Trip Types Target Species Captain Jim Hughes The Vessel Book a Charter Location
โš“ San Diego's Premier Sport Fishing Charter

Where the
Big Fish
Are.

65-foot vessel. 35+ years of expertise. Captain Jim Hughes knows San Diego's waters like no one else โ€” from local bass and yellowtail to offshore tuna and dorado.

Choose Your Adventure

From quick half-day outings to epic multi-day offshore expeditions โ€” we have the right trip for every angler.

Half Day Trip
Half Day

Half-Day Trip

โฑ๏ธ 5 hours ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Up to 43 passengers

Perfect for families and first-timers. Local coastal fishing for bass, barracuda, bonito, and yellowtail. Morning and afternoon departures available.

3/4 Day Trip
ยพ Day

ยพ-Day Trip

โฑ๏ธ 8 hours ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Up to 43 passengers

Extended range reaches prime local and near-offshore grounds. Excellent for yellowtail, white sea bass, and rockfish with more time on the water.

Full Day Trip
Full Day

Full-Day Trip

โฑ๏ธ 12+ hours ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Up to 43 passengers

Maximum range for the best offshore fishing. Prime territory for yellowfin and bluefin tuna, yellowtail, dorado, and albacore.

Overnight Trip
Overnight

Overnight Trip

โฑ๏ธ 24 hours ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Up to 23 passengers

Sleep on board and wake up to prime offshore fishing grounds. Overnight trips maximize your time on tuna-rich waters far offshore.

Multi-Day Trip
Multi-Day

Multi-Day Expedition

โฑ๏ธ 2โ€“7+ days ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Up to 23 passengers

The ultimate fishing experience. Extended offshore expeditions target bigeye and yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and dorado in Mexico's legendary fishing grounds.

Whale Watching
Whale Watching

Whale Watching & Custom Charters

โฑ๏ธ 3โ€“4 hours ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Custom capacity

Seasonal whale watching excursions and fully custom private charters โ€” corporate events, birthday trips, or anything in between. Contact us to customize.

Target Species

San Diego's offshore and nearshore waters are among the most productive on the Pacific โ€” here's what you're fishing for.

Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Offshore ยท Seasonal
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Offshore ยท Trophy Class
Albacore Tuna
Albacore Tuna
Offshore ยท Fan Favorite
Yellowtail
Yellowtail
Local & Offshore
Dorado / Mahi-Mahi
Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)
Offshore ยท Stunning Fighter
White Sea Bass
White Sea Bass
Local ยท Prized
Rockfish
Rockfish
Local ยท Year-Round
Barracuda
Barracuda & Bonito
Local ยท Great Sport
Captain Jim Hughes

Captain Jim Hughes

"I've spent my life on these waters. I know where the fish are โ€” and I know how to put you on them."

With over 35 years as a licensed Captain and owner-operator of the Cortez, Jim Hughes has built a reputation as one of San Diego's most trusted and skilled sport fishing captains. His knowledge of local and offshore fishing grounds is unmatched.

Captain Jim's commitment to his passengers goes beyond just finding fish. He and his crew are dedicated to making every trip โ€” whether your first time offshore or your fiftieth โ€” a memorable and rewarding experience on the water.

From the kelp paddies of the nearshore kelp beds to the deep blue water 100 miles offshore, Captain Jim knows every productive spot, every seasonal pattern, and every technique that catches fish in San Diego waters.

35+
Years Experience
65 ft
Vessel Length
USCG
Licensed Captain
The Cortez โ€” 65-foot Sport Fishing Vessel

The Cortez

The Cortez is a purpose-built 65-foot sport fishing vessel designed for comfort, range, and performance. Fully equipped to handle everything from local day trips to extended multi-day offshore expeditions.

โš“
65 Feet โ€” Full-size sport fishing vessel with excellent range and stability
๐Ÿ‘ฅ
43 Passengers for day trips ยท 23 Passengers for overnight/multi-day
๐Ÿ›๏ธ
Sleeping Berths for overnight and extended trips
๐ŸŽฃ
Full Live Bait Tank and premium tackle available on board
๐Ÿฝ๏ธ
Galley & Restrooms โ€” all the comforts for a full day at sea
๐Ÿ“ก
Full Electronics โ€” sonar, GPS, radar, and communications

Ready to Go Fishing?

Contact us to book your charter, check availability, or ask any questions. We offer open party trips (join other anglers) and private charters for groups.

๐Ÿ“ž
Main Line 619-203-2965
๐Ÿ“ 
Fax 619-449-3911
โœ‰๏ธ
๐Ÿข
Thank you! Captain Jim will be in touch soon to confirm your charter.
619-203-2965
Seaforth Sportfishing Landing โ€” 1717 Quivira Rd, San Diego
๐Ÿ“
Seaforth Sportfishing Landing
1717 Quivira Road
San Diego, CA 92109

Find Us

Seaforth Sportfishing Landing
1717 Quivira Road
San Diego, CA 92109

Phone: 619-203-2965
Fax: 619-449-3911
Email: fishcortez@cox.net
Landing: info@seaforthlanding.com

Located at Mission Bay, just minutes from I-8 and easily accessible from all of San Diego. Free parking available at the landing.