Amberjack fishing charters in San Diego, CA

San Diego has one of the best-known sportfishing fleets on the West Coast. Most boats sail from the landings on Point Loma and in Mission Bay, and the range of trips is huge: half-day runs to the kelp beds a few miles off the coast, overnight trips to the Coronado Islands just across the border, and multi-day “long-range” voyages that head hundreds of miles down Baja California.

Kelp, reefs and the coast

Half-day and three-quarter-day boats work the kelp forests off Point Loma and La Jolla for calico bass, sand bass, sculpin, bonito and barracuda, and the deeper reefs for rockfish and lingcod. These trips are short, affordable and a great first taste of ocean fishing — the boats supply rods and bait, and the crew helps beginners.

Offshore and the islands

When the water warms, the offshore fleet goes after yellowtail, bluefin and yellowfin tuna and dorado (mahi-mahi), often on overnight trips so you’re on the fishing grounds at first light. The Coronado Islands, about 15 miles south in Mexican waters, are famous for yellowtail and big calico bass.

Bays and private boats

San Diego Bay and Mission Bay offer calm-water fishing for spotted bay bass, halibut and corvina — good for kids and light-tackle fans. Private six-passenger charters let a group pick the target and the pace, while the larger “open party” boats sell spots per person and are the cheapest way to get out.

Good to know

California requires every angler to carry a fishing license — the landings sell one-day licenses. Trips into Mexican waters need a Mexican fishing license and a passport; the landings sort out the paperwork with you. Seasons and limits for rockfish and other groundfish are set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and change from year to year, so check before you book a trip around them.