Los Angeles Lobster Hoopnetting Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour nighttime lobster hoopnetting charter in Los Angeles watersSmall group experience with maximum four guests aboardAll gear and equipment provided by Mystic Queen Sportfishing
Picture this: you're out on the calm Pacific waters under a blanket of stars, pulling up hoopnets filled with California's most prized crustaceans. That's exactly what you'll get with Mystic Queen Sportfishing's top-rated lobster hoopnetting trips departing from Los Angeles. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel fishing – it's a completely different style of harvesting that connects you to one of California's oldest marine traditions. We've been running these night trips for years, and this season has been absolutely phenomenal for lobster numbers.
Your 6-hour lobster adventure kicks off in the evening when these nocturnal creatures start moving around the rocky bottoms and kelp beds off the LA coast. We keep our groups intimate with just 4 anglers max, so you'll get plenty of hands-on time with the hoopnets and personal attention from our crew. The beauty of hoopnetting is that it works best in calm conditions, which means you're in for a comfortable ride without the typical ocean swells that can make other fishing trips rough. We handle all the navigation to our proven lobster spots – areas we've been working for years where the bugs congregate in good numbers. You'll spend the night learning to read the sonar, understanding bottom structure, and getting a feel for where these California spiny lobsters like to hang out. The peaceful nature of this style of fishing lets you actually enjoy conversations with your fellow anglers while still staying focused on the task at hand.
Lobster hoopnetting is all about finesse and timing, not brute strength like deep-sea fishing. We provide all the specialized gear you'll need – the hoopnets themselves, bait, measuring gauges, and gloves to handle your catch safely. Each hoopnet is basically a collapsible circular net with mesh sides that sits flat on the bottom. We'll show you how to bait them properly with fish scraps or sardines, then lower them to specific depths where our fish finder shows good structure. The key is letting them soak for the right amount of time – usually 5 to 15 minutes depending on conditions and lobster activity. Too short and the bugs don't have time to find your bait, too long and they might wander off with a full belly. When it's time to pull, you've got to bring them up steady and smooth – no jerky movements that might spook a lobster sitting on the edge. We'll teach you to read the signs of a productive drop and how to adjust your technique based on what the sonar is telling us about bottom composition and depth.
The California spiny lobster is what makes these trips so special – they're the crown jewel of Southern California's inshore fishery. Unlike their East Coast cousins, these guys don't have massive claws, but what they lack in size they make up for in sweet, tender tail meat that's absolutely world-class eating. During peak season from October through March, mature lobsters range from the legal minimum of 3.25 inches carapace length up to monsters pushing 5+ inches that can weigh several pounds. These creatures are most active at night, moving out of their rocky hideouts to forage for food, which is exactly when our hoopnetting technique shines. They're incredibly smart and curious, often approaching bait cautiously before committing to climb onto your hoopnet. The bigger males tend to be more aggressive and will muscle smaller lobsters away from prime feeding spots, while females carrying eggs are off-limits and must be returned immediately. What makes catching them so rewarding is the combination of skill, patience, and a little luck – plus knowing you're about to enjoy some of the finest seafood California waters have to offer. The populations have been remarkably strong in recent years thanks to good management and favorable ocean conditions.
Ready to try something completely different from the usual fishing routine? These lobster hoopnetting trips fill up fast, especially during prime season when word gets out about good catches. With Mystic Queen Sportfishing, you're getting years of local knowledge, top-notch gear, and a crew that knows exactly where to find the bugs when conditions are right. We provide the coffee and water to keep you alert during those nighttime sets, but bring along your favorite snacks and drinks to fuel up between pulls. The intimate 4-person limit means you won't be fighting for space or waiting in line to check your nets. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to try a new technique or someone who wants to experience harvesting their own gourmet seafood, this trip delivers something you simply can't get anywhere else. Book now and join the ranks of anglers who've discovered why lobster hoopnetting has become the customer favorite for night fishing adventures in Los Angeles waters.
The Mystic Queen is a classic 30-foot Don Blackman Billfisher that's built for serious lobster hoopnetting in LA waters. This 1983 sportfisher runs on a reliable 200HP Volvo engine, cruising smoothly at 15 knots to get you to the best lobster spots. With room for up to 4 anglers, she's got everything you need for a comfortable night on the water - full kitchen, bed, toilet, and flybridge for great visibility while working the hoops. The fish finder helps locate prime lobster territory, while GPS and radar keep you safe during those early morning hours. An icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold throughout the 6-hour trip. The boat's designed specifically for this type of fishing, giving you plenty of deck space to work the hoopnets and haul in California spiny lobsters. Whether you're new to hoopnetting or a seasoned pro, the Mystic Queen provides a solid platform for this unique style of fishing that's become so popular along the Southern California coast.
Los Angeles