Fishing Charters Los Angeles | 8 To 11 Hour Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
811 hour offshore charter targeting seven species near Catalina IslandExpert captain with 20+ years local fishing experience includedAll tackle, rods, and fish cleaning services provided onboard
Looking for a real fishing adventure that'll get your blood pumping? Mystic Queen Sportfishing has been working the waters around Catalina Island for over two decades, and we know exactly where the fish are biting. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about 8 to 11 hours of serious fishing time with a crew that's dialed into these productive waters. You'll be targeting some of Southern California's most sought-after species while enjoying the stunning backdrop of Catalina Island. With space for just four anglers, you get that personal touch that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
When you step aboard with us, you're getting access to prime fishing grounds that most weekend warriors never see. We'll cruise out to Catalina's legendary spots where the underwater structure and current breaks create perfect ambush points for hungry gamefish. The beauty of an extended charter like this is flexibility – if the yellowtail are going crazy on the backside of the island, that's where we'll set up shop. If the calico bass are thick in the kelp beds, we'll work those areas until your arms are sore. During summer months, don't be surprised if we stumble across bluefin tuna right at the island – it's like hitting the fishing lottery. We can even drop you off at Avalon for a quick breakfast or lunch break if you want to stretch your legs and grab a bite. The intimate four-person capacity means you're not fighting crowds for rail space or waiting in line to get your fish cleaned.
We've got all your tackle needs covered from light spinning gear for finicky calico bass to heavy conventional setups for those bruiser white seabass. Depending on conditions and target species, we'll be employing everything from live bait fishing with sardines and anchovies to iron jigs and surface poppers when the fish are feeding topside. The kelp forest fishing around Catalina requires specific techniques – knowing how to work a bait through the canopy without getting hung up is an art form. For the deeper rockfish zones, we'll drop down with heavy jigs and cut bait to pull up those beautiful vermillion rockfish and lingcod. When the yellowtail are running, it's all about precision casting with yo-yo jigs and live bait on the drift. Our crew will have you rigged up properly and show you the nuances that separate the tourists from the fish-catching machines. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, plus we'll clean and bag your catch at the end of the day.
Lingcod are the prehistoric-looking bruisers that call Catalina's deeper rocky areas home. These ambush predators can stretch over three feet long and put up a serious fight once hooked. They're most active during fall and winter months when they move into shallower water to spawn. What makes lingcod so exciting to catch is their explosive strike – they'll absolutely crush a jig or live bait, and then try to wrap you around every rock on the bottom. The meat is primo too, with firm white fillets that are perfect for fish tacos or grilling.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the speed demons that patrol Catalina's kelp edges and rocky points. These torpedo-shaped fighters average 15 to 25 pounds but can push 40-plus during peak seasons. Summer through early fall is prime time when schools of yellows follow bait fish around the island. They're known for their blistering initial runs and never-give-up attitude – you'll feel every ounce they carry. Yellowtail fishing is technical too, requiring precise bait presentation and the right tackle to turn them away from structure.
Pacific Halibut are the flatfish giants that cruise Catalina's sandy bottoms and transition zones. These chameleons can reach 30 pounds or more, lying camouflaged until an unsuspecting bait drifts overhead. Spring through fall offers the best halibut action, particularly when targeting the deeper sandy areas adjacent to rocky structure. They're prized for their incredible table fare – nothing beats fresh halibut fillets prepared simply with butter and lemon. The fight is steady and bulldogging, testing your patience and tackle.
Pacific Bonito are the aggressive speedsters that show up in massive schools around Catalina, especially during summer and fall. These 5 to 10-pound torpedoes are perfect for light tackle fishing and will absolutely destroy surface lures when they're in feeding mode. Bonito provide non-stop action when located, often resulting in double and triple hookups. They're also excellent bait for larger species like white seabass and yellowtail. Their aggressive nature makes them perfect for getting kids and new anglers hooked on saltwater fishing.
Pacific Barracuda are the toothy predators that cruise Catalina's kelp lines and open water areas. These silver bullets can reach 8 to 12 pounds and are known for their savage strikes and acrobatic jumps. Summer months bring the best barracuda fishing when they follow bait schools close to the island. They're incredibly fun on light tackle and will test your wire leader with their razor-sharp teeth. Barracuda are also fantastic eating when prepared correctly – their firm, flaky meat is perfect for ceviche or smoking.
This charter represents the best of what Southern California fishing has to offer – experienced crew, prime fishing grounds, quality tackle, and enough time to really get into the fish. With only four spots available, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing real estate that makes the difference between limits and stories. The combination of Catalina's diverse fishery and our crew's local knowledge creates opportunities for mixed bags that keep things exciting all day long. Whether you're a seasoned stick looking to up your game or newer to saltwater fishing,
The Mystic Queen is a proven 30-foot Don Blackman Billfisher that's been working these Catalina waters for decades. This classic 1983 sportfishing boat runs on a reliable 200HP Volvo engine, cruising comfortably at 15 knots to get you to the hot spots without burning through your fishing time. Built specifically for serious anglers, she's equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The fish finder will help locate schools of Calico Bass, Yellowtail, and Rockfish, while the GPS and radar keep you on course even when the marine layer rolls in. VHF radio ensures you stay connected with other boats and harbor patrol. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of deck space for fighting fish. When you need a break from the action, there's a flybridge for better visibility and a small galley with refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The onboard head and sleeping quarters make those longer 8-11 hour trips more comfortable. What sets this boat apart is the captain's two decades of local knowledge - knowing exactly where the Barracuda run, which reefs hold the biggest White Seabass, and when Bluefin Tuna move close to the island during summer months. All your tackle and rods are provided, plus they'll clean your catch so you head home with fillets ready for the grill.
Ophiodon ElongatusDespite their name, lingcod aren't actually cod but rather greenlings with a gnarly reputation. These bottom-dwellers have massive heads, wicked sharp teeth, and can grow over 20 pounds - females get much bigger than males. You'll find them lurking in rocky areas and kelp beds from 30-300 feet, using their mottled coloring to ambush prey. They're not fast swimmers but they're aggressive fighters that would rather battle than flee. What makes them special is their fierce attitude and excellent table fare. Best fishing is year-round in our rocky structure around Catalina. My tip: use heavy braided line since they live in the rocks, and once hooked, get them up quick before they dive back into their rocky home and cut you off.
Sphyraena ArgenteaPacific barracuda are sleek silver bullets that average 8-12 pounds but can push 18+ pounds around Catalina. These aggressive predators have excellent eyesight and lightning-fast strikes, making them a favorite for their dramatic surface attacks. You'll find them from the surface down to about 120 feet, usually near kelp beds and rocky structure where baitfish hide. Spring and fall bring the best action when larger adults move through our waters. What makes them exciting is their aerial show - they'll often explode out of the water when hooked, thrashing and jumping. They're also decent eating when prepared right. The key to success is matching their predatory nature: keep your lure or bait moving steadily to trigger that chase instinct. Live anchovies work best, but if using artificials, try a slow, steady retrieve that looks like wounded baitfish.
Sarda LineolataPacific bonito are the scrappy little cousins of tuna that pack way more fight than their 5-10 pound average size suggests. You can spot them by the dark diagonal stripes across their metallic blue backs. These speed demons travel in schools near the surface, constantly on the hunt for anchovies and sardines. They're found from inshore waters out to about 100 miles offshore, but we usually intercept them within a few miles of Catalina. Best fishing runs June through November when they're most active. What guests love is their aggressive nature - they hit hard and fight like fish twice their size with blistering runs. While not the best eating, they're pure fun on light tackle. Look for diving birds - that's where you'll find feeding schools. My trick: use a cast-a-bubble with a bonito feather. Keep it moving fast on the surface to trigger that predatory instinct.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the barndoor flatfish that dreams are made of. These diamond-shaped bottom-dwellers typically run 20-40 pounds, but 100-pounders aren't uncommon in our deeper waters. They live on sandy and muddy bottoms from 150-500 feet, though they'll venture shallower in summer when feeding picks up. What makes them special is their size potential and incredible eating quality - pure white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're strong fighters too, more than most people expect from a flatfish. Best action is summer through early fall when they're active and closer to shore. My go-to technique: bounce a 1-2 pound sinker with salmon belly or squid right on bottom. Keep it moving slightly - they like to chase, and that movement triggers strikes better than dead bait sitting still.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are one of the most sought-after gamefish around Catalina, and for good reason. These golden-finned speedsters typically run 15-25 pounds, but we see plenty of 40+ pounders that'll test your arms. They're fast, strong swimmers that love our kelp beds and rocky structure, usually hanging in midwater or near bottom. Summer's prime time when warm water brings them close to the island. What guests love most is the fight - they'll make long, powerful runs that'll have you wondering who's in charge. The meat's also top-notch for sushi or grilling. Here's a local secret: when you hook one, don't horse it in too fast or you'll pull the hook. Let them run, keep steady pressure, and wear gloves - that braid will burn your hands during the fight.
Los Angeles