October 20, 2026 · By CDM Yachts · 4 min read
San Diego's inshore waters hold two of the most reliable targets for a day on the water: yellowtail and calico bass. Both show up on CDM Yachts' private fishing trips aboard Jesse Girl, a 2005 Carolina Express 28' that departs Shelter Island Marina. CDM runs two inshore packages aboard her, and the difference between them is mostly time on the water. Here's what each one covers and what's aboard.
The Half-Day Fishing Excursion
The Half-Day Fishing Excursion runs 6 hours for $1,700. It works local hotspots for Yellowtail, Bonito, Barracuda, Calico Bass, Rockfish, Lingcod, Sculpin, Halibut, White Seabass and more. It's the shorter of CDM's two inshore trips, built for a half-day rather than a full one on the water.
The Full-Day Inshore Expedition
For more time working the same grounds, the Full-Day Inshore Expedition runs 12 hours for $2,125. It targets the same inshore species as the half-day trip: Yellowtail, Bonito, Barracuda, White Seabass, Calico Bass, Rockfish, Lingcod, Sculpin and Halibut. The difference is twice the time on the water.
Pricing depends on the date, duration and group size. Final quotes are confirmed at booking.
Yellowtail
Yellowtail are one of the headline targets on both inshore trips. They're listed on both the Half-Day Fishing Excursion and the Full-Day Inshore Expedition. Either trip is a fair starting point if yellowtail are the goal. For more time working them, book the full-day option.
Calico Bass
Calico bass round out the inshore lineup on both trips, alongside bonito, barracuda, rockfish, lingcod, sculpin, halibut and white seabass. Ask when you call which species are showing that week — conditions and what's biting can shift.
Built for Inshore Work
Jesse Girl runs twin 260hp Volvo diesel engines and cruises at 25 knots. She carries 2024 Raymarine electronics, a 100-gallon bait tank, a tuna tower, oversized kill boxes, plenty of rod holders and a premier stereo system. She exceeds U.S. Coast Guard safety requirements and carries additional safety gear.
Each piece of gear has a job on an inshore day. The bait tank keeps live bait fresh over the course of the trip. The tuna tower gives height for spotting fish and structure. The oversized kill boxes keep the day's catch cold for the ride back to the dock. The 2024 Raymarine electronics help locate structure and bait.
Both inshore trips include complimentary water, soda and ice, snacks, and an onboard refrigerator and microwave.
Inshore vs. Going Offshore
The inshore trips focus on species close to shore: yellowtail, calico bass, bonito, barracuda, rockfish, lingcod, sculpin, halibut and white seabass. CDM's third package, the Full-Day Offshore Adventure, runs the same 12 hours for $2,550. It heads further out, after Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Yellowtail and Dorado.
If tuna is the goal, offshore is the right call. If yellowtail and calico bass are what you're after, either inshore trip covers it. Our guide to tuna fishing in San Diego has more on the offshore side. Our guide to choosing a San Diego fishing charter walks through all three packages side by side.
For Bigger or Upscale Groups
The McKinna 69 also runs private luxury fishing charters, at an additional cost to the yacht charter, for groups of up to 13 guests. It departs Mission Bay rather than Shelter Island, with a climate-controlled Skylounge to retreat to between bites. Trips can be customized around the season and target species — a different kind of day than the half- and full-day trips aboard Jesse Girl.
A Good Day on the Water
A half-day inshore trip also works well for a birthday celebration or a team outing. See our birthday charter and corporate event pages for other ways to mark an occasion on San Diego Bay.
Before You Go
- Bring layers. Mornings on the water run cooler than the marina.
- Conditions can change, so your captain may adjust the route or the target species.
- Ask what's biting when you call to book.
- Read what to bring on a charter for general packing tips.
Deciding between the half-day, full-day and offshore trips? Read our guide to choosing a San Diego fishing charter, see all three on the Fishing Charters page, or check the latest fishing report. Call (619) 866-6966 or request availability to get started.
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