Catalina Island

27 Fishing Charters

Catalina Island Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in Catalina Island

Top Catalina Island Destinations

Top Fishing Charters in Catalina Island

Sealutions Sportfishing LLC

Sealutions Sportfishing LLC

4.8 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent (57)
Newport Beach • 25 ft • 4 persons
8 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $650
Breakwall Fishing โ€“ Weekday Trips

Breakwall Fishing โ€“ Weekday Trips

4.9 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent (34)
Long Beach • 21 ft • 6 persons
16 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $400
Kamryn Dawson Charters

Kamryn Dawson Charters

4.8 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent (72)
Los Angeles • 48 ft • 6 persons
7 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $725
RockenReel Sportfishing

RockenReel Sportfishing

4.9 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent (187)
Dana Point • 36 ft • 6 persons
10 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $395
All Harbors Charter โ€“ Long Beach

All Harbors Charter โ€“ Long Beach

5.0 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent (113)
Long Beach • 23 ft • 3 persons
8 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $395
Ez Sportfishing

Ez Sportfishing

4.9 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent (27)
Huntington Beach • 35 ft • 6 persons
11 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $850
Nemo Charters โ€“ Deep Sea Fishing

Nemo Charters โ€“ Deep Sea Fishing

4.9 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent (12)
Long Beach • 21 ft • 6 persons
4 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $400
Full Spectrum Sport Fishing

Full Spectrum Sport Fishing

4.8 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent (6)
Huntington Beach • 25 ft • 6 persons
9 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $600

Take your pick of Catalina Island fishing charters and experience the waters that made recreational angling the sport it is today. Just 21 miles long and 8 miles across at its widest points, this little slice of paradise offers a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of urban LA. Unless you’re fishing, in which case Catalina is full of action!

Stick close the island’s rocky shoreline and you’ll come across some of California’s most-sought after inshore and nearshore game fish. Calico Bass, Seabass, Halibut, Blue Perch, California Sheephead, and the odd Yellowtail are all on the cards.

Game fishing continues as you head into deeper waters. Catalina is known worldwide for astonishing Tuna catches and you’re looking at hooking into Skipjack, Yellowfin, and even Bluefin Tuna. Add other trophy fish such as Marlin, Barracuda, Mahi Mahi, and monster Sharks to the list and it’s easy to see why deep sea fishing enthusiasts flock to Catalina.

The island lies about 28 miles off the coast of Southern California. As a result, most fishing charters depart from San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Dana Point. The average full day trip lasts around 9 hours and you won’t want to go any shorter than that if you plan on taking full advantage of the fishing grounds. Better yet, opt for a multi-day trip and make a mini-vacation out of it!

Rules & Regulations

The most important thing you’ll need to bring along with on your Catalina Island fishing adventure is a valid California fishing license. Bear in mind that Southern California is subject to strict size, seasonality, and bagging regulations. As such, it’s always best to head out with a reputable captain who will ensure you’re fishing within the law.

Catalina Island
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 4.53
Based on 23423 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
January

Average temperatures range from 46–58°F at the start of the year. Warm up at the annual Avalon Benefit 50 Mile Run from Avalon to Two Harbors and back, then head to the water for some bottom fishing. 

February

Winter fishing on Catalina Island will have you hooking into Halibut, Blue Perch, and Calico and White Seabass. In some areas, you can catch Lobster, as well.

March

Rockfish season might open in March, depending on the year. If it does, California Sheepshead, Lingcod, and Cabezon will all be available to you while bottom fishing near Catalina.

April

By now, you can expect Rockfish season to be open, just as Barracuda and migratory Yellowtail start showing up around Catalina Island. Hot weather and hotter fishing are just around the corner! 

May

Average temperatures are creeping up to the mid 60s, and the first of the summer’s big game fish are already giving anglers a run for their money. Come catch mega Sharks, Barracuda, and more!

June

Yellowtail Amberjack and Bluefin Tuna are at their peak near Catalina, along with many other game fish. Work up your appetite offshore and then enjoy one of several food festivals on the island this month.

July

The legendary Yellowfin Tuna are joining the Bluefins, which makes this month excellent for big game fishing. Mahi Mahi will make a brief appearance, while the usual suspects will continue biting all month. 

August

Average temperatures on the island reach up to 74°F in August. Escape the heat of the mainland and come cool off while indulging in the hottest fishing action of the year!

September

Warm weather and big game fishing continue in early fall. Your chances of landing anything from Yellowfin Tuna to Rockfish are excellent.

October

Lobster season usually reopens in October, just in time to make up for fading numbers of big game trophies. Try bottom fishing and setting a few traps to bring home a cooler full of delicacies!

November

Average temperatures can still tip the scale past 60°F in November. Weather permitting, you can have great success while bottom fishing offshore or from the coast of the island.

December

Local weather has the potential to reach its coldest in December, averaging 46-57°F. Those who go out of their way to reach the island or cast a line from its shore can catch Halibut, Seabass, and more. 

Catalina Island Fishing Calendar

Loading Fish Calendar!
Please Wait...
Half day with Capt Shannon
Tom S. fished with Sealutions Sportfishing LLC on April 22, 2021
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Chose Capt Shannon. Very knowledgeable and catered to the anglers on the boat
Fishing with Eric
Mark B. fished with Ez Sportfishing on April 10, 2021
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Nice trip. Boat is geared more toward fishing than comfort. Overall very good experience.
12 hour Trip
Michael W. fished with Mardiosa Sportfishing on April 8, 2021
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Yes. Both Captain Herman and Paul are very experienced fishermen.
The best of times!
Lauren S. fished with RockenReel Sportfishing on July 12, 2020
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Fish are fickle. Enjoy the day no matter what!
Sunset Fishishing
Erick L. fished with RockenReel Sportfishing on July 3, 2020
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Weather was great but no luck with the fish.
Stop looking and book now!
John C. fished with RockenReel Sportfishing on June 30, 2020
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Book now and stop looking! Yeah his is the trip. Took my two boys on their first trip and we caught 30+ fish!
Fish on
Wayne B. fished with RockenReel Sportfishing on December 10, 2019
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Call Steven at rockin reel if you really want to catch fish. Steven worked hard for us and put us on fish all day. Great guy that knows what he's doing.
4 hr afternoon
Windy A. fished with RockenReel Sportfishing on July 21, 2019
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Weather is amazing and the fishing is great for everyone including children.

FAQs about Fishing Charters in Catalina Island

To give you an idea of how much a fishing trip in Catalina Island costs, the average price for a 4 hour private trip is $755, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $1,382. These prices are based on trips booked on our site recently.

Prices will vary depending on trip length, fishing technique, as well as the type and size of the boat you booked. However, to give you an indication, the average boat size in Catalina Island is 34 ft and the most common vessel type is a Center console.
According to customer reviews, Sealutions Sportfishing LLC, Breakwall Fishing โ€“ Weekday Trips, and Kamryn Dawson Charters are some of the most popular fishing charters in Catalina Island. Full list of top fishing charters in Catalina Island.
Sealutions Sportfishing LLC, Breakwall Fishing โ€“ Weekday Trips, and Kamryn Dawson Charters all received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in Catalina Island.
The best way to experience fishing in Catalina Island is to book a private charter with a licensed fishing guide. See the full list of charters available for online booking here: List of fishing charters in Catalina Island.
The most popular fish species you can target are Yellowtail Amberjack, Halibut, and Seabass (White). Top fishing techniques include light tackle, deep sea fishing, and bottom fishing. Offshore fishing, inshore fishing, and nearshore fishing are commonly offered by local guides.
Lobster season usually reopens in October, just in time to make up for fading numbers of big game trophies. Try bottom fishing and setting a few traps to bring home a cooler full of delicacies! Check availability for local fishing charters in Catalina Island.