Los Angeles Fishing Charters
Los Angeles fishing charters put anglers in prime position for year-round inshore action and epic deep sea adventures chasing yellowtail, white seabass, and tuna.
Top Rated Charters in Los Angeles
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Los Angeles, CA Fishing Guide
Los Angeles may be famous for Hollywood, but its true gems lie offshore, where anglers find diverse opportunities from inshore kelp beds and reefs to deep sea offshore islands. Half-day inshore charters typically stick to rocky reefs and kelp forests off Palos Verdes and Redondo Beach, perfect for families targeting calico bass, halibut, and barracuda. Full-day trips often head out toward Catalina Island, about 22 miles offshore, or San Clemente Island, around 50 miles away, providing access to pelagic species like yellowtail, bonito, and seasonal white seabass.
Spring through summer sees charters frequently launching from Marina del Rey, Redondo Beach, and Long Beach harbors. Short runs within a few miles from shore offer plenty of action on barracuda, sand bass, and calicos using live sardines or anchovies on fly-lined rigs or surface iron. Offshore, captains rely on trolling setups, yo-yo jigs, and live bait around island drop-offs and kelp paddies to target yellowtail and even early-season bluefin tuna.
Fall fishing shifts toward excellent offshore tuna runs, with bluefin and yellowfin appearing within 20–40 miles from shore, making Los Angeles a premier deep sea destination. Inshore fishing remains solid with structure-oriented species biting well. Winter months cool things down offshore but offer outstanding bottom fishing for rockfish, lingcod, and sheephead near Catalina Island’s reefs. Captains often anchor over rocky pinnacles, sending down squid-tipped jigs or live bait rigs.
Most anglers prefer the classic techniques—live bait drifting, fly-lining sardines, trolling feathers and cedar plugs for tuna, and bottom fishing with squid. Whether you’re fishing inshore reefs or chasing big-game offshore, Los Angeles consistently delivers quality fishing experiences.
Fishing Seasons in Los Angeles
Spring
Spring kicks off Los Angeles’ fishing season with warming waters sparking inshore action. Calico bass and halibut bite aggressively around kelp beds and sandy flats near Palos Verdes and Malibu. Barracuda start showing up, eager to hit surface irons or fly-lined sardines. By late spring, offshore anglers target early yellowtail at Catalina Island’s east end or backside drop-offs, typically fishing with live bait or iron jigs. Nearshore trips run short distances of less than 10 miles, while island excursions push 20–30 miles offshore.
Summer
Summer brings peak season excitement, especially offshore. Yellowtail, bluefin tuna, bonito, and dorado heat up around Catalina and San Clemente Islands, with charter boats frequently making the 20–50 mile runs. Techniques shift to trolling feathers, cedar plugs, and live bait under kelp paddies and offshore structure. Closer to shore, the warm water keeps calico bass, sand bass, and barracuda biting consistently near kelp lines and rocky structure, perfect for half-day and twilight charters out of Los Angeles’ major harbors.
Fall
Los Angeles’ fall fishing often delivers epic tuna runs, with bluefin and yellowfin within comfortable range of the coast, typically 20–40 miles offshore. Captains use sonar to locate feeding schools and target them with fly-lined sardines, live mackerel, or heavy jigs. Meanwhile, inshore fishing remains active—sand bass and calicos continue their steady bite, while barracuda thin out. Fall conditions make trips to Catalina Island popular, where anglers enjoy solid action on white seabass, yellowtail, and bottom species like lingcod and rockfish.
Winter
Winter slows the offshore scene but rewards dedicated anglers with outstanding bottom fishing. Rockfish, lingcod, sheephead, and whitefish dominate catches around Catalina and local reefs. Boats anchor up near rocky pinnacles, using squid or cut bait on dropper loops. Nearshore fishing remains productive within a few miles from harbors, targeting calico bass and halibut along sandy flats and kelp edges. Cooler conditions mean fewer boats on the water, giving hardcore anglers plenty of elbow room to enjoy Los Angeles’ quieter season.
Gamefish in Los Angeles
- Yellowtail – 10–40 lbs Caught spring through fall offshore near Catalina and San Clemente Islands using surface irons, yo-yo jigs, or live bait around kelp paddies and reefs.
- Bluefin Tuna – 20–200 lbs Targeted late spring to fall trolling cedar plugs, kite fishing, or fly-lining live sardines and mackerel 20–50 miles offshore.
- Calico Bass – 2–10 lbs Year-round near kelp beds, rocky structure, and reefs close to shore, caught with live bait, soft plastics, or surface iron jigs.
- Halibut – 5–40 lbs Caught year-round along sandy bottoms and flats nearshore, usually drift-fishing with live anchovies, sardines, or bounce-balling rigs.
- Barracuda – 5–12 lbs Aggressive from spring through summer nearshore and kelp edges, caught on surface irons, fly-lined live sardines, or flashy metal lures.
- White Seabass – 20–60 lbs Seasonally targeted spring through early fall near island drop-offs, kelp beds, and squid spawning grounds using live squid, sardines, or white jigs.
- Rockfish – 2–15 lbs Prime winter targets around rocky reefs and pinnacles using squid-tipped jigs, dropper loops, or heavy bait rigs near the bottom.
- Lingcod – 8–30 lbs Caught primarily winter through spring near deep rocky structure, using large jigs, swimbaits, or whole squid rigs bounced along the bottom.
Los Angeles Fishing FAQs
What types of fishing charters are common in Los Angeles?
Half-day inshore trips, full-day deep sea excursions to Catalina or San Clemente, and overnight offshore tuna runs are most popular.
Do Los Angeles fishing charters provide equipment?
Yes, all gear, bait, tackle, and licenses are typically included with your charter.
When’s the best time to catch tuna near Los Angeles?
Bluefin and yellowfin tuna peak from late spring through fall, usually within 20–40 miles offshore.
Are charters from Los Angeles kid-friendly?
Absolutely—half-day nearshore trips are perfect for families and beginners, targeting calico bass, halibut, and barracuda.
Where do Los Angeles charters usually depart from?
Common departure points include Marina del Rey, Redondo Beach, and Long Beach harbors.
Can I catch fish in Los Angeles year-round?
Yes, Los Angeles fishing remains productive throughout the year, with species varying by season.
What should I bring on a Los Angeles fishing charter?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, drinks, a camera, and layered clothing.
How far do boats typically travel for deep sea fishing from Los Angeles?
Deep sea trips range from about 20 miles to Catalina Island to 50 miles for offshore tuna grounds.
Is seasickness common on Los Angeles charters?
Conditions vary; taking seasickness medication ahead of your trip is recommended if you’re prone to motion sickness.
