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Whether you are looking to have a little fun doing the "catch-and-release" game, or take home that once in a lifetime trophy fish, San Diego is a great place to get your fill of fishing. Before you go cast that rod, make sure you obtain a California fishing license for all anglers over the age of 16, and any additional permits for lake fishing. You can buy a either a daily fishing license or seasonal license at most bait and tackle shops.

Since San Diego is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, saltwater fishing is far more popular than freshwater fishing. However, a few lakes in the county are suitable for fishing, including Lake Hodges, which is nationally known for its largemouth bass population. Hodges is open for fishing on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, from February through October. But watch out for the legendary monster "Hodgee," San Diego's own equivalent of the Loch Ness monster.

If you are looking to fly-fish, or just want to freshwater fish in a scenic mountain location, Lake Cuyamaca lake is a small 110 acre lake sitting at an over 4,000 feet elevation. For non-anglers in your party, there is a beautiful 3.5 acre trail going around the lake.

Popular pier fishing locations in San Diego include the Oceanside Pier, where you can try your hand at catching guitarfish, sand bass, or halibut. The Oceanside Pier features an upscale burger restaurant at the end, and a sandy beach popular with tourists. The pier is just shy of 2,000 feet long, and near the end of it, you may be able to catch small mackerel or yellowtail. In the fall, you may be able to catch a barracuda, but think pencil size, not plank size. To get to the Pier, take I-5 to Mission Boulevard, head west until you get to the ocean and see the pier.

An alternative to the Oceanside Pier is the Shelter Island Pier, located off Rosecrans off I-5 or I-8. You can buy live anchovies at the pier bait shop, and may be able to catch sandbass, croaker, sand shark, or even halibut.

If you want to go deep sea fishing in San Diego, you can go either out of the San Diego Harbor or Oceanside Harbor. Charter trips offer the luxury of deckhands to assist with filleting and gutting fish, as well as baiting and casting. Don't forget to give your deckhands a tip, and participate in the jackpot.

San Diego Harbor offers a large fleet of sportfishing charter options, whether you want to go on a day trip, charter a private boat, or go on a fishing trip to Mexican waters. You can book trips online at www.sportfishing.org, www.hmlanding.com, or www.seaforthlanding.com.

In Oceanside, Helgren's Sportfishing departs daily on the Oceanside 95. Visit www.helgrensportfishing.com for more information. Helgren's also offers whale watching excursions and harbor cruises.

Learn more about this author, Caroline Atkins.
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