Definition of Long Range Sport Fishing

Long Range Sportfishing is defined, at least by me, as any trip exceeding 3 days or 300 miles in distance. The shorter 1/2, 3/4, FULL, MULTI-DAY trips work for most anglers who want to just catch fish. But if what you are looking for is more than just that, read on. It goes like this, this trip is an adventure not only into new types of fishing and new species, but also into Mexican waters and Offshore Banks. Certain species of fish, and certainly the largest examples, are often found at these remote, low pressure, solitary fishing spots that may not have been fished for months before your arrival. Small boats can not get there, and sometimes even larger vessels can not justify the cost for a private owner to go by himself. That is where we come in. We offer both PRIVATE PARTY and OPEN PARTY long range fishing trips! We make it affordable. Short of knowing someone with a huge sport fishing yacht, or getting on a crowded party boat, this is the best way to put your self several hundred miles away, to sea.

The second most important thing to know about this type of fishing trip, is that normal rules do not apply! For example, when the Tuna season is ending in San Diego, Mexican waters will still be holding these fish for another 3 months, depending on how far south you are willing to go. Also, Fish and Game rules from the USA do not apply, the limits are different, or non existent. Check with your Captain and crew for the proper limits for each species before you go.

Long Range Stands for "Luxury"

A lot of people dont realize that the vessels used for long range sportfishing are far more luxurios, and generally larger that their six pack counterparts. They also tend to have side scan sonar, gyroscopically stabilized hull, a lot more bait, and other advanced systems that provide you with the most luxurious boat ride you might ever be on. 

Unlike cattle boats, these larger vessels can offer private luxury staterooms with private showers, and double wide cots for your team. The outlets are powered by a generator the whole time, and the full size fridge and pantry are stocked with gourmet foods to make sure you have the energy needed to keep on fishing! You will also notice that you are on a sport fishing yacht, not a "boat" or a "ship". Every where you will see the fine appointments of teak and nautical craftsmanship that only add to the enjoyment!

As for the food, be prepared, this is not your "burrito and diet coke" kind of trip. Three times a day, a dedicated crew member will prepare a hot meal to order, using only top grade steaks, fish, and chicken. The menu is both healthy and filling.  If you have a special request for food, just let your captain know before you go, and we will make sure to have you covered.

At any time during the voyage the Captain and crew will be available to fulfill what ever reasonable request you might have, to make sure that you remember the difference between a cattle boat and a yacht.

One last thing, probably the most important. No crowds. All of our trips are limited load with a maximum of six passengers. No more shoulder to shoulder fishing, losing your fish to a newb, or taking a number to troll.

THE TUNA TRIANGLE (USA)

SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND

Ah, San Clemente, you never let me down. Did I ever tell you the story about the biggest tuna I ever fought? Ok, well... the short of it, it was here at this island. This island without a doubt holds the biggest bluefin tuna north of the border, and holds fish about a month longer than near shore tuna fishing. All the way until December, you can find hard core fisherman heading for these islands for big Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna. US Waters. No passport required.

TANNER BANK

A lot of anglers know that feeling when you look in all directions, and you see nothing. No boats, no land, no nothing. Well, that is Tanner Bank. Over 100 miles offshore means that few boats go here. It is unspoiled fishing at its best. The Bank below you provided the perfect saltwater habitat for its alpha predator, the bluefin tuna. When you go here, this is what you will be fishing for. Sometimes it can get a bit rough here, but if you are hardy enough, you will come home with a tropy fish. US Waters. No passport required.

CORTEZ BANK

The Cortez is an amazing place in and of itself. Imagine being 100 miles offshore and pulling up to an underwater pinnacle that comes within 6 feet of the surface at low tide. Also, another fun fact, when the swell is big, and the tide is low, you can SURF this spot. That is how shallow it gets. Luckily there is a lighted bouy that marks the spot. Now imagine a giant reef that extends 100 and even thousands of feet strait down, like a cliff. Now you know what the Cortez bank is. Super fast ocean currents mean swarms of bait fish will congregate here for the free food being pushed around. That is why the Bluefin are here. That is also why they are near the surface, which is also good news for you. When this place goes off, you usually can go home early. US Waters. No passport required.

MEXICAN OUTER BANKS

The Mexican Outer Banks are actually a number of banks, that together form this nomen. The fishing usually starts long before you get there, with meter marks and surface activity causing frequent stops, and frequent hook ups, all the way there and back. Our prudent skippers have both low and high speed bait to make sure that if you are moving and looking for fish, you are also trolling at least four rigs. The rigs of choice for this area are large nomads or Rapallas on heavy floro leader, because if something bites this huge bait, you will need all the help you can get. Believe it or not, the old fashion wood plug still causes mass damage, even after almost a century of use, although bigger and used in multiple heads on one line now a days. As always kite fishing is king. At this location you will find Bluefin, Marlin, Yellowfin, Dorado, and Yellowtail. You can expect to be the only ones within site, fishing or not. Certainly a once in a life time sport fishing trip!

TODOS SANTOS ISLAND, ENSENADA MEXICO

Besides being one of the most desolate and beautiful islands you will see, this place, and the surronding waters, are teaming with Tuna, Dorado, Bonita, Yellowtail, Seabass, Marlin, Swordfish, and the list goest on. This is what I call a deep water shallow spot. What I mean by this is that the island is surrounded on all sides except landward, by deep deep water. The abudant marine life of the island attracts fish and marine species of all kinds, many of which fall into the target species we are after on this type of sportfishing trip. Watch out, there are sometimes packs of seals that roam this area and still your bait, or worse yet your catch. If your Captain need's a good place to hold up for the night, the lee of the island provides an excellent anchorage. If you are fortunate enough to hold over there a night, be sure to throw some bait in the water under the light of the boat, and you will catch bass as much as you want!

SAN QUINTIN BANKS, BAJA SUR, MEXICO

This particular destination is best suited for a 3+ day trip. If you want to hit San Clemente Island on the way, make it four! In its truest form, this trip bypasses San Clemente Island all together and instead focuses on the outer banks of Mexico starting just past the border and continuing all the way down to, and about 30 miles off the coast of, the Mexican city of San Quintin. As you will never be within 12 miles of land, you will not need a passport for this trip, just a Mexican fishing permit. That's one of the great things about this trip!

These pristine waters are rarely fished by private fisherman, and if you look at the map you can clearly see that the 3rd and 4th leg of this journey take you right over a massive under water bank that stretches over 100 miles. You will cross dozens of named fishing spots on this journey. Due to the distance offshore and the remoteness of the location, you will find unpressured fishing grounds that teem with pelagic species year round.

MAG BAY, BAJA SUR, MEXICO

Otherwise known as Magdalena Bay, this spot absolutely goes off almost year round. Magdalena Bay, located on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico, is one of the world’s premier sportfishing destinations. The bay is home to a wide variety of fish, including marlin, sailfish, dorado, tuna, wahoo, and snapper. If you fish near shore you will also find giant sea bass.

The best time to fish in Mag Bay varies depending on what species you're targeting. For marlin, sailfish, and swordfish, the peak season is December through April. These pelagic fish are most active in the cooler months when the water temperature is lower. May through November is considered the "off-season" for these species, but that doesn't mean there aren't any fish to be caught. In fact, this is prime time for yellowfin tuna fishing. Yellowfin tuna are more abundant in the warmer months, making them easier to catch during this time of year. No matter what time of year you go, this is a trip to remember.

GUADALUPE ISLAND

Sport fishing Guadalupe Island is an amazing experience. The island is home to some of the most beautiful and bountiful waters in all of Mexico. It is also one of the most popular sport fishing destinations in the country. Yellowfin tuna are the most common type of tuna found in these waters, and they can grow to be quite large – some fish have been caught that weigh in excess of 200 pounds! Guadalupe Island is also considered one of the best places in the world to fish for giant black sea bass. The island is located about 220 miles off the coast of Baja California, Mexico and is home to a large population of giant black sea bass. These fish can weigh up to 400 pounds and are known for their fighting ability.The best time to go fishing at Guadalupe Island is from October to March. This is when the water is at its warmest and the fish are most active. Guadalupe Island is located approximately 220 miles southwest of San Diego, California. It is a small island measuring only 8 miles long and 3 miles wide. The island is part of the Mexican state of Baja California and is volcanic in origin. Guadalupe Island is home to a large population of seals and sea lions as well as many species of birds. Sport fishing for yellowfin tuna, Dorado, wahoo, and marlin is popular off the coast of Guadalupe Island.

What is included? What to bring?

All of our long range fishing trips include the following:

• Captain and Crew

• Six Pack Vessel Ranging in size from 50-80'

• All food and beverages. Unlimited access to all food. 3 meals / 24hrs

• Rods and Reels, Tackle, Bait, Kites, Ballons

• Sleeping accommodations.

• Hot shower, and electricity throughout the vessel.

• • Personal 1-on-1 assistance while on the deck, including rigging and gaffing.

Things that are not included.

• Alcoholic Beverages BYOB

• Fish Processing

• Fishing License, Permits, Visas *we will help you obtain these items.

Optional items that we recommend bringing

• Bring up to 3 of your favorite rods and reels.

• Bring one large cooler which you can use for your alcohol.

• Bring bedding, pillows, etc.

• Jacket, polarized sunglasses, shorts!

Finally, when departing from San Diego, remember that you are leaving US waters and entering into Mexican waters. This means that all US laws regarding fishing no longer apply. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations in place in Mexico before heading out. With just a little bit of planning, your trip can be an amazing experience!

Paperwork, Documents, Licenses

If you're planning on doing any fishing in Mexico, it's important to make sure that you have all the proper paperwork and documents in order. Otherwise, you could end up getting fined or even arrested.

First, you'll need a Mexican fishing license. You can get one of these from most bait and tackle shops near the border, as well as some online retailers. Make sure to bring along your passport or other form of identification when you go to purchase the license. Click here for the Mexican Fishing Permit Online.

Next, you'll need to purchase a tourist visa if you're planning on staying in Mexico for more than 72 hours. This can be done at most Mexican consulates or online through the Mexican government's website. Again, make sure to bring your passport when applying for the visa.

If you have all of these things taken care of before heading out on your fishing trip, you'll be able to relax and enjoy yourself without having to worry about getting into trouble with the law.

Don't worry, our friendly and experienced staff will walk you through it in about 15 minutes. The cost for Mexico licenses and permits is $40.00/day.

History of Long Range Fishing

The sport of long range sport fishing in San Diego has a rich and storied history. For generations, anglers have been drawn to the challenge and excitement of catching fish at great distances from shore.

Early long range fishing in San Diego was done primarily from small boats called pangas. These vessels were relatively stable and comfortable, but they lacked the speed and range necessary to reach the most productive fishing grounds.

In the early 1900s, a new type of boat began to appear on the San Diego waterfront: the powerboat. These boats were faster and had more range than pangas, making them ideal for long range fishing trips. Powerboats quickly became the preferred choice for anglers seeking to test themselves against the biggest and best fish in the ocean.

Today, long range sport fishing in San Diego is better than ever before. Thanks to advances in technology, anglers now have access to boats that are even faster and more capable than their predecessors. With these modern marvels, it’s possible to fish farther offshore than ever before - meaning that there are always new challenges and new opportunities for those who love to fish.

Conclusion

Long Range Sport Fishing is definitely not for everybody. Sometimes the weather is rough, sometimes the fish dont bite, sometimes it is very hot or very cold. But one thing is for sure, you know you are alive! Out on the water, with nothing in site for as far as the eye can see, cell phone squared away in your duffle bag, drink in your hand, and then some one yells "HOOOOOOOKUP!" and your on, again... and its a big one.

If you don't want to settle for a skinny cot and a cold cup of coffee that cost you three bucks, then don't waste your time with the larger long range boats that squeeze 20 people on a seventy foot boat. Instead choose the luxury of going on one of our private or open party sportfishing yachts! Superior in every way to the normal fishing experience. Call 619.508.7823 for more info!

My name is Nick Matina and I have been fishing these waters for many years, and I hope that you have enjoyed this article! You can always email me at nick@sandiegofishing.co