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San Diego West Basin

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

California, United States

4.5·2135 catches

Top fish species at San Diego West Basin

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Check which species have trophy potential in San Diego West Basin

San Diego West Basin fishing reports

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Spotted sand bass

length · weight

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Spotted sand bass

length · weight

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Yellowfin croaker

length · weight

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Yellowfin croaker

length · weight

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Spotted sand bass

length · weight

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Spotted sand bass

length · weight

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General info

San Diego West Basin is a part of an ocean located in San Diego County, California, United States. It is most popular for fishing Spotted sand bass, Haller's round ray, and California halibut.

Location

32°43′57.8″N 117°12′45.3″W
Directions

Amenities

Fishing regulations at San Diego West Basin, CA

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in California can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Spotted sand bass

Spotted sand bass

Regulation boundaryCA State Waters
Bag limit5

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size14" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit20

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Additional information
Bag limit of 5 Kelp Bass, Barred Sand Bass, or Spotted Sand Bass in any combination. Open year-round. When filleting on a vessel, fillets shall be a minimum of seven and one half inches in length. Each fillet shall bear intact a one-inch square patch of skin.
Synonyms
Paralabrax maculatofasciatus
Season open: year-round
California halibut

California halibut

Regulation boundaryCA State Waters
Bag limit2

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size22" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit20

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Additional information
Bag limit increased to 5 California halibut in California waters south of a line extending due west magnetic from Point Sur, Monterey County.Fillets must be a minimum of 16 and three-quarter inches in length and shall bear the entire skin intact. A fillet from a California halibut (flesh from one entire side of the fish with the entire skin intact) may not be cut in half fillets. However, a fillet may be cut lengthwise in a straight line along the midline of the fillet where the fillet was attached to the vertebra (backbone) of the fish only if the two pieces of a fillet remain joined along their midline for a length of at least two inches at one end of the fillet.
Synonyms
Paralichthys californicus
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Local laws and licenses

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Reviews of San Diego West Basin

4.5
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56 ratings

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Cities nearby

Coronado

5.6 miles away

National City

8.1 miles away

San Diego

8.6 miles away

Lemon Grove

10.4 miles away

La Mesa

11.5 miles away

Bonita

11.6 miles away

La Presa

12.3 miles away

Imperial Beach

12.6 miles away

Chula Vista

13.6 miles away

Spring Valley

13.7 miles away

El Cajon

15.4 miles away

Santee

15.7 miles away

Bostonia

16.5 miles away

Rancho San Diego

17.1 miles away

Winter Gardens

18.1 miles away

Solana Beach

18.3 miles away

Lakeside

19.8 miles away

Poway

20.8 miles away

Encinitas

22.0 miles away

Alpine

27.5 miles away

San Marcos

27.9 miles away

Ramona

29.2 miles away

Potrero

36.2 miles away

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FAQ about San Diego West Basin fishing

📍 Where is San Diego West Basin located?
San Diego West Basin is a part of an ocean located in San Diego County, California, United States. Its coordinates are:
32°43′57.8″N 117°12′45.3″W
.
🎣 Where on San Diego West Basin is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on San Diego West Basin by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in San Diego West Basin?
The most common species in San Diego West Basin are:
📢 What are the latest San Diego West Basin fishing reports?
The latest San Diego West Basin fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at San Diego West Basin right now?
According to fishing regulations at San Diego West Basin, some of the species in season this November include: Chinook salmon, Lingcod, Pacific halibut, Vermilion rockfish, and California sheephead. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at San Diego West Basin?

Fishing in California requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Options include daily, annual, or combination licenses for residents and non-residents, purchasable online or at sporting goods stores.

In California, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16. There is no universal senior exemption. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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