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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Detroit
Maximum Cruising Speed: 12
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 800