Visitors and residents alike come to California’s coastal towns to rest, relax, recharge, and enjoy the ocean and beaches and all the fun activities the coast has to offer. While many will dress in bathing suits and gather beach gear for a day on the shore 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 to San Diego’s Point Loma for fishing – a dream vacation like no other. Don’t forget to secure a California fishing license before heading out.
Shelter Island Pier
An angler always wants to go wherever the fish are biting. Set a course for the area around the Shelter Island Pier. You may hook yellowfin croaker, mackerel, calico and sea bass, and occasionally halibut, shovelnose sharks, and bat rays. Head to the pier after your expedition and find beautiful waterfront for long walks, a swim, sunning on the sand, and more. There is also shopping, dining, and other activities to keep you busy. 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.
Point Loma Fishing Near Kelp
If you’re looking to hook California halibut or calico bass, the kelp around Point Loma is the place to be. Cast your line in the open water area in the kelp bed between land and the kelp forest. You’ll want to make sure to keep your safety gear at hand and your eye on the waves. There are unpredictable swells that break and cause a stir in the area.
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
The historic lighthouse was the first lighthouse to guide sailors on the waters of San Diego Bay. It stands 422 feet above sea level and served the area from 1855-1891, when a new house was built 100 yards to the south. The old house’s light could be seen – in good weather – for 25 miles, but should fog or low clouds obscure the light, it could not be seen. The flaw resulted in the new house at the Whale Overlook.
Vessel Restaurant & Bar
You’re going to hear your stomach rumble while you’re out on the water. No matter if it’s a meal to start the day, a mid-day break, or the celebration of a good day on the water, you’ll find delicious food and a coastal vibe like no other. Located in the Kona Kai Resort, the venue has a beautiful view of the water. You can even enjoy live music from local artists Wednesday-Sunday evenings and at brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Choose from breakfasts like oatmeal, house-made granola, omelets, pancakes, and more. Come for lunch and sample house-cured salmon, an array of salads and sandwiches, and sweet treats like Key Lime pie or chocolate ganache. Wrap up your day with dinners including linguini Bolognese, pork chops, or their Vessel Burger. There are selections for the kids, as well as wine, beers – including local brews – cocktails, and other thirst-quenchers.
Point Loma Bunkers
Go back in time to World War I and II. Point Loma was a major military outpost in those times, due to the fact that the peninsula forms a natural barrier at the entrance of San Diego Bay. The land rises 422 feet above sea level, making the point the perfect place for strategic views of San Diego Harbor and the ocean. Visit the searchlight bunkers, fire control stations, and gun batteries the military built between 1918 and 1943. There’s also a radio station that today houses an exhibit, as well as other wartime remains.
Cabrillo National Monument & Tide Pools
The area was named for Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo, the first European explorer who arrived on the west coast in 1542. Not only is there a beautiful monument to Cabrillo rising over the sea, but there are tide pools teeming with ocean life and plenty of hiking trails and other outdoor activities. While the park is open year-round, the best time to visit the tide pools is in the fall and winter months when low tide happens during park hours. You can visit during spring and summer too, but tides are higher during park hours, making enjoying the tide pools a little more elusive.
Wild Things Pizza & Beer
Some of the best pizza in the area is waiting for you after you hop off the boat. With names like King Kong – a pizza loaded with mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, green bell peppers mushrooms, and black olives – you know your appetite will be satisfied. Even if you’re in the mood for something simple like the Enzo (pepperoni), or the Max (just cheese), you’ll find something on the menu. If you’re not tempted by the pizza offerings, choose the chicken wings in a variety of flavors, a Philly cheese steak sandwich, or a Greek or Caesar salad. Finish off the meal with desserts like cupcakes, bananas foster, or a delicious cinnamon roll.
Fishing Point Loma
Once you seek out the best locations to cast a line in Port Loma, you’ll want to make sure you can get to your chosen spot and have everything you need to catch your next prize fish. That includes a fishing boat that can handle the waters of the Pacific as well as carry your whole crew and all of your gear. Have all your bases covered with a membership to the Carefree Boat Club. There are locations all across the U.S., including Point Loma, that have the boat you need when you need it. Avoid the hit-and-miss availability of small rental companies as well as 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 between locations. Reserve a boat at any of our 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 Point Loma fishing trip!