The Inner Banks consist of a number of spots that are all within 25 miles of San Diego, to the North, South, and West (strait out). The inner banks can sometimes be the best fishing of all, but generally favors the peak of the season months (like July and August). When its hitting, its hitting hard, and places like the 9 mile bank provide strong incentive for avid fisherman to find the big ones, without having to travel far.
In the summer of 2019, we were catching Bluefin Tuna at the nine mile bank. First time in a long time that the big blue was that close to San Diego. A good time was had by all.
The Inner Banks sport fishing off the coast of San Diego offers anglers a unique and exciting opportunity to catch a variety of species using a variety of methods. The Inner Banks are a series of underwater structures that are located just a short distance off the coast of San Diego. These structures are home to a wide variety of fish species, making them a popular destination for sport fishing enthusiasts.
One of the most popular species to target on the Inner Banks is the yellowtail. These fish are known for their strong fighting ability and are a favorite among anglers. They can be caught year-round, but the best time to target them is during the summer months when they are most active. The yellowtail can be caught using a variety of methods, including live bait, jigs, and artificial lures. The best tackle to use when targeting yellowtail on the Inner Banks is a medium to heavy action rod and reel, with a minimum of 30-40 lb test line.
Another popular species to target on the Inner Banks is the white sea bass. These fish are known for their size and strength, and can reach weights of up to 100 pounds. They can be caught year-round, but the best time to target them is during the summer months when they are most active. The white sea bass can be caught using a variety of methods, including live bait, jigs, and artificial lures. The best tackle to use when targeting white sea bass on the Inner Banks is a heavy action rod and reel, with a minimum of 50-60 lb test line.
In addition to yellowtail and white sea bass, anglers can also target a variety of other species on the Inner Banks, including halibut, calico bass, sand bass, and rockfish. These species can be caught using a variety of methods, including live bait, jigs, and artificial lures. The best time to target these species is during the summer months when they are most active.
When it comes to the best methods for catching fish on the Inner Banks, live bait is often considered to be the most effective. Live bait can be obtained from a variety of sources, including local bait shops, or caught on site using a sabiki rig. Jigs and artificial lures can also be effective, particularly when targeting specific species such as yellowtail or white sea bass.
The best time of year to fish on the Inner Banks is during the summer months, when the water is warm and the fish are most active. However, fishing can be productive year-round, and anglers can target a variety of species using a variety of methods.
When it comes to the best tackle to use on the Inner Banks, it is important to choose equipment that is appropriate for the species you are targeting. For yellowtail and white sea bass, a medium to heavy action rod and reel, with a minimum of 30-40 lb test line is recommended. For halibut, calico bass, sand bass, and rockfish, a medium action rod and reel, with a minimum of 20-30 lb test line is recommended.
Overall, the Inner Banks sport fishing off the coast of San Diego offers anglers a unique and exciting opportunity to catch a variety of species using a variety of methods. With year-round fishing opportunities and a wide variety of species to target, the Inner Banks are a must-visit destination for any sport fishing enthusiast. With the right methods, tackle and timing, a great fishing trip awaits on the Inner Banks.
Although smaller than the Bluefin, this ferocious fish puts up a fight you will not soon forget.
This is the big one. If you hook up on this you will be in the fight of your life. These fish way hundreds of pounds!
A quick ride from the bait barge to the North Nine Mile banks is only about an hour on a larger boat, and under 1 hour for our faster vessels.
The 9 Mile Bank stretches approximately 10 miles and is roughly 14 miles on a 220 degree heading from Mission Bay to the top of the 9 Mile Bank. It is an underwater mountain range that gets as shallow as 330 ft. Past the nine mile out to about 30 miles distance from Point Loma, San Diego, is considered the "Inner Banks"
