Captain Mike’s Blog

Spots Available on Trip #12!

June 4th, 2026|Captain Mike's Blog|

Spots Available on Trip #12

James Thomas Invitational 3-Day Limited Load!

📅 Departs: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 10am
📅 Returns: Friday, June 19, 2026, 8am

Don’t worry if you don’t have gear, we have you covered. Meals, snacks and Mexican fishing license are included. All bedding is provided in each stateroom.

Searcher CrewThis offshore trip includes:

  • All meals and snacks
  • Mexican fishing license
  • Bedding in all staterooms
  • Bait
  • Loan gear available upon request

Loaner gear is available upon request, subject to availability.

Sign up online Searcher Schedule Page or call the office at 619-226-2403.

If you have any questions, send an email to office@searchersportfishing.com.

Searcher is docked at Fisherman’s Landing 2383 Garrison St. San Diego, CA 92106

Fisherman’s Landing Weekly Update April 29th, 2026

April 29th, 2026|Captain Mike's Blog|

San Diego Fishing Report April 29th, 2026 | Fisherman’s Landing Weekly Update

Carl Schmidt from Fisherman’s Landing share this week’s SoCal offshore and inshore fishing report. Hear the latest on bluefin tuna, yellowfin, dorado, and what trips are seeing the best action out of San Diego.

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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.

Tackle Tip Thursday Vol. 234 (How to Use Dart Lures)

June 13th, 2024|Captain Mike's Blog, Tackle Tip Thursday|

Happy Tackle Tip Thursday!

Steve Carson, pro-staffer with Penn Fishing, demonstrates a very popular technique used when fishing bluefin tuna during the day. Using the dart lures and the casting methods Steve shares here, an angler can target bluefin that are feeding on smaller bait fish. Dart-type lures come in many shapes and weights, so watch this video, book your trip here, and visit Fishermans Landing Tackle Shop to stock up before you leave the dock!

Thank you to Steve for his time and experience in all things having to do with saltwater angling and Penn Fishing Tackle!

Check our variety of trip lengths and angler loads here: www.SearcherSportfishing.com. Or call the office 619-226-2403.

To review tackle suggestions for your upcoming trip, click here:SEARCHER TACKLE SUGGESTIONS

Reel in more Tackle Tips here! Subscribers get hooked up to new videos first!

 

Happy Anniversary, Searcher!

May 24th, 2024|Captain Mike's Blog|

54 years ago, our beautiful vessel was launched in Newport Beach, CA by her builders, Bill and Ingrid Poole. What a proud moment that was, as the Cape Polaris entered the water after a year of construction, thus starting a new era of long-range sportfishing. How proud we were to continue that tradition!

I like to post on May 24 every year to share our Cape Polaris/Searcher Pride, and this year, I wanted to include a message of huge gratitude to all our followers and customers. The new team has taken over posting and so this will be my last.

I remember the first 100 Facebook followers in 2011 (now 9,000 followers) and the first dozen Instagram followers in 2015 (now 11,400 followers) like it was yesterday. We felt joy with every new connection we made, and the challenge to create content that would grow our audience. 

We love the Poole family photos/memorabilia, like the Cape Polaris launch party photo featured in this post.

And in our first instagram posts (below), you can see we always liked posting photos of our beautiful Searcher, happy departure photos, fun marketing schemes, and anglers with a nice catch.

Thank you for making it a really great run! #capepolaris #1970proud #hooklineandsearcher

Captain Art (who never once posted, though we wanted you to think otherwise) and your OG land crew forever, celia

NEW! Parking Update

May 22nd, 2024|Captain Mike's Blog|

Note from Team Searcher:

There are two different owners of the lots surrounding our landing which can lead to confusion. We suggest you park in an ACE parking lot and pre-pay for your parking at an ACE parking lot pay station (or use app). The ACE fee is $14/day.  Most of their spots are numbered. Then look for the ACE parking logo on the pay station nearest your spot.

if you park in the non-ACE lot, make sure to pay at their pay station (no ACE logo on them). They have different pricing, and their spots are labelled “Paid Parking.” Those lots do not have a business name OR phone number to contact them if you have a dispute.

Examples of ACE parking spots, pay stations, and signs:

Ace Parking Sign

Ace Parking Payment Kiosk

Ace New Prepaid Parking Program

Sportfishing Parking Press Release (Received via Fisherman’s Landing)

The Port of San Diego has been working with San Diego Sportfishing and other neighboring businesses to address parking policy, add more parking spaces, and streamline the time it takes to exit the parking lot.

SPORTFISHING PARKING RATES WILL REMAIN THE SAME!  ONLY THE PROCESS HAS CHANGED.

This pay process will reduce the number of vehicles that are left for long periods or abandoned in our lots.  This alone will create more opportunities for sportfishing customers.

ANGLERS MAY DOWNLOAD THE ACE PARKING APP BEFORE ARRIVAL.

Payment may now be made via pay machines or the online app, using credit card or cash.  Pay stations are in use everywhere now and offer a variety of ways to pay.  In the past, credit cards were not accepted in the sportfishing lot.  Now they will be, creating a benefit to the fishermen.  Pay stations will be conveniently located in all parking areas and the app will provide a fast and simple way to pay.  One difference is that payment will be made in advance instead of paying when you leave.  Also, there will no longer be a need for a pay booth in the lot, allowing for a much quicker way to exit the lot.

The Ace parking app. can be downloaded from the app store at any time and works like any other app where you simply follow the prompts.  If an angler is not comfortable using apps, the machines may be used to make payment.

The San Diego Sportfishing Landings are confident that this new process will result in more available parking spaces, more payment options, and more streamlined egress from the lot.

For more information, please contact any of the three San Diego Sportfishing Landing.

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