Plan Your Trip

Plan Your San Diego Fishing Charter

Everything you need to know before your trip

Travel Information

Where to Stay

Explore lodging options around Mission Bay and Pacific Beach. Check current availability, amenities and travel time before booking.

The Dana on Mission Bay
1
Resort
★Mission Bay stay

The Dana on Mission Bay

1710 W Mission Bay Dr

A Mission Bay hotel option to consider when planning your charter. Confirm room amenities and your route to Dana Landing before booking.

Check current amenities
Bahia Resort Hotel
2
Resort
★Waterfront setting

Bahia Resort Hotel

998 W Mission Bay Dr

A resort option on Mission Bay. Check the hotel’s current room options, amenities and policies directly.

Check current amenities
Crystal Pier Hotel
3
Boutique
★Sleep over the ocean

Crystal Pier Hotel

4500 Ocean Blvd

A Pacific Beach lodging option on Crystal Pier. Check availability and current room details with the hotel.

Check current amenities
The Boardwalk Hotel
4
Boutique
★Mission Beach stay

The Boardwalk Hotel

839 Santa Clara Pl

A Mission Beach hotel option. Confirm which amenities are included with the room you choose.

Check current amenities
The Beach Cottages
5
Value
★Pacific Beach stay

The Beach Cottages

4255 Ocean Blvd

A Pacific Beach lodging option near the boardwalk. Review the available room types, parking arrangements and current rates before booking.

Check current amenities

Confirm your charter’s meeting time and allow for traffic and parking when choosing where to stay. Accommodation details and policies are set by each property. Questions? Get in touch →

Directions to the Departure Meeting Point

Meeting Location

Dana Landing
2630 Ingraham St
San Diego, CA 92109
Get directions to Dana Landing

Parking & Dock Instructions

Confirm current parking and dock instructions with the crew before your trip. Dana Landing is our departure meeting point.

Local Guide

Things to Do in San Diego

Explore options around Mission Bay, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. Check current hours, access and travel times before planning your visit.

Aqua Adventures

Kayaks · SUPs · Hydrobikes

Explore kayak and paddleboard options on Mission Bay. Confirm current rental choices, meeting instructions and conditions with the operator.

RentalsToursFamily-Friendly

Just Kayak

SUP & Kayak Delivery

Check current kayak and paddleboard rental options, delivery areas and reservation requirements directly with the operator.

DeliverySUPKayak

Pacific Surf School

Surf Lessons

Explore surf lessons and ask about current locations, age requirements and experience levels before booking.

LessonsBeginnerAsk About Ages
Need more recommendations?

Ask the crew about restaurants, activities, or anything else when you book your trip.

Get in Touch
Required

California Fishing License

These options apply to California fishing. Confirm your itinerary and required documents with the crew before purchasing, especially if your trip may enter Mexican waters.

License Options

Check current fees with CDFW
Most Common
1-Day License
For one specified fishing day
Same price for residents & non-residents
2-Day License
For two consecutive fishing days
Same price for residents & non-residents
10-Day Non-Resident
For ten consecutive fishing days
Non-residents only
Annual Resident
If you plan to fish throughout the year
California residents only · Valid 365 days from purchase
Annual Non-Resident
For frequent visitors to California
Valid 365 days from purchase
Purchase Your License Online
Buy Before You Arrive
Buy before departure and check that your license dates cover the trip.
Under 16 in California
No California sport fishing license is needed. Species-specific report cards and other rules may still apply.
Use the Official App
Refresh your license in the CDFW License App before leaving cell service. Keep your phone charged or carry a valid physical license.

Common Questions

Who needs a license?

For our California boat trips, anglers 16 and older need a sport fishing license. Children under 16 do not need this license. Additional validations or report cards depend on the fishing area and species.

Where do I buy one?

Buy through CDFW's online license sales website or an authorized license agent. For an online purchase, follow CDFW's instructions to print your short-term or temporary license, or retrieve an eligible license in the official CDFW License App.

Do I need anything beyond the license?

Additional validations and report cards depend on your itinerary and target species. Lobster guests also need a Spiny Lobster Report Card. Confirm the requirements with the crew and review CDFW guidance before departure.

What happens if I forget to buy one?

Arrange your required license before fishing. Carry a valid physical license or display an eligible license in the official CDFW License App. A photo, screenshot or PDF displayed on your phone is not a substitute for the app.

Planning an evening lobster trip? Review the lobster charter’s license and report-card guidance before departure.

Check current license fees, eligibility and requirements at wildlife.ca.gov. For electronic display, follow the CDFW License App instructions.

Be Prepared

What to Bring

Prepare for a day of fishing or an evening of lobster hoop-netting. Review your charter’s details, then tap items to check them off as you pack.

Packing Progress0 of 15 items

Don't Leave Without

0 of 6 packed

Food & Drink

0 of 4 packed

Nice to Have

0 of 5 packed

What We Provide

Equipment depends on the trip you choose.

Rod-and-Reel Fishing

Fishing tackle, bait and crew guidance are included on fishing trips. Review your selected charter for the full equipment and catch-handling details.

Compare fishing charters

Seasonal Lobster Hoop-Netting

Hoop nets, bait, measuring gauges and crew instruction are included. Guests arrange their required licenses and report cards before departure.

Explore the lobster charter
Pro Tip

Leave valuables at home or locked in your car. Things get wet on the boat. If you bring your phone, a waterproof pouch helps protect it. For motion sickness medication, ask a pharmacist or clinician what is appropriate for you and follow the product label.

Have Questions?

We're here to help you plan the perfect trip

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