Southern California Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Southern California Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Top Southern California Deep Sea Fishing Destinations
Top Southern California Deep Sea Fishing Destinations
Best Deep Sea Fishing Charters in Southern California
Best Deep Sea Fishing Charters in Southern California
Deep Sea Fishing in Southern California
Deep Sea Fishing in Southern California
Deep sea fishing in Southern California is a perfect representation of this state’s nickname – “Golden”! SoCal’s coast provides direct access to a whole host of offshore islands that are surrounded by seriously deep waters. Want to battle mighty Marlin, feisty Mahi Mahi, and gigantic Tuna? You’ll find plenty of charters dotted all over this region, ready and waiting to take you out to hook the catch of your dreams. All you need to do is pick your location, and get ready for the fight of your life!
What to Expect
It’s hard to know where to begin when it comes to fishing in Southern California, but we’ve got good news: deep sea fishing here is bound to take you straight to the action around the Channel Islands. That narrows it down a bit! Local charter captains throughout SoCal are happy to cater to guests of all ages and skill levels, so even newbies can experience the thrill of deep sea fishing!
For Newer Anglers
The perfect deep sea location has to be Santa Catalina Island. This island is easily accessible from a variety of places, including Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach. You’ll start coming face-to-gills with impressive deep sea beasts around 15 miles from shore, where the waters drop dramatically. Striped Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and various Tuna species all lurk here, and your charter captain will be on-hand to show you the ropes. Although full day trips to the island are the most common, newer anglers can opt for ¾ day trips and still experience some great deep sea fishing.
More Experienced?
If you’re not quite prepared for an overnight adventure but want to spend more time on the water, you’ll find plenty of charter captains ready to take you out to San Clemente Island, located around 40 miles from the shore of San Diego. You can find the same species here as around Santa Catalina Island, but they grow seriously huge! If you’ve always wanted to battle gigantic Tuna, this is your chance. As you’ll spend more time traveling, an extended full day trip lasting around 12 hours is the “go-to” standard here.
Thrill Seekers Only!
Finally, for hardened anglers who want to test their wits as well as their skills, an overnight or multi-day trip to the Coronado Islands can’t be missed. Located in Mexican federal waters, around 100 miles from San Diego and Dana Point, these islands are home to some of the mightiest big game fish around: huge Shark species, Blue and Striped Marlin, and Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s something that every deep sea fishing fanatic should definitely tick off their bucket list!
How to Prepare
All guests age 16 or over will need to purchase a valid Californian fishing license. Your charter captain can help you out with this before your trip, and will also fill you in on local regulations for the species you’ll be targeting. Heading to the Coronado Islands? You’ll need to bring along your passport, as well as a valid Mexican fishing license. Rods, reels, bait, lures, and tackle will be provided for you, so all that’s left is to head to the “Golden State” for an incredible deep sea fishing adventure!
Southern California
4.5
/
5
Based on 27,746 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Deep Sea Fishing in Southern California
What anglers said about Deep Sea Fishing in Southern California
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.
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.
David O.
Chino, CA
There is always something biting in San Diego and anything is possible from rockfish to marlin.
5.0
/
5
There is always something biting in San Diego and anything is possible from rockfish to marlin.
Shane S.
Oak Glen, CA
Find an experienced fisherman to go out with. Itโs a beautiful spot to spend the day too!
5.0
/
5
Find an experienced fisherman to go out with. Itโs a beautiful spot to spend the day too!
Christine M.
Miami Beach, FL
The weather is really nice and the water is clear. The people and the environment are very nice.
5.0
/
5
The weather is really nice and the water is clear. The people and the environment are very nice.
Wojciech W.
Schaumburg, IL
Be ready for a good fight fishing in San Diego. The captain and staff are very friendly attentive and have great communication on teaching and giving you tips to land the fish or multiple fish.
5.0
/
5
Be ready for a good fight fishing in San Diego. The captain and staff are very friendly attentive and have great communication on teaching and giving you tips to land the fish or multiple fish.
Ari T.
Yuma, AZ
Water was cold for this time of time of year so there wasn't much action for yellowtail, tuna, or Dorado yet. July was fun, but will probably shoot for an August trip next time to try and get on some more meat for the freezer.
4.7
/
5
Water was cold for this time of time of year so there wasn't much action for yellowtail, tuna, or Dorado yet. July was fun, but will probably shoot for an August trip next time to try and get on some more meat for the freezer.
Jesse C.
Phoenix, AZ
If you have never been on the open ocean, make sure you take dramamine the night before and day of.
5.0
/
5
If you have never been on the open ocean, make sure you take dramamine the night before and day of.
Justin S.
Los Angeles, California
Donโt come with any expectations. Enjoy being out in the water and the opportunity to do some world class fishing.
5.0
/
5
Donโt come with any expectations. Enjoy being out in the water and the opportunity to do some world class fishing.
Christopher K.
Haworth, NJ
Definitely splurge on a charter. With just four guests, the crew was able to help us all individually. It was great fun!
5.0
/
5
Definitely splurge on a charter. With just four guests, the crew was able to help us all individually. It was great fun!
Wendy M.
Claremont, CA
They call it fishingโฆ not catchingโฆ there are good days and thereโs bad days. But you learn every time!
5.0
/
5
They call it fishingโฆ not catchingโฆ there are good days and thereโs bad days. But you learn every time!
Kahlee S.
Be ready to fish and enjoy the company. Keep an open mind. Relax let the crew and captain do the worrying.
4.7
/
5
Be ready to fish and enjoy the company. Keep an open mind. Relax let the crew and captain do the worrying.
PERRY E. A.
Peoria, AZ
We went early in the morning and it was a very smooth trip. A little on the cooler side but that was fine. The sun came out at the end of our three hour trip.
5.0
/
5
We went early in the morning and it was a very smooth trip. A little on the cooler side but that was fine. The sun came out at the end of our three hour trip.
Amy P.
San Mateo, CA
Have fun it doesnโt have to be a big fish to have fun and take a picture. Find a crew that knows where to go
5.0
/
5
Have fun it doesnโt have to be a big fish to have fun and take a picture. Find a crew that knows where to go
Andy T.
Lake Forest, CA
Best recommendation I can give is go with a professional like TJ, this will make your trip a success
5.0
/
5
Best recommendation I can give is go with a professional like TJ, this will make your trip a success
Robert B.
Dress for any weather, it's the ocean, weather changes quick. Don't expect to catch exactly what you want, but expect to have some fun!
5.0
/
5
Dress for any weather, it's the ocean, weather changes quick. Don't expect to catch exactly what you want, but expect to have some fun!
Jennifer C.
College Place, WA
Itโs cooler than expected this time of year. Dress in layers. Need Mexican and US fishing license. Bring passport in case fishing around Coronado islands.
5.0
/
5
Itโs cooler than expected this time of year. Dress in layers. Need Mexican and US fishing license. Bring passport in case fishing around Coronado islands.
Luke Y.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
It was a great experience. The weather was perfect and our Captain was great!
5.0
/
5
It was a great experience. The weather was perfect and our Captain was great!
Kim C.
Ogden, Utah
Book with captain Kevin! He knows his stuff! Also, is SO GOOD with children. Thanks again!
5.0
/
5
Book with captain Kevin! He knows his stuff! Also, is SO GOOD with children. Thanks again!
Hannah L.
Santa Monica, California
Book a trip with a local captain like Andy. They know the waste and the fish!
5.0
/
5
Book a trip with a local captain like Andy. They know the waste and the fish!
Victor G.
Shoreview, Minnesota
Remember that fishing is always hit or miss, even for the best or the best.
5.0
/
5
Remember that fishing is always hit or miss, even for the best or the best.
Ryan M.
Eagar, AZ