Visitors and residents alike come to California’s coastal towns to rest, relax, recharge, and enjoy the ocean, beaches, and all the fun activities the West Coast has to offer year-round. Springtime brings those tourists looking for a warmer climate to enjoy the outdoors in anticipation of the summer to come. While many visitors will dress in bathing suits and gather beach gear for a day on the shore that includes water activities like stand up paddleboarding, swimming, kayaking, and other water and sandy fun, others are on a search for their next big fish story. Pack your bags – and make sure your fishing gear makes the packing list – and head out for a fishing in San Diego, CA trip of a lifetime this spring in San Diego. Don’t forget to secure a California fishing license and brush up on local rules and regulations before dropping a line in the water.

Types of Fish

Before you head out, you’ll want to check your local fishing report for the most up-to-date news on what’s biting and where. Fish that swam further south for the winter begin to reappear for the summer season. Plan on reeling in bluefin, rock cod and rockfish, calico bass, halibut, and more. You can always ask the advice of local bait shops or the staff at Carefree Boat Club could have some suggestions, too.

Shelter Island Pier

Not only is it a prime place for the best fishing in San Diego, it’s a prime place for many other activities. After you’re done on the water, head to the pier and find beautiful waterfront for long walks, a swim, soaking up the sun, and other California beach activities you won’t want to miss this spring. You’ll want to check out the shopping, dining, and other activities at the pier that will keep you busy if you want to stretch your stay out to a whole day. Include a stop by Fathom Bistro Bait & Tackle, which offers San Diego craft beers, homemade sausages, and other delicious eats when you need a mid-day snack or post-trip celebration. While you’re out, expect other boats, including U.S. Navy ships.

Baseball

Spring is a great time for a baseball game. Check the Padres’ schedule to see if there’s a home game during your trip. If you’re lucky, they’ll be playing your home team and the game will be that much more exciting.

Water Activities

The water begins to warm up little by little in the spring months. While many will jump in to cool off from the head of the California sun no matter what season it may be, the waters of spring and summer will keep you paddling around much longer. In addition to the variety of boats you have to choose from to create your perfect fishing trip on the waters of San Diego, membership at Carefree Boat Club means the water fun never has to end. If your fishing adventure is through for the day, or you need a break, or the non-anglers of the group are wondering where you are, head back in to the marina and exchange poles and bait for stand up paddleboards, tubes, wakeboards, water skis, inflatable docks, and other water toys to make each of your days on the water special. If your ultimate fishing in San Diego, CA trip is done, but you can’t resist boating the waters of San Diego, reserve a different boat. We have everything from tritoons and cruisers, to double-decker pontoons and more.

Whale and Wildlife Watching

December through April are prime months for catching a glimpse of whales and other marine wildlife. It’s prime time for gray whale migration, and you might even get a chance at spotting fin whales, humpback whales, as well as Pacific bottlenose dolphins and many more. Charter a tour where the captain knows the best places for up-close spotting but keeps a good distance to not spook or injure the animals in an accident.

Maritime Museum of San Diego

Make sure to take some time to learn about San Diego’s maritime history during your angling adventure. The Maritime Museum of San Diego is a great place to learn about the city’s maritime history. It has everything from historic sea vessels to museum-ships and submarines where you can browse permanent and temporary exhibits that reflect everything the industry is to San Diego and the surrounding area. Get a glimpse of everything maritime history, exploration, and commerce that makes San Diego a unique part of seafaring life. You can even opt to take a historic bay cruise guided by museum captains for an additional fee.

Cinco De Mayo

Mexican food and San Diego go hand-in-hand. The town’s proximity to the U.S./Mexico border means Mexican heritage, tradition, and culture no doubt spills over into many areas of the town. If you’re fishing journey brings you to San Diego around Cinco De Mayo, stow away the fishing gear and head to Old Town San Diego for a Cinco De Mayo experience like no other. You and the rest of the crowd will enjoy tacos, margaritas, and live entertainment during an epic celebration to remember.

Bayshore Bikeway

Stretch your legs after a day on the boat. San Diego and the surrounding area is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, no matter what time of year it is. From hanging at the beach to fishing, golfing, hiking, or whatever else sparks your interest, there’s plenty of outdoor fun ready for you in San Diego. Rent a bike and follow the paved 24-mile Bayshore Bikeway trail that wanders and winds around San Diego Bay. You’ll pass locales like Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and Coronado, historical sites, attractions – all while being surrounded by ocean scenery.

Spectacular Spring Fishing in San Diego

Once you seek out the best fishing in San Diego this spring, you’ll want to make sure you can get to your chosen spot, settle in, and have everything you need to catch the feature of your next big fish story. That includes a fishing boat that can handle the waters of the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean, as well as have the space for all of your crew and gear. Have all those bases covered – and even ones you haven’t thought of – with a membership to Carefree Boat Club. There are locations across the U.S., including San Diego, that have exactly the boat you need whenever you need it. Avoid the hit-and-miss availability of small rental companies with limited selection, and the hassle of storage, maintenance, trailering, covering, and cleaning, added to expenses like insurance and mooring that come with owning your own boat and transporting it long-distance between locations. Reserve a boat in San Diego or any of our locations and it will be ready for your use any time you show up at our marinas during your reservation period.

Contact us today to book your next great spring San Diego fishing trip!