If you're lucky enough to be fishing in Southern California, you'll have a cast of inshore, offshore, and freshwater fish on your hands. This region encompasses some of California's most prolific fisheries including San Diego, Los Angeles, Dana Point, and Catalina Island. Between a variety of lakes, rivers, flats, reefs, islands, and endless deep sea, you might be wondering where to start!
Horseshoe Kelp and the Huntington Flats are prime areas to hook into Calico Bass, White Seabass, Rockfish, and Yellowtail Amberjack. For offshore action and big pelagic fish including Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Marlin, don't pass up the opportunity to head towards Catalina and San Clemente Islands.
There's more than just saltwater fishing on offer, though. Some of the state's most productive lakes and reservoirs are found here, featuring record-breaking Bass, Carp, Catfish, Panfish, Crappie, and Rainbow Trout. Catch these creatures in lakes within Los Angeles itself, San Diego's Miramar Reservoir, and the legendary Lake Castaic.
The amount of time you'll want to spend on the water is up to you, but know that an offshore adventure will require at least a full or extended full day trip to account for travel time. The kelp beds, flats, and freshwater honey holes are much more forgiving and can be accomplished on a half day trip.
You'll find Southern California fishing charters all along the coast, from Santa Barbara down to the border. San Diego, Dana Point, and the greater LA area are home to some of the largest charter fleets in the state and share many of the same fishing grounds.
Rules & Regulations
Your Southern California fishing charter will include everything you need for a successful trip – except for your fishing license. All anglers over the age of 16 will need to purchase one beforehand.