Searcher Sportfishing | San Diego, CA | Saltwater Fishing
Our 2026 Schedule Is Available!! Click here to view our 2026 schedule
Inquire about chartering a 2026 trip, office@searchersportfishing.com.
Login or create your Angler Account: Click Here
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 Crew 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 2026 Searcher Sportfishing trip and gain access to prime offshore fishing areas for fishing for bluefin, yellowfin, dorado, yellowtail and more!
View our schedule, book online or call the office at 619-226-2403.
Fisherman’s Landing has been posting fish report videos on YouTube with the latest updates. You can check them out here Fisherman’s Landing YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fishermanslanding.
If you have specific tackle questions, feel free to give Fisherman’s Landing Tackle Shop a call. Their crew stays up to date on current conditions, what’s being caught, and what tackle is working best. 619-221-8500.
Captain’s Blog
Goin’ to Guadalupe?
It’s a mystical-looking island located beyond 
the continental shelf and it’s also a fishing bucket-list favorite. Deep water upwelling of cold, nutrient- and phytoplankton-rich waters provides the excellent food source for the island’s bait fish. That attracts schools of the larger specimens of gamefish such as yellowtail and yellowfin tuna that tempt and tantalize anglers who hear the call of Guadalupe.
So you’re headed to “The ‘Lupe.” What should you bring?
Searcher crew and Fisherman’s Landing Tackle Shop agree: you’ll be targeting larger tuna over 100 pounds so bring heavy gear (2-speed reels) with 80-pound plus line test and appropriately matched fluorocarbon for your leader. Circle hooks are a must–tuna that size have large teeth! Find what you need here: OWNER HOOKS.
One more thing! Please review Capt. Aaron’s tackle tips video on drag settings HERE!
Here’s an “Ask A Captain” question we received recently about Guadalupe Island!
Dear Captain Art,
Fishing trips to Guadalupe Island have been scoring good size tuna. Assuming I am lucky enough to hook a big one, my question is on drag adjustment as I fight the 100+ lb fish. As the fish takes its initial run and takes half of the line off the reel, drag pressure on the reel will increase. Up to what point do I have to move the drag lever down so the drag pressure is not excessive?
– David T.
Hi David,
To answer your question quickly: it’s not necessary to change the drag setting during the fish’s initial run. However, if the run lasts and you’re near the end of your spool, you may have to back off on the drag setting due to the amount of line in the water.
Also, check out this quote from Capt Aaron during his last trip to the island:
What I want to recommend for these fish out here is to make sure you have a good 80 to 120 lb rod and a good working two-speed reel that is designed for these grade of fish. They’re tough on the gear and having that gear with a TIGHT drag is the only way you’re gonna land one.
Here is another question that landed in our inbox recently:
Hi Captains,
I am looking forward to my upcoming trip. Are you recommending that we use braided line or just mono on any # test line? I get conflicting info from different people and I want to do what is best for the crew and other fisherman on board. I thought I remembered “no braid” because it cuts mono in the event of a tangle or crossover. On the tackle list I believe it says braid on heavy test but I want to confirm before I spool-up any of my reels.
Thank you, Searcher crew!
-Dale D.
Hello Dale,
Braided line is recommended, because it increases your reel’s capacity. Spool up with135 or 85 pound braid with the appropriate length of matching mono top shot, at least 100 feet.
See you onboard,
Capt Art
Here’s a “Ask A Captain” question:
I want to stock up on terminal gear for a fall 6-day Guadalupe Island trip. Given the size of fish & conditions this year, what are your
recommendations for:1) Hook type / sizes and quantity?
2) Mono top shot and leader? Length and test weight? Thanks!
Dave R.
Hi Dave,
Regarding hooks, here’s my recommendations:
- Owner hooks for tuna – 3/0 & 4/0 circle hooks
- Watch our “Hook Selection” how-to video here (scroll to bottom): Captain’s Tackle Technique videos
Top shot items:
- Tuna: 80-100 pound mono top shot (about 100 feet) for tuna with matching fluorocarbon leader (3 feet)
Searcher Crew
Searcher Crew Profile
Jeff Bartley, Crewman/Chef
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.
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.
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.