Visitors and residents alike come to California’s coastal towns year-round to enjoy plenty of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation, as well as enjoy the ocean, beaches, and all the fun activities the West Coast has to offer. While many visitors will dress in bathing suits and gather their beach gear for a day full of sand and water adventures like kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and more, or some time on shore building sandcastles, strolling the beach, and enjoying the perfect California beach day, some have come in search of the next big fish story. Pack your bags – and make sure your fishing gear makes the list, too – and head to Coronado for a fishing expedition on the California coast like no other. Make sure you secure the proper California fishing license and boater safety certification as well as checking out our fishing guide for Coronado before following our guide to the best places to drop a line.
Types of Fish
As with most locales, different fish favor the waters surrounding Coronado at different times of the year. You may plan your Coronado fishing adventure with some knowledge of the species you hope to catch, but it’s also a good idea to check out a local fishing report, or a fishing guide for Coronado once you’ve arrived for the most up-to-date information on what you can expect to find on your hook. Some species include a variety of bass including largemouth, spotted sand, kelp, and barred sand bass, along with California halibut, bluegill, rainbow trout, shovelnose guitarfish, yellowtail amberjack, and many others. Keep in mind the type of fish you hook will not only depend on when, but also where around Coronado you drop your line.
Ocean Beach Municipal Pier
Drop anchor and cast a line in the waters around the pier. You can expect a calmer environment as there are no dogs or motorized vehicles allowed in the area on land. You can also stretch your legs on a walk down the pier that spans a generous 1,971 feet out into the waves. Go to the end of the “T” and cast a line in search of bass, perch, mackerel, and seasonally, California spiny lobster. The area is open 24 hours a day, so you can get an early start, or while away the entire day and into the night.
Coronado Central Beach
You will probably find yourself exploring the land around the famous Hotel Del Coronado, but you’ll also find great fishing on the water. Set alongside the hotel is the beach, where you’ll want to cast a line with a great view of the many Coronado sights. One drawback is that, due to the hotel, the area is much busier. An advantage is that there is a separate beach where visitors can stretch their legs with their dogs, surf, swim, or take part in other beach and water activities with minimal disturbance to anglers. Take a break from fishing during very low tide. Off the southern side of the hotel, you can see the shipwreck of the S.S. Monte Carlo, a boat known for gambling in the area in the 1930s. The beach is open past sunset, so you can enjoy a full day on the water, both fishing and enjoying other beach activities.
Coronado Ferry Landing Pier
It’s one of the area’s best kept secrets when it comes to great fishing spots. Located on Coronado Island and tucked behind the Coronado Ferry Landing shopping complex, it’s not exactly first on the radar. The 377-foot-long pier is an excellent spot for sand bass, spotted bay bass, mackerel, and bonito in designated areas around the pier. Near the pier there’s also a great spot for perch, croakers, rays, and even sharks. You’ll have to bring your own bait, and snacks and drinks for yourself, but you can head ashore to the shopping center if you need to stock up. There are also restrooms a short walk from the pier. The pier is open 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Shelter Island Pier
Great anglers go where the fish are biting! Set sail over from Coronado to Shelter Island Pier, where there’s always some great activity both in and out of the water. After you’re done, or for a break after a spectacular catch, head to the pier and find a beautiful waterfront for long walks, a swim, sunning on the sand, and other California beach activities you came to enjoy. Check out the shopping, dining, and other activities at the pier that will keep you busy if you want to stay a while longer. Include a stop by Fathom Bistro Bait & Tackle: they offer San Diego-made 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. Make sure to stay at least 100 yards from any Navy vessel unless authorized by the official patrol. The pier is open 24 hours a day, so you can spend all the time you like in search of your next great fish story.
Silver Strand State Beach
It can be a busy place, as the park features RV camping, surfing, swimming, an aquatic center, picnic area, and more. It’s a great place to hook perch, corbina, and yellow-fin croakers, and in the summer, grunion.
Deep Sea Fishing
You’ll want to make sure to reserve a vessel that can handle the environment of the deep sea off of Coronado. When reserving your boat, speak with a representative about which ones are best to take on the high seas of the Pacific.
Dock & Dine
When your stomach rumbles while you’re out on the water and you’ve gone through all your snacks, take advantage of the area restaurants that participate in the unique “dock & dine” experience. Participating restaurants allow you to pull up to the dock, and some deliver the delicious eats right to your vessel. Some restaurants even have first-come, first-served slips where you can moor your boat and sit down in the comfort of the restaurant. There is a myriad of restaurants to choose from for every meal of the day, including a soothing nightcap after an exciting day on the water.
Sea Life Watching
Set sail in search of your next big fish story, as well as other sea life. Take a break from the rod and reel and captaining your own vessel and let someone else take the helm. There are several charter companies on Coronado that take you out into the depths of the Pacific in search of a glimpse of sea life. Bring your camera and keep your eyes peeled for sightings of dolphins, whales, and more. You can book a private tour for you and your fishing buddies or share the experience and make new friends.
Water Activities
Sand and water activities are endless during your Coronado fishing vacation. Trade in your fishing gear for a while for snorkel or SCUBA gear, stand up paddle board, surfboard, or equipment for another water activity. You could also opt to just splash around in the waves with your fellow anglers for a swim. Whatever you choose, fishing and boating are not your only options for a memorable time in Coronado. Another bonus to membership: Carefree Boat Club has much of the beach gear you’ll need.
Coronado Surfing Academy
A visit to Coronado isn’t complete without taking part in a myriad of water activities, aside from the fishing that’s the star of your excursion. Swimming, snorkeling, setting sail in your Carefree Boat Club vessel, and more all await, but one of the most thrilling water activities along the southern California coast is surfing. If it’s on your bucket list, make sure to check it off on your Coronado visit with some lessons at Coronado Surfing Academy. The knowledgeable instructors take you from land classes to surfing the waves in no time. Students six and older just need to grab a swimsuit and towel and they’ll provide the rest.
Gondola Company
If you think you need to travel abroad to take a gondola ride, think again. The canals and waterways of the Coronado Cays are ripe for a gondola cruise through U.S. waters on a break from fishing. Cruises are 50 minutes long and boats carry up to six passengers. Add on wine, non-alcoholic beverages, or chocolate truffles, for a romantic experience if your favorite fishing buddy is also your significant other. All ages are welcome aboard. Cruises are Wednesday-Friday 3-10 p.m. and weekends from noon-11 p.m. Reservations are required.
Parks
There are several municipal parks with direct access to the beach. Set sail for the areas around Tidelands Park, Centennial Park, J Street Marina Bayside Park, and others to find great fishing in the surrounding waters, as well as fun places on land to take a break from the sun and water and enjoy a picnic, or watch the kids play on a playground.
Downtown Coronado
There’s more to Coronado than sand, water, and piers. Take a break from the water and explore historic downtown Coronado. See historic buildings and learn about the area’s history, then take time to enjoy the shops, restaurants, and other entertainment venues there for an experience that goes beyond the beach.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Make sure to take some time to learn about San Diego’s maritime history during your Coronado angling adventure, too. The Maritime Museum of San Diego is the 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 through permanent and temporary exhibits that tell the story of how the industry influences 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. For an additional fee, take a historic bay cruise guided by museum captains.
Theme Parks
The amusement parks and attractions like SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and others are waiting to give you a day away from the water if you choose. Enjoy everything the parks have to offer, including holiday programs in the winter months celebrating Christmas, New Year’s, and other celebrations.
Golf
Take some time on land, put away the boat key, and grab a golf cart key. There are several golf courses in the Coronado area where you can challenge yourself or your fishing buddies to a round on the links. Choose the course that’s right for you and call to make a tee time. If your fishing gear couldn’t make room for your clubs on the packing list, ask about club and other gear rentals that may be available at the clubhouse when booking.
Bayshore Bikeway
Stretch your legs after a day on the boat and get some exercise. Coronado, San Diego, and the surrounding area is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, no matter what time of year you come. From fishing and hanging at the beach, to golfing, hiking, or whatever else sparks your interest, there’s plenty of outdoor fun ready for you in San Diego. Experience it a little differently and rent a bike, then 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 and attractions – all while being surrounded by ocean scenery.
Coronado Fishing with Boat Club Benefits
Once you seek out the best locations to cast a line around Coronado, you’ll want to make sure you can get to each spot, settle in, and have everything you need – including a fishing vessel that can handle the waters of Coronado and the surrounding area, your crew, and everyone’s fishing gear and necessary supplies. Have your bases covered – as well as some others you might not have thought of – with a Carefree Boat Club membership. We have the boat you need when you need it so you can plan your ultimate Coronado fishing experience. Avoid the hit-and-miss availability of small rental companies, as well as the hassles like storage, maintenance, trailering, covering, cleaning, or extra fees like insurance and mooring that come with owning and transporting your own boat. Reserve a fishing boat or any other type of vessel and be rest assured it will be ready for your use each time you show up at our marina during your reservation period!
Contact us to book your favorite vessel and create a Coronado fishing getaway to remember!