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What makes fishing in San Diego Bay so special is the huge variety of fish that are available! You really have no idea what you are going to catch next! Croakers, Bonito, Corvina, Sharks, Rays, and Mackerel are just a few of the species we catch on a daily basis in San Diego Bay. The Southern end of San Diego Bay is home to a world class fishery for hard pulling leopard sharks with multiple world record fish caught from its waters. Targeted using dead bait, these fish can be a fun alternative to the usual suspects listed above. Other species commonly encountered in San Diego Bay are: Yellowfin Croaker, Spotfin Croaker, Black Croaker, Corbina, Bonito, Mackerel, Black Sea Bass, Bay Ray, Angel Shark, Turbot, Pacific Mackerel, Top Smelt, Jack Smelt, Sargo, and Barracuda. Feel free to click on any of the fish below to read a detailed wiki about each species and be sure to read our Tuned Up Month To Month Fishing Guide.
Spotted bay bass are the most common species found in San Diego Bay. Very similar to freshwater bass, they can be taken on a variety of live, dead, and artificial baits. Spotted bay bass live in the shallow grass beds, rock piles, man-made structures, channel edges, and rip raps found throughout the bay. We typically fish for them in shallow water between 5 and 20 feet using artificial lures such as swimbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, soft plastics, and flies. While the majority of fish caught are between 8-16inches, what they lack in size they make up for in fight! Spotted bay bass are scrappy fighters and are almost always willing to bite a well presented lure. Spotted bay bass can be targeted year round, and sometimes the best fishing can be had in the winter months from November-February. We practice 100% catch and release on this species to help maintain a healthy fishery for future generations.
The Bonefish fishery in San Diego Bay is relatively untouched. Although somewhat smaller on average (1-4lbs) than their warm water relatives, the Bonefish in San Diego are equally as strong and even more willing to bite. Found in the shallow flats at the southern end of San Diego Bay, the bonefish here bite year round, with the best bite taking place between late February and June. During this time catching 10 in a day is not uncommon. We fish for them on light spinning tackle with live or dead ghost shrimp, although they can also be caught on flies and soft plastics imitating small shrimp. Come join us to experience this unique fishery!
Shortfin Corvina are considered by many to be the most prized gamefish of San Diego Bay. Similar in size and looks to Speckled Sea Trout found on the East Coast (2-8lbs), Shortfin Corvina roam year round throughout San Diego bay feeding on a variety of small baitfish. They are strong and acrobatic fighters and can be caught on a variety of artificial lures including top-water poppers and spook style baits.
California Halibut are found year round throughout San Diego Bay. Ambush predators, California Halibut are generally found in sandy area’s along the edges of eel grass beds and rock piles. Although they are more than willing to eat artificial lures such as spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and drop shot flukes, they are most effectively targeted using live bait. The California Halibut found in San Diego Bay can reach up to 40lbs, although fish in the 4-10lb range are much more common. These fish are also excellent eating!
These slightly larger relatives of the Spotted Bay Bass are generally found in the sections of the Bay nearest to the ocean. Like Spotted Bay Bass, they are scrappy fighters that are willing to eat a variety of artificial lures and live bait. Sand Bass and Calico bass in San Diego Bay average 1-4lbs, although fish to 8lbs do occur. If we would like to target these fish more in depth, look into our inshore fishing charters!
These hard fighting pelagic gamefish can be found year round in Southern California, with the best fishing taking place from May-November. They can be caught on variety of techniques including jigging, trolling, and live bait fishing. They range anywhere from 5-40lbs and are excellent table fare.
Another hard fighting pelagic gamefish, pacific bonito can be found inshore and in San Diego Bay from early spring until late fall. During the summer time, large bonito (7-10lbs) can be found roaming the edges of kelp beds and local reefs. These fish are almost always willing to eat a shiny artificial lure and can be a ton of fun on light tackle and fly fishing gear.
These toothy predators can be found inshore around the front half of San Diego Bay throughout the year. They are quick to bite a live bait or artificial lure and can reach over four feet in length.
Bottom dwelling fish that can found around jagged rocky bottom and artificial reefs, lingcod are a lot of fun to catch and even better to eat. We target these with live bait and heavy artificial lures close to bottom, which makes for an exciting experience when they make their initial run back to their rocky lair!
Found throughout the kelp beds and surrounding rocky reefs, sheepshead are a unique species that can change gender to balance out the male/female distribution of their local environment. The males are a vibrant red with a black head and tail, and can reach up to 25lbs. Although they are best targeted with shrimp or squid, they will also occasionally fall for a well presented artificial lure.
One of the most unique fisheries on the West Coast of the United States, San Diego Bay is a natural deep water bay that is home to hundreds of different fish species. Sheltered from the offshore swells, San Diego Bay is a great place for anglers of all skill levels. From beginners and children to serious bass anglers, there is something for everyone in the Bay. It was recently voted the #1 easiest place to catch a fish in San Diego, and on most days the fishing is fast and furious! As many as 20-30 fish is not uncommon for a half day fishing, making this a great place for children or people who are new to the sport.
With year round good weather and awesome views of Downtown San Diego, fishing San Diego Bay is a truly memorable experience!
In the waters surrounding San Diego. Here we fish the local kelp beds, artificial reefs, and hard bottom structures for a whole different array of gamefish including Yellowtail, Halibut, Lingcod, Barracuda, Rockfish, White Sea Bass, Calico Bass, and Sheepshead. These are all excellent eating and we can filet your catch if you would like to bring some home. Normally we fish with live bait, cut bait, and artificial lures with slightly heavier tackle then in the bay.
Peak Season usually starts in April and ends in November, but something is biting all year round. Fishing the coastal waters around San Diego is also a memorable experience!
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