Long Beach Fishing Charters
Long Beach fishing charters work the harbor edges, kelp beds, breakwalls, and offshore banks for calico bass, yellowtail, white seabass, and seasonal tuna runs.
Top Rated Charters in Long Beach
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Long Beach, CA Fishing Guide
Long Beach sits in a sweet spot along the Southern California coast where you can fish sheltered harbors, rocky structure, kelp lines, and bluewater all in the same week. Most trips leave from Shoreline Marina or Alamitos Bay, both with fuel, bait receivers, and easy parking. From either spot, you can be on the Horseshoe Kelp in under 20 minutes, casting swimbaits for calico bass or bouncing leadheads for sculpin and sand bass. The breakwall offers a dependable mix of bass, halibut, and the occasional white seabass.
On days when the ocean is flat, a run to Palos Verdes puts you over thick kelp beds and rocky pockets where calicos, sheephead, and perch hold tight. Summer often sees barracuda and yellowtail pushing bait schools along the kelp edges. If you’ve got a full day to burn, heading to Catalina Island is a top play. The front side offers bass and bonito, while the backside holds white seabass, yellowtail, and deeper structure species. Multi-day boats will push to San Clemente Island or offshore banks for tuna, dorado, and bigger game.
Half-day charters typically stay inshore, targeting bass, sculpin, and halibut. Full-day trips stretch to Catalina or the offshore banks when the bite is on. Twilight trips in summer are a local favorite for sand bass and sculpin, with some nights producing nonstop action. In spring, the focus is on bass and the first white seabass. Summer brings in exotics like yellowtail, dorado, and tuna if water temps climb. Fall is prime for big tuna, while winter keeps things closer to home with bay bass, rockfish, and sculpin. Common techniques include fly-lining sardines, slow-trolling mackerel, yo-yo jigging, dropper loops, and casting soft plastics along structure. With so many options, Long Beach offers a year-round mix of fishing styles and species, making it one of the most versatile ports in California.
Fishing Seasons in Long Beach
Spring (March–May)
Spring marks the start of warmer days and longer runs. The bay and harbor kick out good numbers of spotted bay bass and halibut, while the breakwall sees more calicos and sand bass. White seabass start showing around the Horseshoe and Catalina, especially on squid beds. Half-day trips focus on inshore bass, while full-day runs may start making the hop to the island. Live sardines, plastics, and dropper loop rigs work well this time of year, with calmer weather helping boat traffic spread out.
Summer (June–August)
This is prime time in Long Beach. Water temps rise, and the exotics arrive. Yellowtail, barracuda, bonito, dorado, and tuna become real options. Many full-day trips split time between the island and offshore banks. Half-day trips still get action inshore with bass and halibut. Fly-lined baits and surface irons are go-to tactics, and many anglers chase the early morning yellowtail bite before switching to bass or bonito. Twilight trips in summer can produce fast sand bass limits.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is often the most consistent season for tuna. Warm water can hold through October, keeping yellowfin, bluefin, and dorado close enough for single-day runs. Inshore, bass fishing remains steady, and white seabass can make surprise appearances at Catalina. Many charters focus offshore early in the fall, then transition back to island and local reefs as temperatures drop. Yo-yo jigs and heavier irons become more common as fish hold deeper.
Winter (December–February)
Winter slows the exotics, but fishing stays steady for those who adjust. The harbor and bays produce spotted bay bass, and the breakwall sees sand bass and sculpin. Rockfish season stays open, giving anglers a chance to fill coolers with reds, chuckleheads, and other bottom fish. Trips stay closer to port due to weather, but the shorter runs keep fishing time high. Dropper loops and cut squid are the standard winter setup.
Gamefish in Long Beach
- Calico Bass – 1–6 lbs. Found along kelp lines, rocky reefs, and breakwalls year-round; plastics and swimbaits work best.
- Sand Bass – 1–5 lbs. Common in harbor channels, sandy bottoms, and during twilight trips; caught on plastics and cut bait.
- Yellowtail – 8–40 lbs. Seasonal summer and fall fish around Catalina, offshore banks, and kelp edges; taken on fly-lined sardines, irons, and yo-yo jigs.
- White Seabass – 15–60 lbs. Best in spring and early summer near squid beds at Catalina and coastal reefs; live squid is top bait.
- Bluefin Tuna – 20–200+ lbs. Found offshore in summer and fall; targeted by trolling, kite fishing, and fly-lining live bait.
- Dorado – 5–20 lbs. Summer pelagic found offshore and near kelp paddies; taken on live bait or surface irons.
- Halibut – 5–30 lbs. Found in bays, sandy flats, and near structure; best on slow-trolled live bait or drifted plastics.
- Rockfish – 1–5 lbs. Caught in deeper water in winter and spring; dropper loops with squid or cut bait work well.
Long Beach Fishing FAQs
Where do most Long Beach fishing charters depart from?
Most charters run out of Shoreline Marina or Alamitos Bay, both of which offer parking, bait receivers, and fuel. These marinas give quick access to local spots and the run to Catalina.
How long are typical fishing trips here?
Half-day trips usually last 5–6 hours and focus on inshore waters. Full-day trips run 10–12 hours and often make the hop to Catalina Island or offshore banks. Twilight trips in summer are 4–5 hours in the evening.
What gear is usually provided?
Most charter boats provide rods, reels, and terminal tackle. Bait is included or available at the dock. Anglers can bring their own gear if they prefer specific setups.
Do I need a fishing license in Long Beach?
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a valid California fishing license for saltwater fishing. These can be purchased online or at tackle shops near the marina.
What’s the best time of year to fish here?
Summer and fall are best for offshore exotics like yellowtail, dorado, and tuna. Spring is great for white seabass and bass, while winter offers solid bottom fishing.
What fishing techniques work best in Long Beach?
Fly-lining live bait, yo-yo jigging, slow-trolling mackerel, and casting plastics along structure all produce. The best method depends on the season and target species.
What species can I expect on a half-day trip?
Half-day trips usually produce calico bass, sand bass, sculpin, halibut, and sometimes barracuda or bonito in summer.
Can families or kids join Long Beach charters?
Yes, many boats welcome families and beginners. Calm days and shorter half-day trips are best for kids or first-timers.
Are there specialty trips available?
Yes, some charters offer night trips for sand bass and sculpin, multi-day offshore runs for tuna, or island-focused trips for white seabass and yellowtail.