Los Angeles Deep Water Rockfish Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Access previously closed fishing depths with bigger fish populationsAll gear, tackle, and professional fish cleaning services includedElectric reels target deep rockfish on 9hour charter
You've probably heard the fishing stories about "the one that got away," but what if I told you there's a spot off the LA coast where the fish have been growing untouched for decades? That's exactly what we're offering with Mystic Queen Sportfishing. We've got access to previously closed deep water zones that most charter boats can only dream about reaching. This 9-hour adventure takes you and up to three friends into waters where vermilion rockfish, lingcod, and bocaccio have been thriving without pressure. Pack your appetite for both adventure and some of the best-tasting fish you'll ever pull from the Pacific.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're rushing back to the dock just as the bite starts heating up. Nine hours gives us the luxury of time to really work these deep structures properly. We'll be targeting depths that separate the serious anglers from the weekend warriors, using our top-of-the-line electric and conventional reels to drop baits down where the big boys live. The beauty of accessing these previously closed areas means we're fishing virgin territory - think of it as the underwater equivalent of finding an untouched honey hole. You don't need to bring a thing except your fishing license and maybe some snacks. We've got all the gear, tackle, and even high-quality fish cleaning services covered. The boat holds just four anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with tangled lines from a crowded deck.
Deep water rockfish require a different approach than your standard shallow water fishing. We're talking about electric reels for a reason - hand-cranking fish from 300+ feet gets old real quick, and you'll miss half the action nursing a sore arm. Our conventional setups are rigged with heavy sinkers and circle hooks, perfect for presenting bait naturally in the current. The key to success in these depths is understanding structure. Rockfish love rocky outcroppings, ledges, and underwater pinnacles where baitfish concentrate. We use fish finders and GPS to mark productive spots, then work them methodically. The technique is straightforward but requires patience - drop your bait to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, and wait for that telltale thump. When you hook into a lingcod or a hefty vermilion, that electric reel becomes your best friend as it does the heavy lifting while you enjoy the fight.
Vermilion rockfish are the bread and butter of deep water fishing around LA, and for good reason. These bright red beauties average 3-8 pounds and have some of the sweetest, flakiest meat you'll find in local waters. They're structure-oriented fish that school up on rocky bottom, making them perfect targets for our deep dropping techniques. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but we catch them year-round in these protected depths. What makes vermilions special is their willingness to bite - they're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from squid to anchovies.
Lingcod are the prize fighters of the rockfish world. These toothy predators can push 20+ pounds and provide some serious rod-bending action. Don't let their prehistoric looks fool you - lingcod meat is pure white and incredibly versatile in the kitchen. They're ambush predators that hang around rocky structure, waiting to inhale anything that swims by. Winter months are prime time for big lingcod, when they move into shallower water to spawn. Landing a quality ling is like winning the lottery - they're not as numerous as other rockfish, but when you connect with one, you'll remember it.
Bocaccio rockfish are the speedsters of the deep, known for their elongated bodies and impressive size potential. These fish can live over 50 years and grow to substantial weights, especially in areas that have been protected from fishing pressure. They're more pelagic than other rockfish species, meaning they'll roam away from structure to chase baitfish. Bocaccio have a unique fighting style - they'll make strong runs toward the surface before diving back down. Their meat is excellent table fare with a slightly firmer texture than vermilion rockfish.
Chilipepper rockfish round out our target list with their distinctive pinkish-red coloration and smaller size profile. These fish school heavily and can provide non-stop action when you locate them. They're typically found in deeper water during daylight hours, making our deep water access crucial for consistent success. Chilipeppers are perfect for anglers who enjoy steady action over trophy hunting - they average 1-3 pounds but make up for size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite.
Here's the bottom line - access to these previously closed fishing grounds won't last forever, and word is already spreading through the local fishing community. This is your chance to experience what LA rockfishing was like before these areas saw pressure. The combination of our specialized deep water gear, prime fishing location, and small group size creates the perfect recipe for a memorable day on the water. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer with premium fish or just want to experience some world-class fishing close to home, this 9-hour charter delivers. The fish cleaning service means you'll head home with professionally filleted rockfish ready for the grill or freezer. Don't wait on this one - these kinds of opportunities in the fishing world are rare, and the best spots fill up fast with repeat customers who know a good thing when they find it.
The Mystic Queen is your ticket to some of the best fishing Los Angeles waters have to offer. This classic 30-foot Don Blackman Billfisher from 1983 knows these waters like an old salt, equipped with everything you need for a productive day on the Pacific. Her 200HP Volvo engine keeps you moving at a steady 15 knots to reach those prime fishing spots that have been off-limits for decades. Built for serious anglers, she's got the essentials covered - fish finder to locate the schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox and fridge to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold. The flybridge gives you that elevated view to spot diving birds and surface action. With a comfortable bed, galley kitchen, and head onboard, you've got everything needed for those longer runs to deep water where the big rockfish are waiting. Perfect for up to 4 anglers who want quality fishing without the crowds.
Sebastes PaucispinisThe big boys of the rockfish family, bocaccios are built for size - we're talking fish that can push 3 feet and 20+ pounds. Adults develop that distinctive bronze-red coloration and have jaws that extend past their eyes, making them easy to spot. They roam anywhere from 150 to over 1,000 feet, though the real trophies are living deeper now thanks to fishing pressure. Peak season runs fall through spring when they're more aggressive. What makes them special is the fight - they've got power and use it. The meat is excellent, firm and sweet. Regulations keep it to 2 fish per person with a 10-inch minimum. Best advice: when fishing deep structure, use enough weight to stay vertical and keep your squid strips small but tough - these fish hit hard and fast.
Sebastes GoodeiChilipeppers are the workhorses of deep water rockfishing - slender, bright pink fish that school up in good numbers between 200-1,300 feet. They average 1-5 pounds but fight above their weight class. Unlike other rockfish that hug bottom structure, these guys cruise midwater feeding on squid and small bait fish, which makes them more active targets. September through April is prime time, peaking in winter months. The red meat has great shelf life and a sweet taste that restaurants love. They're less spooky than other rockfish species, so you can often get multiple fish from the same school. Key technique: fish midwater with a standard rockfish rig, but keep your baits moving slightly. Dead still presentations get ignored - a little motion triggers their predatory instincts.
Ophiodon ElongatusDon't let the name fool you - these aren't cod at all, but they're mean-looking greenlings with a mouth full of teeth that'll grab anything that fits. Females can hit 30+ inches while males stay smaller, and they're lazy fighters that prefer to slug it out rather than run. You'll find them lurking in rocky holes from 30-300 feet, perfectly camouflaged until they ambush prey. They're catchable year-round, but spring through fall gives you the best action when they're more active. The meat is firm and white, perfect for the grill. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast. They'll try to wrap you around structure, and with those rocks down there, you'll lose more than you land if you give them time to think about it.
Sebastes MiniatusThese bright red beauties with black-edged fins are what deep water fishing is all about. Running 14-22 inches on average, vermilions hang out around rocky structure between 100-500 feet, though we've pulled them from as deep as 900. They're territorial fish that'll stay put for years, which is why those recently reopened spots are producing monsters. The meat is absolutely top-shelf - sweet and firm. Best fishing happens year-round, but winter months when the water's cooler tend to be most productive. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Vermilions like to mouth the bait before committing. Give it a three-count, then lift into them steadily.
Los Angeles