Timing Is Everything—Don’t Be That Angler Who Misses Out
Ever show up to a party just as the last beer gets cracked? That’s what booking a fishing charter in the wrong season feels like. The fish were here—yesterday.
Offshore fishing in San Diego is legendary. But not all months are created equal. Some seasons are an all-you-can-catch buffet, while others are, well… let’s just say you’ll have more time to admire the sunrise. So, when should you book your offshore charters San Diego to hook into the action? Let’s break it down.
Spring (March – May): The Warm-Up Round
Spring is when the offshore game starts waking up. It’s not the main event just yet, but if you know what you’re doing, you can still score big.
What’s biting?
- Yellowtail—sprinting near kelp paddies like they’re late for a meeting.
- White seabass—if you can find them, they’re worth the fight.
- Rockfish—seasonal opener, steady action, zero complaints.
Yellowtail start creeping in, and by May, you might even spot the first tuna arrivals. Not peak madness, but definitely a good time to shake off the winter rust.
Best for: Anglers who like a challenge and hate summer crowds.
Summer (June – August): Full-Throttle Fishing
This is it. The Super Bowl of San Diego offshore fishing. If you want chaos, adrenaline, and the best shot at a fish that makes your arms ache for days, summer is your season.
What’s out there?
- Yellowfin & bluefin tuna—because everyone wants a shot at a 200-pounder.
- Dorado—bright, acrobatic, and all kinds of fun.
- Marlin—only for those who like their fights long and exhausting.
- Yellowtail—still here, still fast, still a solid bet.
This is when the big-game species invade. Bluefin tuna? Absolute units. Dorado? Flashy, furious, and delicious. If you’re serious about fishing, this is your window. Book early—good charters sell out fast.
Best for: Hardcore anglers and thrill-seekers. Bring your A-game.
Fall (September – November): Tuna Domination, Fewer Boats
Think summer was wild? Fall is just as good—maybe better. Why? The fish are still here, but
the boat traffic isn’t.
Target species:
- Bluefin tuna (big, mean, and still hungry)
- Yellowfin tuna (solid numbers, fast action)
- Marlin (if you haven’t checked this off your list yet, now’s the time)
- Wahoo (a rare but glorious bonus)
This is peak big bluefin season. The tuna that stuck around got bigger, stronger, and meaner. If you’ve ever dreamed of battling a fish that might just pull you overboard, fall is your time.
Best for: Anglers who love tuna and hate crowds.
Winter (December – February): The Offseason That’s Not Really Off
Alright, so you won’t find summer-level action out here in winter. But does that mean you should
stay onshore? Absolutely not.
What’s still around?
- Yellowtail—consistent and always ready to play.
- Rockfish—deep drop, steady bite, great for fish tacos.
- Lingcod—ugly but tasty.
- The occasional bluefin tuna (if you’re lucky).
Winter fishing is about playing it smart. Less flash, more strategy. If you enjoy deep-sea fishing, dropping bait to the bottom, and filling the cooler with rockfish and lingcod, this is your season. Plus, charter rates drop, and you won’t be fighting for rail space.
Best for: Laid-back anglers who want action without the chaos.
Book Your Offshore Charter in San Diego—Before Everyone Else Does
Fish don’t wait. If you want in on San Diego’s offshore action, you need to plan ahead. Whether you’re dreaming of a record-breaking tuna or just looking for a solid day on the water, the right season makes all the difference.