Huntington Beach Charter Fishing | 12 Hour Charter Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target White Seabass up to 70 pounds near Catalina IslandIncludes midday lunch stop in scenic Avalon townSmall group charter accommodates maximum four guests
When you're ready to chase some serious fish, this 12-hour charter to Catalina Island delivers exactly what SoCal anglers dream about. We're talking about a full day targeting trophy White Seabass in some of the most productive waters off the coast. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're giving you the time and space to really work the waters around Catalina, with plenty of opportunities to land that fish of a lifetime. Plus, with only 4 anglers max, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that bigger boats just can't offer.
Your day kicks off early from Huntington Beach, and we'll make the run out to Catalina Island where the real action happens. The boat ride itself is part of the experience – watching the coastline fade behind us as we head toward those iconic Catalina waters. Once we're on the fishing grounds, it's game time. We're primarily hunting White Seabass, and these fish don't mess around. They're known for putting up a solid fight and making runs that'll test your drag system. The waters around Catalina hold fish ranging from scrappy 10-pounders up to true giants pushing 70 pounds. Between fishing spots, we'll cruise into Avalon for a lunch break, giving you a chance to stretch your legs, grab some food, and soak in that classic island vibe before heading back out for the afternoon bite.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. Live bait fishing is our bread and butter out here – nothing beats a fresh sardine or mackerel when White Seabass are cruising the kelp beds. We'll also work some artificials, especially when the fish are relating to structure or when we find them suspended in the water column. The tackle setup is medium-heavy to heavy spinning gear, spooled with enough line to handle those long runs these fish are famous for. Fluorocarbon leaders are a must since these fish can be line-shy, especially the bigger ones. We'll provide all the gear you need, but if you've got your own setup and want to bring it, that works too. The key is being ready to adapt – sometimes they want that bait right on the bottom, other times they're up higher in the water column feeding on schools of baitfish.
California Sheephead are one of those fish that really showcase what makes Catalina Island fishing special. These colorful characters hang around the rocky reefs and kelp beds, and they're absolutely phenomenal table fare. The males develop that distinctive black and red coloration with a white chin, making them easy to spot when you bring one to the boat. They're year-round residents, but summer and fall tend to produce the best action. What makes them fun to target is their willingness to hit both bait and lures, plus they fight harder than their size suggests. Most of the fish we see run 2-5 pounds, but the bigger breeding males can push 15 pounds or more.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the speed demons of these waters, and when they're around, you know it. These fish hit hard and run fast, making screaming runs that'll have your reel singing. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with summer being absolutely prime time. They're typically found around the kelp beds and rocky points, often in schools that can provide multiple hookups. The average fish runs 15-25 pounds, but Catalina is known for producing larger models that can hit 40 pounds or better. What gets anglers fired up about yellowtail is their aggressive nature – when they're feeding, they'll hit just about anything you throw at them. They're also top-tier eating fish, with firm white meat that's perfect for sashimi or grilling.
This 12-hour Catalina charter represents the best of what offshore fishing in Southern California has to offer. You're getting access to world-class fishing grounds, targeting species that are both fun to catch and amazing on the dinner table, all while enjoying the scenic beauty of one of California's most iconic destinations. The small group size means you'll have room to fish comfortably and get the individual attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to add some quality fish to your logbook or someone ready to step up their fishing game, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of productive fishing, beautiful scenery, and that midday break in Avalon creates a day that's about more than just catching fish – it's about experiencing the best of what SoCal fishing culture has to offer. Don't wait too long to secure your spot, especially during peak season when these limited-capacity charters fill up fast.
Get ready to chase White Seabass around Catalina Island aboard our reliable 2006 Parker Pilothouse! This 28-footer cuts through the water at a solid 29 knots with twin Yamaha engines, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and keeping you comfortable all day. The cabin gives you a break from the sun between bites, while the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long stretches waiting for the big one. With GPS to mark the hot spots and room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rails without bumping elbows. The pilothouse design means you can fish in any weather, and when those Catalina winds pick up, you'll appreciate having a solid boat under your feet. Perfect for targeting those trophy White Seabass that Catalina is famous for.
Semicossyphus PulcherCalifornia Sheephead are one of the most distinctive fish you'll encounter around Catalina's rocky reefs and kelp beds. Males are easy to spot with their black heads, red midsection, and that prominent forehead bump, while females show more muted pink tones. These wrasse family members typically run 2-20 pounds, though we've seen some bruisers push 30+ pounds in deeper water around the island's structure. They're daytime feeders that crush shellfish with powerful jaws, making them fun targets on crab, mussel, or urchin baits. What makes them special is the sweet, almost lobster-like meat that's fantastic on the table. Fair warning though - once hooked, they'll make straight for the rocks to break you off. My tip: use heavy tackle with 40lb leader and keep steady pressure to pull them up and away from structure fast.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are the speed demons of Catalina waters, and you'll know one when you see those bright yellow fins cutting through the water. Most run 15-25 pounds, but we regularly see fish in the 40-pound range, especially during warmer summer months when they're thick around the island's kelp beds and rocky points. These fish live near bottom structure but will chase bait to the surface, making them perfect targets for both live bait and jigs. What guests love most is the blistering runs and powerful fight they put up - plus the meat is top-shelf for sashimi or grilling. They're opportunistic feeders, so sardines, mackerel, or squid all work well. Pro tip from years out here: when you hook up, don't horse them - let them make their first run, then apply steady pressure. Fight them too hard early and they'll dive straight into the kelp.
Huntington Beach