About Us

Our Story

At Catch Sportfishing, our journey began rooted in a deep passion for the ocean and the rich waters of San Diego. Founded by Ty Hajjar, a lifelong waterman who has called San Diego home since 1987, our company has evolved from humble beginnings into a premier fishing charter service. With over two decades of hands-on experience, Ty has dedicated his life to mastering the art of fishing in Southern California, from inshore spots to the vast offshore grounds.

Our Mission

Our mission is to share this local expertise with everyone who steps aboard. We believe that fishing is more than just a sport; it’s an experience that connects people with nature and with each other. Each charter is designed not just to catch fish but to create lasting memories. Whether you’re a seasoned angler seeking that trophy bluefin tuna or a family looking for a fun day on the water, Catch Sportfishing is here to deliver authentic adventures tailored to your dreams.

Our Team

Our team is united by a shared love for the ocean and a commitment to making every fishing charter an extraordinary adventure. Join us at Catch Sportfishing, where our family tradition meets a future of thrilling fishing experiences.

Ty Hajjar

San Diego Local, Lifelong Waterman, Owner of Catch Sportfishing

Ty Hajjar has lived in San Diego since 1987 and has been part of the local fishing scene since 1994. From grinding it out as a deckhand on sportboats to co-captaining 6 pack fishing charter yachts off our coast and into Mexico, Ty has spent his life mastering the bite in Southern California’s offshore, inshore, islands, and bay waters. This is his backyard — from the kelp beds off La Jolla and Point Loma to the tuna grounds beyond the islands — and he’s built his business around sharing that homegrown knowledge with every guest who steps aboard.

With decades of hands-on experience and a deep passion for saltwater fishing and spearfishing, Ty has transformed his fleet of boats into no-nonsense fish-killing machines, customized for serious anglers and families alike. Whether you’re a local looking to finally land that trophy bluefin tuna or a visitor wanting to experience San Diego’s world-class fishing firsthand, Ty’s mission is to deliver an action-packed, authentic trip you won’t forget. At Catch Sportfishing, you’re not just booking a charter — you’re joining a crew that knows these waters like the back of their hands.

Captain Austin Derry

Hardcore Fisherman, Elite Spearfisherman, and Pro Captain at Catch Sportfishing

Captain Austin Derry is the kind of captain who’s put in the work — from grinding long days as a deckboss to running the show at the helm. With years of experience across a wide range of vessels, from center consoles and sportfishers to superyachts, Austin has built rock-solid skills that translate into smooth, efficient, and high-energy trips on the water. He’s not just here to drive the boat — he’s here to put you on fish and make sure every run counts.

A serious waterman with a static breath hold pushing 4 minutes and the ability to freedive to depths of 135 feet, Austin brings elite-level skill and toughness to every spearfishing trip. Whether you’re chasing tuna offshore, stacking yellowtail, or diving deep for world-class spearfishing action, Austin’s mission is simple: deliver a safe, fun, and fish-filled trip tailored to your goals. When you climb aboard with Captain Austin, you’re fishing — or diving — with someone who knows what it takes to get the job done and won’t stop until you do.

Hunter Hajjar

Next-Generation Waterman, Fisherman, and Deckhand at Catch Sportfishing

Hunter Hajjar was born into the San Diego saltwater scene — the next generation in a family built around fishing, spearfishing, and life on the water. Raised on his dad’s boats and riding offshore since he was an infant, Hunter has grown up mastering the craft, turning childhood passion into serious skill. By his teens, he was already an accomplished fisherman and spearfisherman, with a static breath hold of 2.5 minutes and the ability to freedive to 90 feet — proof that he’s built for this world.

As one of Catch Sportfishing’s top deckhands, Hunter brings a powerful mix of natural instinct, hands-on experience, and technical know-how to every trip. He’s well-versed in all types of fishing and spearfishing, holds his California Boater Card, and is highly skilled at navigation and boat operations. Whether he’s helping customers rig up for battle, spotting fish from the tower, or working the deck with precision, Hunter represents the future of the Catch Sportfishing crew — continuing the family tradition while pushing every trip to the next level.