Deep sea fishing is a niche of fishing unto its own. You board a boat at the crack of dawn and head out a few miles to quality fishing spots. If you prefer, there are longer trips that take you out to the big fish like tuna over three or four days.



The San Diego coast offers some tremendous opportunities for anglers. The coast brings together flows of warm water that result in large kelp beds. The fish congregate around the kelp beds, which makes for great fishing.

What kind of fish can you find off San Diego? How about three types of bass, including Calico, Sea and Sand? Dorado and Barracuda are also found. Take a longer trip and you can get into big tuna, Albacore and more.

The deep sea fishing boats are found in two areas in San Diego. In the north county, we have Oceanside which is the last northern town in the county. Point Loma is our second spot and located just to the west of downtown San Diego.

There are numerous boats taking anglers and each offers different trips and accommodations. The prices, of course, also vary. In general, you can expect boats with six to 15 berths and prices ranging from forty bucks a day on up.

San Diego Sportfishing, Inc., is a popular provider out of San Diego Harbor. The company provides half to three quarter day trips although charters are available. The three boats are the Point Loma, Mission Belle and Daily Double.

If you like something a bit more personal, try the Fish Taxi in Oceanside. The boat is smaller, but Captain Don Nelson offers a more personal experience than those found on bigger operations. This is a charter boat, but with reasonable rates.

If you have never been on a deep sea fishing trip make sure you prepare properly. It is going to be cool in the early morning, so dress warmly. It is going to heat up later, so make sure to have a change of clothes. As always, wear sunscreen.

The boat will be going up and down, side to side and rolling. Sea sickness will be a problem. Nothing will ruin your fishing worse than feeding the fish all day. There are patches you can put behind your ear that will stop it. Bring them.

The beaches of San Diego are great, but the fishing off the coast is equally good. If you consider yourself an angler, make sure to take at least a half day trip if you are in town.