Bluefin Tuna Fishing off San Diego: How to Target the Pacific's Most Powerful Gamefish
Target Pacific bluefin tuna from San Diego with this in-depth guide to seasonal timing, heavy tackle setups, live bait s...
Read MoreCalifornia · Southern California
SAN DIEGO
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About
San Diego Fishing
San Diego is the big-game fishing capital of the West Coast, with the largest long-range sportfishing fleet in the world operating from Point Loma, H&M Landing, and Fisherman's Landing. The warm southern waters produce incredible yellowfin and bluefin tuna, yellowtail, dorado, and wahoo. From local half-day trips to multi-day expeditions to Mexico, San Diego is a world-class fishing destination.
Fishing Calendar
What's Biting in San Diego?
See which species are available each month, color-coded by activity level.
Color Key
Peak
Good
Fair
Off Season
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nearshore
|
F | F | G | G | P | G | G | G | G | G | F | F |
|
Bottom Fishing
|
F | F | G | G | P | P | P | P | G | G | F | F |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | G | P | P | P | G | F | - | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | F | P | P | P | P | G | G | F | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | G | P | P | P | G | - | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | G | P | P | G | G | F | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | G | P | G | F | - | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | G | P | P | G | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | G | P | G | F | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | P | P | G | - |
Species Glossary
View Full Species Guide
San Diego Fish Species
10+ species organized by fishing type. Click any species to learn more.
Nearshore Species
Target reefs, wrecks, and structure within a few miles of land.
Deep Sea Fishing Species
Head to deep water for big game and bottom species.
Bottom Fishing Species
Charter Guide
Fishing Charter Types in San Diego
Understanding the different charter types will help you book the perfect trip for your group.
INSHORE
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
View Inshore ChartersNEARSHORE
Fish the reefs, wrecks, and structure 1-9 miles offshore. Target snapper, grouper, cobia and more over natural and artificial reefs.
View Nearshore ChartersDEEP SEA FISHING
Deep sea fishing 20+ miles out. Chase tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and other pelagic gamefish in blue water.
View Deep Sea Fishing ChartersTROLLING
Cover water by dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat to target pelagic species.
View Trolling ChartersBOTTOM FISHING
Drop baits to the ocean floor to target snapper, grouper, and other reef dwellers.
View Bottom Fishing ChartersFLY FISHING
Sight-cast with fly rods on the flats for redfish, trout, and tarpon.
View Fly Fishing ChartersSURF FISHING
Fish from the beach or wade into the surf to target pompano, whiting, and redfish.
View Surf Fishing ChartersKAYAK FISHING
Paddle out for a more intimate fishing experience on bays and nearshore waters.
View Kayak Fishing Charters
Fishing Tips & Guides
View All Articles
San Diego Fishing Blog
Local insights, seasonal reports, and expert tips for fishing in San Diego.
Guest Reviews
4.7
based on 3 reviews
San Diego Fishing Reviews
Monster Bluefin Off the 9 Mile Bank
Hooked into a 220-pound bluefin tuna on a flat-fall jig at the 9 Mile Bank and fought the beast for over 3 hours on stand-up gear. The fish made six blistering runs before finally turning on her side. Also put two more bluefin to 90 pounds in the hold. Legendary day out of San Diego.
C
Captain Victor Hernandez
October 2025
Bluefin Tuna
Yellowfin and Dorado Party at the Ridge
Hit the 60 Mile Bank and found yellowfin tuna and dorado in a wide-open frenzy on the surface. Chunked sardines to bring them in close and then the chaos began. Fourteen yellowfin to 40 pounds and eight dorado — the RSW tank was overflowing. This is what San Diego fishing is all about.
C
Captain Jenny Park
August 2025
Yellowfin Tuna
Dorado
Yellowtail Biting at the Coronados
Made the short run to the Coronado Islands and found yellowtail in 70 feet eating live sardines on the nose. Landed nine yellows to 28 pounds on a 6-pack charter. The fish wanted a slow presentation today — flyline with no weight was the key. Clean grade of fish with bright colors.
C
Captain Tom Braddock
June 2025
Yellowtail
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