Sportfishing San Diego - Home Page link Sportfishing charters sandiego Faq's page

First Time Sportfishing?

If this is your first time deep sea fishing on a Southern California sportfishing boat then this list of FAQ's that I get often asked may be helpful. Any new fisherman wanting to come to San Diego or Southern California to experience a once in a lifetime deep sea fishing adventure or out of town experienced fishermen this article can help with trip planning. If you have any additional questions feel free to contact Rob I'd be glad to help and it's what I am here for. Sportfisher men, women and kids are all welcome to browse through my family friendly website all about Southern California, specializing in San Diego sportfishing. I grew up here fishing countless days year after year so I'm confident I can help.

    Is sportfishing for me and my family?

  • Have you ever wondered what life was like out at sea?  Sportfishing is for anyone, Men, Women, Children, who love the outdoors. It’s great for friends getting away, family vacations, or just a good ol’ adventure.  Sportfishing is also for anyone who enjoys the challenge of catching “the big one”. The SAC fleet is set up to accommodate all ages and experience levels.

    • Types of fishing trips Offered

  • Trip types vary depending on the number of days and type of activity.  There are anywhere from half day to twelve-day sportfishing big game adventures.

    Half- day to Full-day sportfishing charter and open party deep sea fishing boats fish almost exclusively in local waters with under an hour of travel time on any trip. They mainly target rockfish, sea bass, yellowtail, but during peak summer fishing months when the exotic big game fish like Yellowfin Tuna, Bluefin Tuna and Dorado can be just a few miles offshore half-day boats may target these species. Be aware this is NOT a regularly planned scenario but has happened during warm water years.

  • One-day to three-day - Sportfishing charter and open party boats from just minutes offshore to a few hundred miles South offshore the Baja Peninsula to offer the best catch for their anglers.  There are sleeping accommodations on the boat and a chef for your dinning needs.  The bunks vary from stacked three high to private air conditioned state rooms. These trips are great for all levels of fisherman and are the best way to introduce and prepare angler's for a long range sportfishing trip.

  • Five day - eighteen-day big game deep sea fishing charters take you to the best and most exotic fishing spots in all of Baja California with Giant "Cow" Yellowfin Tuna as big as the new 2011 world record 425 or so pounds!  These trips offer the finest accommodations (many rooms with A/C, professional chefs offering gourmet food, and an amazing 5-star big game sportfishing adventure or vacation while staying in San Diego.  On the Long Range trips you will have the chance to catch the largest tuna, the hard to find Wahoo, and many other types of fish like Dorado (Mahi-Mahi in Hawaii), Huge deep water Yellowtail (Jack).

  • Specialty trips- Charters include multi-day skiff trips, Spear fishing trips, Diving adventures, Eco Tours, Marine Science Education, Shark viewing, etc.  Depending on the activity, will determine the level of experience needed.

    • What is the difference between a regular fish trip and a Long range fishing trip? (I wrote more info on this topic here)

  • Boats are available for Charters for 10 – about 45 people. Prices ranges depending on the length of the trip, people on the boat and included items. For more information on trip types and must know definitions and lingo for planning and booking a trip, call the landing and speak to someone in their office.

  • Most landings have a tackle rental department on site. Prices vary depending on the pound test you will need and the length of the trip you are going on. After you decide on a trip make sure you talk to the person booking your trip about tackle.

    • What to bring?

  • Make sure you wear clothes that are comfortable.  Check the weather report before your trip to determine how warm to dress.  We recommend rubber boots but tennis shoes will work as well. Just keep in mind that clothing and shoes will get wet and dirty.

    • What to expect on the trip

  • Have a blast! The run to the fishing grounds can be fun and relaxing. Grab a burger and drink form the galley, sit back and enjoy the ride or ask how to rig your line or ask a deckhand for help. Once you get to the fishing grounds be ready to catch some fish! Listen for the Captain's call on the speaker to "let em' go" or "Let them (fishing lines) drop"The pace of the deck can get exciting and quick. Make sure you talk to the deckhands and tell them if it is your first time and they will be glad to assist you and keep you informed.

    • Food and other entertainment

  • The food on a sportfishing boat is outstanding. All of the boats include a full-time chef and offer a wide range of things to choose from. Snacks and beverages will also be available during non meal hours. Most boats also have TV’s with DVD players for downtime.

    • Cost

  • The cost range varies depending on the trip length and what is included .  1/2 day trips  from $40-$50. Overnights from $185 to $225. Day and a half’s from $300 to $395. Two days from $500 to $600. Keep in mind that the prices will vary depending on the boat size and how many people are on the trip. Long range trips prices vary.  For a better idea give the landing office a call.