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Epic 12-Hour San Diego Offshore Fishing Adventure

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • San Diego
  • $1,100 - $6,500 price range

Summary

Get ready for an epic day of offshore fishing in San Diego's prime waters. We'll head out at the crack of dawn, leaving Mission Bay behind as we cruise up to 30 miles offshore. The summer heat brings in the big pelagic fish – we're talking Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, colorful Mahi Mahi, and hard-fighting Yellowtail. With a full 12 hours on the water, you'll have plenty of time to get your lines wet and test your skills against these ocean giants. Our experienced crew from California Sport Fishing Co. will be there to help you land the catch of a lifetime. We've got you covered with breakfast, lunch, and drinks, so you can focus on the fishing. It's a long day out there, but trust me, when you're hauling in tuna after tuna, you won't even notice the time fly by. No passport needed – just bring your game face and get ready for some serious offshore action.
Epic 12-Hour San Diego Offshore Fishing Adventure

Big Fish, Big Smiles

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Yellowfin tuna caught in CA

Brett and his dad with a 200lb tuna 100 miles out

4 blackfin tuna and king mackerel fish caught during fishing tour in San Diego

Overnight trip gives us time to find the fish

5 big yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, and king mackerel caught during fishing tours in CA

night time bluefin action on two night trip

Group of 4 people enjoying a fishing tour in San Diego

500 pound sword fish caught nine miles west

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

King Mackerel fishing in San Diego

Nate posing with a monster Bluefin

One person fishing in CA

Fall sword fishing at its finest

5 yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, and wahoo fish caught on fishing tour in CA

Limits of Bluefin up to 150lbs

Yellowfin tuna caught in CA

Brett and his dad with a 200lb tuna 100 miles out

4 blackfin tuna and king mackerel fish caught during fishing tour in San Diego

Overnight trip gives us time to find the fish

5 big yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, and king mackerel caught during fishing tours in CA

night time bluefin action on two night trip

Group of 4 people enjoying a fishing tour in San Diego

500 pound sword fish caught nine miles west

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

King Mackerel fishing in San Diego

Nate posing with a monster Bluefin

One person fishing in CA

Fall sword fishing at its finest

5 yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, and wahoo fish caught on fishing tour in CA

Limits of Bluefin up to 150lbs

Yellowfin tuna caught in CA

Brett and his dad with a 200lb tuna 100 miles out

4 blackfin tuna and king mackerel fish caught during fishing tour in San Diego

Overnight trip gives us time to find the fish

5 big yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, and king mackerel caught during fishing tours in CA

night time bluefin action on two night trip

Group of 4 people enjoying a fishing tour in San Diego

500 pound sword fish caught nine miles west

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Epic 12-Hour Offshore Fishing Adventure

Get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime off the coast of San Diego! Our 12-hour offshore charter takes you right where the action is – 30 miles out into the Pacific where the big game fish are biting. We're talking monster tuna, acrobatic mahi-mahi, and hard-fighting yellowtail. This isn't your average day on the water; it's a full-on fishing marathon from dawn 'til dusk. We'll fuel you up with breakfast and lunch, so all you need to focus on is landing that trophy catch.

What to Expect on the Water

We cast off at the crack of dawn – 5:30 AM sharp. As we cruise out of Mission Bay, you'll feel the anticipation building. Once we hit our sweet spots, it's game on. We use top-notch gear and the latest fish-finding tech to put you on the schools. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time offshore, our crew's got your back. We'll show you the ropes, help you reel in the big ones, and make sure you're having a blast the whole time. By the time we dock at 5:30 PM, you'll be worn out, sun-kissed, and grinning from ear to ear.

Top Catches This Season

San Diego's offshore waters are on fire right now. We're seeing some of the best pelagic action in years. Bluefin tuna have been showing up in force, with many boats limiting out. Yellowfin are mixed in, offering fast-paced action on lighter tackle. The mahi-mahi (dorado) bite has been insane on kelp paddies, giving anglers a chance at these beautiful, acrobatic fish. And don't forget about the yellowtail – these powerhouses will test your arms and your drag. We use a mix of trolling, live bait fishing, and kite fishing to target these species. Our captain knows all the local hot spots and will put you right on the fish.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing these waters that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of battling a 100-pound tuna. Or the sight of a mahi-mahi lighting up in electric blue and green as it leaps beside the boat. Could be the camaraderie of sharing fish stories over a hot lunch with your buddies. Whatever it is, our 12-hour trips offer that perfect mix of hardcore fishing and laid-back California vibes. No passports required – just bring your sense of adventure and we'll handle the rest.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Mahi Mahi (Dorado): These are the acrobats of the sea. Mahi put on a show like no other, with spectacular aerial displays and lightning-fast runs. They light up in brilliant blues and greens when excited, making for incredible photos. Best of all, they're delicious on the grill. We often find them around floating kelp paddies, and they're suckers for live bait or trolled lures.

Pacific Bluefin Tuna: The heavyweights of our local waters. Bluefin are the prize many anglers dream about. These powerful fish can top 300 pounds, though most we catch are in the 40-100 pound range. They're here from spring through fall, with peak season in summer. Bluefin will test every aspect of your fishing skills – from spotting the schools to fighting them on heavy gear. Landing one of these beasts is an accomplishment you'll never forget.

Yellowtail Amberjack: Often called "mossbacks" by local anglers, yellowtail are prized for their hard fights and excellent eating quality. These streamlined predators can grow over 30 pounds and are known for their blistering runs and dogged battles near the boat. We catch them year-round, but summer and fall are prime time. Yellowtail respond well to live bait, jigs, and trolled lures.

Yellowfin Tuna: The speedsters of the tuna world. Yellowfin are sleek, powerful, and fast – capable of scorching runs that'll have your reel screaming. They show up in our waters from late spring through fall, often mixing in with the bluefin schools. Yellowfin are slightly smaller than their bluefin cousins, averaging 15-40 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fighting ability. They're also considered by many to be the best-eating tuna.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're on the fence about booking this trip, let me give you a little nudge – do it. These 12-hour offshore runs are the real deal. You're not just going fishing; you're embarking on a proper SoCal adventure. Our crew at California Sport Fishing Co. lives for this stuff. We've got the knowledge, the gear, and the passion to make sure you have an awesome day on the water. Whether you're dreaming of that trophy bluefin, want to fill the cooler with tasty mahi, or just want to experience the thrill of offshore fishing, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait. Give us a call, lock in your date, and get ready for some world-class fishing right here in San Diego. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're reeling in the catch of a lifetime.

Learn more about the species

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi are real showstoppers out here. These colorful fish typically run 15-30 pounds but can get up to 50. We find them near floating debris or weed lines within 30 miles of the coast. They're fast swimmers and acrobatic fighters - expect some jumps when you hook one. Mahi love warm water, so summer and early fall are prime time. The meat is delicious too, mild and versatile for grilling or sushi. To catch 'em, I like trolling with ballyhoo or squid, making the bait skip on the surface. That really gets their attention. Just be ready for a battle when they strike. These guys don't give up easy, but that's what makes landing one so rewarding.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Pacific Bluefin Tuna

Pacific Bluefin Tuna are the heavyweights of our local waters. These monsters can top 500 pounds, though 100-200 is more common. We find them offshore in deep, open water, often at depths of 800+ feet. They're built for speed and endurance, so expect a serious fight. Bluefin season peaks from late spring through fall when water temps rise. Anglers love 'em for the challenge and the high-grade sushi-quality meat. To land one, you need heavy gear and patience. I always tell folks to use live bait like mackerel or squid - Bluefin can't resist 'em. Chum the water to bring 'em up, then be ready. When a Bluefin hits, it's like hooking a freight train. Hang on tight and settle in for a long battle.

Pacific Bluefin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna are the speedsters of the tuna family. Most we catch run 30-60 pounds, but they can get over 200. We find them offshore in the upper 300 feet of water, often near floating objects or temperature breaks. They're warm-blooded and built for speed, so expect some screaming runs when you hook up. Peak season is summer through early fall when water temps are highest. Anglers love Yellowfin for their acrobatic fights and top-notch sushi-grade meat. To catch 'em, I like trolling with a spread of skirted lures or live bait. A good tip is to watch for bird activity - that often leads to feeding tuna. When you find a school, be ready for fast action. These guys hit hard and run fast, so hang on tight and enjoy the ride.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowtail Amberjack

Yellowtail are one of our most popular targets. These sleek, powerful fish usually run 15-25 pounds, but 40-pounders aren't unheard of. We find them around kelp beds and rocky reefs, often in 100-300 feet of water. They're known for explosive strikes and blistering runs. Summer's the prime season when warm water pushes them closer to shore. Anglers love Yellowtail for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent eating quality. To catch 'em, I like using live bait like squid or mackerel. A good trick is chumming to bring them up, then dropping a bait into the frenzy. When you hook up, don't horse them in - these guys will make you work for every inch of line. Just be patient and enjoy the ride.

Yellowtail Amberjack

About the Hot Reeling

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Detroit

Maximum Cruising Speed: 12

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 800

Get ready for an epic day on the water with our 12-hour offshore charter trip from San Diego! We'll set sail at the crack of dawn to maximize our fishing time in the rich waters off Southern California's coast. As the summer heats up, we'll be targeting prized catches like Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, colorful Mahi Mahi, and hard-fighting Yellowtail within a 30-mile radius of Mission Bay. Our comfortable, well-equipped vessel provides everything you need for a full day of offshore action. We've got you covered with breakfast and lunch, plus drinks to keep you hydrated as you reel in the big ones. With room for up to 6 guests, it's perfect for a group of friends or family looking to make some lasting memories on the water. No need to worry about passports - just bring your fishing enthusiasm and get ready to experience some of the best offshore angling San Diego has to offer. By the time we return to the dock at 5:30 pm, you'll have stories to tell and hopefully a cooler full of fresh fish to show for your efforts!
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Get ready to reel in the big one with Captain Ethan Hougie and California Sport Fishing Co. in San Diego! Don't let another day go by without booking your thrilling fishing adventure - spots are filling up fast, so secure your unforgettable experience today for a splashing good time! Get your gear ready, set the date, and let's make some unforgettable memories out on the open waters - book now before it's too late!

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