Catalina Island or Santa Barbara Island Trips
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore fishing adventure to Catalina or Santa Barbara IslandTarget premium species including Yellowfin Tuna, White Seabass, and Mahi MahiSmall group experience with maximum six guests aboard
Picture this: you're 20 miles offshore, the mainland's just a hazy line behind you, and your captain's pointing to fish marks on the sonar that'll make your heart race. That's what you get with Fin Fetish Sportfishing's full-day trips to Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands. These waters are legendary among SoCal anglers, and for good reason – they're home to some of the most sought-after pelagic species on the West Coast. Your captain handles all the gear, bait, and tackle, so you can focus on what matters: fighting fish that'll test every ounce of your skill.
This isn't your typical harbor cruise. You'll be targeting blue water species in depths ranging from 100 to over 1,000 feet, depending on where the fish are biting. The trip accommodates just six anglers, which means you're not fighting crowds for rail space or waiting forever for the gaff when you hook up. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand – from the kelp forests around Catalina's backside to the seamounts and ridges near Santa Barbara Island that hold massive schools of yellowtail and tuna. Expect to cover some serious ground as you follow temperature breaks, bird activity, and bait schools. The marine life here is world-class, with crystal-clear visibility that lets you actually see the fish you're fighting in the upper water column.
Your captain will have you rigged and ready with everything from live bait setups to trolling spreads, depending on what's biting. These waters call for versatility – one minute you might be dropping sardines on a dropper loop rig for white seabass along the kelp edge, the next you're trolling feathers and cedar plugs through a tuna boil. The boat carries quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with 40-80 pound test, plus a selection of hooks, sinkers, and swivels to match the conditions. When the yellowtail are schooling up, expect to fish yo-yo iron jigs in blue and white or scrambled egg patterns. For the bigger tuna, you'll likely run spreader bars and swim baits behind the boat at 6-8 knots, watching the outriggers for that telltale snap that means game on.
White seabass are the crown jewel of these waters, and for good reason. These silvery bruisers can push 40-60 pounds and are notorious for their powerful runs and head-shaking fights. They're most active during dawn and dusk periods, often found cruising the kelp edges where they ambush schools of sardines and anchovies. What makes them special is their unpredictability – one day they'll hit live squid fished deep, the next they're smashing surface iron. Landing one is a rite of passage for any serious SoCal angler.
Mahi mahi bring pure excitement to these offshore grounds, especially during warmer water years when they push north from Baja. These brilliant green and gold speedsters rarely exceed 20 pounds in our waters, but they make up for size with pure athleticism. They're famous for their aerial displays and lightning-fast runs, often traveling in small schools around floating kelp paddies or debris lines. The visual aspect of mahi fishing is addictive – you'll often see them lit up in electric colors as they chase your bait.
Yellowfin tuna are the ultimate test of angling skill and endurance. These torpedo-shaped fighters can range from 15-pound "footballs" to 100-pound plus giants that'll take you into your backing before you know what hit you. They're most active during summer and fall months when water temperatures climb above 65 degrees. Yellowfin are notorious for their long, sustained runs and their ability to sound deep when hooked. The meat quality is restaurant-grade sashimi, making every fish a trophy worth the fight.
Pacific halibut might not jump like mahi or run like tuna, but don't underestimate these flatfish. California halibut in these waters commonly reach 20-30 pounds, with fish over 40 pounds caught regularly. They're ambush predators that lie buried in sandy areas near kelp forests and rocky reefs, waiting to inhale passing baitfish. The challenge is in the subtlety – halibut bites can be so gentle you'll think you're hung up on kelp until your "snag" starts swimming away.
Bluefin tuna represent the holy grail of West Coast fishing. These are the fish that legends are made of, capable of reaching 200+ pounds in local waters. They're incredibly intelligent and spook easily, often requiring light line and small baits to get bit. When you hook a bluefin, expect a battle that could last hours. They're built for speed and endurance, evolved to cross entire ocean basins. The few anglers who land these magnificent fish never forget the experience – or stop chasing the next one.
These islands produce some of the most consistent and diverse fishing on the West Coast, but weather and fish movements mean no two trips are identical. With only six spots available, this top-rated charter books up quickly, especially during peak season from June through October. Your captain's local knowledge and quality gear give you the best shot at connecting with the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or looking to step up from inshore fishing, this is your chance to experience world-class sportfishing in waters that have been producing trophy fish for decades. The memories you'll make fighting these incredible species against the backdrop of California's Channel Islands will keep you planning your next trip before this one's even over.
Set out for the rich fishing grounds around Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands aboard our well-equipped motorboat. This 6-passenger vessel comes ready with GPS navigation and radar systems to keep you on course through changing conditions. Your captain knows exactly where to find the hot spots for White Seabass, Halibut, Yellowtail, and the prized Tuna species that cruise these waters. Whether you're targeting Yellowfin, Bluefin, or hoping to hook into some hard-fighting Mahi Mahi, we've got all the tackle and gear you'll need. The boat's reliable engine gets you out to the productive offshore waters quickly, so you can spend more time with lines in the water. Perfect setup for anglers looking to battle some serious fish in the deep blue waters off Southern California's most productive fishing destinations.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing - massive, powerful fish that average 40-80 pounds but can push well over 200. These warm-blooded speedsters roam the open ocean but often hunt near islands and temperature breaks. Fall and winter are peak seasons when they show up chasing bait schools. What makes them legendary is their incredible strength and stamina - they'll make multiple deep dives and long runs that can last an hour. The meat is unmatched for sushi with that rich, buttery flavor that commands top dollar. Here's the key: when you hook up, be ready for war. Use heavy tackle with smooth drag, and don't try to stop their first run. Let them tire themselves out on that initial blast, then work them up slowly. Most fish are lost trying to muscle them too early in the fight.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here - brilliant gold and blue colors that change right before your eyes. Most of our catches run 15-30 pounds, though we see bigger ones. These surface dwellers love floating kelp, debris, and current breaks in the top 100 feet. Summer through fall is prime time when water temps warm up. What guests love most is their wild aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real display. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm white meat. They hit fast and fight hard with multiple runs. My go-to tip: always look for floating objects or kelp patties. Mahi use them as ambush points, so work your baits around any debris you see. Skip your bait on the surface like a flying fish - that's what really gets them fired up and aggressive.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific Halibut are the barn doors of the flatfish world - we're talking 20-100+ pound fish that can stretch over 6 feet long. These bottom dwellers hang out in 150-500 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and sandy flats. Summer months are best when they move up from deeper spawning areas to feed. What guests love is the surprise factor - you never know if that tap is a keeper or a true giant. The fight is different too - more like wrestling a coffee table to the surface. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the ocean. Here's my trick: use a 1-2 pound weight to get down fast, then work your bait slowly along the bottom. Bounce it every few seconds to kick up sand and get their attention. They hunt by scent down deep, so fresh herring or salmon bellies work best.
Morone ChrysopsWhite Bass typically run 10-12 inches and 1-3 pounds, making them perfect for lighter tackle fishing. You'll find these silvery fighters in open water around structure and drop-offs, usually in the top 20 feet. They're aggressive schooling fish that feed heavily on small baitfish. Spring and fall are prime times when they're most active and feeding. What makes them popular is their scrappy fight for their size - they'll make good runs and put a solid bend in your rod. The meat is white, flaky, and tastes great fried or grilled. Here's a local tip: when you find one White Bass, there's usually a whole school nearby. Keep working that same area with small jigs or spoons, and you'll often hook into multiple fish. They're visual feeders, so silver or white lures work best.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of the tuna family around here, typically running 20-60 pounds with some real bruisers pushing 100+. These torpedo-shaped speedsters cruise the open ocean in the top 300 feet, often around bait schools and current edges. They're year-round residents, but summer and fall fishing is outstanding when bait is thick. What makes them special is their raw power - they'll make screaming runs that'll test your drag and endurance. The meat is world-class, perfect for sushi or searing. They're also great table fare compared to pricier Bluefin. Here's what works: when trolling isn't producing, switch to chunking with anchovies or sardines. Get them fired up in a feeding frenzy, then drop a live bait back in the slick. Keep that drag smooth because their first run will be violent.
Marina del Rey, CA