What would you recommend to anglers fishing in San Diego, California for the first time?

Answers by verified FishingBooker anglers who went fishing in San Diego

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John Stacey
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Good Times Sportfishing on October 19, 2024
Know what to expect during the time of the year that you are going out and you will not be disappointed. This was my second trip off the shores of San Diego. Both times we had a great day and caught what we expected.

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Neal Gatherum
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Diamond Dogs Charters on August 10, 2024
Rather than booking a full day trip to Coronado, I would recommend a 4-6 hour trip closer to San Diego. My understanding is that you will catch bass and lingcod both places, but may actually catch more in 4 hours in the bay than you do after fishing a full day at Coronado.

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Judy Rose
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Diamond Dogs Charters on August 20, 2024
Although we didn’t fish with children, it would be fun for the older ones. The trip is not long and you can catch a lot of fish. This is a catch and release trip so perfect for people who are not looking to keep their catch. Would be a very fun trip for kids as well as adults.

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Azra Baab
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Diamond Dogs Charters on June 10, 2024
This was our first time fishing in the bay so we weren’t sure what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised by the number of fish we all caught. I think my youngest son caught more than 10+ fish. We didn’t keep any as they were not really the eating kind and they were mostly under 14”.

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James Turner
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Pelican Sportfishing on April 12, 2024
We volume fished for Rockfish. Not a lot of fight but a lot of catch. We were pulling fish out after most of the casts. This gave those in our group that didn’t fish a chance to partake in the experience by preparing/ eating catch. Other fish may give more fight but fewer catches. Angler’s choice.

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Adrian Mobilia
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Pelican Sportfishing on January 13, 2024
You can expect lots of fun, our guide was great in terms of teaching us fishing tips and fish life/ behavior. I wouldn’t expect monster catches in a costal foshing in January, but instead good catches that will let you bring a few punds of fish for consumption and a truckload of fun.

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Zechariah Bunting
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with TC's Fishing Adventures on November 26, 2023
Be patient, be adaptable, follow TC's lead, ask questions, above all relax and have fun. Development of angling skills takes time. It's not an overnight success. If you are serious, jot down notes if you need to.

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Armond Lawson
Guam
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with AP Sportfishing on July 8, 2023
It is a good idea to communicate with your captain ahead of your charter to ensure you have the same expectations of the targeted fish. It seems from other reviews that most captains are personable and enjoy sharing their love of fishing. It's just important to make your expectations clear ahead of time.

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Phil Lago
Brentwood, California
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with San Diego Fishing Company – 38' on February 15, 2020
Chris will put you on the fish. Wow what a Great trip. The ErinAnne II is tip-top, the gear is all first rate. The crew was awesome, doing everything they could to make sure we had everything we needed for a fantastic day. We’re already planning our next trip!

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Al Boezi
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Risen Tide Sportfishing on November 20, 2024
If you’re coming to San Diego in November through February make sure you have warm clothes. At least three layers to take off during your day. It’s normal on the water in the high 40s to low fi

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Joshua Stuart
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Fishing Charters Of San Diego on October 26, 2024
Bottom fishing was on fire all day and have a couple of light layers as it’s chilly in the morning and then warms up a bit durning the day.

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Lindsey Rushing
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Silva Scales n' Tales Sportfishing on October 2, 2024
Bring a jacket... even if it's warm on shore, once you are out in open water, and the boat is going, it gets cold.

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Jonathan Amspacher
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Diamond Dogs Charters on September 29, 2024
Great place to fish. You never know what’s biting. You’ll catch a lot of smaller fish in the bay, but if you want to go for the big ones, you’ll have to go out for a longer tour.

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Thomas Warnstedt
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Risen Tide Sportfishing on September 23, 2024
A four trip on the bay's calm waters is a great way to get started. Perfect amount of time to catch plenty of fish.

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Greg Hadel
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Pelican Sportfishing on August 11, 2024
Be selective about who you choose to be your fishing guide. Look at the reviews and ask for referrals. The Pelican and Captain Bobby were excellent

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Gene Jones
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Silva Scales n' Tales Sportfishing on August 11, 2024
Have fished August in San Diego before and caught fish. This trip was an exception for sure, but that is fishing.

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Roger Kehr
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Fernandez Charters on July 31, 2024
The fish catch was over the top. Our three days had us limiting out on 2 out of 3 days. Make sure your freezer is empty before you come.

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Ryan Blackburn
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with TC's Fishing Adventures on July 29, 2024
This is a great first time experience. If you don't know how to fish, TC and crew will take great care of you!

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Patrick Mulholland
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Romeo Sport Fishing San Diego on July 27, 2024
Watch some videos on how to use a conventional bait-caster reel. Bring plenty of bags of ice and coolers for what you catch. Be prepared to clean your own fish or book a slot at the processing plant.

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Bryan Hall
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Diamond Dogs Charters on July 21, 2024
Check your ego at the door. Let the Charter Captain be the expert he/she is and guide you. It will make for a much more pleasurable fishing experience!

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Bryan Bertucci
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Fish Hunter Charters on July 15, 2024
Make sure to wear layers, bring a cooler for fish to bring home and be patient. Catching fish is not guaranteed but you can always have a fun experience.

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Niranjan Shivashankar
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Marisol Fishing Charters on July 14, 2024
July is a hit and miss. June is great at the Coronado islands. Need to fish in July, consider a multi day trip on a larger vessel.

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Glenn Wolf
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Fernandez Charters on July 12, 2024
Be prepared for a day without landing any fish. Use sunscreen even if the marine layer makes it a cloudy day.

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Shane Stran
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Silva Scales n' Tales Sportfishing on June 8, 2024
Every day is different in San Diego, the variety of fish available just out of the bay is what makes fishing here so fun.

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Garrett Kramer
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Silva Scales n' Tales Sportfishing on April 20, 2024
Expect to catch good amounts of smaller fish. Big fish a few this time of year. Still a good time!

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Karry Hill
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Fishing Charters Of San Diego on April 4, 2024
This boat was fantastic for first time fisherman Gavin was on top of everything and took care of us. We can’t wait to come back.

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Edward Bird
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Brothers Sport Fishing on March 9, 2024
I don’t know much about it but we had a ton of fun and saw some tuna but they just weren’t biting

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Dean Orvis
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Fishing Charters Of San Diego on January 27, 2024
It was perfect for catching a variety of 10 to 20 inch fish, my first time fishing off shore in 20 years

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Kenyon Roberts
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Romeo Sport Fishing San Diego on November 21, 2023
If you have never been on a boat follow the Captain’s recommendation about motion sickness prevention. Tons of different fish species to catch.

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Michael Levin
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Pelican Sportfishing on October 6, 2023
Action was good but not being able to keep Rockfish in October caught inshore is kind of bummer. But this charter did well to put us on keeper fish (whitefish) so still fun!