Old Spool Fishing Charters

Old Spool Fishing Charters operates out of Newport Beach, offering a range of trips targeting every major species and habitat around. Fish the local kelp beds and reefs for Calico Bass, hit the Catalina and San Clemente Islands for huge Yellowtail and Tuna, or head 70+ miles offshore in search of huge bluewater battles. Captain Matt covers all this and more aboard a clean, modern boat full of great equipment.

The beauty in question is a 25’ Parker boat, powered by a 300HP Suzuki engine up to an impressive 30 knots. The vessel was originally built in 2001, but was restored in 2019 and is now ready to battle the best of them offshore. She is equipped with cutting-edge Furuno electronics to get you on the fish and has outriggers to give you the best chance of landing them once you’re in place.

You have a wide range of techniques you can enjoy on your day, from bottom fishing and drift fishing to trolling and even spearfishing. For every style of angling, you will be provided with quality equipment and expert assistance to make sure you bring in some real prize fish. There is also a choice of fresh live bait and lifelike lures to make sure nothing can resist your hooks.

Captain Matt has been fishing the waters around Southern California for years and knows all the best spots for every species. He loves working with anglers of any age and will tailor his trips to your needs and experience level.

So whether you’re a complete beginner fishing for Bass with the kids or a seasoned pro heading 75 miles out in search of monster Bluefin, you can rely on Captain Matt to get you on that fish of a lifetime!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Lobster Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Nov 7 - Mar 6 (Thu, Sat, Sun)
    US $575
    We will be staying in our local waters focusing exclusively on catching Lobster. A great trip for kids, families, or an avid fisherman!
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip – Local
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Nov 13 (Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun)
    US $950
    Fish the local waters off Newport and Huntington Beach. Focusing mostly on Bass and Barracuda.
  • Private trip
    10 Hour Trip – Catalina Island
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 5:30 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Nov 13 (Sat, Sun)
    US $1,600
    A full day at Catalina is not only great for fishing but for sightseeing as well. Target species will include Yellowtail, White Seabass, Calico Bass, Barracuda, Bonito, and Halibut.
  • Private trip
    12 Hour Trip – San Clemente Island
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    12 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Nov 15 (Sat, Sun)
    US $1,795
    San Clemente Island consistently produces the best fishing in Southern California year-round. It really doesn't get better than this! Target species on this trip are Yellowtail, White Seabass, and Tuna.
  • Private trip
    12 Hour Trip – Offshore
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    12 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jul 15 - Oct 31 (Sat, Sun)
    US $1,850
    Fishing for mahi mahi, bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, and yellowtail. Searching our offshore banks
There are 4 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Old Spool Fishing Charters

Old Spool Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $575 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Lobster Trip (4 hours)
  • US $950 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Local (5 hours)
  • US $1,600 per group - 10 Hour Trip – Catalina Island (10 hours)
  • US $1,795 per group - 12 Hour Trip – San Clemente Island (12 hours)
  • US $1,850 per group - 12 Hour Trip – Offshore (12 hours)

When you book a trip with Old Spool Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Porta-Potty
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Live Bait Well I ALWAYS go out with two scoops of live bait
  • Radar

Trips booked with Old Spool Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks (Water)

Old Spool Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing

Old Spool Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Drift Fishing
  • Spearfishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Old Spool Fishing Charters include:
  • Barracuda (Pacific)
  • Bonito
  • California Sheephead
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Halibut
  • Lobster
  • Marlin (Blue)
  • Ray
  • Tuna (Bluefin)
  • Tuna (Skipjack)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Yellowtail Amberjack

Meet the Captain

Matt Schubert
Newport Beach, California, United States
88 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since December 2017
I started fishing in the rivers and lakes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. When I was in junior high my family got our first boat and I was able to fish saltwater for the first time and I was hooked! When I was 20 I got my first fishing boat. Since then I have had five different fishing boats which have led me to the "Frances B", my current charter boat. It is ideally equipped for fishing the Southern California waters. I also have a charter fleet of boats doing wine cruises in Newport Beach and San Diego which keeps me on the water almost every day of the year. I have been a charter captain for eight years and I have loved every moment of it and can't wait to share more experiences with you!

About this listing

Targeted species

Barracuda (Pacific) Pacific Barracuda
Bonito Bonito
California Sheephead California Sheephead
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)

Boat specs

Parker (Pilothouse) originally built in 2001, and restored in 2019. Powered by a 300HP Suzuki engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 30 knots.

Length
25 ft
Capacity
4 persons

Types of fishing

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Drift Fishing
Spearfishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
Porta-Potty
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Live Bait Well
I ALWAYS go out with two scoops of live bait
Radar

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Water

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup included in price
Transfer from hotels or jetties in Newport Beach to departure site is available and included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
All ages welcome, kids' vests provided.
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
PayPal
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 2.5% charge will apply.

Newport Beach Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 88 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (80)
Full day private trip with Matt
Full day private trip with Matt
Full day private trip with Matt
+77
Angler rating
86
1
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
99%
Appropriate for children
91%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
92%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 88 reviews
Kelly M.
Redondo Beach, CA
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full day private trip with Matt

VERIFIED   10 Hour Trip – Catalina Island on August 12, 2023
Our day out with Matt was great.  Promptly picked up at 5:30AM and straight out to Catalina.  We had a perfect day, with...
Kelly M. recommends Old Spool Fishing Charters
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Kelly M. recommends Old Spool Fishing Charters
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Jeffrey K.
Santa Ana, California
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

July fishing trip

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip – Local on July 10, 2023
Great Day with Captain Matt!
Jeffrey K. recommends Old Spool Fishing Charters
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Jeffrey K. recommends Old Spool Fishing Charters
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Cristina J.
United States
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day Trip w/ Captain Matt

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip – Inshore on July 6, 2021
My husband and I went out with captain Matt this morning. The communication prior to the trip was great. We knew exactly what...
Cristina J. recommends Old Spool Fishing Charters
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Cristina J. recommends Old Spool Fishing Charters
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Christopher E.
Costa Mesa, CA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing Day with my Sons

VERIFIED   10 Hour Trip – Catalina Island on June 20, 2022
Great trip with Captain Matt, the big fish weren’t biting but we found a great run for several hours on Calicos and Cudas...
Christopher E. recommends Old Spool Fishing Charters
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Christopher E. recommends Old Spool Fishing Charters
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James D.
Denver, Colorado
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day w/Captain Matt

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip – Inshore on May 26, 2021
Had a fantastic morning with Matt - meticulous about a clean boat and a good time we really appreciated Matt’s knowledge...
James D. recommends Old Spool Fishing Charters
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James D. recommends Old Spool Fishing Charters
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