Charter Fishing recommendations (San Diego, Oceanside: rent, construction, cars)

[ghost87]

I'm looking into charter fishing for my son (12 yrs old) and myself either in San Diego or in Oceanside. Fresh water fishing. I'm no fisherman, but wanted to see if anyone has done this and has recommendations for a good charter fishing company.

[jnojr]

Helgren, H&M Landing. It was years and years ago for me, but they're still around, so that says something!

[1AngryTaxPayer]

It depends on what you want to chase. It also depends on whether either of you get sea sick. This time of year it's mostly inshore rockfish but some 3/4 days got into the smaller yellow tail (jacks) and blue fin tuna. Inshore you can still get into bass and halibut. There are landings in Mission Bay, Shelter Island. I'd avoid OC right now because of the construction and events.

I used to be partial to Seaforth but don't normally ride cattle cars anymore.

[ghost87]

Originally Posted by 1AngryTaxPayer

It depends on what you want to chase. It also depends on whether either of you get sea sick. This time of year it's mostly inshore rockfish but some 3/4 days got into the smaller yellow tail (jacks) and blue fin tuna. Inshore you can still get into bass and halibut. There are landings in Mission Bay, Shelter Island. I'd avoid OC right now because of the construction and events.

I used to be partial to Seaforth but don't normally ride cattle cars anymore.

I get sea sick easily, so fishing in relatively calm waters would be ideal! I'm agnostic regarding the type of fish.

[echo42]

Originally Posted by ghost87

I'm looking into charter fishing for my son (12 yrs old) and myself either in San Diego or in Oceanside. Fresh water fishing. I'm no fisherman, but wanted to see if anyone has done this and has recommendations for a good charter fishing company.

You say fresh water fishing but I believe you mean salt water, as in the ocean. I am not sure of any freshwater lake fishing charters. There may be some private guide types, but I am not familiar with any lake fishing charters.

So, in the case of ocean fishing, H&M and Pt Loma Sportfishing will be what you are looking for. I would start off on a half or 3/4 day boat. I believe the Malihini, Producer, or FishermanIII would be good options for boats. If you go on these I would recommend taking dramamine 2 hours prior to departure. It will work. I have been fishing quite a while and spent many months at sea when I was younger. With that being said, I still take dramamine when it is expected to be rough. You don't want to mess up a 100 dollar fishing trip by being seasick.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by ghost87

I get sea sick easily, so fishing in relatively calm waters would be ideal! I'm agnostic regarding the type of fish.

Have you ever used a transom mounted outboard before? If so you can rent a skiff and stay in the bay. I'd suggest Mission Bay if you don't really know what you are doing as the big bay has big boats that can sink you or make your day suck. Keep an eye on the swell but it's been pretty lumpy lately. Great for surfing but not for those that get sea sick.