By the late 1940s, San Diego's commercial fishing industry hauled in as much as two-thirds of the nation's supply of tuna, so it's no wonder San Diego excites sportfishers. The sportfishing fleet consists of more than 75 large commercial vessels and several dozen private charter yachts, and a variety of half-, full-, and multi-day trips are available. The saltwater fishing season kicks off each spring with the traditional Port of San Diego Day at the Docks, held the last weekend in April or at the beginning of May at Sportfishing Landing, near Shelter Island; for more information, call tel. 619/234-8793 or see www.sportfishing.org. Anglers of any age can fish free of charge without a license off any municipal pier in California. Public fishing piers are on Shelter Island (where there's a statue dedicated to anglers), Ocean Beach, and Imperial Beach.
Summer and fall are ideal for fishing, when the waters around Point Loma are brimming with bass, bonito, and barracuda; the Islas los Coronados, which belong to Mexico but are only about 18 miles from San Diego, are popular for yellowtail, yellowfin, and big-eyed tuna. Some outfitters will take you farther into Baja California waters on multi-day trips. Fishing charters depart from Harbor and Shelter Islands, Point Loma, the Imperial Beach pier, and Quivira Basin in Mission Bay (near the Hyatt Islandia Hotel). Participants over 16 need a California fishing license.
Rates for trips on a large boat average $38 for a half-day trip or $80 for a 3/4-day trip, or you can spring $110 to $160 for a 20-hour overnight trip to the Islas los Coronados -- call around and compare prices. Prices are reduced for kids, and discounts are often available for twilight sailings; charters or "limited load" rates are also available. The following outfitters offer short or extended outings with daily departures: H&M Landing, 2803 Emerson St. (tel. 619/222-1144; www.hmlanding.com); Lee Palm Sportfishers, 2801 Emerson St. (tel. 619/224-3857; www.redrooster3.com); Point Loma Sportfishing, 1403 Scott St. (tel. 619/223-1627; www.pointlomasportfishing.com); and Seaforth Sportfishing, 1717 Quivira Rd. (tel. 619/224-3383; www.seaforthlanding.com). All of these shops rent tackle. Fly fishing for sea bass or halibut is also possible: Andy Montana's, 957 Orange Ave., Coronado (tel. 619/435-9992; www.andymontanas.com), rents equipment and provides guides (starting at $175) for shoreline fishing around Coronado and San Diego Bay; classes are also offered on an ongoing basis.
For freshwater fishing, San Diego's lakes and rivers are home to bass, channel and bullhead catfish, bluegill, trout, crappie, and sunfish. Most lakes have rental facilities for boats, tackle, and bait, and they also provide picnic and (usually) camping areas. A 1-day California State Fishing License costs $12; a 1-year license is $37. For information on lake fishing, call the city's Lakes Line tel. 619/465-3474.
For more information on fishing in California, contact the California Department of Fish and Game (tel. 858/467-4201; www.dfg.ca.gov). For fishing in Mexican waters, including the area off the Coronado Islands, angling permits are required. Most charter companies will take care of the details, but if not, contact the Mexican Department of Fisheries, 2550 Fifth Ave., Suite 15, San Diego, CA 92103-6622 (tel. 619/233-4324).
