Captain Mike’s Blog

Look Good While You Fish!

June 12th, 2025|Captain Mike's Blog|

We’ve got merch! Ask about it on your next fishing trip!

Shirts and hoodies come in sizes small to 4XL.

Shirt colors come in navy blue, forest green, gray and marron.

Hoodie colors come in navy blue, camo and black.

Hats are flat bill snapback, black with embroidered logo.

Bluefin at the rail
Navy Hoodie Front Back
Maroon Front Back

Happy 55th Birthday to the Searcher!

May 24th, 2025|Captain Mike's Blog|

Happy 55th Birthday to the Searcher!

Today we celebrate 55 years of adventure, discovery, and deep respect for the ocean aboard the Searcher.

Commissioned on May 24, 1970, the Searcher was built by Dittmar-Donaldson and has been delivering unforgettable experiences ever since. From long-range fishing trips to unforgettable wildlife encounters, she’s proudly served two incredible sides of the business: Searcher Sportfishing and Searcher Baja Whale Watching Tours.

For over 35 years, the boat thrived under the ownership of Captain Art Taylor and Celia Condit, whose leadership and passion helped shape what the Searcher is today, a boat known for its integrity, education, and connection with nature. In 2023, the legacy was passed on to the next generation of ocean stewards: Captain Mike Todter and Chef Josh Evans, both longtime crew members and now co-owners, carrying forward the Searcher’s proud tradition. Everyday Captain Mike, Chef Josh and all of the Searcher crew members work hard to carry on the tradition and to provide a top-notch experience.

To our loyal anglers, whale watchers, crew, and community, we want to thank you for being a part of the Searcher family.

Here’s to the past, present, and future of the Searcher!

– Captain Mike, Chef Josh and all of the Searcher Crew

Sunset
Captain Art Taylor
Celia
Mike Bluefin
Josh
Searcher Trip 3 2025

9 Days Away!

April 30th, 2025|Captain Mike's Blog|

Hey There Searcher Family!

It’s about that time, Searcher’s fishing season starts in 9 days with our first trip of 2025 driving out on May 9th. We’ve definitely been looking forward to being back out on the water and fishing with everyone. The crew has been working hard getting the boat prepped. We had new carpet put in, the deck has been repainted, and some new electronics added among other upgrades.

We’ve been following the fish reports and fishing is good. Boats in the fleet have been crushing it, they have been hitting limits on bluefin, picking off fine grade yellowfin and scratching beautiful wahoo. Needless to say, it’s looking good.

If you feel like taking a break from the norm and hitting the water, we have several open trips in May. Signup online Searcher Sportfishing or call the office 619-226-2403.

May 2025 Open Trips

Check out all our open 2025 trips, Searcher Schedule.

Thank you for being a part of the Searcher Family!

– Captain Mike, Josh and the Searcher Crew

Sean Fish With Searcher

Searcher’s 2025 Open Trips!

April 17th, 2025|Captain Mike's Blog|

2025 Open Trips!

Hello Anglers!

Make sure to check out our 2025 open trips and join us on the water for some good times and great fishing!

Call the office, 619-226-2403 or book online http://www.searchersportfishing.com

We’re looking forward to seeing you all this fishing season!

Thank you for being a part of the Searcher family!

– Captain Mike, Josh and the Searcher Crew or book online

Searcher Sportfishing 2025 Open Fishing Trips

Searcher was on Let’s Talk Hook Up Radio Show 4-5-2025!

April 8th, 2025|Captain Mike's Blog|

In case you missed it, Captain Mike, Chef Josh, and Rachel Bolka from the Searcher were on the Let’s Talk Hook Up radio show Saturday, April 5, 2025, with Pete Gray and “Rod Cod’ Rick Maxa.

We’re gearing up for the start of our 2025 fishing season! Trip #1 kicks off Friday, May 9th to Monday May 12th with the Knee Deep Brewing Co. with Rich Denio Fishing Charters.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our 2025 schedule. We still have spots open on several trips and would love for you to join us on the water. Give us a call at 619-226-2403 or check out our schedule at www.searchersportfishing.com to book your trip.

We’re looking forward to seeing you in 2025! Thank you for being a part of the Searcher family.

– Captain Mike and Chef Josh

Team Searcher on the Let's Talk Hook Up radio show.

Trip 47, Oct. 19-27 – End of trip update

October 26th, 2024|Captain Mike's Blog, Trip Reports|

Good afternoon,

Ended the trip with some nice fishing on reds and lingcod this morning. We’re headed home now and patiently waiting for Josh’s prime rib.

Captain Shane reporting for Captain Mike and The Boys

Check out our 2025 schedule 

Still spots open in 2024
#48, 8-Day Ultra Limited Load, October 27th – November 4th
#51, 3-Day Offshore, November 14th – 17th
Lingcod
Lingcod

Trip 47 Wahoo Update, Oct. 19-27

October 24th, 2024|Captain Mike's Blog, Trip Reports|

Good evening,

Spent the day by the rocks targeting wahoo. We were able to connect and gave our anglers plenty of opportunities to catch these high-speed creatures. We also caught one of the largest yellowtails we’ve seen in a long time. To finish off our trip, we’ll be heading up the line for some cod fishing.

Captain Shane reporting for Captain Mike and The Boys

Check out our 2025 schedule 

Still spots open in 2024
#48, 8-Day Ultra Limited Load, October 27th – November 4th
#51, 3-Day Offshore, November 14th – 17th
Wahoo
Wahoo

Trip 47 Update, 8-Day Ultra Limited, Oct. 19-27

October 24th, 2024|Captain Mike's Blog, Trip Reports|

Good morning,

Tuesday, we arrived at the ridge and after looking around and putting down the anchor we were able to scratch at some nice grade yellowtail, although the guys were focusing on catching yellows there was plenty of nice tunas around for anyone that wanted some. We trolled around for wahoo in the afternoon with no luck and caught a couple grouper on one anchor drop.

Wednesday morning, we decided to hang tight and try again for some more yellowtail. The guys filled up what they wanted on tuna and managed to snag a few more yellows before taking off to the rocks in search of wahoo. Just before lunch we pulled the anchor to make sure we were in prime position for today.

Captain Shane reporting for Captain Mike and The Boys

Join Us 2025 schedule 

Still spots open in 2024
#48, 8-Day Ultra Limited Load, October 27th – November 4th
#51, 3-Day Offshore, November 14th – 17th
Yellowtail
Tuna
Yellowtail
Yellowtail
Yellowtail
Grouper
Yellowtail

Trip 47, 8-Day Ultra Limited, Oct. 19-27

October 21st, 2024|Captain Mike's Blog, Trip Reports|

Good evening,

We left the dock on Saturday morning for our 8-Day Ultra Limited Load, October 19 – 27, 2024. Today we started by searching for yellowfin tuna and it didn’t take long to find them. We had very good fishing with 30–80-pound fish, consistent with how it’s been on the last few trips. After steady action, our anglers had tagged what they wanted for the first day. We then continued cruising a couple of hours after lunch to get into position for tomorrow morning, when we’ll try for yellowtail and see what else we can find.

Join Us 2025 schedule 

Still spots open in 2024
#48, 8-Day Ultra Limited Load, October 27th – November 4th
#51, 3-Day Offshore, November 14th – 17th

Captain Shane reporting for Captain Mike and The Boys

Tuna Roy
Yellowfin Tuna

Trip 46, Oct 12 – 19 Update

October 18th, 2024|Captain Mike's Blog, Trip Reports|

Good evening,

Searcher is out on trip #46, 7-Day Ultra Limited Load, October 12th – 19th. Over the past couple of days, we’ve been working our way up the coast in search of yellowtail. There are plenty of smaller ones scattered along the coast, but late yesterday, we explored an area that hasn’t been fished in a while and scored some nice grade fish. Today, we’re continuing north, and the boat is gearing up to depart for an 8-day trip tomorrow.

Don’t miss out, there’s one spot open on trip #48, an 8-Day Ultra Limited Load running from October 27th to November 4th. We also have open spots on trips 50 and 51. Give Rachel a call in the office to book, 619-226-2403.

Be sure to check out our 2025 schedule!

2024 Open Trips
#48, 8-Day Ultra Limited Load, October 27th – November 4th
#50, 2-Day Offshore, November 12th – 14th
#51, 3-Day Offshore, November 14th – 17th

Did you know Searcher offers whale watching tours?!

We have a 12-day trip from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico, scheduled for March 25 to April 5, 2025. We would be thrilled to share one of the most exciting wildlife destinations with you, guided by our expert leadership team.

Review the detailed itinerary and additional trip information. 2025 Baja Whale Tour Itinerary

Captain Mike and The Boys

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