Southern California and San Diego Fishing Coupons - Deep Sea Fishing Coupons - How to Get Sportfishing Discounts

Hopefully you found this page because you are looking for various ways to get SoCal sportfishing discounts and coupon's for San Diego and all Southern California party boats. 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.

When I first started deep sea fishing out of San Diego my father bought me my first fishing rig. The best bang for the buck cheapest fishing reel that is the most durable reel ont he water is the Penn Jigmaster 500. Match that with a typical boat rental pole like a Seeker 7 foot or a CalStar 870 and you will have an excellent starter setup that is excellent for all around party boat use and great to learn to cast a conventional reel.

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.

Southern California and San Diego where I grew up is one of the most affordable places to get out on a boat saltwater fishing 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. Lo ma 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.
• Island Spirit Coupon - Sportfishing out of Ventura Sportfishing near Santa Barbara - Check the Island Spirit website year round for a deep sea fishing coupon.
• Newport Landing Coupon - Here's another discount I found at Newport Landing Deep Sea Fishing. Great fishing trips while on vacation, lodging or local residents near Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Orange County, Dana Point, etc..

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

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Rob Mailly
SportfishSanDiego.com