Fish Guardian Charters and have a memorable time on the water with one of San Diego’s best fishing charters! Taking pride in customer service, Captain Sam Skinner and his crew will do everything to put you on the fish and provide an enjoyable trip. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just a beginner, they want you to have the best experience while on the water with them.

Depending on the duration of the charter, we can fish for Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, Yellowtail, Mahi Mahi, Rockfish, Spotted Seabass, and Halibut. Feel free to keep your catch if you want to. The captain welcomes kids aboard that are 12 or older.

The captain’s brand new 2022 29’ Defiance is an offshore sport fishing boat built for luxury, speed, and function. Powered by twin 300 HP Yamaha four stroke outboards, she can easily cruise at 30 knots getting us to the fishing grounds fast. She is fully equipped with a 110 gal bait tank, state-of-the-art Simrad electronics, and a stereo system.

All charters include the use of rods and reels, tackle, bottled water, live bait, fish iced immediately, cleaned, and bagged. We have spearfishing equipment as well.

A California Fishing License is required for fishing in US Waters and a Passport for the Coronado Islands charters.

Ready to go fishing? Pick your day and hop aboard, Guardian Charters is waiting for you!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – San Diego Bay
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $750
    We will be fishing within San Diego Bay for Halibut, Calico Bass, Rockfish Sheephead, and more. These trips are great for first-timers, families or visitors to San Diego looking for a good time on the water. Learn the basics and start catching fish right away! All fishing equipment is covered and included in the price.
    Targeted fish
    Halibut
    Halibut
    Calico Bass
    Calico Bass
    Scorpionfish
    Scorpionfish
    Sand Bass
    Sand Bass
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – Local Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    US $1,000
    We will be fishing inshore and offshore for Yellowtail Amberjack, Halibut, Calico Bass, Bonito, Barracuda, Rockcod, and Sheepshead. These trips are great for first-timers, families, or visitors to San Diego looking for an extended fishing adventure. A California fishing license is required.
    Targeted fish
    California Corbina
    California Corbina
    California Sheephead
    California Sheephead
    Rockfish
    Rockfish
    Calico Bass
    Calico Bass
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day - Coronado Islands
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    9 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $1,693
    Travel to Coronado Islands and have a great time chasing Yellowtail Amberjack, Halibut, Bonito, as well as Barracuda. Remember that trips to Coronado Islands require passports. The captain will provide all the equipment, bait, food, and drinks.
  • Private trip
    12 Hour Trip – Coronado Islands
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    12 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $1,980
    Spend even more time exploring the lovely waters around Coronado Islands. You and Captain Sam will target Barracuda, Yellowtail Amberjack, Halibut, Rockfish, Lingcod, as well as Bonito. You'll need your passports to travel to Coronado Islands.
  • Private trip
    9 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    9 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Mar 1 - Nov 30
    US $2,200
    Enjoy a 9-hour adventure on the offshore waters of California. The trip will see you targeting species such as Dorado, Seasonal Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna and Yellowtail Amberjack. Just bring a California fishing license and you'll be ready for a great day on the water.
  • Private trip
    12 Hour – Offshore on the Defiance
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    12 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Mar 1 - Nov 30
    US $2,700
    The 12-hour trip will allow us to travel to wherever the fish is! We are able to travel up to 70 miles one way to get on the hot bite. The trip will see you targeting species such as Dorado, seasonal Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, and California Yellowtail. Just bring a California fishing license and you'll be ready for a great day on the water.
  • Private trip
    14 Hour Big Bluefin Adventure
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    14 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $3,200
    This trip will focus on fishing for Bluefin Tuna over 100 pounds. We will be using kite fishing gear and flying fish. There is no distance restriction on this trip and we will travel up to 100+ miles one way in search of giants. There is an opportunity to catch a fish up to 350 pounds!
There are 3 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Guardian Charters

Guardian Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $750 per group - 4 Hour Trip – San Diego Bay (4 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Local Fishing (6 hours)
  • US $1,693 per group - 3/4 Day - Coronado Islands (9 hours)
  • US $1,980 per group - 12 Hour Trip – Coronado Islands (12 hours)
  • US $2,200 per group - 9 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing (9 hours)
  • US $2,700 per group - 12 Hour – Offshore on the Defiance (12 hours)
  • US $3,200 per group - 14 Hour Big Bluefin Adventure (14 hours)

When you book a trip with Guardian Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Flybridge
  • Live Bait Well
  • Multimedia System
  • Spearfishing Equipment
  • Ice Box
  • Radar

Trips booked with Guardian Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Fish iced immediately We do not cut Tuna over 50lb)
  • Snacks (Chips, granola bars, etc.)
  • Drinks (Water and sport drinks)
  • First Mate

Guardian Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing

Guardian Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Drift Fishing
  • Kite Fishing
  • Spearfishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Guardian Charters include:
  • Bonito
  • Calico Bass
  • California Sheephead
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Halibut
  • Marlin (Striped)
  • Rockfish
  • Tuna (Bluefin)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Yellowtail Amberjack

Meet the Captain

Sam Skinner
San Diego, California, United States
11 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
55 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since October 2015
Originally from Hawaii, Captain Sam Skinner brings energy and exuberance to every charter. Don’t let his age fool you. After working for several years on San Diego sport boats, Captain Sam has the know-how and the work ethic to put customers on fish.

About this listing

Targeted species

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

Boat specs

Defiance (Sportfishing) originally built in 2022. Powered by 2 300HP Yamaha engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 35 knots.

Length
30 ft
Capacity
5 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Drift Fishing
Kite Fishing
Spearfishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Flybridge
Live Bait Well

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fish iced immediately We do not cut Tuna over 50lb
Snacks
Chips, granola bars, etc.
Drinks
Water and sport drinks
First Mate

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 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 not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
12 years and older
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

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

San Diego Fishing Calendar

Loading Fish Calendar!
Please Wait...

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.7 / 5
out of 5 stars from 27 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (29)
February fishing trip
Great Experience
Great San Diego Bay 4HR Bay Trip
+26
Angler rating
22
2
3
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
87%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
89%
Appropriate for children
95%
Satisfied with the boat
91%
Caught fish
74%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 27 reviews
Jed T.
Fort Collins, CO
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great San Diego Bay 4HR Bay Trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip – San Diego Bay on August 12, 2023
My wife spoiled me with a 4hr Bay Trip fishing trip in San Diego for my Birthday present. Captain Sam owner/guide of...
Jed T. recommends Guardian Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Jed T. recommends Guardian Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Dale T.
Koloa, HI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Guardian exceed our expectations!

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip – Local Fishing on June 14, 2023
We had an incredible experience with Captain Sam during our recent trip. From the moment we booked our trip to the morning...
Dale T. recommends Guardian Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Sam Skinner Captain replied

Heather C.
Kalāheo, Hawaii
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Epic fishing trip!

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip – Local Fishing on June 20, 2023
I’m not an avid fisherman but my boyfriend is and this charter was EPIC, exceeding our expectations. From start to finish...
Heather C. recommends Guardian Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Heather C. recommends Guardian Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Benny C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Experience

VERIFIED   9 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing on October 14, 2023
This was a great experience and the captain put us on the fish first thing in the morning.  He worked hard all day so everybody...
Benny C. recommends Guardian Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Benny C. recommends Guardian Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Timothy S.
Mesa, AZ
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Perfect Day

VERIFIED   3/4 Day - Coronado Islands on June 30, 2023
Our charter with Captain Sam was absolutely fantastic! It was a day filled with non-stop action. We reeled in like 100...
Timothy S. recommends Guardian Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Timothy S. recommends Guardian Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful