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Fin Runner Sportfishing
Charter operator

Fin Runner Sportfishing

San Diego, United States
250+ reviews
I grew up fishing for fun and work as a child. If we weren't fishing with my dad my mom would drop us off somewhere with our fishing rods and tackle and fish in the ocean, rivers, or sound until dark. Growing up in a fishing and boat building community really taught me the importance of the ocean and how it's food chain depends on we as a society to help sustain it. I've commercial and charter fished from North Carolina to New York, Baja Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska. I love hunting for and catching all species of fish but I also love teaching folks of the importance of sustainability. At the ripe age of eight, I caught my first billfish in the Gulf Stream off the east coast. It was a sailfish and I knew from that instance that someday I would be a charter boat captain. Do what you love, love what you do. After working on all kinds of vessels from sport fishing yachts, container ships, to different types of commercial fishing vessels I've made being a charter boat captain my number one priority. At the age of 50, this is all I do for a living

Charter

Rating

4.9
364 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

96%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
98%
Recommend this charter
94%
Appropriate for children
99%
Satisfied with the boat
81%
Caught fish

All reviews (364)

Showing 1 – 5 of 364 reviews
  • Matt Joseph
    Matt Joseph
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Let’s Go Marlin Fishing

    Full Day Trip — Offshore • 2 adults

    This is my second trip in 3 months with Brian. Both trips have been awesome. I messaged before this last trip “what are you thinking? grab some bait and chase yellowtail and Dorado?” He responded with “let’s go Marlin fishing!” I thought it was a joke. “Haha, that would be sick”. So when we headed out early only to find the bait barge out of bait, we said “let’s see what the day throws at us.” We followed some birds early and caught a few Bonita, but then decided to chase dinner. We tossed in some gear to troll and not 10 seconds into our troll Brian says “it’s a Marlin. Yep! It’s a Marlin!” As our line started going. What an incredible experience watching this thing dance on the surface, sprint toward the boat, pull line out, and then dance again. The bill ended up cutting the leader when the fish was about 10 yards away, but what a rush. We saw 3 marlin this trip. The first three of my life. Thanks again Brian, see you soon.

    Reported catch:
    Blue Marlin
    Response from Charter operator

    thanks buddy looking forward to getting you back out there!

  • Michael Bunger
    Michael Bunger
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2022
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great 4-hour San Diego Bay Fishing trip with Fin Runner

    4 Hour Trip — San Diego Bay • 4 adults

    Great trip - Brian is super-friendly, hospitable, down-to-earth, helpful, professional. Boat was perfect. Four of us went. All of us caught fish. we had no intention of keeping fish, although many were keepers. We caught and released several bass, a sand shark, a guitar fish, a corvina, a mosaic bass, a large stingray (tough 15-minute fight), a halibut. We all had a great time fishing for them and reeling them in. Dock was very nice, instructions were clear where to meet, anple parking. just overall great experience! i am going to try to go for a 6-hour fishing trip one of the next times I am visiting my daughter in San Diego.

    Reported catch:
    California Corbina
    Halibut
    Calico Bass
    Sand Bass
    Response from Charter operator

    Thanks Mike! Youre a great dad! Hope to see yall again!

  • Anson Kuo
    Anson Kuo
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    5/5 Stars – Highly Recommend Brian!

    4 Hour Trip — San Diego Bay • 4 adults • 2 children

    We had an absolutely amazing trip with Brian, even when unexpected hiccups came up! The bait shop was completely out of live bait, which was totally out of Brian's control. He did an incredible job making the absolute best of a tough situation. We ended up catching our own bait, which took a little extra time, and also tried out some lures and trolling. Despite the slow start, the kids had a blast and are already asking when we can go again! Brian is incredibly knowledgeable, patient with beginners, and fantastic with children. While we probably would have caught bigger fish with live bait, we don't regret a single second or dollar spent. It was really a wonderful experience, and we highly recommend Brian to friends, family and anyone looking for a top-notch guide!

    Response from Charter operator

    I wish my parents would have been that ebgaged and paint! Thanks again!

  • Danielle Wexler
    Danielle Wexler
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    4.7
    Verified
    NEW

    Capt Brian rocks!

    Full Day Trip — Offshore • 4 adults

    Our group had a great time out with Capt Brian and I can't imagine there are many Captains out there nicer than his is! It was a beautiful day and the boat was comfortable, though there is not a ton of seating (which is ok if you're fishing most of the time). The fish could have been biting a bit more for us, but we know that's how it goes sometimes and we look forward to definitely going out with Capt Brian again! Thank you again Capt Brian for sharing your boat and your day with us! :-)

  • Jaclyn B
    Jaclyn B
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    great day with captain Brian!

    4 Hour Trip — San Diego Bay • 3 adults

    I brought my 14 year old son and his buddy to fish the bay for his birthday. Captain Brian was so good with these boys and so fun to talk to for me, the solo mom on the trip. He knew all the spots, was super encouraging and positive, and gave the boys great tips without over selling his skills (and he’s clearly a pro). We caught halibut, makrel, spotted bass and a couple more. It’s not every day you and your teenage son both agree that it was the best day ever. Thanks for tbe special memories, Brian!

    Reported catch:
    Halibut
    Calico Bass

Real catches shared by our community

  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    Family group on a fishing boat proudly displaying a large yellowtail catch, with two young anglers wearing life jackets and a rocky coastal backdrop.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Amber R.
    Amber R.
    We had a blast riding on the boat with captain Brian! He was very friendly and talkative to my husband and I and the kids. We caught red snapper and pulled in a huge Yellowtail, which made the experience that much more exciting!!
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    Adult couple posing aboard a covered center-console boat on open water, with the boat's interior and ocean backdrop visible.
    Holly K.
    Holly K.
    We had a blast! The captain, Brian was the best. Time well spent with a lot of laughs.
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    Young angler proudly holding a large flatfish on a boat in coastal waters, with fishing gear and a city shoreline in the background.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    California Halibut
    Jaclyn B.
    Jaclyn B.
    I brought my 14 year old son and his buddy to fish the bay for his birthday. Captain Brian was so good with these boys and so fun to talk to for me, the solo mom on the trip. He knew all the spots, was super encouraging and positive, and gave the boys great tips without over selling his skills (and he’s clearly a pro). We caught halibut, makrel, spotted bass and a couple more. It’s not every day you and your teenage son both agree that it was the best day ever. Thanks for tbe special memories, Brian!
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    A majestic marlin leaps out of the water, showcasing its strength during a thrilling fishing adventure.
    Fish 1
    Sailfish
    Matt J.
    Matt J.
    This is my second trip in 3 months with Brian. Both trips have been awesome. I messaged before this last trip “what are you thinking? grab some bait and chase yellowtail and Dorado?” He responded with “let’s go Marlin fishing!” I thought it was a joke. “Haha, that would be sick”. So when we headed out early only to find the bait barge out of bait, we said “let’s see what the day throws at us.” We followed some birds early and caught a few Bonita, but then decided to chase dinner. We tossed in some gear to troll and not 10 seconds into our troll Brian says “it’s a Marlin. Yep! It’s a Marlin!” As our line started going. What an incredible experience watching this thing dance on the surface, sprint toward the boat, pull line out, and then dance again. The bill ended up cutting the leader when the fish was about 10 yards away, but what a rush. We saw 3 marlin this trip. The first three of my life. Thanks again Brian, see you soon.
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    Angler reeling in a catch while fishing from a boat in a coastal environment, showcasing the excitement of the sport.
    Fish 1
    Sand Bass
    Toni J.
    Toni J.
    even though we only had one small bite the trip was fantastic. we will definitely book on our vacation next year. so much fun!! capt brian is amazing!
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    Angler proudly displaying a large Yellowtail on a fishing charter in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Jesse S.
    Jesse S.
    Brain was awesome. Made sure I was able to permits ahead of time. Was on thime to meet. Boat was in great condition. Knowledgeable and knew where to go. We caught some great California yellow tails. He even fillet them for me. Definitely worth going on this trip again. Thanns for the memories Brian. Jesse
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    Two anglers posing on a boat, wearing matching fishing attire, with a scenic ocean backdrop.
    Justin B.
    Justin B.
    Sadly we didn't catch any fish. That said we did have interactions with 2 coast guard vessels and 1 homeland vessel. Son and i learned a lot, we tried several different methods to try and catch fish. maybe saw 3 or 4 rods on ther boats that day that had fish. seemed like a lot of boats werent catching. it happens. our captain Brain tried different spots and methods to get us on fish. he did everything he could to get us on fish, rerigging lines, switching from live bait to artificial, just no bites. my son amd i still had a great time and experience. we both will book again with Brian on the Fin Runner.
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    Freshly cut pieces of tuna fillet displayed on a cutting board, showcasing the vibrant red color, ideal for sushi or sashimi preparation.
    Fish 1
    Yellowfin Tuna
    Super fun day with Bert and his two daughters, Lorna and Vanessa. Such nice folks! Yellowfin were thick????
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    Two adult anglers proudly display a large yellowtail jack aboard a fishing boat near a rugged coastal mountain shoreline.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Matthew V.
    Matthew V.
    had a great time with captian scott and his son very good crew
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    A proud moment as a young angler holds a small shark while posing with a smiling adult and another child on a boat at the dock.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Bonnethead Shark
    Sara F.
    Sara F.
    Had such a great time! We caught Halibut, Bass, Shark, Bonita, played with Seals & saw facintaing marine life!!! It was an epic trip☀️🎣thanks so much Captain Brian!

What's biting with Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters in San Diego

The warm water species have definitely left the area, with some overnight trips still taking you south to Mexican waters to follow them. Closer to home, your main targets will be Yellowtail, Rockfish, and Halibut.

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

Freshly cut pieces of tuna fillet displayed on a cutting board, showcasing the vibrant red color, ideal for sushi or sashimi preparation.

Great Day of Yellowfin Fishing!

Aug 12, 2026 • San Diego
Super fun day with Bert and his two daughters, Lorna and Vanessa. Such nice folks! Yellowfin were thick????
Show more
Close-up of a vibrant Mahi Mahi, showcasing its striking yellow and blue colors, resting on a cleaning table.

FIN RUNNER w/ Capt Brian

Jul 13, 2026 • San Diego
Excellent dorado and yellowtail catching this morning!!!!!
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A young angler proudly displaying a large Yellowtail while fishing from a boat, with a city skyline in the background.

Fishing is firing up

Jul 4, 2021 • San Diego
August is booking fast!
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An angler proudly displaying a vibrant Mahi Mahi while fishing offshore, showcasing a sunny day on the water.

2020 on fire so far

Jul 15, 2020 • San Diego
Yellowfin, yellowtail, making a early showing
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An angler proudly displaying a catch of colorful rockfish aboard a boat, with a scenic marina backdrop.

Great Quality Reds On My Secret Spot Hal

Mar 31, 2018 • San Diego
Yesterday's party saw great quality reds in just three hours on their first ever ocean trip! Thanks guys!
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Baby mako for the kids!

Aug 20, 2017 • San Diego
Seems like every kid that gets on the boat always asks the same question, "Do you think we'll get to see a shark today"? These kids got lucky and the stars lined up! Of course she was released.
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