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 coast has to offer. Winter months bring those looking for a warmer climate to enjoy the outdoors when snow may blanket the area around their home. While many visitors will dress in bathing suits and gather beach gear for a day on the shore that includes swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or building sandcastles together, some are searching for their next big fish story. Pack your bags – and your fishing gear – and head out for a winter fishing San Diego trip of a lifetime. Don’t forget to secure a California fishing license and brush up on local rules and regulations.

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 where. When fishing the waters of San Diego during the winter months, you can hook Rock Cod, Rockfish, sharks, and more. The staff at Carefree Boat Club might have some recommendations and advice, too.

Shelter Island Pier

An angler always wants to go wherever the fish are biting. Shelter Island Pier always has some great San Diego winter fishing activity both in the water and out. After you’re done on the water, head to the pier and find beautiful waterfront for long walks, a swim, sunning on the sand, and whatever else you please. You’ll want to check out the shopping, dining, and other activities to keep you busy if you want to stay a while longer. Stop by Fathom Bistro Bait & Tackle offering San Diego craft beers, homemade sausages, and other delicious eats. While you’re out, expect other boats, including U.S. Navy ships.

Skating by the Sea

Lace up your ice skates for a one-of-a-kind San Diego experience. Every year, Hotel Del Coronado hosts their “Skating by the Sea,” where visitors and locals alike can get in some ice time under the beat of the California sun. On the lawn of the hotel, just a few feet from the sand and waters of ocean, you’ll be able to experience winter fun on the beachfront rink. Times vary by day, and there are special hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. You can see the full calendar on the hotel’s website. General Admission is $35. Special rates of $30 apply for military personnel on Mondays and Wednesdays, and First Responders on Tuesdays. All proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish San Diego.

Maritime Museum of San Diego

At some point during your winter fishing San Diego adventure, take some time to learn about San Diego’s maritime history. The Maritime Museum of San Diego is a great place to learn about the city’s influence on maritime history. You’ll have a chance to see historic sea vessels, board museum-ships and submarines, and browse permanent and temporary exhibits. Get a glimpse of everything maritime history, commerce, and exploration related to San Diego. You can even opt to take a historic bay cruise for an additional fee.

The Holidays

If you plan your winter fishing getaway around the winter holidays, San Diego celebrates in style. The amusement parks and attractions like SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and others put on their seasonal best to celebrate Christmas and other winter holidays, even when there’s no snow on the ground. Check for other events and shows like theater productions of classic Christmas tales, holiday concerts, and more. If you winter fishing journey happens around the turn of the year, prepare yourself for a New Year’s Eve celebration like no other.

Bayshore Bikeway

San Diego and the surrounding area is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, no matter what time of year it is. Whether it’s hanging at the beach, fishing, golfing, hiking, or something else, there’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had. Rent a bike and wander the paved Bayshore Bikeway trail that wanders 24 miles around San Diego Bay. You’ll pass locales like Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and Coronado, historical sites, attractions – and plenty of beautiful scenery. Hop off and wander on foot at any destination along the path.

Water Activities

In addition to the variety of boats you have to choose from to make your perfect San Diego fishing trip on the waters, membership at Carefree Boat Club means the water fun never ends. If you’ve caught your limit for the day, or need a break and a bite to eat, 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 your day on the water one to remember. If your ultimate fishing trip is done, but you can’t resist boating the waters of San Diego a little more, reserve a different boat like a tritoon, cruiser, or double-decker pontoon.

Winter Fishing in San Diego

Once you seek out the best locations to cast a line, you’ll want to make sure you can get to your chosen spot, settle in, and have everything you need to catch your next big fish story this winter. That includes a fishing boat that can handle the waters of the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean, as well as carry your whole crew and all of your gear. Have all those bases covered – along with some others you might not have thought of – with a membership to Carefree Boat Club. There are locations all across the U.S., including San Diego, that have the boat you need when you need it. Avoid the hit-and-miss availability of small rental companies, the hassle of storage, maintenance, trailering, covering, and cleaning, as well as fees 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 other locations and it will be ready for your use each time you show up at our marinas during your reservation period.

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