Island Fishing in the Pacific Ocean
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore Pacific Ocean fishing adventure with expert crewAll fishing equipment provided for convenient trip experienceSmall group capacity ensures personalized fishing attention
Nothing beats the feeling of pulling up a quality fish from the deep Pacific waters around these islands. Graphic Slayer Sportfishing knows exactly where to find the lingcod, sheephead, and yellowtail that call these rocky reefs home. With just three spots on the boat, you'll get personalized attention and prime fishing real estate without fighting crowds for rail space. The captain provides all your tackle and gear, so you can focus on what matters – getting your line wet and putting fish in the cooler.
Your Pacific island fishing adventure starts early, heading out to productive grounds where rocky structure meets open water. The smaller group size means you're not elbow-to-elbow with other anglers, and the crew can spend time helping you dial in your technique. These waters around the islands hold some serious fish, especially when you're targeting structure where lingcod lurk and yellowtail cruise. The boat is set up specifically for bottom fishing and mid-water presentations, giving you the best shot at multiple species throughout the day. Pack your own food and drinks since meals aren't provided, but trust me – you'll be too busy reeling in fish to think much about lunch. Don't forget to grab your fishing license before heading out, as it's required for this trip.
The crew has you covered with quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle suited for Pacific island fishing. You'll be using medium to heavy action rods that can handle the strong currents and rocky bottom structure. For lingcod, expect to fish with heavy jigs and live bait near the bottom, often in 60 to 150 feet of water around kelp beds and rocky pinnacles. California sheephead require a lighter touch with smaller hooks and baits, since they're notorious for being finicky biters. Yellowtail fishing might have you casting iron jigs or drifting live bait in the mid-water column, especially when schools are moving through. The captain knows these waters like his backyard and will adjust techniques based on current conditions, tides, and where the fish are biting best that day.
Lingcod are the heavyweight champions of these rocky Pacific reefs, often weighing 10 to 30 pounds with the occasional monster pushing 40-plus. These aggressive predators love structure and will absolutely slam a well-presented jig or live bait. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, making them a top target for winter fishing. What makes lingcod so exciting is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll use every rock and crevice to try and break you off. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilling.
California sheephead might not win any beauty contests with their distinctive humped heads and prominent teeth, but they're prized by local anglers who know their culinary value. These colorful fish typically run 2 to 8 pounds and are most active during warmer months from late spring through early fall. They're structure-oriented fish that feed on crabs, sea urchins, and mollusks around the reefs. Sheephead can be picky eaters, so success often comes down to using the right bait and being patient with your presentation. Their sweet, flaky meat makes them a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike.
Yellowtail amberjack are the speed demons of this fishery, with their torpedo-shaped bodies built for power and endurance. These fish typically range from 15 to 40 pounds in these waters and are known for their blistering runs and aerial displays. Summer and early fall offer the best yellowtail action when water temperatures climb and baitfish schools attract these hungry predators. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your tackle and technique, often making multiple runs before you can get them to the boat. The reward is some of the finest eating fish in the Pacific – yellowtail sashimi or grilled yellowtail steaks are restaurant-quality meals you can take home.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience – with only three anglers on board, you're getting a premium Pacific island fishing trip that most charter operations simply can't match. The combination of expert local knowledge, quality gear, and productive fishing grounds makes this a top-rated choice for serious anglers. Whether you're after a trophy lingcod, a cooler full of sheephead, or the fight of a lifetime with a yellowtail, these Pacific waters deliver consistently. The small group size means better fishing, more personalized instruction, and a relaxed atmosphere where you can actually enjoy the experience. Book your spot with Graphic Slayer Sportfishing and get ready to take home some of the best eating fish the Pacific has to offer.
Head out to the deep Pacific waters aboard our well-equipped sportfishing boat, built for serious angling action. This motorboat comes loaded with everything you need to track down the big ones - a fish finder to locate schools, GPS to keep you on course, and VHF radio for safety. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh while you're out there reeling them in. After hours of battling fish, you can take a break in the comfortable bed or use the private toilet. Perfect for small groups of up to 3 anglers who want to focus on fishing without the crowds. We'll supply all the rods, reels, and tackle - you just bring your appetite for adventure and some snacks for the boat ride. Don't forget that fishing license, and get ready to fill the cooler with delicious Pacific catches to take home and share.
Semicossyphus PulcherCalifornia Sheephead are some of the most colorful fish we target. Males are easy to spot with their black heads and tails, bright red midsection, and that distinctive fleshy bump on their forehead. Females are smaller with duller pink coloring. They typically run 2-20 pounds, though we've pulled 30+ pounders near the Channel Islands. You'll find them in kelp forests and rocky reefs from 10-150 feet, using powerful jaws to crush urchins, crabs, and lobsters. Best fishing happens June through September during spawning season. What guests love is the fight - these fish are incredibly strong and will use every rock and kelp strand to try snapping your line. The meat has a sweet, almost lobster-like taste that's worth the battle. My advice: use heavy tackle with 40lb leader and fight them hard from the start - once they reach the rocks, you're done.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are one of the gnarliest fish you'll encounter out here. Despite the name, they're not actually cod but greenlings with massive heads, wicked sharp teeth, and mottled coloring that helps them blend into rocky bottoms. Most females run 2-3 feet while males stay smaller, but we've seen monsters pushing 60+ inches. They hang out in rocky areas and kelp forests from 30-300 feet, ambushing anything that swims by - they're total opportunists and even cannibalistic. You can target them year-round, but they get aggressive during spawning season. What makes them fun is they'd rather fight than flee, giving you a solid battle. The meat's excellent eating too. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and get them up quickly - they'll try to wedge into rocks and break you off if you give them slack.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are the speed demons of our local waters. You can spot them by their bright yellow fins and sleek, torpedo-shaped bodies that scream "built for speed." Most run 15-25 pounds, but we regularly see 40+ pounders, especially around Catalina and San Clemente Islands. They cruise kelp beds and rocky reefs anywhere from surface to bottom, hunting sardines, anchovies, and squid. Summer's prime time when warm water brings them close to shore. What makes them special is the raw power - they'll peel line like nothing else and test every bit of your drag system. Plus, the meat's outstanding, prized for sushi and sashimi. Here's the key: use live bait when possible, and once you hook up, don't horse them. Steady pressure works better than brute force, and whatever you do, keep them away from the kelp or you'll get spooled fast.
Oxnard, CA