Welcome Aboard

Motor Vessel SearcherWelcome aboard the Searcher. She’s 95-foot long, 25-foot wide sportfishing boat operating out of Fisherman’s Landing in San Diego, California. Our fourteen staterooms sleep two or three guests each and have storage shelves, sink, mirror, and a 110-volt AC outlet. Each bunk has fresh linens, pillows and blankets. There are four bathrooms, two showers, a large indoor dining and relaxing salon, and a padded benches on the upper observation deck. The boat is air-conditioned throughout.

Our bait tanks carry 250 scoops of bait for plenty of casts. Our 10-ton freezer with RSW (refrigerated saltwater) will store your fish until we get back to the dock.

US Coast Guard Inspected and Certified Vessel

Searcher is a US Coast Guard SOLAS (Safety of Life At Sea) and FCC inspected and certified sportfishing vessel. We carry two 475-horsepower computerized Caterpillar engines and two 60-kilowatt generators. State-of-the-art electronics such as GPS satellite navigation, satellite phone service, radars, color-scanning sonar, depth sounder, and more keeps us in touch and on the fish!

  • 95′ L & 25′ W

  • 14 Staterooms

  • Bedding Provided

  • 4 Bathrooms

  • 2 Showers
  • Wi-Fi

  • Meals Included

  • Air Conditioned

  • Loaner Gear Available

  • 10 Ton Freezer

Interactive Deck Diagram

View the interactive deck diagram by selecting main deck or lower decker and place your cursor over the room number.


About the Crew

The Searcher crew has you covered from start to finish. Our experienced captains use the latest fish-finding technology to get you on the bite fast, while the deck crew is right there with tips, tackle help, and gaffing support when the action heats up. In the galley, our chefs keep you fueled with fresh, tasty meals and snacks all trip long. Behind the scenes, our land crew makes booking easy, answers your questions, and handles the dockside details so you can focus on the fun.

Captain Mike Todter | Owner Captain Mike Todter, co-owner of Searcher since 2023, is the driving force at the helm. As Searcher’s captain, Mike is relentless in his quest to find the best fishfding spots, using his sharp instincts and deep knowledge of the ocean to deliver exceptional results. Chef Josh Evans | Owner Josh Evans, co-owner of Searcher since 2023, brings his passion for food straight to the galley. As a skilled chef, Josh transforms fresh ingredients into flavorful, mouthwatering meals that elevate every trip. When Josh is in the kitchen, you’re in for a true culinary experience at sea. Captain Ryan Lindahn Captain Ryan has loved San Diego fishing since childhood and joined the Searcher crew over 15 years ago. Known for his patience, easy-going style, and sharp wit, he’s a great resource for novice anglers and seasoned fishermen alike. Captain Shane Tuschen Captain Shane stepped into the world of long-range sportfishing from his background of charter boats. He received his US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's license in 2023. Shane is a skilled captain, valued member of the Searcher family and he brings dedication and expertise to every trip. Captain Sean Allen Captain Sean, also known as "Monkey," joined Searcher with a wealth of long-range experience from the San Diego fleet. He keeps everyone laughing all day and always sports a big smile! Captain Joe Soares Jr Joe aka "Speedy" is back! He brings years of experience and a vast amount of knowledge deep-sea fishing and the ocean. Welcome home Captain Joe! Captain Kaden Hile Captain Kaden, also known as "Cheeto" recently earned his 100-ton captain's license in 2025. He has great knowledge about San Diego sportfishing and is valued member is the Searcher family. Captain Dan Cramer | Chef Dan has a wealth of experience from decades working on the water. He earned his Captain's license so he's a versatile player from wheelhouse to galley.   Captain Jeff Bartley | Chef Jeff has spent years aboard the Searcher, and it shows! With a wealth of experience and a passion for what he does, he's always ready with a laugh and a helping hand. Whether you're fishing or just enjoying the ride, Jeff’s energy and expertise will keep you smiling the whole trip. Robert Lajun | Crewman Robert aka Rob grew up fishing and is extremely knowledgeable about sportfishing. He is quick to hook and handoff to reel in a bite. Carson Carvalho | Crewman Carson comes from the commercial bluefin and dungeons crab fishing industry and brings his knowledge, experience and upbeat energy to the Searcher. He quick to gaff a fish or snap a photo! Chef Jesse Sartuche Jesse is our newest chef to join the Searcher crew. He brings years of culinary experience to our galley, preparing contemporary cuisine and farm-to-table dishes. Captain Kenny Merrell Captain Kenny grew up in the San Diego sportfishing business and progressed from a pinhead to captain. Kenny is a dedicated member of Team Searcher having worked on the boat for over 30 years and is an angler favorite for his expertise and friendly attitude. Captain Jason Rombotis After owning another sport boat for 18 years, Captain Jason is now part of the Searcher family! We’re excited to have him running the boat, and many anglers have followed him to the Searcher to continue fishing with him. Captain Steve Savage Steve joins Searcher whenever his firefighting schedule allows. A long-time angler and captain, he brings his great attitude and sense of humor to the deck. Captain Mike Hurd Captain Michael is a great addition to our relief crew team. In his other life, he is a firefighter!

Cape Polaris Legacy

Cape Polaris was the first “long-range” sportfisher–the first in a line of famed Polaris boats built by Poole Boats. The vessel that would become Searcher was originally built in 1970 by San Diego sportfishing pioneers Bill and Ingrid Poole. After 15 months of construction, she was launched on May 24, 1970, in Newport Beach, California, as the “largest sportfisher on the West Coast.” Named Cape Polaris, she was the first “long-range” sportfishing boat and the first of the iconic Polaris fleet created by Poole Boats. In 1975, the boat’s name was changed to Searcher, a name that continues to represent legendary fishing adventures today.

Book your Trip Now

Fish. Sleep. Repeat.

Hop aboard Searcher and get in on the action! Join us on a 2-day offshore trip chasing tuna, a 3 to 5-day fishing trip targeting bluefin tuna and yellowtail or a 7 to 8-day trip to Alijos Rocks where there’s a chance to reel in a 100-pound yellowfin tuna or a feisty wahoo. Check out our schedule.

Book your Trip Now