Boat Searcher Sportfishing Boat Big Yellowtail Sunset Crew and Wahoo Crew and sunset Fish off the boat
San Diego Long Range Fishing | Searcher Sportfishing

Searcher Sportfishing | San Diego Long Range Fishing

Searcher Sportfishing BoatSearcher Sportfishing offers premier San Diego long-range fishing trips departing from Fisherman’s Landing in San Diego, California. Join Captain Mike, Chef Josh, and the Searcher Crew on our 95-foot double-planked mahogany wood sportfishing boat for 2-day to 8-day long-range trip to offshore fishing locations in Southern California and Baja California, Mexico, targeting tuna, yellowtail, wahoo, dorado, and more.

View Searcher’s 2027 Schedule

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

Interested in chartering a trip, send an email, office@searchersportfishing.com or call the office, 619-226-2403.

For the latest Southern California fishing reports check out Fisherman’s Landing YouTube Page. If you have tackle questions, give Fisherman’s Landing Tackle Shop a call, 619-221-8500.

Trip Report

Sep 302026

Trip #45 | Penn Reels Sponsored | Sept 27 – 30, 2026

Searcher Sportfishing Trip Report | Penn Reels Sponsored | Sept 27 – 30, 2026

Hello Everyone!

Searcher Sportfishing is checking in with the latest trip report. We returned to Fisherman’s Landing Wednesday morning from Trip #45, Penn Reels Sponsored, September 27–30, 2026. Sunday morning, we headed out to get in the best spot and stay out of the weather. We fished until noon before bailing Monday afternoon when the weather picked up. We stayed tucked in for the night and got back to fishing the next morning. Despite the trip being a little choppy, everyone caught fish, some quality yellowfin and yellowtail, and had a great time.

Thank you to Steve Carson and Greg Johnson from Penn Reels for joining us this year. We look forward to having you all back with us on the 2027 Penn Reels trip!

Searcher headed back out Wednesday morning with Captain Mike on Trip #46, Tuna Commander Charter, 3-Day, September 30–October 3, 2026. The weather is calmer, and they’re looking forward to the next couple of days. Stayed turned for the next trip report!

– Captain Shane reporting for Captain Mike and the Boys

2026 Trips With Open Spots!

  • Trip #50, 8-Day Ultra Limited Load, October 24 – November 1, 2026. 5 spots!
  • Trip #53, Izorline & Knee Deep Sponsored 8-Day, November 17 – 25, 2026. 2 spots!

Sign up online: www.searchersportfishing.com
Call the office: 619-226-2403

Check out our 2026 & 2027 schedule! Sign up on the waitlist before our 2027 the trips open online.

Valuable Links:

Fish Processor – Reserve a Fish Processor
Tackle Suggestions – Tackle Suggestions for Trip Length
What To Bring – Fishing Gear & Essentials
Fisherman’s Landing Fish Reports – Fisherman’s Landing YouTube Page
Long Range Fish Reports – Reports from San Diego’s Long-Range Fleet

Sign up online: www.searchersportfishing.com
Call the office: 619-226-2403

Searcher Sportfishing Penn Reels 2026 Kaden Yellowfin Tuna
Searcher Sportfishing Penn Reels 2026 Greg Yellowfin Tuna
Searcher Sportfishing Penn Reels 2026 Yellowtail
Searcher Sportfishing Penn Reels 2026 Yellowfin Tuna

Captain’s Blog

May 242025

Happy 55th Birthday to the Searcher!

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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

Searcher Crew

Searcher Crew Profile


Captain Carson Carvalho
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!

more profiles

Did You Know?

Searcher Offers 12-Day Whale Watching Cruises & Guided 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 cruise and guided tour from Fisherman’s Landing in San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico, scheduled for February 6 – 17, 2027. 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!

For more details, view Baja Whale’s website www.bajawhale.com

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

Jan 62024

AS HEARD ON LET’S TALK HOOK-UP! Tackle Tip Thursday Vol. 212 (Connection Series: Seaguar Knot)

Happy new year, anglers!  We know you are getting ready for this year's fishing season, and we can help. Or, we should say...Rick Maxa can help! We are excited to present our Connection Series debut!  It's time to brush up on (or see for the first time) a few connection knots [...]

What Our Anglers Say

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel and we are able to rebook your spot, or if we receive your cancellation more than 120 days prior to departure, your deposit is refundable less a 10% cancellation fee based on the trip price.

If you cancel less than 120 days prior to departure, the trip is non-refundable unless the spot is rebooked. If the spot is rebooked, a refund will be issued less the 10% cancellation fee based on the trip price.

No refunds will be issued after the trip departs.

We recommend purchasing trip insurance to help protect your vacation investment in the event you need to cancel your trip. For pricing, benefits, and assistance from an agent, please visit Safari Global Travel. https://safariglobaltravel.com/

All trips require a valid passport book or passport card. Cancellation due to not having a valid passport book or passport card is still considered a cancellation and is subject to the same cancellation policy outlined above. Passport books or passport cards must be valid for the duration of the trip and will not expire during the duration of the trip and must meet the Mexican immigration requirements. Please verify your passport expiration date and ensure it meets all travel requirements before making your deposit.

All passengers are required to carry a valid passport (Passport Book or Passport Card) for all trips. Trip itineraries and fishing locations are subject to change based on weather, fishing conditions, and operational needs. Failure to possess a valid passport does not exempt a passenger from the cancellation policy.

Passengers are responsible for ensuring their passport is valid at the time of travel and meets all applicable U.S. and Mexican entry requirements. No refunds will be issued due to a passenger’s failure to provide the required travel documentation.

If a trip requires Mexican immigration documents (such as an FMM or similar visitor authorization), a valid passport or passport card is required.

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