Plan a Fishing Trip to San Diego, CA

77 guidesBest months: May, June, July, August

What's Biting in San Diego Right Now

Calico Bass
Excellentsaltwater
Casting, Jigging, Live Bait
Bluefin Tuna
ExcellentVarious
Barracuda
Excellentsaltwater
Trolling, Casting, Live Bait Fishing
Yellowtail
Excellentsaltwater
Trolling, Live Bait, Jigging
Halibut
Excellentsaltwater
Bottom Fishing, Trolling, Drift Fishing
White Seabass
Excellentsaltwater
Live Bait, Jigging, Trolling
Tiger Shark
ExcellentVarious
Dusky Shark
ExcellentVarious
Black Marlin
ExcellentVarious
Bonito
ExcellentVarious
Copper Rockfish
ExcellentVarious
Smooth Dogfish
ExcellentVarious
Spinner Shark
ExcellentVarious
Striped Marlin
ExcellentVarious
King Mackerel
ExcellentVarious
Lemon Shark
ExcellentVarious
Lingcod
ExcellentVarious
Longbill Spearfish
ExcellentVarious
Longfin Mako
ExcellentVarious
Vermilion Rockfish
ExcellentVarious
Rockfish
ExcellentVarious
Shortfin Mako
ExcellentVarious
Smooth Hammerhead
ExcellentVarious
Spanish Mackerel
Excellentsaltwater
Casting, Trolling, Live Bait
Swordfish
ExcellentVarious
White Marlin
ExcellentVarious
Yellowfin Tuna
ExcellentVarious
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
ExcellentVarious
Blacknose Shark
ExcellentVarious
Porbeagle
ExcellentVarious
Sand Tiger Shark
ExcellentVarious
Scalloped Hammerhead
ExcellentVarious
Sevengill Shark
ExcellentVarious
Sharks
ExcellentVarious
Silky Shark
ExcellentVarious
Skipjack Tuna
ExcellentVarious
Eagle Ray
ExcellentVarious
False Albacore
ExcellentVarious
Finetooth Shark
ExcellentVarious
Frigate Tuna
ExcellentVarious
Great Hammerhead
ExcellentVarious
Mackerel
ExcellentVarious
Mahi Mahi
ExcellentVarious
Nurse Shark
ExcellentVarious
Albacore Tuna
ExcellentVarious
Arctic Grayling
ExcellentVarious
Bigeye Tuna
ExcellentVarious
Blackfin Tuna
ExcellentVarious
Blacktip Shark
ExcellentVarious
Blue Marlin
ExcellentVarious
Blue Rockfish
ExcellentVarious
Bonnethead Shark
ExcellentVarious
Bull Shark
ExcellentVarious
Cabezon
ExcellentVarious
Canary Rockfish
ExcellentVarious
Cero Mackerel
ExcellentVarious
Blue Shark
ExcellentVarious
Kelp Greenling
ExcellentVarious
Kingfish
ExcellentVarious
Thresher Shark
ExcellentVarious
Sandbar Shark
ExcellentVarious
Black Rockfish
ExcellentVarious
Bocaccio
GoodVarious
Largemouth Bass
Goodfreshwater
Spinning, Baitcasting, Fly Fishing
Yelloweye Rockfish
GoodVarious
Opah
GoodVarious
Sixgill Shark
GoodVarious
Spiny Dogfish
FairVarious

What to Bring

Check with San Diego guides about what gear is provided. Here's a recommended packing list:

Essentials

  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Hat or visor
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Non-marking shoes or deck shoes

Food & Personal

  • Water and drinks (stay hydrated)
  • Snacks or lunch
  • Cooler for your catch
  • Motion sickness medication (if needed)
  • Camera or phone (waterproof case recommended)
  • Valid fishing license (confirm with captain)

For inshore / offshore Fishing

  • Rain jacket or windbreaker
  • Layered clothing (it gets cooler offshore)
  • Light rain jacket

California Fishing License

License: Sport Fishing License and Sturgeon Report Card

Specific closures and regulations apply to certain waters, including the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Check current regulations before fishing.