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

May 242024

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

Meet The 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

Captain’s Blog

Jan 32024

Fishing Talk Show Time!

FISHING TALK SHOW TIME! Captains Art Taylor and Mike Todter will be on Let’s Talk Hook Up Saturday January 6 from 7-9am. Listen Live on the Let’s Talk Hookup web site, the app or on the radio at “The Mightier” AM1090! Ask your question on the air! 213-432-1090. Fun and fish talk, and updates from Team Searcher. Don’t miss it. ⁣

Spots available on the “Let’s Talk Hook-up” sponsored 2-day fishing trip too! Join the fun here: Sep 11-13 Fishing Trip

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

Sep 92021

Tackle Tip Thursday Vol. 156 (Yo-yo Outfit for Yellowtail)

Happy Tackle Tip Thursday! Logan Flaxington, veteran angler at a young age, shows us his go-to yellowtail set-up for yo-yo fishing. Yellowtail are a great target species right now. Logan will be joining Penn’s Steven Carson on the upcoming 3-day trip Sep 17-20 sponsored by Penn. Logan will mostly like be preparing for [...]

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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