Searcher Sportfishing | San Diego, CA | Saltwater Fishing
Searcher’s 2025 Schedule – Click here to view!
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.
Latest from Captain’s Blog | Trip Report
Happy Anniversary, Searcher!
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
Meet The Searcher Crew
Searcher Crew Profile
Jeff Bartley, Crewman/Captain
more profiles
Did You Know?
Searcher Offers Whale Watching Tours!
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.
Trip Report
Trip #2 May 14-17 John Waggoner Charter
Evening!
Trip #2 with John Waggoner’s Charter set out Tuesday morning, and after a 30-hour search, we finally found the fish late this afternoon! We’re now seeing promising signs with a mixed grade, mostly ranging from 30 to 80 lbs. We’ve had a few bites and landed a couple, and we’re hopeful for tonight.
Captain Mike and The Boys
Tackle Tip Thursday
Tackle Tip Thursday Vol. 165 (Rod/Reel Maintenance)
Happy Tackle Tip Thursday! Vince, tackle expert, from Fisherman's Landing Tackle Shop demonstrates this simple but highly effective way to keep your rods and reels in the best condition for as long as possible. It's a good task to practice after each fishing trip. Stop in and say hello to Vince [...]
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.
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!
Captain, crew and cooks were absolute professionals. Boat is extremely clean and comfortable. Everyone worked **very hard**.
The crew directing traffic while you have a fish on was done to perfection. Very happy with the positive energy from the whole boat.
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!
The crew was awesome, great food and immediate attention to the deck, gaffing, and help with tangles.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
When you have a great crew and good fishing you remember the good times!
Best run operation I’ve ever been on as far as desire of captain and attitude/ teamwork of the crew.
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.
They did everything possible to make it a successful adventure for everyone willing/able to participate.
Absolute top notch operation. I always enjoy fishing with Team Searcher.
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.
Customer service and great attitude is always abundant on Searcher!
Deckhands exceptional, food was excellent, accommodations were great.
Searcher attracts a nice group of anglers. Experienced fisher persons, work well together.
Great vibe; welcoming/professional/skilled/hospitable. The Searcher Team rocks!
There’s a reason why I come back each year…I’m hooked with the Searcher.