Los Angeles Lobster Hoopnet Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6-hour nighttime lobster hoopnetting adventure in Los Angeles watersAll gear, equipment, water and coffee provided for groupsCalm conditions with phenomenal season results this year
Nothing beats the satisfaction of hauling up your own dinner from the depths of Los Angeles waters. Our 6-hour lobster hoopnetting trips put you right in the action, working the gear alongside our experienced crew as we hunt for California's most prized crustacean. This isn't your typical fishing charter – it's a hands-on lobster expedition that combines the excitement of the catch with the peaceful beauty of nighttime fishing under starlit skies. Perfect for small groups of up to 4 anglers, these trips offer an intimate experience where everyone gets plenty of opportunities to work the hoops and feel that rush when a big bug hits the net.
We launch from local Los Angeles harbors in the evening, timing our departure to hit prime lobster feeding hours when these nocturnal hunters emerge from their rocky hideouts. The calm evening waters create ideal conditions for hoopnetting – you won't be fighting rough seas while trying to manage your gear. Our captain knows exactly where the lobsters hang out, positioning us over rocky bottom structure and kelp beds where these critters love to forage. You'll spend the night dropping hoops, waiting for the magic 90-minute soak time, then hauling them back up to see what crawled in. The anticipation builds every time you start pulling line, never knowing if you've got a keeper-sized California spiny lobster waiting in the net. Between sets, you'll have time to enjoy the peaceful night atmosphere and maybe spot some marine life moving through the water column.
Hoopnetting is a specialized fishing method that's part skill, part patience, and part knowing where to look. We provide all the hoopnets, bait, measuring gauges, and handling equipment – you just need to bring your appetite and some snacks for the long haul. Each hoopnet consists of two circular hoops connected by mesh netting, with the bottom hoop sitting flat on the seafloor. We bait the center with mackerel, sardines, or squid – whatever's been producing the best results that week. The key is finding the right spots where lobsters naturally travel and feed, usually along rock piles, reef edges, and kelp forest margins. Once we drop the nets, it's all about timing the soak. Pull too early and the lobsters haven't found your bait yet. Wait too long and they might wander off with full bellies. Our crew teaches you how to read the sonar, interpret bottom structure, and position your hoops for maximum success. You'll learn to feel the difference between a net full of rocks and one heavy with lobsters.
California spiny lobsters are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These impressive crustaceans can grow over 15 inches long and weigh several pounds, with sweet, firm meat that's considered a delicacy in top restaurants. Unlike their East Coast cousins, California spinys don't have large claws – instead, they rely on speed and their spiny armor for protection. Peak season runs from October through March, when water temperatures drop and lobsters become more active. During our trips, you'll typically encounter lobsters ranging from just under legal size up to true trophy specimens. The legal minimum is 3¼ inches carapace length, measured from between the eyes to the rear edge of the body shell. What makes targeting these creatures so exciting is their unpredictable nature – one hoopnet might come up empty while the one 50 feet away holds three keepers. They're most active during new moon periods when darkness provides better cover for foraging. These lobsters are incredibly strong and surprisingly fast, so proper handling technique is crucial both for your safety and theirs.
This season has been absolutely phenomenal for lobster hoopnetting, with consistent catches and plenty of keeper-size bugs filling our hoops. Our intimate 4-person capacity means you get personalized instruction and plenty of hands-on time with the gear – no crowded decks or waiting your turn. We supply fresh coffee and water throughout the night to keep you comfortable during the long soak times, and the friendly competition between hoopnets adds an extra layer of fun to the experience. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to try something different or a seafood lover wanting to catch your own dinner, these lobster trips deliver an authentic California fishing experience you won't find anywhere else. Book now with Mystic Queen Sportfishing and get ready to work for some of the sweetest, most satisfying seafood you'll ever taste. Fair warning though – once you've pulled up your first hoopnet full of lobsters, you'll be planning your next trip before we even hit the dock.
Meet the Mystic Queen, your ride for some serious lobster hoopnetting off the LA coast. This classic 1983 Don Blackman Billfisher knows these waters like the back of her hull. At 30 feet with a reliable 200HP Volvo pushing her along at a steady 15 knots, she's built for the long haul and designed to get you on the lobsters when they're biting. The boat's loaded with everything you need for a successful night on the water - fish finder to locate the best spots, GPS and radar to keep us on course, plus VHF radio for safety. The galley's got a fridge and icebox to keep your catch fresh, and there's even a bed if you want to grab some rest during the trip. The flybridge gives you great visibility of the action below. Captain's got all the hoopnet gear ready to go, so you can focus on learning the technique and hauling in those California spiny lobsters. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work without getting in each other's way. The Mystic Queen might not be the newest boat in the harbor, but she's proven herself season after season bringing crews back with coolers full of lobster.
Los Angeles