Deep Water Big Game Fishing in Huntington Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targets bluefin tuna and yellowtailDeep water fishing adventure accommodates up to 4 guestsProfessional crew provides fullday big game fishing experience
When you're ready to leave the crowds behind and chase trophy fish in the deep blue, this 12-hour offshore charter out of Huntington Beach delivers the real deal. We're talking about heading 20-30 miles out where the continental shelf drops off and the big pelagics roam. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we've got all day to find the fish and put you on the bite. With just 4 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Your day starts before sunrise at the harbor, and we'll be running hard to reach the productive offshore grounds where the water turns that deep cobalt blue. This is where the magic happens – the convergence zones, temperature breaks, and structure that hold the gamefish we're after. The early morning run gives us maximum fishing time in prime waters, and with 12 hours on the water, we can chase fish across multiple spots. The boat's equipped with top-shelf electronics to locate bait schools and mark fish, plus all the heavy tackle you'll need to battle these offshore bruisers. Fair warning though – bring your own food and drinks because we're focused on fishing, not catering. Pack a cooler with plenty of water, snacks, and lunch to keep your energy up for the long haul.
Out here in the deep water, we're primarily trolling with a spread of lures to cover water and locate active fish. We'll run cedar plugs, diving plugs, and feathers at different depths to match the conditions and what the fish are feeding on. When we mark fish on the sounder or spot them working bait on the surface, we'll switch to live bait – nothing beats a fresh sardine or mackerel when these gamefish are fired up. The tackle is serious business too – we're talking 40-80 pound setups with reels that can handle long runs and sustained pressure. Don't worry if you're not used to heavy gear; the crew will walk you through the techniques and help you stay tight to the fish during those heart-pounding fights.
Mahi Mahi are the acrobats of the offshore world, and they're absolutely addictive to catch. These brilliant gold and green speedsters love floating debris, kelp paddies, and temperature breaks where baitfish congregate. They hit lures hard and put on an aerial show that'll have you hooked for life. Mahi typically run 10-30 pounds in our waters, with the occasional bull dolphin pushing 40-plus. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through fall, and when you find one, there's usually more around. The fight is fast and furious, with multiple jumps and screaming runs that test your tackle and technique.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the bullies of the kelp beds and offshore structure, known for their incredible power and determination to get back to cover. These fish are built like footballs with fins – pure muscle that can peel line off your reel in seconds. They're notorious for making one strong run straight down or toward structure, so you've got to turn their heads quickly. Most of our yellowtail range from 15-40 pounds, with the occasional model pushing 50-plus. They're year-round residents but really turn on during the warmer months. Live bait is king for yellowtail – a fresh sardine or mackerel on a sliding sinker rig is hard to beat.
Yellowfin Tuna are the sprinters of the tuna family, combining speed with incredible endurance for fights that can last 30 minutes or more. These fish are built for the open ocean, with that classic torpedo shape and sickle tail that screams performance. Local yellowfin typically range from 20-60 pounds, though bigger fish show up when conditions are right. They're most active during the summer and fall months when water temperatures peak. The fight is all about long, sustained runs – they don't give up easily and will test every knot in your tackle. When they're feeding on the surface in schools, it's some of the most exciting fishing you'll ever experience.
Bluefin Tuna are the holy grail of Southern California offshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are pure power wrapped in a perfectly designed package for speed and endurance. Local bluefin can range from 40-pound "footballs" to 200-pound giants that can drag a boat around. They're incredibly smart and finicky, often requiring light leaders and precise presentations to get a bite. The fight is legendary – long runs, deep dives, and enough power to smoke reels and snap heavy tackle. Bluefin show up year-round but peak during the cooler months when they move inshore to feed. Landing one is a badge of honor that serious anglers chase for years.
This 12-hour offshore adventure represents serious fishing for serious anglers who want to chase trophy gamefish in their natural habitat. With only 4 spots available, you'll get the personalized attention and prime fishing time that makes the difference between stories and photos. The offshore waters off Huntington Beach hold some of the best big game fishing on the West Coast, and this trip puts you right in the middle of it all. Whether you're looking to check species off your bucket list or chase that personal best, this is your chance to fish where the big ones live. Book now and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
Your fishing platform for this 12-hour offshore adventure is a well-equipped 28-foot Parker Pilothouse that's built to handle the deep waters beyond Huntington Beach. This 2006 cabin cruiser runs on twin Yamaha engines that'll get you out to the productive fishing grounds at a solid 29 knots, putting you on the Bluefin Tuna, Yellowtail, and Mahi Mahi faster. The pilothouse design gives you shelter when you need it while keeping the deck open for fighting fish. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work without getting tangled up. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during the long day on the water. GPS navigation ensures your captain can find the hot spots and get you back safely. When you need a break from the action, there's a bed below deck for quick rest between bites. This boat's designed for serious offshore fishing where comfort meets capability.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the apex predator we all dream about - averaging 130 pounds for Pacific bluefin but capable of much more. These warm-blooded fish can handle any water temperature and dive over 3,000 feet deep. They're most active during dawn and dusk hours around offshore structure, temperature breaks, and bait concentrations. What sets them apart is sheer power - expect screaming runs and deep dives that'll push your heaviest tackle to the limit. The meat is legendary, especially the fatty belly cuts prized for sashimi. Fair warning: this is a federally managed species requiring permits and catch reporting. My advice: use heavy tackle with a fighting belt because these fish will wear you out before they give up.
Coryphaena HippurusThese bright golden beauties are a blast to target in our offshore waters. Most run 15-29 pounds, though the occasional 40-pounder shows up. You'll spot them by their brilliant blue-green backs and that unmistakable golden shimmer - males have those distinctive blunt foreheads. They love hanging around floating debris and kelp lines in the warmer months when water temps climb. What makes them special is that wild fight - they'll jump, run, and put on quite a show. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. My tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes open for others nearby since they often travel in small schools.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are built for speed and power - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 50 mph and average around 60 pounds out here, though we see them up to 200+. They roam the open water column from surface down to 300 feet, following bait schools and temperature breaks. Late summer through fall tends to be best when the water's warm and baitfish are thick. What makes them special is that raw power combined with incredible table fare - this is prime sashimi-grade fish. The fight is all about long runs and deep dives that'll test your drag system. Here's the trick: when nothing's biting on the troll, switch to chunking with whatever bait they're feeding on to draw them up from the depths.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are the workhorses of our local offshore scene, typically running 15-25 pounds with the occasional 40-pounder to keep things interesting. These silver bullets with bright yellow fins are fast swimmers that'll test your tackle and your patience. They hang around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Summer through early fall is prime time when the water warms up. What guests love is the sustained fight - they'll make long runs and won't give up easy. The meat is excellent too, especially for sushi if you ice it down right away. Pro tip: when you're fighting one, don't horse it or it'll dive straight into the kelp and cut you off.
Huntington Beach