In Newport Beach, the sun shines bright and the waves roll in. Nestled along Southern California’s picturesque coastline, this city is a haven for anglers seeking the ultimate offshore adventure. Deep sea fishing in Newport Beach promises thrilling battles against some of the ocean’s most prized catches.
Imagine heading out on a charter with the salty breeze in your hair and the anticipation of what lies beneath the waves. As you venture into the deep waters, the possibilities are endless. Newport Beach is home to some of the most sought-after game fish, including Yellowtail, Tuna, and White Seabass.
In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of deep sea fishing in Newport Beach. From the top catches and techniques to the seasons and regulations, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover what makes a successful deep sea trip in one of California’s premier destinations!
Top Deep Sea Fishing Catches in Newport Beach
When you head deep sea fishing in Newport Beach, get ready for a mixed bag of excitement. Year-round, you can hook into over 30 varieties of game fish. But the real headliners are Bluefin Tuna and Yellowtail, along with the spectacular Marlin that swim by during their annual migration! Here’s a sneak peak of what’s waiting for you out in the deep…
Yellowtail
Yellowtail are fierce fighters, known for their explosive strikes and relentless energy. To get them to bite, use live bait like sardines and mackerel, although jigs can also be effective. You can expect to find Yellowtail weighing between 10 and 20 pounds, while hooking a 40 lb trophy is sure to give you some bragging rights.
Hit the Catalina and San Clemente Islands, as well as offshore kelp paddies for the best action. These locations are known for some of the best Yellowtail bites, especially during the summer.
Once you’ve landed a Yellowtail, the excitement continues at the dinner table. Yellowtail’s rich, full-flavored meat is perfect for grilling. For sushi lovers, Yellowtail, or ”Hamachi,” are a prized delicacy, second only to Bluefin Tuna. Freshly caught and served raw, it’s a true treat!
Tuna
When it comes to Newport Beach Tuna fishing, Bluefin leads the pack, followed by Yellowfin, Albacore, and the occasional Bigeye. These powerful fish first appear around the islands and then move towards the seamounts and canyons as they follow their prey northward.
Tuna fishing techniques vary depending on where the fish are and what they’re doing. Chumming and casting live baits, along with trolling and kite fishing work well – especially around structures. A typical trip involves heading out to deeper waters where your captain will use sonar to locate schools of Tuna. Once found, slow trolling or casting directly to the fish is common practice.
The season kicks off in summer, with Bluefin and Yellowfin frequenting areas near Catalina Island through fall. You’ll want to head on an overnight trip to target Albacore Tuna, while Yellowfin and Bluefin can be caught on full-day or even half-day trips if you’re lucky. These ferocious fighters can weigh over 100 pounds, giving even the most experienced anglers a serious challenge.
White Seabass
White Seabass are another prized offshore catch in Newport Beach. These fish can reach giant sizes of over 70 pounds, though 30–40 lb catches are more common. You can find them year-round, both at Catalina Island and along the coast, making them a true staple for deep sea fishing enthusiasts.
Catching White Seabass can be a game of patience and skill. These fish are known to bite with reckless abandon at times, but can also be quite finicky. Successful techniques often include using live squid or other fresh baits, as well as slow-trolling.
White Seabass are not just fun to catch, but are also excellent eating. Their firm, white meat can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways, from grilling to even baking. Whether you’re targeting them for sport or for the dinner table, White Seabass are a must-catch.
Mahi Mahi
It’s hard to imagine a deep sea fishing trip without Mahi Mahi – or “Dorado,” as they’re known in Spanish. Starting in May, Mahi weighing between 12 and 25 pounds migrate from Mexico towards California’s waters. Fishing remains strong throughout the summer, tapering off as the waters cool in late fall.
Mahi Mahi are an ideal target for beginner anglers because they’re relatively easy to catch. Locals often go for trolling with artificial lures or live bait. Early morning is usually the best time to hit the fishing grounds, but Dorado can also bite well in the late afternoon. Just a bit of flexibility for your fishing schedule!
Just as with all of the other species we’ve mentioned so far, Mahi are prized for their delicious meat. Sashimi, fillets, steaks… You name it and Mahi Mahi can deliver. Snap a photo with this picture-perfect creature and put it on ice so it’s still fresh when you get back to dry land!
Sharks
Hardly anything gets the adrenaline pumping like battling a huge Shark. Newport Beach’s waters are home to Blue, Mako, and Thresher Sharks nearly year-round. Even the smaller Sharks here put up a fierce fight, although the real bragging rights come with catches that weigh over 500 pounds.
Shark fishing in Newport Beach requires a strategic approach and the right gear. Using chum to attract these predators is common, and heavy tackle is a must to handle their power. To take on a Shark, you’ll need serious equipment and nerves of steel.
Blue Sharks are often the entry-level catch. They’re slower, smaller, and less cunning than some of the other species. Threshers put up a real fight and can be found surprisingly close to shore. Then there are Makos, known for their incredible strength and intelligence. These beasts are reputed to taste great, but given their endangered status, we strongly recommend releasing them unharmed.
How to Go Deep Sea Fishing in Newport Beach
So, you’ve got the lowdown on the best deep sea catches in Newport Beach. Now, let’s talk about how to hook those prized fish. First off, you’ll need a sturdy boat that can handle the bluewater. And don’t forget, having the right gear is a game-changer! Needless to say, the best way to ensure a successful trip is to book with a local captain. They’ve got the gear, the tackle, and the knowledge to make your day a blast.
But, in order for you to know what you can expect, we’ll break down the most popular techniques.
Trolling
Trolling is a tried-and-true method for targeting surface feeders like Tuna and Mahi Mahi. It’s an excellent method for beginners because it covers a lot of water and increases your chances of a bite. You set up a trolling spread, bait the hooks, and trail the bait behind the boat to mimic swimming prey. The choice of bait is crucial. When live bait is the go-to, herring and mullet are popular choices. For lures, anything that mimics fish will work.
Once a fish takes the bait, the battle begins. You’ll need to reel it in, which can be an awesome challenge, especially with larger species. Understanding how to read the water and adjust your spread will significantly improve your success rate.
Bottom Fishing and Jigging
Both bottom fishing and jigging are essential techniques for targeting species like Halibut, Rockfish, Lingcod, and other bottom dwellers in Newport Beach. Bottom fishing typically involves reaching the fishing ground and using a fish finder to scan the depths. Once you’ve located a promising spot, you’ll lower your bait all the way to the seafloor. When a fish takes the bait, it’s game on!
Jigging, on the other hand, doesn’t require you to drop your bait all the way to the bottom. Instead, you lower the jig to a suitable depth where you’ve spotted some fish. Then, you’ll jig the rod up and down to imitate the movement of prey, inviting fish to strike. When targeting Yellowtail, anglers often use a technique called yo-yo fishing. This involves dropping the jig to the bottom and quickly reeling it back up, which has proven to be irresistible to Yellowtails.
Fly Lining and Kite Fishing
Depending on your captain’s expertise, you might get to try some more specialized techniques like fly lining or kite fishing during your Newport Beach deep sea fishing adventure. Both methods require a bit of finesse and the right conditions. Nonetheless, they add a unique twist to your day and can be highly effective for certain species.
Fly lining is essentially attaching a live bait to an unweighted hook, allowing it to swim naturally and attract predators. The key here is to let the bait swim freely, making it appear as natural as possible.
Kite fishing is a bit more specialized and often used for targeting Bluefin Tuna. This method is pretty straightforward: you fly a kite from the boat, with the fishing line attached to the clip. The kite allows the bait to skip on the water’s surface and mimic the movements of injured prey.
Newport Beach Deep Sea Fishing Seasons
Deep sea fishing in Newport Beach is a year-round adventure. However, the best fishing is typically between April and November when migratory pelagics and other bottom fish are most active.
Spring kicks off with Lingcod, Rockfish, Yellowtail, and Barracuda near the islands. Summer brings in heavy hitters like Bluefin Tuna and big Sharks, followed by Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Marlin, which continue biting through fall. The Winter fishing menu, meanwhile, includes Halibut, Sculpin, Calico Bass, White Seabass, Rock Cod, and Yellowtail. But you’ll want to time your trip right as the weather conditions can hamper your plans.
Tidal movements also play a crucial role in your fishing success. Fish feed best during tidal movements, so try fishing leading up to high tide when the water movement is greatest.
Newport Beach Deep Sea Fishing Spots
To maximize your Newport Beach deep sea fishing trip, you have several exciting options. For shorter trips, you can explore the rich fishing grounds around the islands. If you’re after a more intense experience, longer trips taking you 60+ miles offshore or down to the Coronado Islands are enthralling. These excursions can last 12–24 hours or more and require a lot of stamina. However, they’ll reward you with the possibility of landing a trophy.
If you’re up for an even greater adventure, multi-day trips might take you beyond the islands, traveling over 100 miles out to the drop-off or into Mexican waters. These trips are where the largest fish reside, making it worth the extra distance – and the need for a passport.
In any case, here’s a closer look at some prime spots for deep sea fishing around Newport Beach:
- Catalina Island. This hotspot for Yellowfin Tuna and Mahi Mahi is around 30 miles from Newport Beach. The kelp forests surrounding the island also attract Yellowtail, California Sheephead, and White Seabass.
- Catalina Channel. This channel runs between Catalina Island and Los Angeles. While periods of rough seas aren’t uncommon, summer and fall bring frequent Tuna runs and calmer waters.
- San Clemente Island. Located around 60 miles offshore, San Clemente is known for its big game action. The southeastern tip, known as “The Head,” is a prime spot for Tuna, Yellowtail, and more. It’s a must-visit for those looking for serious deep sea fishing.
- San Nicolas Island. This island is further offshore and offers excellent bottom fishing for Rockfish, Halibut, and Lingcod, along with a variety of pelagic species. It’s a bottom fishing paradise that’s perfect for an overnight trip.
- Santa Barbara Island. Although it’s a marine reserve, there are spots just outside the area where you can fish for Yellowtail, White Seabass, Tuna, and even Sharks.
Newport Beach Deep Sea Fishing Regulations
Before you cast your line in Newport Beach, it’s essential to know the local fishing regulations. Anglers aged 16 and above must purchase a California fishing license before fishing. To stay on the right side of the law, it’s advisable to fish with an experienced captain who can navigate these regulations effectively.
Certain species are also subject to specific size and bag limits, so make sure to check the latest California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) guidelines for the species you’re targeting. Additionally, some fish species have closed seasons. Be aware of marine protected areas (MPAs) where fishing is restricted or prohibited, and note that certain types of gear and bait might be restricted.
For those embarking on overnight or multi-day trips, there’s the exciting possibility of fishing in Mexican waters. If your trip includes this adventure, you’ll be informed beforehand. Keep in mind that a one-day Mexican fishing license will be required, along with a passport.
Newport Beach Deep Sea Fishing: From Catalina to Coronado
And that’s that. Deep sea fishing in Newport Beach is all about making the most of the ocean’s bounty with minimal hassle. Simply choose the right charter, stock up on breakfast, and head out to the open waters. The rewards are what make it truly special. But don’t just take our word for it. Book your trip and experience the thrill firsthand!
Have you ever been deep sea fishing in Newport Beach? What’s your favorite catch? Let us know in the comments below!
