When basking in the sun, exploring the shoreline, and getting out on the waves are all defining moments of a great getaway in your mind, then a trip to Mission Beach is an experience that promises to inspire! This year-round incredible vacation destination is one that never fails to impress visitors from near and far in every season, and if you happen to be someone with a passion for angling, you’ll find there’s even more to look forward to during your stay. The waters around Mission Beach are home to everything from mackerel and croakers to bonitas, sharks, rays, California halibut, sand bass, bonefish, shortfin corvina, spotted bay bass, and many more. Fishing in this area is a chance to enjoy variety when it comes to what’s biting below the surface, and where you’re new to fishing or a pro, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to put your skills to work on the water. If you’re fortunate enough to have a few days to spare in the name of vacation fun, an angler’s journey to Mission Beach begins right here!
Day 1: Cast a Line from the Shore in Mission Bay
Just a few miles down the road from the heart of Mission Beach, anglers will find a world of shoreline casting possibilities waiting to be enjoyed in Mission Bay. This is an idyllic destination for those who are looking to enjoy stunning scenery, and lucrative catches from a variety of easy-to-reach beaches, jetties and piers in the area. The fishing around Mission Bay is truly excellent just about everywhere you settle in and when you spend a day here casting a line, you’ll typically find plenty of others with a shared passion doing the same thing. Early mornings and evening hours tend to be particularly successful times to reel in exciting catches here and if you’re up for wading in a bit, you’ll increase your chances further.
Mission Bay Jetty
2510 Quivira Ct., San Diego, California
619-235-1169
Day 2: Enjoy A Day of Fishing Fun with a Guide
Heading out on your own to savor a day of fishing fun can be a treat, but if you want to hone the skills you already have or learn for the first time, booking a charter alongside a local guide is always a good option. That’s why the second day of your stay in Mission Beach has you linking up with Risen Tide Sportfishing for a chance to get out and make the very most of your time casting a line in the San Diego Bay and the surrounding inshore waters. If you’re an experienced angler, this is a great opportunity to team up with a local professional and maximize your time hitting all of the top spots in the area. Newcomers will appreciate the comprehensive overview of fishing in the area as well as the fact that everything you need to make it a successful day on the water is included in the cost of the charter.
Leopard sharks, calico bass, shortfin corvina, and spotted bay bass are some of the most frequently caught fish on these trips, and if you travel this way between May and October, you can choose to book a fly fishing, inshore, or Coronado Island-bound offshore trip with Risen Tide Sportfishing as well. Charters can be customized for family outings if you’re spending time in Mission Beach with the little ones in tow and you want to enjoy a quality activity on the water together. Guests will be invited to step onboard a SX240 Bay Boat complete with a 300 HP Yamaha outboard motor to get you where you’re going for the day. The vessel is equipped with top-of-the-line gear and electronics as well as insulated fish boxes and safety equipment too. A half-day bay outing lasts 5 hours and begins at $749 while a full day bay excursion is 8-hours of fishing fun and begins at $1,099.
Risen Tide Sportfishing
Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, California
760-809-6411
Day 3: Team Up with Mission Bay Fly Fishing Co.
Fly fishing is another terrific way for anglers to enjoy their time in the Mission Beach area, which makes the third day of your getaway the perfect time to link up with Mission Bay Fly Fishing Co. This local team of experts provides fly casting instruction for those who are new to the sport for just $100 per hour. These are private, tailored lessons that cover all things casting so you can get comfortable with the equipment and techniques before heading out to see what’s biting on your own. If you want to go even more in-depth, consider signing up for their fly fishing classes and lessons for beginners. You’ll take time to learn how to tie knots, working on different casting approaches, and have time to ask questions of instructors along the way. The class is 2.5 hours long and begins at $250 per person, which includes all the gear you’ll need. If you’re ready to get out and put your skills to work, Mission Bay Fly Fishing Co. also happily offers guided outings! These are offered for $100 per hour and are customized to guest timeframe and preference year-round. You’ll typically spend anywhere from 3 to 4 hours out and about with your guide while exploring bay fishing and surf fishing alike. For fly fishing experts in Mission Beach looking to stock up on essentials, the Mission Bay Fly Fishing Co. has saltwater fly fishing boxes available to purchase packed with an assortment of unique flies that are hand-tied. A box with 12 flies is available for $100.
Mission Bay Fly Fishing Co.
Greater Mission Beach Area, San Diego, California
619-929-2013
Book Your Mission Beach Adventure Today
When travel plans bring you to beautiful Mission Beach, the team at Pacific Sands Vacations is here to make sure you have incredible accommodations in place to top your stay off in style. Reach out to learn more about our exciting lineup of property options available packed with stunning amenities and situated in locations that keep you close to the places you can’t wait to explore during your mission beach angler’s delight journey.