California Halibut Fishing Charters

California Halibut Fishing Charters

Top California Halibut Fishing Destinations

Best Halibut Fishing Charters in California

California: 131 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(57 reviews)
San Diego
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $650
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(33 reviews)
Huntington Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $705
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(74 reviews)
Los Angeles
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $750
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(26 reviews)
San Diego
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $250

Halibut Fishing in California

Halibut
  • Size 20 to 150lbs
  • Food Value Excellent
  • Game Qualities Good
  • Habitats Nearshore, Offshore

(Hippoglossus stenolepis / hippoglossus)

There’s no doubt that the waters of the Golden State are prolific, and Halibut deserves its place among the prized catches. Not only are Halis abundant both in Northern and Southern California, but they’re also fun to target and absolutely delicious. Add to that the fact that there are plenty of Halibut fishing charters in California to choose from, and what’s not to like?

 

There are two types of Halibut you can go after, California and Pacific Halibut. California Halibut are more widespread but significantly smaller than their Pacific counterparts. Pacific Halibut you’ll mostly find in NorCal, usually further offshore – and they can get really big, with their weight going well into triple digits. This makes them very desirable because every experienced angler wants to land a “barndoor” Halibut.

 

Another advantage of Halibut fishing is that it’s not particularly difficult. These flatties are bottom feeders and they’ll gobble down just about anything edible that crosses their path. All you need to do is find them, drop live bait or a lure to the bottom, and slowly drift it along to get a Hali’s attention. Then just wait for them to pounce – it usually won’t be too long.

 

Remember that fishing for Pacific Halibut in Northern California is seasonal. The dates for seasonal closures vary every year, so get informed before you hit the water or talk to your charter captain before you book – they’ll let you know what you can expect to catch. The California Halibut fishery is open year-round throughout the entire state.

 

A lot of places along the California coast offer excellent Halibut action and have plenty of professional fishing guides who can take you to it. San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, the Channel Islands, and Santa Catalina Island are all prime locations for your Halibut fishing adventure!

California Halibut Fishing Seasons

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Seasonality

Halibut fishing in California varies moderately throughout the year. High season is April to July. Low season is August to September. There is no closed season.
California
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Based on 28,443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Halibut Fishing in California

Itโ€™s definitely a morning bite so the earlier, the better. Bite all but died completely by 10:30am. But from 6-10am it was on fire! Had 3 fish in within the first 15 mins.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Itโ€™s definitely a morning bite so the earlier, the better. Bite all but died completely by 10:30am. But from 6-10am it was on fire! Had 3 fish in within the first 15 mins.
Trophy Chaser Guide Service
Trophy Chaser Guide Service
Dana Point is a beautiful harbor, short ride to get to the fishing grounds and plenty of action! Highly recommend these guys
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Dana Point is a beautiful harbor, short ride to get to the fishing grounds and plenty of action! Highly recommend these guys
Pacific Mistress Sportfishing
Pacific Mistress Sportfishing Laguna Niguel, California
Plan on at least 4 hrs and patience and persistence! The Captain make the trip- catching fish is a bonus! Enjoy the ride!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Plan on at least 4 hrs and patience and persistence! The Captain make the trip- catching fish is a bonus! Enjoy the ride!
Nemo Charters - Weekend Trips
Nemo Charters - Weekend Trips
Bring a jacket it can get a little chilly! And donโ€™t forget your sunglasses! :)
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring a jacket it can get a little chilly! And donโ€™t forget your sunglasses! :)
Last Meal Sportfishing
Last Meal Sportfishing
I donโ€™t know much about it but we had a ton of fun and saw some tuna but they just werenโ€™t biting
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I donโ€™t know much about it but we had a ton of fun and saw some tuna but they just werenโ€™t biting
Brothers Sport Fishing
Brothers Sport Fishing
Be flexible and listen to your captain/guide. If you want to target a specific species you. A but run the risk of not catching anything. The captain will know what is and is not biting. If they make a suggestion I would listen because they want to put you in position to catch some fish and have some fun. So talk to them and make a game plan before your trip and take their advice into consideration and you will make some great memories just like I did!!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be flexible and listen to your captain/guide. If you want to target a specific species you. A but run the risk of not catching anything. The captain will know what is and is not biting. If they make a suggestion I would listen because they want to put you in position to catch some fish and have some fun. So talk to them and make a game plan before your trip and take their advice into consideration and you will make some great memories just like I did!!!
Ez Sportfishing
Ez Sportfishing
The fish we caught were fillet by the first mate. They were absolutely delicious. Thank you so much.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The fish we caught were fillet by the first mate. They were absolutely delicious. Thank you so much.
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Not as good fishing conditions as other months, but you can still catch fish. We werenโ€™t able to catch any fish from the dock on Bethel Island where we were staying but much of that was limited by stormy weather. On a bass charter we were able to catch 1 largemouth bass and 1 striped bass. In February fishing is OK but not as good as spring and summer.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Not as good fishing conditions as other months, but you can still catch fish. We werenโ€™t able to catch any fish from the dock on Bethel Island where we were staying but much of that was limited by stormy weather. On a bass charter we were able to catch 1 largemouth bass and 1 striped bass. In February fishing is OK but not as good as spring and summer.
Delta BASSNโ€™ Guide Service
Delta BASSNโ€™ Guide Service
It was perfect for catching a variety of 10 to 20 inch fish, my first time fishing off shore in 20 years
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It was perfect for catching a variety of 10 to 20 inch fish, my first time fishing off shore in 20 years
Fishing Charters Of San Diego
Fishing Charters Of San Diego
Give your self extra time as the shop is small and takes a little time to get your license
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Give your self extra time as the shop is small and takes a little time to get your license
Blue Horizon Sportfishing
Blue Horizon Sportfishing
Don't hesitate to ask Matt any questions you've got, but don't have unrealistic expectations. Sometimes the fish don't bite, but most of the time they bite a whole lot!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Don't hesitate to ask Matt any questions you've got, but don't have unrealistic expectations. Sometimes the fish don't bite, but most of the time they bite a whole lot!
Sea Esta Sportfishing
Sea Esta Sportfishing
Be patient, be adaptable, follow TC's lead, ask questions, above all relax and have fun. Development of angling skills takes time. It's not an overnight success. If you are serious, jot down notes if you need to.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be patient, be adaptable, follow TC's lead, ask questions, above all relax and have fun. Development of angling skills takes time. It's not an overnight success. If you are serious, jot down notes if you need to.
TC's Fishing Adventures
TC's Fishing Adventures
If you have never been on a boat follow the Captainโ€™s recommendation about motion sickness prevention. Tons of different fish species to catch.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you have never been on a boat follow the Captainโ€™s recommendation about motion sickness prevention. Tons of different fish species to catch.
Romeo Sport Fishing San Diego
Romeo Sport Fishing San Diego
I recommend calling Captain Mike Nielsen. Was recommended to me by the guy at the shop where we bought our licenses. He did not disappoint. Caught our limit, saw incredible views and learned a good bit about the area. Gorgeous day and amazing experience!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I recommend calling Captain Mike Nielsen. Was recommended to me by the guy at the shop where we bought our licenses. He did not disappoint. Caught our limit, saw incredible views and learned a good bit about the area. Gorgeous day and amazing experience!
Tahoe Topliners Fishing โ€“ Est. 1996
Tahoe Topliners Fishing โ€“ Est. 1996
Weather was perfect for a T shirt and jeans or a lightweight sweater. 10 out 10 would recommend
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Weather was perfect for a T shirt and jeans or a lightweight sweater. 10 out 10 would recommend
SF Boat Support
SF Boat Support
Get upstanding about parking and the time you need to be so that you are not to early
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Get upstanding about parking and the time you need to be so that you are not to early
fishSFbay
fishSFbay
A nice captain and a well run boat BUT the captain is a chain smoker and in the confines of the forward cabin we found that a MAJOR problem.
Excellent
4.3 / 5
A nice captain and a well run boat BUT the captain is a chain smoker and in the confines of the forward cabin we found that a MAJOR problem.
Bills Sportfishing And Guide Service
Bills Sportfishing And Guide Service
Action was good but not being able to keep Rockfish in October caught inshore is kind of bummer. But this charter did well to put us on keeper fish (whitefish) so still fun!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Action was good but not being able to keep Rockfish in October caught inshore is kind of bummer. But this charter did well to put us on keeper fish (whitefish) so still fun!
Pelican Sportfishing
Pelican Sportfishing
Layers of clothes. Process matters - keep an open mind. Bluefin is a little risky, but very satisfying.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Layers of clothes. Process matters - keep an open mind. Bluefin is a little risky, but very satisfying.
Mystic Queen Sportfishing
Mystic Queen Sportfishing
The great thing about fishing in the ocean is you never know what your going to get. Expected Dorado ended up with 25+Lb Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The great thing about fishing in the ocean is you never know what your going to get. Expected Dorado ended up with 25+Lb Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna.
Blue Horizon Sportfishing
Blue Horizon Sportfishing Chino, CA