Searcher Sportfishing | San Diego Charter Fishing

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

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 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.

Trip Report

Aug 122017

Trip 14 Aug 8-13 Accurate (5-day) Aug 12 Report

Hello anglers:

We are in the yellowfin tuna zone today with high hopes for some well-deserved action. We have paid our dues with the weather and the fishing so far this trip.

Today it is calm and we signs of yellowfin tuna. Mike W. caught this good-size tuna from a stop this morning. He is a Searcher first-timer, but has lots of long-range experience.

Team Searcher

Captain’s Blog

Jul 242016

“What’s Cookin’ in the Searcher Galley?” – Yellowtail Recipe!

Chefs Charley Erichsen and Dan Cramer have been hard at work in our newly upgraded Searcher galley, preparing fresh and fantastic meals that delight the palates of our hungry anglers.
“The food was unbelievable. I did not expect anywhere near the quality or freshness that the cooks delivered!” – Derek D. July 7, 2016
“I think the food was really amazing.” – Dave J. July 13, 2016
ssfoodyt1sm

Chef Charley has developed this fresh herb marinade for serving with grilled yellowtail or dorado.  Anglers on our recent trips have been clamoring for the recipe, so that they can prepare their own fresh-caught yellowtail when they return home from their Searcher trip!

sstrip7scottsmile

 Herb Marinated Grilled Yellowtail

Herb Marinade Ingredients
1 bunch flat leaf parsley (rinse and remove stems)
1 bunch cilantro (rinse, ok to leave stems)
1/2 bunch fresh oregano (rinse and use leaves only)
4-5 garlic cloves, cleaned and peeled
1-2 shallots, cleaned and peeled
1 good pinch red pepper flake
The juice of one half of a lime
1 cup of good olive oil (add more or use less, as needed)

  • Blend all ingredients in a food processor to a smooth,thick puree.  Add olive oil as you blend – the end result should be should be pourable.
  • Divide fresh yellowtail filets into 6-8 oz. portions
  • Pour marinade over the filets, marinate for 30-45 minutes in a non-metallic container. The marinade should touch all sides of the fish.
  • Preheat the grill.  Prep your grill for grilling directly over high heat and finishing over indirect high heat.
  • Place your marinated filets over the preheated grill on direct high heat, and salt with a sprinkling of coarse sea salt.
  • Grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
  • After grill marks are evident, place over indirect high heat for 4-7 minutes with the grill lid down.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides. Aboard Searcher we serve this with red pepper risotto and a cilantro lime butter sauce, or rice pilaf accompanied by fresh vegetables (like green and wax beans or roasted Mexican squash) with a garnish of pickled red onions.

* Searcher friends: are you looking for a specific Searcher recipe?  Email jen@searchersportfishing.com with your request! 🙂 

Searcher Crew

Searcher Crew Profile


Michael Todter, Owner/Captain
Captain Mike Todter, co-owner of Searcher since 2023, is the driving force at the helm. As Searcher’s captain, Mike is relentless in his quest to find the best fishing spots, using his sharp instincts and deep knowledge of the ocean to deliver exceptional results.

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
Go to Top