10-Hour Coronado Islands Fishing Charter

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

San Diego
$1,100 - $6,500 price range
Updated Date: November 1, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a full day of fishing adventure off the coast of San Diego! We'll head out to the Coronado Islands along Baja, targeting the prized California Yellowtail and various rock cod species. This trip is great for families wanting a relaxed day on the water or serious anglers looking to tangle with some hard-fighting fish. We leave at 6 AM and return at 4 PM, giving you plenty of time to try different spots. The crew provides breakfast, lunch, and drinks to keep you fueled up. Whether you're after that trophy catch or just want to reel in some tasty fish for tacos, this trip has you covered. With room for up to 6 guests, it's perfect for small groups or joining others for a day of offshore action. California Sport Fishing Co. knows these waters well, so you're in good hands as we search for barracuda, amberjack, and more in the productive Pacific.

10-Hour Coronado Islands Fishing Charter

Offshore Catches & Views

3 big fish caught during fishing tours in CA

Family 12 hour offshore trip

Two blackfin tuna fish caught in San Diego

Randy and Ruby with two beautiful YFT

Blackfin tuna, 36-inch fish, fishing in CA

Paul with a beautiful school grade BFT

Nate posing with a monster Bluefin

Full Day Fishing Adventure in San Diego

Ready to reel in some serious action off the San Diego coast? Our full-day guided trip takes you straight to where the fish are biting. We're talking yellowtail, barracuda, and a whole bunch of tasty rockfish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to wet a line with the family, we've got you covered. From the moment we shove off at dawn 'til we cruise back into the harbor, you're in for a day of non-stop fishing and good times on the water.

What's On The Menu Today?

We're headed to the legendary Coronado Islands, just a hop and a skip down the Baja coast. These waters are teeming with California yellowtail - the kind of fish that'll make your drag sing. But that's not all, folks. We've got our sights set on barracuda, vermilion rockfish, lingcod, and if we're lucky, maybe even a Pacific halibut. Don't worry about going hungry out there - we've got you covered with a hearty breakfast to kick things off and a solid lunch to keep you fueled up. Plus, all the non-alcoholic drinks you can handle. We leave the dock at 6 AM sharp and roll back in around 4 PM, giving you a full 10 hours to make those fish memories.

How We Hook 'Em

Out here, we're all about versatility. We'll be doing a mix of trolling and bottom fishing to maximize our chances. For the yellowtail and barracuda, we'll be running lines with live bait or jigs - these predators can't resist a well-presented offering zipping through the water. When we're targeting the rockfish and lingcod, we'll switch gears to bottom fishing. We'll drop down with heavy jigs or bait rigs right into their rocky lairs. It's all about reading the water, finding the structure, and presenting your bait just right. Don't sweat it if you're new to this - our crew's always on hand to show you the ropes and help you land that trophy fish.

Target Species Breakdown

California Yellowtail: These bruisers are the crown jewels of our local waters. Averaging 15-25 pounds, with some monsters pushing 40+, yellowtail are hard-fighting fish that'll test your stamina. They love hanging around kelp beds and offshore banks. When they're on the bite, it's non-stop action. Best time to target them is late spring through fall, but we can find them year-round if conditions are right.

Barracuda: These toothy torpedoes are a blast to catch. They hit lures hard and make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Typically in the 5-15 pound range, barracuda show up in good numbers during the warmer months. They're often found in schools, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch.

Vermilion Rockfish: These crimson beauties are not just a treat for the eyes, but for the taste buds too. They're the cornerstone of many a fish taco. Found in rocky areas and reefs, vermilion rockfish typically weigh 2-5 pounds. They're eager biters and put up a decent fight for their size. We can target these guys year-round, making them a reliable catch when other species might be playing hard to get.

Lingcod: The bulldog of the Pacific, lingcod are ambush predators with a face only a mother could love - but man, are they fun to catch. These bottom-dwellers can grow upwards of 40 pounds, though most we catch are in the 5-15 pound range. They love structure and often hang out where the rockfish do. Lingcod fishing is best in the cooler months, but we can find them year-round.

Pacific Halibut: Landing one of these flatfish giants is the holy grail for many anglers. While not as common as our other targets, when we do hook into a Pacific halibut, it's a big deal. These fish can reach over 100 pounds, though most we see are in the 20-50 pound range. They're bottom dwellers, requiring heavy tackle and a lot of patience. The meat is prized for its delicate flavor and firm texture.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

San Diego's offshore fishing scene is hard to beat. One day you could be battling a yellowtail, the next you're pulling up a colorful assortment of rockfish. The variety keeps things interesting, and there's always a chance for that personal best catch. Plus, our location means we can fish year-round. Even when the bite's slower, the views of the coastline and the fresh ocean air make for a great day out. And let's not forget - the fish you catch today could be on your dinner plate tonight. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of a meal you caught yourself.

Time to Get Your Fish On

So there you have it, folks - a full day of top-notch fishing off the San Diego coast. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, test your skills against some hard-fighting game fish, or just enjoy a day on the water with family and friends, we've got you covered. With breakfast and lunch included, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a camera for those brag-worthy fish pics). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to book your trip. Get ready to make some waves and even more memories on your next San Diego fishing adventure!

Learn more about the species

Barracuda

Barracudas are sleek, torpedo-shaped predators that'll give you a real fight. These guys can grow up to 6 feet long, but most we catch are in the 2-3 foot range. They're quick swimmers, hitting speeds up to 35 mph when chasing prey. You'll find them hanging around reefs, kelp beds, and other structures in our coastal waters. They're sight hunters, so they're most active during daylight hours. Summer's prime time for barracuda fishing when the water warms up. Anglers love targeting them for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. Their meat's good eating too, firm and mild-flavored. Here's a local tip: use shiny lures or live bait fish to catch their eye. Just be careful - their razor-sharp teeth can do some damage. Always use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs. When you hook one, be ready for some serious action!

Lingcod

Lingcod are the bulldogs of the Pacific. Don't let the name fool you - they're not cods at all, but a type of greenling. These aggressive predators can grow over 5 feet long and weigh up to 70 pounds, though most we catch are in the 10-30 pound range. Look for them near rocky bottoms and kelp beds, from 30 to 300 feet deep. They're ambush predators, so they love structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers prize lingcod for their fight and their delicious white meat. They're not speedsters, but they're powerful and will try to dive back into the rocks. Here's a local trick: use large jigs or live bait, and when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Lingcod often grab prey sideways before turning it to swallow. Give them time to get that bait all the way in their mouth. Watch those teeth when you're unhooking them - they're no joke!

Pacific Halibut

Pacific halibut are the giants of the flatfish world. These bottom-dwellers can grow over 8 feet long and weigh up to 500 pounds, though most we catch are in the 20-100 pound range. Look for them in deep, cold waters, typically 150-500 feet down. They prefer temperatures between 37-46°F. Summer's the best time to target halibut when they move to shallower feeding grounds. Anglers love the challenge of battling these powerful fish and the reward of their delicious white meat. It's often called the "steak of the sea" for good reason. Here's a local tip: use large baits like salmon heads or whole herring. Drop your line to the bottom and slowly bounce it up and down to attract attention. Halibut hunt by scent in deep water, so patience is key. When you feel a bite, give it a moment before setting the hook. These flatfish often grab prey sideways before swallowing. Be ready for a long, tough fight when you hook into a big one!

Vermilion Rockfish

Vermilion rockfish are a favorite target for bottom fishing here. These bright red beauties typically run 14 to 22 inches long, but can reach up to 30 inches. Look for them around rocky reefs and boulders, usually at depths of 100 to 500 feet. They're homebodies, often sticking to the same spot for years. Best fishing is in spring and fall when they're most active. Anglers love 'em for their tasty white meat and the challenge of pulling them up from deep water. They put up a good fight too, especially on light tackle. Here's a tip: use a two-hook rig with squid strips for bait. Drop it right to the bottom and give it a few quick jerks. Vermilions can't resist. Just watch out for their spines when you're handling them - they can give you a nasty poke. Remember, these guys are slow-growing, so practice catch and release when you can to keep the population healthy.

Yellowtail Amberjack

Yellowtail are the speedsters of our local waters. These sleek, powerful fish typically run 15 to 25 pounds, but 40-pounders aren't uncommon. You'll spot them by their bright yellow fins and tail. Look for yellowtail around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and offshore islands. They're most active in warm water, so summer and early fall are prime times. These guys are strong swimmers and put up an epic fight - be ready for long runs and acrobatic jumps. Anglers love targeting them for their hard-fighting nature and excellent eating quality. Yellowtail make great sushi or sashimi. Here's a tip: use live bait like sardines or mackerel for best results. Cast just beyond a kelp paddy and let your bait swim naturally. When a yellowtail hits, hold on tight! These fish can strip line fast, so make sure your drag is set right. It's a battle of endurance, but landing a big yellowtail is a real thrill.

About the Hot Reeling

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Detroit

Maximum Cruising Speed: 12

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 800

Get ready for an action-packed day on the waters off San Diego! We'll set out bright and early at 6 AM to chase some of the most exciting fish in the area. Our target? The hard-fighting California Yellowtail and tasty rock cod perfect for fresh fish tacos. Whether you're an experienced angler looking for a challenge or a family wanting a fun day out, this trip has something for everyone. We'll cruise to the picturesque Coronado Islands along the Baja coast, where the fishing action is hot. Don't worry about going hungry - we've got you covered with breakfast, lunch, and plenty of drinks to keep you hydrated throughout the 10-hour adventure. By the time we return at 4 PM, you'll have stories to tell and hopefully some impressive catches to show off. It's the perfect mix of relaxation, excitement, and hands-on fishing fun in one of California's most beautiful coastal settings.

Sitemap