San Diego Offshore

San Diego, CA, United States · Saltwater · Advanced

The long-range sport fishing capital. Head offshore from Point Loma for bluefin and yellowfin tuna, yellowtail on the kelp paddies, and dorado in warm-water years.

Getting there & access

  • Fish from: boat
  • Boat ramp: Port of San Diego operates free public launch ramps at Chula Vista (J Street Marina Park), National City (next to Pepper Park) and Shelter Island, each with trailer parking; Glorietta Bay in Coronado is a separate, city-run anchorage requiring a Harbor Police permit
  • Parking: Large trailer-parking lots at all three Port-operated ramps
  • Facilities: Restrooms (all three Port ramps), Picnic areas (Chula Vista, National City), 24-hour bait barge (Shelter Island)

These ramps are inside San Diego Bay, well short of the offshore grounds this spot is about — most anglers targeting tuna, yellowtail or dorado book a multi-day sport-boat charter rather than launching a trailered boat themselves.

Access information source

Species

  • yellowfin tuna
  • yellowtail
  • dorado

Best times to fish

  • Tuna season (Jun-Oct)
  • Yellowtail (Apr-Sep)
  • Warm-water years for dorado

Recommended gear

Essential

  • Heavy spin or conventional outfit (40-80lb)
  • Flat-fall jigs and surface irons
  • Live sardines or mackerel
  • Fluorocarbon leader

Optional

  • Multi-day sport boat charter
  • Fighting belt
  • Seasickness tablets

Regulations and requirements

  • California sport fishing licence with ocean enhancement validation required
  • Some trips enter Mexican waters — a Mexican licence is then required
  • Check current CDFW size and bag limits

Rules change regularly — always confirm with the relevant fisheries authority before you fish.

Nearby fishing spots

More fishing spots in United States · Browse all fishing spots · View the fishing map