San Diego Fishing and Boating
San Diego fishing is popular year-round with great inshore fishing for halibut, corbina, mackerel, barracuda, bonito, kelp bass, bonefish, and more. Offshore catches include striped marlin, bluefin and yellowfin tuna, white sea bass, dorado, and skipjack. Fishing is prohibited along the marine preserve from La Jolla Cove north to Torrey Pines.The 1,971-foot Ocean Beach Pier, reputed to be the longest concrete pier in the world, is open 24 hours a day and offers a bait and tackle shop, snacks, restrooms, fish cleaning stations, benches, and lights. Crystal Pier, located in Pacific Beach at the end of Garnet Ave, is another popular San Diego fishing spot. Other great San Diego pier fishing can be found at Oceanside Pier and downtown's Embarcadero.
Vacationers staying in
Numerous local operators offer fishing charters ranging from half-day outings to three-week fishing trips off the Baja coast. Half-day offshore charters start at about $400 and kayak fishing runs about $175 per person for a full day. Boat rentals in San Diego are available from several marinas in the area and kayak rentals in San Diego are a great way to explore the coastline.
Anglers who are 16 years of age or older are required to possess a California fishing license and to display it on their outer clothing, above the waistline, while fishing. However, licenses are not required when fishing from public fishing piers. Fees range from about $12 for a one-day sport fishing license to $100 for an annual non-resident permit.
California fishing licenses are available from local sporting goods stores or from the California Department of Fish and Game License Sales office at 4949 Viewridge Ave. in San Diego; phone: 858-467-4201, hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you're taking an excursion into Baja waters, you'll need a Mexican fishing permit as well. Fishing charter services should be able to assist with license requirements.
