The inshore fishing San Diego offers will take you to a maximum distance of 10 miles from the shoreline. You’ll be fishing Point Loma kelp and La Jolla kelp bed, as well as artificial reefs and other structures. Fish with a charter to get to the hottest spots. The kelp forests under the water are a hotbed of activity where lots of bait fish reside. This attracts the fish that you want to target, such as Calico Bass, Yellowtail, California Halibut, Barracuda, and many more.

What kind of fishing is possible?

Trips last anywhere from 4–9 hours. The type of fishing you’ll be able to do and the fish you’ll be targeting will vary depending on the temperature, but there is something to target year round.

Fly Fishing and Light Tackle

During the warmer seasons, you’ll be able to fly fish and use conventional light tackle inshore. Novice anglers will enjoy trolling and drift fishing, which is fun for the whole family. Boats with a cobia tower or a fly bridge will give you a better chance of sight fishing for your prey. Top species to target include White Seabass, Calico Bass, Sand Bass, Yellowtail, Barracuda, California Halibut, and more. Fly fishing in the bay is a good introduction for beginners – head to the inshore kelp beds for more of a challenge.

Bottom Fishing

It’s best to go bottom fishing from late fall right through to early spring. You’ll be reeling in the likes of California Halibut, Sheephead, Lingcod, and more. You’ll be fishing depths from 80 feet to 300 feet. This trip is great for beginners and experienced anglers alike.

What do I need for inshore fishing?

You’ll need to purchase a California fishing license for everyone on board who is over 16 and fishing.

When fishing with a charter, the captain will usually provide all the fishing gear and live bait you’ll need for the day. Let the captain know which species you wish to target before the day so he knows how to prepare for your trip. Slow trolling with live bait is a top method of getting a bite on for Yellowtail. For Calico Bass, there are many methods the captain can use to get you on the fish.

Anglers of all experience levels will love inshore fishing in San Diego – there is something for everyone to enjoy. Charters get booked quickly here, so book in advance to save your space today.