Hunting Pelagics in the Pacific Ocean
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target pelagic fish species in Pacific offshore watersCaptain JT guarantees successful fishing day with equipment includedSmall group experience accommodating maximum three guests
Get ready to chase some serious gamefish with Captain JT on this top-rated offshore adventure in the Pacific Ocean. This isn't your typical harbor fishing trip – we're talking about heading out to where the big pelagics roam, where the water runs deep blue and the action can get downright wild. With just 3 spots available, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between going home with stories and going home with fish. Captain JT doesn't just talk a big game – he backs it up with a guarantee that you'll have a successful day on the water.
This Pacific Ocean charter is all about targeting the heavy hitters that cruise the open water. We're talking lingcod that can tip the scales, California sheephead with serious attitude, and yellowtail amberjack that'll test your drag system. Captain JT knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the spots dialed in where these fish like to hang out. The small group size means you won't be fighting for rod space or waiting your turn – when the bite is on, everyone gets a shot. All your fishing gear comes included, so you don't need to worry about bringing tackle or rods. Just grab your snacks, drinks, and make sure you've got that fishing license sorted before we head out. The Pacific can serve up some weather, but that's part of what makes offshore fishing so rewarding when everything comes together.
Captain JT runs a operation that's set up specifically for pelagic fishing, which means we're using techniques that work in blue water. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself working live bait on the drift, trolling lures through productive zones, or even getting into some bottom fishing when we're targeting those lingcod. The gear provided is built to handle whatever we hook into – heavy enough to muscle fish up from the depths but balanced so you can actually enjoy the fight. Live bait fishing is often the name of the game out here, and there's nothing quite like watching a yellowtail slam a sardine right at the surface. When we're working structure for lingcod, it's all about getting your bait down quick and keeping it in the strike zone. Captain JT will walk you through the techniques as conditions change throughout the day, and he's always ready to help if you're new to offshore fishing or need to brush up on your skills.
Lingcod are the bruisers of this trip – these guys can grow massive and they've got a mouth full of teeth that'll remind you why they're called "lings." They hang around rocky structure and kelp beds, usually in 60 to 300 feet of water, and they're ambush predators that hit hard and fight dirty. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and a good-sized ling can easily push 20 pounds or more. What makes them so exciting is that explosive initial hit – they'll slam your bait and immediately try to get back to their rocky hideout, so you better be ready to turn them quick.
California sheephead might not be the biggest fish in the ocean, but they're crafty fighters with serious personality. These guys are actually wrasses, and the big males develop that distinctive black and white coloration with the bulky forehead. They're year-round residents but fishing is typically best from spring through fall. Sheephead have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so they're not easy to hook – but once you do, they'll use every bit of structure they can find to try and break you off. The fact that they're great eating makes them a customer favorite on mixed-bag trips like this.
Yellowtail amberjack are pure adrenaline on the end of your line. These pelagic speedsters can show up any time of year in Southern California waters, but they're most reliable from late spring through early winter. What makes yellowtail so special is their incredible power – a 15-pound yellow will fight like a fish twice its size, making long runs and testing your drag to the limit. They're schooling fish, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious with everyone on the boat hooking up at once. They're also fantastic table fare, which is why they're considered one of the premier gamefish in these waters.
With Captain JT's guarantee and years of experience reading these Pacific waters, this offshore charter delivers the kind of fishing memories that keep anglers coming back season after season. The combination of world-class target species, personalized attention with only 3 anglers aboard, and a captain who knows where to find fish makes this a standout choice for anyone serious about offshore fishing. Whether you're looking to tangle with a monster lingcod, outsmart some sheephead, or feel the burn of a yellowtail peeling drag, this trip has the potential to deliver on all fronts. Don't forget to secure your fishing license ahead of time, pack your favorite snacks and drinks, and get ready for a day of fishing that'll remind you why the Pacific Ocean has such a renowned reputation among anglers.
Captain JT's offshore rig is built for serious pelagic hunting in Pacific waters. This motorboat handles the deep blue with confidence, equipped with a fish finder to mark schools and GPS to keep you on productive grounds. The ice box keeps your catch fresh while you chase tuna, mahi, and whatever else is running. VHF radio maintains contact with the fleet for hot bite reports. When you need a break from fighting fish, there's a comfortable bed below deck and a proper marine head. With room for three anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without tangling lines. All tackle provided - just bring your cooler stocked with food and drinks, plus your fishing license. Captain JT knows these waters and puts clients on fish consistently.
Semicossyphus PulcherThese colorful wrasse are easy to spot with males showing black heads and tails, bright red midsections, and that distinctive fleshy bump on their forehead. Females are more orange-pink overall. They hang around kelp forests and rocky reefs from 10-60 feet, crushing urchins and crabs with powerful jaws. Most run 2-8 pounds, but 20+ pounders show up around the Channel Islands. Summer spawning season (June-September) brings the best action. They're prized for their sweet, almost lobster-like meat. Fair warning though - once hooked, they'll make powerful runs straight for the rocks to break you off. Heavy tackle with 40lb leader is a must, and keep steady pressure to pull them away from structure fast.
Ophiodon ElongatusThese gnarly-looking fish with massive teeth and bucket heads are bottom dwellers that love rocky reefs from 30-300 feet deep. Despite their name, they're actually greenlings, not cod. Most run 15-25 pounds, but females can hit 40+ pounds easily. They're aggressive ambush predators that'll grab anything near their rocky lairs - including your lure. What makes them fun is they don't run when hooked; they'd rather fight it out right there on the bottom. The meat is excellent eating too. Available year-round, but watch for size limits since they were overfished in the 90s. Pro tip: use heavy braided line and metal jigs - once you pull them off the bottom, they're pretty cooperative.
Seriola LalandiThese are the speed demons of our local waters - fast, strong, and built for long fights. You'll recognize them by those bright yellow fins and streamlined silver bodies. They cruise kelp beds and rocky structure anywhere from surface down to 150 feet, typically running 15-25 pounds with occasional 40+ pounders. Summer months are prime time when warm water brings them up from Baja to our local islands. Popular in Japan for sushi, the meat is rich and oily. What guests love is the blistering runs and head-shaking fights. Live bait works best, but here's the key - use chum to bring them up from deep water, then don't horse them. Steady pressure and patience wins the day with these powerful fish.
Oxnard, CA