From short inshore trips to overnight trips in Mexican waters, Ironclad Sportfishing has it all. Based out of San Diego, you’ll have an unparalleled wealth of fishing grounds to explore. Hit the banks, islands, reefs, or fish the kelp beds.

The Ironclad is a 38’ Topaz Sportfisher with a 13’ wide beam and a large bow area. It’s capable of taking up to 6 anglers fishing on day trips and up to 5 max on overnight trips. The Ironclad was repowered in 2023 with new motors, which allows us to get there and back faster than before and faster than the cattle boats. The vessel is well maintained and equipped with modern electronics, including radar, Furuno CH-500 Sonar/Side Scan, restroom, fresh water, microwave, 8 scoop bait capacity, large fish holds, 4 bunks forward, and 2 mid-ship. It features all-new upholstery (2021) on all bunks and new non-slip decking.

Fishing licenses are not included, so make sure you get them and pack your lunch. Trips include soft drinks, snacks, fish cleaning, and all gear and bait. If fishing Mexican waters, there is an additional cost per person for the Mexican fishing license, visa, and biosphere bracelet, all of which the crew can facilitate. Passports are required for Coronado Islands and Mexican waters trips.

In the bays and kelp beds, you’ll have the chance to go after some of California’s favorite fish. Try to fill the boat with delicious Calicos, Rockfish, Halibut, Yellowtail, White Seabass, and much more delicious fish. Head offshore, and you’ll go after some seriously big fish. Expect some heavy lifting as you use all your strength against Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and some even bigger Californian species.

At the end of your trip, the captain or first mate will clean and fillet your catch. All you need to do is bring any food and alcohol (no glass or hard liquor) you want, and discover the deep Pacific waters. Ironclad Sportfishing is waiting to take you away!

Due to COVID-19 passengers must bring a sleeping bag or bedding and a p



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    US $1,500
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $1,500
    The half day trips are equally great for the beginner angler as well as for those more experienced. Don't waste your weekend. Get out on the water and make the most of southern California's rich inshore waters. Out of Mission Bay and up along to La Jolla, you'll hit the shallow saltwater fishing grounds as you seek to fill the boat with some native fish. Go after Calicos, Rockfish, Halibut, Yellowtail, White Seabass, and more, as you practice your skills and head home with a tasty treat.
    Targeted fish
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Halibut
    Halibut
    Lingcod
    Lingcod
    Marlin (Striped)
    Striped Marlin
    Seabass (White)
    White Seabass
    California Sheephead
    California Sheephead
    Rockfish
    Rockfish
    Calico Bass
    Calico Bass
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Freelance
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    9 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Apr 1 - Dec 31
    US $2,400
    Fish the offshore banks on a 9 hr fishing trip, target species are Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorodo, Yellowtail and more. 3/4 day trips generally range up to 20-30 miles offshore, but at times may be a little closer, or may be a little farther.
    Targeted fish
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Tuna (Bluefin)
    Bluefin Tuna
    Tuna (Yellowfin)
    Yellowfin Tuna
    Halibut
    Halibut
    Lingcod
    Lingcod
    Marlin (Striped)
    Striped Marlin
    California Sheephead
    California Sheephead
    Rockfish
    Rockfish
    Calico Bass
    Calico Bass
  • Private trip
    Coronado Islands
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Apr 1 - Dec 31
    US $3,000
    Passports, FMM Visa, Mexican Fishing Permit, and Biosphere Bracelet are required for this trip. The Coronado Islands are a short distance south of U.S. Waters of the Coast of Baja California. On this trip, the target species are Yellowtail, Calico Bass, Rockfish, Lingcod, Bonito, and occasionally some Tuna fish. The trip includes all gear, snacks, and soft drinks.
    Targeted fish
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Barracuda (Pacific)
    Pacific Barracuda
    Halibut
    Halibut
    Lingcod
    Lingcod
    California Sheephead
    California Sheephead
    Rockfish
    Rockfish
    Calico Bass
    Calico Bass
  • Private trip
    Full Day Offshore
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    12 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    US $3,450
    Full day (12 hrs) offshore targeting Bluefin, Yellowfin, Dorado, and Yellowtail. Full-day trips generally range from 30-50 miles offshore.
    Targeted fish
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Marlin (Blue)
    Blue Marlin
    Tuna (Bluefin)
    Bluefin Tuna
    Tuna (Yellowfin)
    Yellowfin Tuna
  • Private trip
    Overnight Trip (5 Max)
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    22 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 PM
    US $4,200
    Beginner anglers are always welcome, however just like on full day trips, having some experience is recommended. You need to be able to cast live bait, surface irons, poppers, jigs, etc. with conventional reels. On the overnighter, you will sleep on the way out and wake up to find yourself in the fishing grounds. You will fish all day until the afternoon and back to the dock by 7 p.m. If fishing the Coronado Islands, a passport is required. This is a trip for up to 5 anglers.
    Targeted fish
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Tuna (Bluefin)
    Bluefin Tuna
    Tuna (Yellowfin)
    Yellowfin Tuna
    Tuna (Bigeye)
    Bigeye Tuna
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FAQs about Ironclad Sportfishing

Ironclad Sportfishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $1,500 per group - Half Day (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $1,500 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $2,400 per group - 3/4 Day Freelance (9 hours)
  • US $3,000 per group - Coronado Islands (10 hours)
  • US $3,450 per group - Full Day Offshore (12 hours)
  • US $4,200 per group - Overnight Trip (5 Max) (22 hours)

When you book a trip with Ironclad Sportfishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Snorkeling Equipment
  • Live Bait Well 8 Scoop Bait Tank
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Outriggers
  • Ice Box Plenty of cold storage.
  • Radar

Trips booked with Ironclad Sportfishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait (Prepared before the trip)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Snacks
  • Drinks (Waters and sodas)
  • First Mate (15-20% tip customary)
  • Lunch

Ironclad Sportfishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing

Ironclad Sportfishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle (Rod/Reels Lexas & Avets)
  • Heavy Tackle (Trolling Rods)
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Drift Fishing
  • Kite Fishing (1 Boston Big Game & 2 SFE Kites)
  • Spearfishing (Equipment not provided)
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Ironclad Sportfishing include:
  • Calico Bass
  • California Sheephead
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Halibut
  • Lingcod
  • Marlin (Striped)
  • Rockfish
  • Seabass (White)
  • Swordfish
  • Tuna (Bluefin)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Yellowtail Amberjack

Meet the Captain

Frank Pitetti
San Diego, California, United States
39 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
22 Customer reviews
Response time 2 hours
Member since March 2019
24 years experience fishing in So Cal and Mexican Waters and 15 years experience fishing on the east coast. Started fishing as a kid in New Jersey and in my teenage years I lived in West Palm Beach where fishing was my lively hood. I fished recreational and commercial fishing. I also worked on charter boats and I am a firm believer in customer service. I had a break in fishing at the ripe old age of 20 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served 8 yrs. I ended up in California in 1994 and I have been fishing So CA waters ever since. Retired from law enforcement in 2020 after 22 yrs of service. I am a firm believer in customer service and I will do my best to make your trip enjoyable. I have owned/operated this vessel since 2018. USCG 100 Ton Licensed
Our Team
Frank P.
Captain
Kc M.
Captain

About this listing

Targeted species

Calico Bass Calico Bass
California Sheephead California Sheephead
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Halibut Halibut

Boat specs

Topaz (Sportfishing) originally built in 1986, and restored in 2023. Powered by 2 420HP Cummins engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 20 knots.

Length
38 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Rod/Reels Lexas & Avets
Heavy Tackle
Trolling Rods
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Drift Fishing
Kite Fishing
1 Boston Big Game & 2 SFE Kites
Spearfishing
Equipment not provided
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Snorkeling Equipment
Live Bait Well
8 Scoop Bait Tank

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Prepared before the trip
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Snacks
Drinks
Waters and sodas
First Mate
15-20% tip customary
Lunch

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 14 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 14 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup included in price
Transfer from hotels or jetties in San Diego to departure site is available and included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
50lbs or more
No Smoking
No Mar
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.
Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
PayPal
Checks
Bank Transfer
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3.5% charge will apply.

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 22 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (56)
Full day trip with Cpt Frank
Full day trip with Cpt Frank
Full day trip with Cpt Frank
+53
Angler rating
17
2
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
86%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 22 reviews
Kevin P.
Florence, AZ
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day Trip with captain Ryan and deck hand Jimmy

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on June 5, 2021
What a day! We had the best time. Captain Ryan was hands down the best. He was a down to earth no bs guy and his deck hand...
Kevin P. recommends Ironclad Sportfishing
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Frank Pitetti Captain replied

FishingBooker Member
Sacramento, California
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

2 Day Trip

1.5 Day Trip (5 Max) on April 30, 2021
This was an amazing trip and everyone on board was able to land a nice catch.  Due to the captains knowledge and experience...
FishingBooker Member recommends Ironclad Sportfishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Frank Pitetti Captain replied

Ray F.
Perugia, Italy
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Outstanding First Trip for Tuna

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip – Coronado Islands on July 22, 2020
I booked Captain Frank Pitetti’s Ironclad in July as my grandson’s 21st birthday gift.  It was his first attempt at catching...
Ray F. recommends Ironclad Sportfishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Frank Pitetti Captain replied

Derek H.
Murrieta, California
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip for son’s birthday

Half Day Trip (AM) on April 16, 2021
Took my two sons, ages 9 and 11 on their first fishing trip. With our limited fishing experience I was worried about our ability...
Derek H. recommends Ironclad Sportfishing
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  Frank Pitetti Captain replied

John C.
Knoxville, TN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full day freelance

VERIFIED   Full Day Offshore on October 10, 2020
Frank and his crew were awesome, they worked really hard to get us some fish. All the boats out were having trouble getting...
John C. recommends Ironclad Sportfishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Frank Pitetti Captain replied