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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
362 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 (362)

Showing 1 – 5 of 362 reviews
  • Cortney Sharer
    Cortney Sharer
    us
    Kansas, US
    Member since 2023

    The captain canceled

    Trip was supposed to happen on October 12, 2026
    The charter operator canceled on trip date. This is an automated posting.
  • Jaclyn B
    Jaclyn B
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    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
  • 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!

Real catches shared by our community

  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    Great Memories!!!
    Amber R.
    Amber R.
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    great day on the water!
    Holly K.
    Holly K.
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    great day with captain Brian!
    Jaclyn B.
    Jaclyn B.
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    Let’s Go Marlin Fishing
    Matt J.
    Matt J.
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    highly recommend
    Toni J.
    Toni J.
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    great day of fishing
    Jesse S.
    Jesse S.
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    August fishing trip
    Justin B.
    Justin B.
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    BEST CAPTAIN EVER !
    Matthew V.
    Matthew V.
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    Epic Trip!
    Sara F.
    Sara F.
  • Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters
    Fin Runner Sportfishing ChartersSan Diego, CA
    Captain Brian was very attentive to our needs and made sure we got on some fish!!
    Josh F.
    Josh F.

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

Fall sees amazing Yellowtail fishing, with some people considering it the best time of year to catch the species in San Diego. Large numbers are caught on local half day and overnight trips.

Top catches for October

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????
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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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