4 Hour Morning Harbor Fishing Trip in Long Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour morning harbor fishing trip departing at 6:00 AMTarget Spotted Bay Bass, Sand Bass, and Halibut near shoreAll equipment included with maximum four guests per trip
If you're looking for a solid fishing experience without burning the whole day, this 4-hour morning trip out of Long Beach hits the sweet spot. Starting at 6:00 AM, you'll be targeting prime feeding times when the fish are most active, plus you'll beat the afternoon winds that can kick up later. With space for just 4 anglers, this isn't one of those crowded cattle boats - you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from your captain. The harbor and breakwall waters stay relatively calm, making it perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone who gets queasy on rougher seas.
This trip keeps things comfortable and productive by working the protected waters around Long Beach Harbor and the nearby breakwall structures. You'll launch right around sunrise when the water is glassy and the fish are feeding aggressively in the shallows. The beauty of harbor fishing is that you're never more than a few minutes from productive structure - whether that's the rock piles along the breakwall, the deeper channels between the jetties, or the sandy flats where halibut love to ambush baitfish. The small group size means your captain can adjust tactics quickly based on what's biting, and you won't spend half the trip waiting for someone else to land their fish. All your gear is provided, from the rods and reels down to the hooks and sinkers, so you just need to show up ready to fish.
The calm harbor waters are perfect for light tackle fishing, which makes every hookup feel like a real battle. You'll be using spinning gear with 10-15 pound test line, allowing you to feel every head shake and run. The techniques vary based on what's biting - live bait fishing with anchovies or sardines for the bass, bouncing soft plastics along the bottom for halibut, or working swimbaits around the structure. The light tackle approach isn't just about the fight though - it's more effective in these clear, shallow waters where heavy gear can spook the fish. Your captain will set you up with the right rig for the conditions, whether that's a Carolina rig for halibut, drop shot for finicky bass, or a simple live bait setup when the fish are aggressive.
Spotted Bay Bass are the bread and butter of Long Beach Harbor fishing, and these scrappy fighters punch way above their weight class. They typically run 1-3 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making multiple runs and trying to wrap you around every piece of structure they can find. Spring through fall are prime time for spotted bass, especially early morning when they're feeding in the shallows. They love live anchovies but will also hammer soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. What makes them so fun is their aggressive nature - when you find one, there are usually more nearby.
Barred Sand Bass are the bigger cousins in the bass family, often reaching 3-5 pounds in these waters. They tend to school up around deeper structure and drop-offs, making them perfect targets when you're working the breakwall. Sand bass are notorious for their initial run when hooked - they'll peel drag and head straight for the rocks, testing both your drag system and your nerves. Summer months bring the best sand bass action, particularly when the water temperature hits that sweet spot in the mid-60s. They're excellent table fare too, with firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos.
Pacific Halibut are the wildcard species that can turn a good day into a great one. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in the sand and wait for unsuspecting baitfish to swim overhead. In Long Beach Harbor, most halibut run 2-8 pounds, but the occasional doormat pushing 15-20 pounds keeps things interesting. They're active year-round but peak during the warmer months when baitfish are abundant. Halibut fishing requires patience - they're notorious for picking up the bait and swimming with it before actually eating it. When you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let them run with it, then come tight when the line starts moving steadily.
This morning harbor trip delivers exactly what it promises - quality fishing in comfortable conditions with gear included and a captain who knows these waters inside and out. The 4-hour duration is perfect for testing the waters if you're new to saltwater fishing, or getting your fix when you can't commit to a full day trip. With only 4 spots available, this trip fills up fast, especially during peak season. The free cancellation policy gives you peace of mind if the weather doesn't cooperate, but chances are you'll be out there at first light watching the sunrise over the Pacific while your drag screams. Don't sleep on this one - book your spot and get ready to see why Long Beach Harbor has such a solid reputation among local anglers.
Hit the waters of Long Beach Harbor aboard this well-equipped 26' Pathfinder 2600 HPS center console. This 2018 Yamaha-powered fishing machine cruises at 35 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and comfortable. Perfect for up to 4 anglers targeting Spotted Bay Bass, Sand Bass, and Halibut around the breakwall. The boat's loaded with everything serious fishermen need - fish finder to locate the schools, GPS navigation, radar for safety, plus a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox along with cold drinks and snacks. Built tough for saltwater fishing, this center console handles nearshore conditions with ease while keeping motion to a minimum. All tackle's provided, so just show up ready to fish these productive Long Beach waters starting at 6 AM.
Paralabrax NebuliferBarred sand bass are the bread and butter of Southern California fishing. These aggressive feeders typically run 1-4 pounds and are built for fighting with their muscular bodies and big mouths. You'll find them over sandy bottoms near rocks and kelp, usually in 30-100 feet of water. They're seasonal fish, with May through October being prime time, especially during evening hours and full moons. Guests love them because they'll hit just about anything and fight hard on light tackle. Plus, they make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. They school up during spawning season, so multiple hookups are common. The key is finding the right depth where they're feeding and staying there. My go-to trick: use a dropper loop rig with live squid or anchovy. These fish are curious and aggressive, so don't be afraid to work the bait with some action to get their attention.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the prize catch on our harbor trips - these massive flatfish can surprise you with their size. Most we catch run 15-40 pounds, but don't be shocked if something bigger grabs your bait. They're bottom dwellers that love sandy areas near structure, usually in 60-200 feet around here. Spring through fall gives you the best shot as they move into shallower feeding areas. What guests love is the mystery - you never know if that tap on the bottom is a keeper or a monster. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean with pure white, flaky meat. These fish hunt by sight and smell, so fresh bait works best. My tip: keep your bait moving slightly off the bottom. A slow drift or gentle lift-and-drop motion triggers strikes better than dead soaking. When one hits, don't rush it - steady pressure wins the day.
Micropterus PunctulatusSpotted bass are scrappy fighters that'll put up a solid battle on light tackle. You can tell them apart from largemouth by their connected dorsal fin and the dark spots running along their sides. They typically run 1-3 pounds in our harbor waters and love hanging around rocky structure and breakwalls. These fish school up more than other bass, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are moderate. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature - they'll hit almost anything from soft plastics to small crankbaits. The meat is excellent eating too, with firm white fillets. Pro tip: work your lure slower than you think. They like to follow before striking, so give them time to commit. Once hooked, they'll dive deep and fight hard all the way to the net.
Dana Point