Fisherman’s Landing – San Diego’s Finest Fishing Charters

Book your spot for a half-day trip with a local captain to maximise your chances of a bite and keep things nice and simple. This approach minimises shore time, ensures crisp briefing, and delivers reliable action for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

Our fleet includes several types of craft–from 11-17-25-foot centre consoles to mid-size sport boats–with flexible rentals that accommodate small groups or larger parties. Every craft is equipped with updated tackle, safety gear, and clean cabins to keep your crew comfortable whilst targeting rockfish and other coastal species.

Onboard comfort matters: tropical Vibes, clean bedding, and shaded decks help long mornings feel productive. Captains emphasise targeted action, using sonar and skilful piloting to locate schools and maximise your chances for your catch of the day.

All operators provide tackle and licensed gear; if you have preferred equipment, bring it along. For etiquette and tips, the источник of best practice remains local skippers who understand tides, structure, and bait availability, so listen closely and adapt to their guidance.

Targeting seasonal rockfish bites, May through September often delivers steady action, with winter patterns leaning towards sheltered trips. The schedule continues daily along the California coast, with 11-17-25-foot options popular for groups of 3–4 anglers per ride.

To plan your trip, check in with the operator about reservation windows, required ID, and what to bring: sun cream, polarised sunglasses, and a light jacket. If you know your preferred date, avoid peak weekends to secure better choices and fewer crowds, and consider booking months ahead for popular periods.

Practical Guide to Charters, Long-Range Trips, Catch of the Day, and Gear Hire

Start with a definite plan: book a 2- to 3-day long-range outing aboard a local aluminium coletta, with a proven crew ready to deliver; arrive early and confirm your booking with the staff so your trip is covered from launch to return.

Package includes experienced captains, deckhands, bait, and safety gear; having your own rain jacket, gloves, and a compact tackle box to customise your rig will help you feel prepared. The necessary equipment is stocked to provide the perfect balance of safety and readiness, and the crew keeps your line in prime condition for the voyage.

The catch of the day varies with season; featured species include broadbill swordfish, yellowfin tuna, and dorado. Fishermen often request lighter tackle for the broadbill bite, and the crew helps you adjust; this approach impress first-timers and seasoned anglers alike.

Gear rentals keep you covered on deck: coletta reels, sturdy rods, and aluminium boxes are available; open inventory lets you try a few models before committing. Bring your own main line if you have a preferred diameter and test the crew’s recommendation.

Booking tips: click to view open dates and depths 11-17-25 fathoms or 11-18-25 fathoms depending on your target; the best Value comes from early booking with a featured fleet that is ready to arrange transport, tips, and extra support. The local operator delivers a high-quality experience with the right gear so your trip results are sure to impress.

Choosing the Right Vessel: Fleet, Availability, and Booking

Start with a six- to eight-hour open-boat option on an aluminium hull with a seasoned captain; you'll be ready to pursue reds, calico bass, and rockfish while creating memories with mates. Each trip targets multiple species, with sheephead, sculpin, and rockfish common on the coast of California.

Fleet snapshot: The harbour hub hosts a mix of aluminium-hull day boats and power craft. Most are open-deck designs; gear storage and tackle racks are standard and ready for use. Captains with years of experience continue to deliver dependable action, and you can check tackle quality, power setup and equipment list before you arrive. For California waters, reds, calico, rockfish and sheephead highlight the season; some boats focus on specific targets, so enquire about the plan for your date.

Booking tips: check availability 60–90 days ahead; most popular dates fill up completely, so you'll want to confirm early. If you arrive with a group of friends, reserve the whole boat when possible; you'll have extra space for gear and snacks. Some trips require a permit; verify whether your target species require one and ensure you have it ready before boarding. If you need equipment, many boats provide tackle, lines and rods; otherwise bring your own gear and power-handling accessories. Open trips can accommodate walk-ons if space remains, but the best days fill quickly; plan for autumn bite windows and the calm mornings along the coast.

Long-Range Trips: Itineraries, Crew Expertise, and Included Gear

Book a 3- to 4-day offshore trip with a seasoned crew that reliably delivers bluefin, broadbill, calico bass, halibut, and rockfish to your group. The plan centres on open-water canyons offshore of California, with a fixed itinerary and a complete gear package.

Typical itineraries run 11-20-25 hours of on-water activity, with 2- to 4-hour hops between productive grounds. You’ll fish depths from 120 to 800 feet for rockfish, while pelagic bites come in deeper, especially during peak windows in tropical depths, with open-water days around California’s outer banks and kelp lines.

The crew behind these trips brings USCG licences and 15+ seasons of offshore know-how. They map prime windows for bluefin and broadbill, optimise tackle handling, and keep safety top priority – so your group can focus on the bite and the experience. Your name and guest list appear on every manifest, and the team delivers clear briefings before each transition.

Included gear is complete: rods, reels, jigs, leaders, and other tackle for tuna, calico bass, halibut and rockfish, plus bait and backup setups. All licences and permit requirements are handled, along with safety gear, life jackets and insurance. Power systems and electronics are current, and the vessel communicates real-time updates via dolphinpm to keep your crew informed about weather, bait availability, and bite windows.

Open-water versatility is a hallmark: kayaks are available as optional add-ons for sheltered bays or calm days, and the main loadout remains equipped for offshore targeting of bluefin, rockfish, and broadbill. You’ll find good gear for bass in inlets and near kelp when conditions allow, with a focus on comfort and efficiency. The trips are designed to deliver a complete offshore experience with a clear name and reputation across California's coast.

Rock Fishing Aboard the Dolphin: Tactics, Tides and Safety

Reserve a seat on dolphinpm with our captains and staff; you'll be ready for the best setup as wind shifts and the power of the current continues to push fish toward the rocky structure.

Gear choice matters: use 60-80 lb test for bluefin near reefs, long traces, and sturdy hooks; connect to a secure anchor line and keep footing steady as the boats ride the swell.

The safety briefing covers licence verification, ebb tides, and step-by-step procedures; Coletta and the crew will cover gear handling and stay covered behind the rails. Our fishing crew shares tips on positioning and safe line handling. The information includes practical tips on footing and line control.

To arrange a trip, click the reservation link on the dolphinpm portal; rental gear is available for a charge, and you'll receive full information ahead of departure; your reservation is confirmed by the staff and they will reach out with final details. The staff will deliver final details.

Catch of the Day: Seasonal Species, Regulations, and Gear Setup

Recommendation: Plan a half-day trip with Captain Coletta to chase inshore bass, dorado, and offshore bluefin as windows align. This setup will impress your fellow anglers and deliver a very good California bite.

• Seasonal targets and bedding windows

  • Spring (March–May): bedding behaviour drives calico bass along kelp lines and rocky structures; depths typically 40–120 ft. Gear should lean toward light tackle (15–25 lb) with small jigheads and soft plastics or live bait to tempt nearby bass and early white seabass. Handy tip: early mornings offer slick water and steady bites.
  • Summer through early autumn: tropical pelagics approach offshore, with dorado patrolling around structures and high-relief banks; depths often 60–260 ft. Target these with 20–40 lb outfits, fluorocarbon leaders, and fast green/blue and gold metal jigs or live bait under a short kite or surface lure. Dolphins and schools (dolphinpm sightings) often accompany these runs, signalling good action.
  • Winter: bluefin migrate offshore, stacking in deeper waters; depths range 200–600 ft. Heavy tackle is the norm (50–80 lb, sometimes 80–100 lb), with trolling or vertical jigging as primary methods. Be ready for long runs and steady winds from a robust boat.

• Regulations you must know

  • permit: For bluefin tuna and some offshore pelagics, ensure you have the correct permit and follow federally and state-regulated rules for California waters.
  • California rules require verification of current limits and seasons for each target; check updates before your trip to stay compliant and avoid penalties.
  • Inshore species regulations and private-boat guidelines may shift with closures and seasonal restrictions; always confirm the latest on the regulator’s page before you head out.
  • Maintain proper release procedures and handling protocols for any undersized fish to protect stock and your crew’s experience.

• Gear setup by target

  • Inshore bass and nearshore targets: 15–25 lb mainline, 20–40 lb leader, jig heads from 1/8–1/2 oz, and soft plastics or small live bait; use light spinning or low-profile conventional reels for accuracy and feel.
  • Dorado and tropical pelagics: 20–40 lb tackle with fluorocarbon leader, 3–6 oz surface poppers or metal jigs, and a fast action rod for boat-side strikes on fast retrieves; keep the line tight to manage long runs.
  • Bluefin offshore: 50–80 lb gear (heavy conventional or spinning) with a stout rod, 60–100 lb fluorocarbon leader, and 2–6 oz jigs or larger trolling lures; consider a stout harness for long battles.
  • Bait and presentation: live sardines or mackerel for inshore bites, squid or cut bait for pelagics, and a mix of dead and live options to adapt quickly if the bite shifts.
  • Depths and technique: start near 60–120 ft for bass, push to 150–260 ft for dorado, and venture to 200–600 ft for bluefin when conditions allow; adjust weight and drag to maintain line control at depth.
  • Boat discipline and setup: keep gear organised, use a clean deck layout, and maintain a steady pace; a well-prepared captain and crew will help you stay in the strike zone and maximise your catch.

Before you click to reserve, confirm a permit for the planned target and verify California regulations for that window. A good plan combines a capable boat, a steady captain and the right types of gear to deliver a productive trip and a memorable experience.

Boat Hire: Rates, Equipment, and 15-Day Return Policy

Book a half-day or full-day trip in advance to lock in the best rates and ensure the right types of boats are ready. The fleet features 11-20-25 ft options with shaded decks and covered cockpits; click the booking button to confirm equipment needs. These selections have served customers for years and remain featured choices for reliability.

Rates start at £140-£190 for half-day inshore trips; full-day runs £260-£320. The plan covers captain services and fuel for standard runs; you can tailor the trip with options for larger groups. Expect fish such as bass, yellowtail, and other local species along the sand beaches and offshore shoals.

Equipment packages include life jackets, safety gear, GPS, VHF, and a basic tackle setup. you'll find optional rods and reels on request; meals can be added for longer trips. Check that your party has the required licence or permit, and bring it along if needed; we provide everything you need on board and have extras in case of need.

Our 15-Day Return Policy: cancel up to 15 days ahead for a full refund to the original method. Cancellations 7-14 days prior receive 50% back; within 7 days, refunds are not issued. Refunds post within minutes after approval to the original payment method. To start a cancellation, click your profile’s cancellation button and you’ll see a confirmation.

Planning notes: Diego's wind can shift quickly, so departures may shift to inshore options. Check the forecast before arrival along the dock; bring sunscreen, hat, and a valid licence if required. The large fleet is covered, so you can switch boats easily, and meals are available on selected trips; everything you need for a smooth trip is available in minutes on site.

Chula Vista Charters and Fiddler's Cove Gear Rentals: Packages, Pick-Up, and Returns

Book the 11-20-25 package for a full inshore day aboard a rugged boat: it includes rentals, bait, and a captain who knows the depths and the best spots for reds, sheepshead, and scorpionfish. Bring your passport and licence, bring friends, and arrive ready–everything necessary is provided to make your trip complete.

Pick-up is at Fiddler’s Cove Gear Rentals; arrive 15 minutes before departure for a quick check-in. Show your driving licence and passport, confirm your name on the manifest, then head aboard with the captain and the rental gear ready.

Packages include gear bundles: the featured 11-20-25 option gives a full day aboard a dependable boat, guided by a captain who knows the inshore zones and species such as reds, sheepshead, and sculpin. The rentals cover rods, reels, lines, hooks, bait, and a complete tackle kit; permits or licence confirmation are managed at check-in, and additional rentals can be arranged for your group.

Returns: upon trip end, return all rentals to the dock at Fiddler’s Cove Gear Rentals; confirm a complete check with staff, and follow definite guidance on any additional charges if gear is damaged or missing. Plan to arrive long enough before your schedule to sort everything out and depart with your mates ready for the next adventure.