8 Hour Inshore Fishing Trip: Southern California
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour inshore trip targeting saltwater bass and seasonal speciesHandson training covers gear setup and local fishing techniquesSmall group experience with maximum 4 anglers per charter
Looking for a full day on the water that'll sharpen your skills while putting some quality fish in the boat? This 8-hour inshore trip with Big Bass Dreams Sportfishing covers some of the most productive waters along the Southern California coast. We're talking Santa Monica Bay down to Dana Point - prime real estate for saltwater bass and a bunch of other species that call these waters home. With a 6:00 AM start time and room for just 4 anglers, you get the personal attention needed to really dial in your technique while hitting spots that consistently produce fish.
This isn't your typical "drop a line and hope for the best" kind of trip. We're running a hands-on training session disguised as a fishing charter, and trust me, you'll walk away a better angler. We'll cruise the coastline from Palos Verdes down through Long Beach and Huntington Beach, hitting structure and depth changes where fish love to hang out. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety - one minute you're working rocky bottom for sheephead, the next you're drifting over sand for halibut. With 8 full hours, we've got time to really work different areas and techniques without feeling rushed. The boat accommodates up to 4 people max, which means everyone gets plenty of coaching time and room to fish comfortably. You'll learn to read the water, understand why fish position themselves in certain spots, and pick up presentation tricks that'll serve you well on future trips.
We'll cover everything from rigging to rod handling, focusing on what actually works in these local conditions. The rocky areas around Palos Verdes require different tackle than the sandy flats near Huntington Beach, and we'll show you how to adjust your approach accordingly. Live bait fishing is king out here, and you'll learn proper bait presentation, hook placement, and how to work different depths effectively. We'll also get into reading your fish finder, understanding bottom structure, and recognizing the subtle signs that separate productive water from dead zones. The gear setup changes throughout the day as we target different species - lighter tackle for bass, heavier rigs when we're hunting bigger halibut. By the end of 8 hours, you'll have a solid understanding of what works where and why, plus the confidence to apply these techniques on your own.
The Southern California coast serves up an impressive variety of species, and this trip targets some of the best fighters and table fare in local waters. California Sheephead are absolute bruisers that love rocky structure and put up a serious fight on medium tackle. These guys can push 10-15 pounds and are known for their powerful runs and head-shaking battles. They're most active during daylight hours and feed heavily on crabs and urchins around the rocky reefs. Pacific Halibut are the ultimate prize for many anglers - these flatfish can range from "chicken" halibut around 5-10 pounds up to genuine doormats pushing 30+ pounds. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and strike with lightning speed. Spring through fall offers the best halibut action, with larger fish typically found in deeper water.
Pacific Barracuda bring the speed and aggression that gets your heart pumping. These silver missiles can hit 8-10 pounds and are known for blistering runs and aerial displays. They school up during warmer months and are suckers for fast-moving lures or properly presented live bait. Barred Sand Bass are the bread and butter of Southern California fishing - they're abundant, willing biters that average 2-4 pounds with occasional fish pushing 6-8 pounds. They love structure, from rocky reefs to kelp beds, and are active year-round with peak action in summer and fall. Pacific Spotted Scorpionfish, or "sculpin," might not win beauty contests, but they're excellent eating and surprisingly strong fighters. These bottom-dwellers love rocky areas and caves, typically running 1-3 pounds with occasional larger specimens. They're available year-round and are often caught while targeting other species, making them a welcome bonus.
This top-rated 8-hour training trip offers serious value for anglers looking to step up their inshore game. You're getting personalized instruction, prime fishing locations, and a full day on some of Southern California's most productive waters. The small group size means you'll actually learn something instead of just being another face in the crowd. Plus, with free cancellation up to 3 days out, you can book with confidence knowing you've got flexibility if weather or life gets in the way. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or just want to dial in your local knowledge, this trip delivers the kind of hands-on experience that pays dividends for years to come. The 6:00 AM start time gets you on the water when fish are most active, and 8 hours gives us real time to work different techniques and locations without feeling rushed.
Step aboard this 2018 26' Pathfinder center console and hit the productive waters between Santa Monica Bay and Dana Point. Built specifically for saltwater fishing, this boat cuts through coastal swells at 35 knots thanks to its reliable Yamaha power. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access while keeping up to 4 anglers comfortable during the full 8-hour day on the water. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish, while the fish finder helps locate bass holding along kelp edges and rocky points. GPS and radar keep you on productive spots from Palos Verdes to Huntington Beach, even when morning marine layers roll in. The onboard icebox handles your catch and keeps drinks cold during those long stretches between bites. Whether you're working swimbaits around breakwalls or dropping iron on deeper structure, this rig handles both inshore finesse fishing and the bigger swells of nearshore waters with confidence.
Paralabrax NebuliferBarred Sand Bass are the bread and butter of Southern California fishing. These scrappy fighters average 1-3 pounds with their trademark vertical bars and that "grumpy" looking mouth. They prefer sandy bottoms near rocks and structure in 60-100 feet of water, though you'll find smaller ones much shallower. May through October is peak season, with the best bite happening from sunset into the night, especially on full moons. Anglers love them because they're aggressive biters that will hit almost anything, making them perfect for learning. They school up during spawning season, so when you find one, there's usually more. The white meat is excellent eating. My secret: live squid is hands down the best bait, but the key is finding the right depth where they're feeding and staying there.
Semicossyphus PulcherCalifornia Sheephead are one of the most unique fish you'll encounter on our trips. Males are easy to spot with their black heads and tails, bright red midsection, and that distinctive bump on their forehead. They typically run 2-8 pounds, though we've seen some monsters over 20. These fish hang around rocky reefs and kelp beds in 20-60 feet of water, using their powerful jaws to crush urchins, crabs, and mussels. They're active year-round but peak from late spring through fall. What makes them special is their sweet, lobster-like meat and the serious fight they put up. When hooked, they'll dive straight for the rocks to snap your line. My tip: use heavy tackle with 40lb leader and keep constant pressure to prevent them from reaching cover.
Sphyraena ArgenteaPacific Barracuda are pure speed and aggression wrapped in silver. These torpedo-shaped predators average 3-4 feet and 8-12 pounds, with that unmistakable pointed snout and razor teeth. You'll find them cruising near the surface around kelp beds and reefs, usually within 60 feet of water. Spring through fall is best, especially during their northern migration from Baja. What makes them popular is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump clear out of the water trying to shake the hook. The meat is firm and tasty when fresh. These fish are visual hunters with excellent eyesight, so they love chasing fast-moving baits. My go-to technique: cast long with live anchovies or sardines and retrieve at varying speeds to trigger their predatory instincts.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific Halibut are the giants of the flatfish world, and catching one is always a thrill. These diamond-shaped bottom dwellers typically range from 20-40 pounds, but don't be surprised if we hook into something over 100. They live in deeper waters, usually 150-500 feet down on sandy or muddy bottoms near structure. Summer is prime time when they move into shallower feeding areas. What guests love about halibut fishing is the anticipation - they're ambush predators that hit hard and fight with surprising power for a flatfish. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find. They hunt by sight in shallow water but rely on scent in the deep. My trick: bounce your bait slowly along the bottom with 1-2 pound weights, then vary your retrieve to trigger strikes.
Scorpaena MystesPacific Spotted Scorpionfish are the ultimate ambush predators hiding in our rocky reefs. These spiky bottom dwellers average 8-12 inches but can reach 20, with mottled brown coloring that makes them nearly invisible against rocks. They love caves, crevices, and structure from shallow water to 200 feet deep. Night fishing is most productive when they're actively hunting. What draws anglers is the challenge and the reward - they have some of the sweetest, whitest meat around. But respect those venomous spines! They're not aggressive fighters, preferring to wedge into rocks. The key is patience and precise bait placement near structure using squid, crab, or shrimp on size 4 hooks. Always use heavy gloves or pliers when handling - those spines pack a serious punch that'll ruin your day.
Dana Point