank, and for good reason. These fish typically run anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds in these waters, with the occasional larger specimen pushing 20-plus pounds. They're most active during the cooler months from fall through early spring when water temperatures drop and baitfish schools move through the area. Pacific cod have a distinctive barbel under their chin and fight with short, powerful runs that'll test your drag system. What makes them so popular with anglers is their excellent eating quality – firm, white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos or a good old-fashioned fish fry. They tend to school up on the bottom near structure, so when you find one, there are usually more in the area.
Lingcod are the apex predators of this deep water environment and easily the most exciting target species on this trip. These aggressive fish can reach impressive sizes, with 10 to 20-pounders being common and trophy-class fish pushing 30 pounds or more. Lingcod are year-round residents, but they're most active during their spawning season from December through March when the big females move into shallower water. Don't let their ugly appearance fool you – lingcod are phenomenal table fare with sweet, firm meat that rivals halibut. They're ambush predators with massive mouths full of sharp teeth, so they'll absolutely hammer your bait when they decide to feed. The fight is explosive at first, with head shakes and powerful runs, followed by a bulldogging battle all the way to the boat. Landing a quality lingcod is always a highlight of any deep water trip.
The North 9 Mile Bank has been producing quality catches for decades, and this private charter setup gives you the best shot at maximizing your time on productive water. With only six anglers max, you're getting a premium experience that's worlds apart from crowded party boats where you're fighting for rail space. The crew's local knowledge and dedication to putting you on fish makes this a top-rated choice for serious anglers who want results. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with quality eating fish or just want to experience some of San Diego's best deep water action, this trip delivers the goods. Book your spot now and get ready for the kind of fishing day that keeps you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
The Goose is a serious fishing machine built for San Diego's offshore rockfish grounds. This 37-foot walkaround gives you 360° fishability around the entire boat, so everyone gets prime access to the action when you're working those 450-700 foot depths at North 9 Mile Bank. Twin FPT diesels get you out to the fishing zones efficiently, while the marlin tower gives your captain excellent visibility to spot birds and structure. The 6-scoop bait tank keeps your anchovies lively, and FURUNO electronics including fish finder, GPS, and radar help locate those productive rockfish ledges. The enclosed helm provides weather protection, plus there's AC, a full galley, head, and even a bed for longer runs. With room for 6 anglers, an icebox for your catch, and full USCG inspection, The Goose handles everything from steady Vermilion action to quality Boccaccio pulls in Southern California's deeper waters.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are some of the nastiest-looking fish you'll pull up from the deep, but they're absolute table fare gold. Despite the name, they're not actually cod - they're greenlings with massive heads, wicked teeth, and mottled coloring that helps them ambush prey in rocky bottom structure. Females can reach 20+ pounds while males stay smaller. They live in the rocky areas we fish at 450-700 feet, tucked into crevices and ledges. You can target them year-round, but they're especially aggressive during spawning season. What guests love is their strong fight and that sweet, firm white meat. Here's the key: use heavy jigs and work them right on bottom - lingcod are lazy ambush predators that won't chase far from their rocky homes.
Gadus MacrocephalusPacific Cod are solid bottom fish that show up in our deeper waters, usually between 450-700 feet where we fish the North 9 Mile Bank. These grey-brown fish with dark spots average around 11 pounds but can hit 50 pounds when you're lucky. They're not picky eaters - they'll grab squid, mackerel, or whatever hits the bottom. What makes them fun is they're aggressive biters and surprisingly strong for their size, plus they make excellent table fare with that flaky white meat. They're around year-round in our Southern California waters, though they're more common up north. Pro tip: use heavy jigs and let them hit bottom - these fish are greedy and will usually grab anything that sinks to their level.
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