Plan a Fishing Trip to San Diego, CA

77 guidesBest months: May, June, July, August

What's Biting in San Diego Right Now

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

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 offshore / inshore 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.