Catalina Island or Santa Barbara Island Trips
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday 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 and provided equipment
Picture yourself hauling in a trophy yellowfin tuna as the morning sun hits the crystal-clear waters off California's Channel Islands. That's exactly what you're signing up for with Fin Fetish Sportfishing's full-day offshore adventure to either Catalina Island or Santa Barbara Island. This isn't your typical weekend fishing trip – we're talking about world-class blue water fishing where the big boys swim. With a maximum of 6 anglers on board, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make the difference between telling fish stories and actually landing them. The captain handles all your gear needs, so all you need to bring is your appetite for the fight of a lifetime.
When you step aboard for this full-day charter, you're getting access to some of Southern California's most productive fishing grounds. The Channel Islands create a unique underwater ecosystem where cold Pacific currents mix with warmer offshore waters, creating the perfect storm for pelagic game fish. Your captain will read the water conditions, check recent fish reports, and position you over structure where the action happens. We're not talking about casting from the shore here – this is serious offshore fishing where depths can drop to hundreds of feet and the fish have room to run. The small group size means everyone gets quality time at the rail, and you won't be fighting for space when that yellowtail decides to make its move. Pack some snacks and plenty of water since meals aren't included, but trust me, you'll be too busy fighting fish to think much about lunch.
The beauty of this charter is that all your fishing gear comes provided, from heavy-duty rods capable of handling bluefin tuna to the terminal tackle that gets results in these waters. Depending on conditions and target species, you'll be using a mix of techniques that offshore anglers swear by. Live bait fishing with sardines or mackerel is deadly effective for yellowtail and white seabass, especially when they're holding near the island's rocky structure. When the tuna are running, expect to troll feathers, cedar plugs, or swimbaits at varying speeds to trigger strikes. The captain might also break out the iron jigs – those heavy metal lures that sink fast and drive pelagic fish crazy when worked properly. Bottom fishing with heavy sinkers and cut bait can produce quality halibut and lingcod when the bite is slow up top. Each technique requires different skills, but the crew will walk you through the setup and show you how to work the baits like a pro.
White seabass are the crown jewel of Southern California fishing, and these waters consistently produce fish in the 20 to 40-pound range. They're structure-oriented fish that love the rocky reefs and kelp forests around both islands. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving shallow to feed on squid and smaller baitfish. What makes white seabass so special is their incredible fight – they'll make long runs and use their broad sides to pull drag like you wouldn't believe. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table, with firm white meat that rivals any restaurant fish.
Mahi mahi bring the tropical flavor to California waters, typically showing up during warmer months when water temperatures rise. These fish are pure energy – brilliant gold and green colors that light up when they're fighting, and acrobatic jumps that'll have you scrambling for your phone. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Mahi grow fast and fight hard, with fish ranging from 10 to 30 pounds being common in these waters. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos.
Yellowfin tuna represent the ultimate offshore challenge, combining incredible speed with bulldogging power that'll test your tackle and technique. These fish migrate through Channel Islands waters primarily in summer and fall, following bait schools and temperature breaks. A quality yellowfin will strip line faster than you can believe, then turn around and sound toward the bottom with unstoppable force. Fish from 15 to 60 pounds are possible, with the bigger specimens providing fights that last 30 minutes or more. The sashimi-grade meat makes every minute of the battle worthwhile.
Pacific halibut might not be the flashiest fish in these waters, but they're definitely among the most rewarding to catch. These flatfish can grow to impressive sizes, with 20 to 50-pound fish being caught regularly around the islands' sandy bottoms and rocky transitions. They're ambush predators that lie buried in sand waiting for bait to swim by, so patience is key when targeting them. The fight might not be spectacular, but hauling a barn door halibut up from 200 feet of water is a workout you won't forget. The bonus is having enough premium fish fillets to feed the whole family.
Bluefin tuna are the apex predator that gets every serious angler's heart racing. These fish are pure muscle wrapped in a torpedo-shaped package that can hit 40 mph when they want to. Local bluefin typically run from 20 to 100+ pounds, with the bigger fish showing up during their migrations in late summer and fall. They're incredibly smart fish that can be finicky about bait presentation, but when you hook one, prepare for a battle that might last over an hour. The meat quality is off the charts – this is the same species that sells for thousands of dollars at Tokyo fish markets.
This top-rated offshore charter combines the best of Southern California fishing with the personal service that makes all the difference on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add trophy fish to your list or someone wanting to experience world-class fishing for the first time, this trip delivers the goods. The Channel Islands have been producing legendary catches for decades, and with an experienced captain who knows these waters inside and out, you're setting yourself up for success. Don't wait for the
Our well-equipped motorboat cuts through the waters around Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands with confidence, ready to take you and five fellow anglers to the prime fishing grounds where the big ones bite. The GPS navigation system keeps us locked onto productive spots while radar ensures safe passage even when marine layer rolls in. Your captain knows these waters inside and out, steering you toward schools of White Seabass, hefty Halibut, fighting Yellowtail, and trophy Tuna. When conditions align, we'll chase down Mahi Mahi in the deeper offshore zones. The boat handles swells smoothly, giving you a stable platform to work from whether you're battling a Bluefin or coaxing a Yellowfin to the surface. All tackle, bait, and gear come included, so you can focus on what matters most – getting that fish in the boat. The roomy deck gives everyone space to fish comfortably without tangled lines or crowded quarters.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail - massive, powerful fish that can reach 200+ pounds in our waters. They're built like silver bullets with dark blue backs and incredible speed. You'll find them in deep, cooler water following bait schools or around offshore structure. Fall and winter offer the best action when they move through chasing sardines. The fight is legendary - long runs, deep dives, pure muscle. And the meat? It's what top sushi restaurants pay top dollar for. These fish are federally regulated, so know the rules before you go. Key tip: when you see birds and dolphins working, get there fast. Bluefin often feed underneath the chaos, and live bait dropped into the mix can produce explosive strikes.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure gold when they light up during the fight - literally. These beauties average 15-30 pounds out here, though we see bigger ones. Look for them around floating kelp, debris, or anywhere birds are working. They're surface dwellers in warm water, usually staying in the top 100 feet. Summer through fall gives you the best shot when water temps climb. What makes them special? They hit hard, jump like crazy, and the colors are something else when you bring one boatside. Plus, they're fantastic eating - firm, mild, perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and watch for the school underneath. Where there's one mahi, there's usually more.
Hippoglossus StenolepisThese flatfish are the monsters hiding on the bottom - we're talking fish that can hit 100+ pounds, though most run 20-40. They sit on sandy bottoms in 150-500 feet, ambushing anything that swims by. Both eyes are on their "right" side, which looks weird but helps them hunt from the seafloor. Summer brings them into shallower water where they're more active. People love the challenge of the deep drop and the surprise when a big halibut hammers your bait. The meat is premium white fish, perfect for any cooking style. Best technique: use heavy jigs or whole salmon heads on the bottom, then lift and drop your rod tip to make it look like wounded bait. Patience pays off with these fish.
Morone ChrysopsI notice there's a mismatch here - White Bass are freshwater fish found in lakes and rivers, not around Catalina or Santa Barbara Islands. You might be thinking of White Seabass, which are common in these waters. White Bass typically run 10-15 inches and stay in schools around structure in freshwater. They're aggressive fighters that hit small jigs and spoons hard. Best fishing is during their spring spawning runs when they move into tributaries. The meat is decent but can be a bit soft. If you're targeting them in freshwater, try vertical jigging with white or chartreuse jigs around submerged points. They're visual feeders, so keep your lure moving to trigger strikes.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of the tuna family around here. These torpedo-shaped fish average 60 pounds, but we hook into much bigger ones. They cruise the upper water column in blue water, often following bait schools or hanging around seamounts. Peak season runs late summer into fall when water temps are right. What draws people back? The raw power and that distinctive yellow on their fins and tail. Plus, yellowfin sashimi is hard to beat. They're warm-blooded, so they fight hard from the first run to boatside. My go-to trick: when trolling isn't working and you're marking fish deep, switch to vertical jigging with butterfly jigs. Sometimes they just want something falling fast through the water column.
Marina del Rey, CA