Affordable Sportfishing
I was cleaning up my tackle today when I picked up my favorite and most
productive rod over the 9 or so years I owned it. It's not my $300 G-Loomis
with my $100 Daiwa Sealine 20 I use for plastics. It's not my CalStar
800M Graphighter with my Daiwa Sealine 30 I use for my Jig Stick. Nope
it's my trusty ol' Fiberglass CalStar 670 15 - 30lb with my stock 60
buck Penn Jigmaster 500 total cost - under $200. I dedicate this article
to affordable fishing in San Diego.
This rig I just mentioned has been my most reliable rig over years of
fishing and countless trips a year. Whether screaming Yellowtail runs,
bruiser Sand Bass from the depths and Calico Bass out of Kelp Holes this
remains the most productive (and luckiest?) than any other rod/reel combo
in my fishing gear arsenal. It's even been by my side on countless overnighter's
during wide open Albie bites. This reminded me of how I always managed
to get out on the boats over the years even during times on occasion
when could hardly afford to eat or lately more people postponing their
San Diego fishing vacations because of the present state of the economy
as of April 2009.
San Diego is about one of the most affordable places to get out on a
boat sportfishing in the world. Trip discounts are available and although
a fisherman could easily spend thousands of dollars on new tackle to
go out on their first tuna trip, it's not always necessary to have the
latest and most expensive rods or reels in order to get out on the water
or bring the biggest fish to gaff. For under $100 a fisherman can get
out on the water for a morning or afternoon half-day deep sea fishing
trip including rental rod, ticket, day license, tip and my favorite a
nice greasy cheese burger and a beer. I've yet to travel to a fishing
destination that offers so much for so little. This in itself is a great
deal without a coupon.
For 6-pack charters the price most always includes use of some of the
latest top-of-the-line rods and reels available. This is a great way
to test out a reel or rod before purchase too. For large group charters
basic "boat" rental rods are available at a daily reasonable price or
at nearby tackle shops such as Angler's Choice near H&M, Fisherman's
and Pt.Loma Sportfishing landings offer demo rod/reel combos last I checked
that give fisherman a chance to test out some premium gear before purchase
or for those who travel lightly and rent all tackle for their trip.
For most open party trips and charters there are a few discounts to
be aware of:
- Active Military
- Juniors and Seniors
- Online Coupon's
- Mid-week Private Charter Discounts
- Seasonal
- Bulk Passes
Active Military - San Diego is a military city home to US Marine's,
US Navy and the National Guard. Miramar, Camp Pendalton, 32nd Street
and at North Island are all major USA bases. so if you are visiting or
local active military tell the boat you will be fishing as many of them
offer active military discounts. Be sure to ask what is required before
leaving home. I know my friend always showed his military ID.
Seniors and Juniors - Both my father and nephew get discounts when I
take them out on a half or three-quarter day boat. Be sure to tell the
landing office or cashier before paying for the trip if you or a fisherman
in your group qualify for either of these discounts.
Online Coupon's - A few local boats offer online discount coupon's from
their boat or landing website's. Always check the website for the latest
info and to download the coupon. If making reservations by phone ask
if the coupon is honored over the phone or by online reservations first.
Don't assume. Again confirm any coupon first by calling the landing if
not paying for the trip in person on the day of the trip. Coupons are
found only online and are to be printed as per the instructions on the
boat or landing's website. I offer this information purely as a convenience
to visitors of this website and I am not the author of the coupons or
owner the the fishing vessels mentioned here the coupon's apply to:
- Daily
Double Half-Day, Pt. Loma and/or Mission Belle Coupon - Be advised
coupons are not always available and can change any time so best
bet is check back regularly to their respective website. Coupons
are generally for midweek and non-holidays. They are currently offering
(April 27, 2009) $5 OFF the regular price ADULT FARE for the Daily
Double and Mission Belle deep sea fishing trips.
- H&M
Landing - As of April 27, 2009 there are no online coupons but
it might be worth a shot signing up for their periodic news and discounts
and special offers here.
- Helgren's
Sportfishing - Helgren's up in North San Diego County at Oceanside
Harbor usually has online coupons available for midweek and non-holidays.
Currently (as of April 27, 2009) they have M-Th $5 OFF half-day regular
price adult fare deep sea fishing trips through the end of April.
Check the web link above for May and future discounts.
Seasonal Trip Specials - From Fall through Spring when the popular surface
targets are less predictable or during specie moratoriums (Like Rock
fishing in USA waters closed from Jan 1 - March 31) the trend this year
has been for half-dayer's to make the longer runs into Mexican Waters
for rockfish and offer mid-week or rockfish specials. Check with each
landing about any planned regular runs like these. I know Tim Green makes
runs with his boat the Premier for fun and usually very productive day
of Rock fishing Check with the Daily Double or FIsherman 3 as well for
these trips. Best bet is call each landing office to get the latest trip
info.
Mid-week Private Charter deals - Year round the norm with private chartering
is the best price can be had non-peak season or days. Trips from Sun
- Thursday generally are the best prices and non-holiday's/weekends always
less cost. The quality is the same, just less demand on weekdays lowers
the price.
Bulk Passes - At least one boat I know of offers bulk passes for regulars
or frequent travelers who come to fish San Diego's boats. Check
the Daily Double website here.
Check back regularly for additions to this article as I am always looking
for specials and discounts to post to help San Diego fisherman out. I
will post more info as it comes in.
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) announced new dates
for Free Fishing Day in 2009. Free Fishing
Days will be the Fourth of July and Labor Day, Sept. 7 when DFG will waive
the license requirement for citizens 16 or older. On those days people
will have the opportunity to fish on all freshwater and ocean waters in
California. Full Story
Rob Mailly
SportfishSanDiego.com
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