Premium 12-Hour Private Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targets Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna speciesExtended time allows reaching outer banks for premium catchesAll fishing gear included with 6guest capacity maximum
If you're looking to get serious about offshore fishing in San Diego, this 12-hour private charter with Wild Goose Fishing Charters is exactly what you need. We're talking about a full day on the water with plenty of time to run out to the outer banks where the big fish live. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we've got the time and flexibility to chase active schools, work different depths, and really put you on fish. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without crowding each other when the action heats up.
We launch early to make the most of your 12 hours, and trust me, you'll need every minute of it. The beauty of this extended trip is that we can adapt to what the fish are doing. If the Bluefin are running deep on the 9-Mile Bank, we've got time to get there and work them properly. If the Yellowfin are scattered and we need to cover water to find them, no problem. The boat is equipped with top-notch fish finders and all the gear you'll need, so you can focus on fishing instead of rigging. Pack your own food and drinks because you'll work up an appetite out there, and don't forget your fishing license – that's the one thing we can't provide for you.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what's working best. Trolling is our bread and butter for covering water and finding active schools – we'll pull a spread of lures at different depths to see what the fish want. Once we mark fish or find birds working, we'll switch to live bait. There's nothing like watching a Yellowfin crush a sardine right at the boat. We carry both slow-pitch jigs for deep work and poppers for when fish are up on the surface. The crew will set you up with the right tackle for the conditions, whether that's 30-pound gear for Dorado or stepping up to 50-pound when the bigger Tuna show up.
Mahi Mahi, or Dorado as we call them locally, are absolute fish-fighting machines. These guys love structure and current breaks, and they put on a show when hooked. They'll jump, run, and change colors right before your eyes. Best time to target them is when the water warms up in late spring through fall. They're not the biggest fish out there, but pound-for-pound they fight harder than almost anything else. Plus, they're fantastic eating – firm white meat that's perfect on the grill.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the local favorites for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and will test your drag system. They hang around kelp paddies and structure, often in schools, so when you find one you'll usually find more. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when the water temperature hits that sweet spot around 68-72 degrees. They're notorious for making long runs toward structure, so be ready to put some pressure on them. The meat is excellent – a little darker than Tuna but rich and flavorful.
Yellowfin Tuna are the holy grail for many offshore anglers, and San Diego waters hold some bruisers. These fish are built for speed and endurance, and they'll take you into your backing faster than you can believe. We typically find them in deeper water, often around schools of bait or temperature breaks. Summer and early fall are peak season, but we see them year-round in good numbers. The fight is legendary – long runs, deep dives, and they never give up until they're at the boat. The sashimi-grade meat makes every minute of the fight worth it.
Blackfin Tuna might be the smallest Tuna species we target, but don't let that fool you. These fish are aggressive feeders and will hit lures and bait with authority. They school up heavily, so when you find them, you can often load the boat quickly. They're more common in warmer months when bait is thick, and they love to feed early morning and late afternoon. The meat is darker than Yellowfin but has a rich, full flavor that's perfect for smoking or blackening.
This 12-hour offshore charter gives you the best shot at world-class fishing San Diego has to offer. With extended time on the water, professional crew, and all the gear included, you're set up for success from the moment we leave the dock. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add trophy fish to your list or someone ready to step up to serious offshore fishing, this trip delivers. The offshore waters around San Diego are renowned for good reason – consistent action, diverse species, and fish that will push your tackle and skills to the limit. Book your dates early, especially during peak season, because these full-day charters fill up fast with anglers who know what real fishing is all about.
Step aboard The Goose, a serious 37-foot walkaround built for chasing tuna in San Diego's deep blue waters. This diesel-powered fishing machine features twin FPT engines that'll get you to the outer banks where the big Bluefin and Yellowfin roam. The 360-degree fishability means you can work every angle when the bite gets hot, while the marlin tower gives your captain the perfect vantage point to spot feeding birds and bait schools. The enclosed helm keeps you comfortable during the long run offshore, complete with FURUNO electronics, GPS, radar, and fish finder to locate those temperature breaks where trophy fish hang out. The 6-scoop bait tank keeps your sardines and anchovies fresh all day, crucial for tempting finicky tuna. When you need a break from fighting fish, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin featuring a full kitchen, refrigerator, and bathroom – perfect for those marathon 12-hour sessions targeting pelagics. The flybridge offers additional fishing space and panoramic views of the Pacific. With room for 6 anglers, icebox storage for your catch, and multimedia system for downtime, this USCG-inspected vessel delivers everything needed for a productive day hunting California's premier gamefish.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the smallest tuna we target, but don't let size fool you - they're scrappy fighters that punch above their weight class. Most run 10-20 pounds with dark backs and distinctive yellow sides. They school in warmer offshore waters, usually mixed with skipjack. Spring through fall offers the best opportunities when they move through our area following bait schools. Their sharp eyesight means you need to downsize your tackle - think lighter leaders and smaller hooks. The meat is excellent, great for sashimi or grilling. Key tip: when you're marking fish but getting refusals, scale down to #30 fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0 circle hooks. These fish are picky, but the right presentation will turn lookers into biters.
Coryphaena HippurusDorado are some of the most colorful fish you'll see out here - brilliant blues and greens that shift like a light show when they come to the boat. Most run 15-29 pounds, but we've seen some real bulls push 40+. They love floating debris and kelp patties in the upper water column, usually within 60 miles offshore. Summer through fall gives us the best action when water temps climb. These fish fight hard with long runs and acrobatic jumps, plus they're fantastic eating - firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you find one mahi, stick around and work the area thoroughly. They school up, so where there's one, there's usually more hiding nearby.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of our offshore trips - fast, strong, and built for serious fishing. Most range 60-100 pounds, though we see some monsters push 200+. They cruise the top 300 feet of blue water, often 20-60 miles out. Year-round fishing, but late summer through fall can be outstanding when bait concentrations peak. These fish are pure muscle - they'll test your endurance with long, powerful runs. The meat quality is second to none, perfect for sushi or searing. When you hook up, prepare for a marathon fight. Here's the key: don't rush them. Keep steady pressure, but let your drag do the work. Fighting them too hard early will just tire you out.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are tough customers that'll test your tackle and your patience. They average 15-25 pounds here, but 40-pounders show up regularly around the islands. Look for them over kelp beds, rocky structure, and drop-offs where they hunt for squid and baitfish. Summer months are prime time when they move into our warmer coastal waters. What makes them special is that brutal initial run - they'll smoke drag like few fish can. The meat is prized for sushi, but they're great grilled too. My advice: use live bait when possible and keep steady pressure. Don't horse them early or they'll wrap you in the kelp. Let them make that first run, then work them up slowly.
San Diego