Searcher Sportfishing | San Diego Charter Fishing

Searcher Sportfishing | San Diego, CA | Saltwater Fishing

Searcher’s 2025 Schedule – Click here to view!

Searcher with satellite on crow's nest

Dreaming of catching bluefin, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail, dorado, wahoo, and other saltwater fish? Head to San Diego, the gateway to some of the best deep-sea fishing in Baja California, Mexico. Join Captain Mike, Chef Josh and the Searcher Crews on our 95-foot boat for 1.5-day to 8-day long-range sportfishing excursions to the prime fishing destinations of Baja California.

Searcher is docked at Fisherman’s Landing, 2838 Garrison Street San Diego, CA 92106.

Book your 2025 Searcher Sportfishing trip and gain access to prime offshore fishing areas for fishing for bluefin, yellowfin, dorado, yellowtail and more!⁠

View our schedule and book online or call the office at 619-226-2403.

Trip Report

Aug 192021

Aug 19 (1.5-day trip)

Good afternoon anglers.

We started our morning out west to try for some yellowtail and bluefin. We had a little bit of action in the morning, but for the most part is was a little slow at the bank. We decided to pick up the anchor and head towards the larger bluefin zone. Just after lunch we arrived on scene.

Right as we arrived in the zone we began to see large breezers right on the surface. We just slid into our first school and are currently engaged in a battle. These fish our responding well to the fly line live sardine on 30lb test. We are hoping to have a very productive afternoon here!

Captain Armando and Team Searcher

Way to go James!

Good Evening Anglers,

We spent our afternoon and evening in the bluefin zone. Once we found the water we wanted to be in, we began to see some amazing signs of fish. We started seeing large schools up on the surface all around us. After a couple of stops we spotted an extremely large breezer in the distance, it was more than a football field in size.

When we got up to it and started a chum line, the fish immediately got around and underneath the boat, and of course came that favorite word “Biter!” We drifted on that stop til dark. It was quite a show school after school came up around us and stayed with us as we hooked more. These were some quality 50 to 70 pound blue fin tuna. The tuna wanted to bite the lighter line, so of course we had some casualties. The trick seemed to be the flyline sardine on 30 or 40 pound test. We also hooked some fish on the sinker rig and the chrome jig.

We are on our way home after an amazing chicken teriyaki dinner. It was a great end to our 1.5 day and we had alot of fun with some great passengers.

Captain Armando and Team Searcher

Captain’s Blog

Jun 242022

Bluefin Tackle Seminar at Turner’s Outdoorsman!

Captain Art and Lori Sachau and her staff at the San Marcos store covered all the latest and greatest of bluefin tackle techniques, catch reports, and the facts needed to target these tuna, large and small. The recorded video is included here.

Searcher Crew

Searcher Crew Profile


Dan Cramer, Chef/Captain
Dan has a wealth of experience from decades working on the water. He earned his Captain's license so he's a versatile player on Team Searcher -- from wheelhouse to galley.  

more profiles

Did You Know?

Searcher Offers Whale Watching Tours!

Whale tail

As you’ve experienced and enjoyed being aboard the Searcher, fishing and spending time with our crew, we’d like to introduce you to another type of trip we offer, Whale Watching through Baja.

We have a 12-day trip from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico, scheduled for February 4 – 15, 2026. We would be thrilled to share one of the most exciting wildlife destinations with you, guided by our expert leadership team.

This is the perfect opportunity to not only spot gray, blue, fin, humpback, sperm, Bryde’s, and pilot whales but also sharpen your photography skills!

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

If you have any questions, please feel free to email searcher.tours@bajawhale.com or call 619-226-2403.

Tackle Tip Thursday

What Our Anglers Say

It’s a welcoming atmosphere, professional attention to detail in all aspects, commitment/drive to put anglers on fish, expert help in helping everyone maximize biting fish opportunities.

Dave R, May 2022

Captains Mike and Ryan work hard to get us on fish, plus jump on deck when needed. Deck crew are not only highly competent technicians but display a positive and extremely customer-first attitude. Booking, payment and checkin are seamless! Chef Dan and Josh’s meals and snacks were perfect, enjoyable meals with great variety. I really enjoy your limited load trips!

Ted R, May 2022

Captain, crew and cooks were absolute professionals. Boat is extremely clean and comfortable. Everyone worked **very hard**.

Dave M, June 2022

The crew directing traffic while you have a fish on was done to perfection. Very happy with the positive energy from the whole boat.

Wes B, Jul 2022

The crew’s attitude was over-the-top great. Everyone was very positive, helpful and patient. I know this reflects Art, Celia and our captain. I just can’t say enough good things about the positive attitude of this crew. It made a huge impression on me. Thank you!

Steve, September 2022

The crew was awesome, great food and immediate attention to the deck, gaffing, and help with tangles.

Angler, September 2022

Another great trip on the Searcher. Captain Mike did a nice job of putting us on the fish. Crew did an amazing job from there. Any other boat would have been heading back to shore. This guy doesn’t give up. He made a lot of happy customers! Well done, Team Searcher!

Dave P, August 2022

The crew makes everyone feel so welcome. They go up and beyond making sure everyone is having a good time, helping with tackle setup and overall making sure everyone one is having fun.

Angler, November 2022

Cooking was on point every meal! Deckhands are always there to help you out with your setups. They take the time to answer everyone’s questions while staying on top of their game. Just overall make it feel like an amazing experience, as well as a family.

Angler, November 2022

Every crew member, including Mike and Josh, was very willing to teach us new techniques and how best to fish the targeted species. The working relationship among the crew was outstanding. It is a pleasure to see men enjoy their job and work so well together. Keep up the great attitude and spirit.

Dan C, June 2023

Your operation hires solid crew members that make the trip fun. Catching yellowtail on the iron while listening to music in the sun was the highlight of my trip.

Robert W, June 2023

When you have a great crew and good fishing you remember the good times!

Spencer W, June 2023

Best run operation I’ve ever been on as far as desire of captain and attitude/ teamwork of the crew.

Rick B, June 2023

The crew is top notch. Mike knows how to fish hard and find the fish. Josh puts out 5 star meals every meal. The deck crew is always attentive to what’s happening on deck. They want to help with a great attitude and they all work together and get along great. The whole operation is smooooth.

Ron, May 2023

They did everything possible to make it a successful adventure for everyone willing/able to participate.

Vic, May 2023

Absolute top notch operation. I always enjoy fishing with Team Searcher.

Bill R May, 2023

I thoroughly enjoyed my time fishing with the Searcher crew. You guys are the best and most professional operation I’ve fished with in San Diego.

Bill, June 2023

Customer service and great attitude is always abundant on Searcher!

Bill, Jun 2023

Deckhands exceptional, food was excellent, accommodations were great.

Max, July 2023

Searcher attracts a nice group of anglers. Experienced fisher persons, work well together.

Bruce, June 2023

Great vibe; welcoming/professional/skilled/hospitable. The Searcher Team rocks!

Dave, Jun 2023

There’s a reason why I come back each year…I’m hooked with the Searcher.

JR, July 2023
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