SAN DIEGO FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Kelp, Spearguns, and a Six‑Hour Window: Diving the Submerged Forests off San Diego
A focused 6‑hour spearfishing dive from Dana Landing that spends four hours in the kelp targeting species like White Seabass and Yellowtail—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Kelp, Spearguns, and a Six‑Hour Window: Diving the Submerged Forests off San Diego.
Launch from Dana Landing for a half‑day in the kelp: a six‑hour outing that uses a fast, stable boat outfitted for comfort and fishing, then gives divers at least four hours of bottom time to hunt species such as White Seabass and Yellowtail under guided oversight.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Kelp beds as your hunting ground
The trip spends the bulk of its time inside San Diego’s kelp beds, where freedivers search for local targets like White Seabass and Yellowtail during multi‑hour dive sessions.
A boat set up for serious diving
The vessel is equipped for comfort and utility—full galley, head and a custom bait tank—so the focus stays on diving and fishing rather than logistics afloat.
Small, adaptable parties
Trips carry only a handful of people, and the operator accommodates both spearfishers and those who prefer rod‑and‑reel (advance notice requested).
What the day feels like
What the half‑day feels like
You meet at a fuel dock and bait shop, transit for under an hour to the kelp, then spend roughly four hours diving the beds before returning—an intense, focused window of freediving and hunting interspersed with short surface intervals aboard a boat outfitted for anglers and divers.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this half‑day suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The charter is a six‑hour outing that includes transit to the kelp (under an hour each way) and at least four hours of diving and fishing on site.
Bring dedicated spearfishing dive gear: a 5mm spearfishing wetsuit, mask, snorkel, gloves, fin socks, weight belt and weights, knife, speargun and fish stringers; sun protection and a cooler (left in your car to save deck space) are also recommended.
Meet behind the Dana Landing Bait and Tackle Shop 10 minutes before departure; don’t park in the lot in front of the shop—street parking past the boat launch or near the southern end of the Freedom Boat Club lot are suggested alternatives.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the charter?
The outing lasts six hours.
Where and when do we meet?
Meet behind the Dana Landing Bait and Tackle Shop at the Dana Landing Fuel Dock 10 minutes prior to departure; the tackle shop carries snacks, drinks, fishing gear and licenses.
What gear do I need to bring?
Bring spearfishing dive gear (5mm spearfishing wetsuit, mask, snorkel, gloves, fin socks, weight belt with weights, knife, speargun) plus sun protection; fish stringers and a cooler are recommended.
What are the age and participation rules?
Passengers must be at least 8 years old to be onboard; spearfishing is restricted to those 16 and older unless the participant has completed a junior freediver course.
How many people are on a trip and can I fish with a rod instead of a speargun?
Trips carry up to six passengers, and if you prefer rod‑and‑reel fishing you should notify the operator in advance.
Any advice about seasickness or storing fish?
If you’re prone to seasickness bring medication, and bring a cooler (best left in your car to free deck space so it can be loaded at the end of the trip).