Premium Catalina Island Yellowtail and White Seabass Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour charter targeting yellowtail and white seabass near Catalina IslandCaptain Pablo provides all gear, bait, tackle, and refreshments includedFullday offshore adventure accommodates up to 4 anglers maximum
Captain Pablo's 12-hour offshore charter to Catalina Island delivers some of the most consistent fishing action you'll find in Southern California waters. This isn't your typical half-day harbor cruise – we're talking about a serious full-day commitment that puts you on the prime kelp beds and rocky structure where yellowtail and white seabass call home. The 3-4 hour run to Catalina gives you time to rig up, talk strategy, and watch the mainland fade behind you as we head toward some of the most productive fishing grounds on the West Coast. With everything included from rods to bait to ice for your catch, all you need to bring is your fishing license and appetite for pulling drag.
Your day starts early with departure from the harbor, and Captain Pablo uses that travel time to brief you on conditions, target areas, and what's been biting lately. Catalina's backside offers protection from swells, while the front side gives you deeper water and bigger fish when conditions allow. We're equipped for everything from live bait fishing with sardines and mackerel to throwing iron jigs on the kelp edges. The boat carries 4 anglers comfortably, which means plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from the captain. Don't worry about bringing tackle – we've got Penn and Shimano setups rigged and ready, plus a full spread of jigs, weights, and terminal tackle that's proven to work in these waters. The ice chest keeps your catch fresh for the long ride home, and we'll have snacks and water to keep you fueled through the day.
Catalina fishing is all about reading structure and working the kelp forests that ring the island. We'll start by looking for bird activity and bait balls on the fish finder, then position over rocky bottom or kelp edges where predators set up to ambush. Live bait fishing with flylined sardines is deadly for yellowtail, especially when they're boiling on the surface during morning and evening feeds. When the bite slows, we switch to yo-yo iron – 6 to 8-ounce jigs in blue and white or scrambled egg patterns that trigger reaction strikes from fish holding deeper in the water column. White seabass require a different approach, often hiding in sandy areas adjacent to structure where we'll fish live squid or large swimbaits near the bottom. The captain adjusts tactics based on current conditions, water temperature, and what the fish are telling us through the day.
Barracuda are the perfect warm-up fish for Catalina trips, hitting fast-moving lures with aggressive strikes that'll wake you up in a hurry. These toothy predators average 3-8 pounds and fight harder than their size suggests, making long runs and jumping when hooked on lighter tackle. They're most active during summer months when water temperatures climb, and you'll find them chasing bait in the top 20 feet of water around kelp beds and rocky points.
Vermillion Rockfish live up to their name with brilliant red coloration that makes them one of the prettiest fish you'll pull from Catalina's depths. These bottom dwellers hang around rocky structure in 100-300 feet of water, where we'll drop live bait or heavy jigs to reach them. They're excellent eating and provide steady action when other species are finicky, with most fish running 2-5 pounds and occasionally reaching double digits for trophy specimens.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the marquee species that draw anglers from across Southern California to make the long run to Catalina. These powerful fighters average 15-25 pounds with fish over 40 pounds possible during peak season from late spring through early fall. They're notorious for making searing runs toward the kelp when hooked, testing your drag system and fishing skills. The thrill of watching a yellowtail crash a surface iron or inhale a flylined sardine never gets old.
Yellowfin Tuna show up during warmer water years, typically in late summer when blue water pushes closer to the island. These speed demons require heavy tackle and sharp hooks, as they'll test every knot and connection with blistering runs that can peel hundreds of yards of line. Most Catalina yellowfin range from 15-40 pounds, though larger fish are always possible when conditions align and the bite is on.
Pacific Halibut are the ultimate prize for bottom fishermen, with California halibut reaching impressive sizes in Catalina's sandy flats and rocky transition zones. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying partially buried in sand waiting to ambush passing bait. They fight with surprising power for a bottom fish, using their broad bodies to pull against the rod with steady, determined runs. Most fish range from 3-15 pounds, but trophy halibut over 20 pounds make appearances for lucky anglers.
Captain Pablo's Catalina charter represents world-class offshore fishing without the massive expense of multi-day long-range trips. The 12-hour format gives you a real shot at multiple species while experiencing some of the most scenic fishing grounds California has to offer. Weather windows can be limited during winter months, so booking ahead ensures you don't miss out when conditions align for that perfect day on the water. Contact Fernandez Charters to secure your spot and start planning for what could be your best fishing day of the year. Four angler spots fill up fast, especially during peak yellowtail season, so don't wait to make this trip happen.
Hit the productive waters around Catalina Island aboard this well-equipped Boston Whaler 285 Conquest. Captain Pablo runs this twin Honda 250-powered rig with serious offshore capability - over 300 miles of range gets you to the best yellowtail and white seabass grounds with time to fish them right. The boat's built for comfort during those long 12-hour days, featuring a full galley, head with shower, and sleeping quarters if you need a break between bites. Dual bait tanks (70 & 34 gallons) keep your live bait frisky, while the tuna tower gives the captain perfect visibility to spot working birds and feeding fish. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate the bite in SoCal's sometimes tricky conditions. Seating for up to 4 anglers gives everyone room to work without tangling lines, plus there's an icebox and fridge to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. This stable platform handles the crossing to Catalina like a champ and gives you a solid fishing deck once you're on the grounds targeting everything from calicos to 'cuda.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda around Catalina are torpedo-shaped predators that hunt by sight and can hit 35 mph when they strike. Most run 2-4 feet long with razor-sharp teeth in double rows. You'll find them patrolling shallow kelp beds and rocky structure, especially in warmer months when baitfish are thick. They're aggressive fighters on light tackle - that sudden strike and blistering run gets everyone's attention. The meat's decent eating too, just watch those teeth when handling them. Here's a tip: they're drawn to shiny objects, so silver spoons or anything that flashes works great. Cast near the kelp edges where they ambush sardines and anchovies.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the barn doors of the flatfish world - these bottom-huggers can stretch 8 feet and top 500 pounds, though most around Catalina run 20-40 pounds with occasional 100+ pounders. They lay flat on sandy bottoms in 150-500 feet of water, perfectly camouflaged until they ambush passing baitfish. Summer's your best bet when they move up from deeper winter spawning areas. They're fantastic eating with firm, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. The fight's more about weight than speed, but landing a big one is always satisfying. Key tip: bounce your bait along the bottom with 1-2 pounds of lead - they like movement and will often grab it on the lift.
Sebastes MiniatusThese bright red beauties with black mottling are what most folks think of when they hear "rockfish." Around Catalina, vermilion typically run 14-22 inches and can live over 100 years - some of the fish we catch might be older than your grandparents. They hang out on rocky bottoms between 100-500 feet, though juveniles stick closer to kelp beds. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're more active. They're solid table fare with firm white meat, and that deep red color makes for great photos. Pro tip: drop a strip of squid on a two-hook rig right to the bottom and keep it moving slightly - they'll hit it on the drop half the time.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the ultimate offshore prize - torpedo-shaped speed demons that can hit 50 mph and fight like freight trains. Around Catalina, most fish run 20-60 pounds, though bigger ones show up in good years. They cruise the upper water column in blue water, following bait schools. Summer and fall are prime when warm water pushes up from the south. The meat's restaurant quality - perfect for searing or sashimi. These fish will humble even experienced anglers with their power and endurance. My go-to method: chunking with live anchovies gets them fired up, but when they're feeding on top, nothing beats the chaos of watching one demolish a surface iron.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are the crown jewel of Southern California fishing, and Catalina's summer waters are prime habitat. These fast, powerful fish average 15-25 pounds but can push 40+ on a good day. Look for them around kelp beds and rocky structure where they hunt squid and baitfish. Summer's peak season when warm water brings them up from Baja. They're prized in sushi restaurants for good reason - the meat's outstanding. Fair warning though, they'll test your drag and stamina with long, hard runs. Best trick I've learned: use live bait and don't horse them - let them run and tire themselves out, or they'll bust you off in the kelp every time.
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