Inshore Fishing - Long Beach, California
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Sea bass, Kelp Bass, Barracuda, Halibut near Long BeachTwo-hour inshore fishing adventure for up to six guestsProfessional charter service with Nemo Charters guides
Looking for some solid inshore action without burning a whole day on the water? Nemo Charters has you covered with this top-rated 2-hour fishing trip that puts you right in the thick of Long Beach's most productive nearshore waters. We're talking about the kind of fishing that gets your blood pumping - close enough to shore that you can still see the coastline, but far enough out where the good fish live. With room for just 6 anglers, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between coming home with stories and coming home with dinner.
This isn't your typical party boat experience where you're elbow-to-elbow with dozens of other anglers. On our inshore trips, you'll be working the kelp beds and rocky structure that hug the Huntington Beach coastline, where Sea bass, Kelp Bass, Barracuda, Halibut, and Sheepshead call home. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety - one cast you might hook into a feisty Barracuda that'll test your drag, and the next you could be battling a chunky Halibut that wants to hug the bottom. Our experienced captain knows exactly where these fish hang out depending on the tide, time of day, and season. You'll spend your time drifting over structure, working live bait near the kelp, and making targeted casts to spots that consistently produce. The pace is steady but relaxed, giving you time to actually enjoy the process instead of just racing from spot to spot.
We've got you set up with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from finesse bottom fishing to the sudden runs of a hooked Barracuda. Most of our fishing revolves around live bait - anchovies and sardines that we'll either pick up fresh or catch on the way out. For the Halibut and Sheepshead, we'll drop you down to the bottom with enough weight to stay put, using a sliding sinker rig that lets the fish take the bait naturally. When we're targeting the bass species around the kelp, it's all about getting that bait right into the structure without getting hung up - easier said than done, but that's where our crew's local knowledge pays off. The Barracuda fishing is pure excitement - these silver bullets will hit a moving bait with authority, so we'll have you working the water column with swimming baits. Don't worry if you're new to any of these techniques; our crew will walk you through everything and make sure you're fishing effectively from the first drop.
The Sheepshead around Long Beach are some crafty customers - these black and white striped fish love hanging around the pilings and rocky bottom, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and mussels. They're notorious bait stealers, but once you figure out their game, they're a blast to catch. Most of our Sheepshead run 2-5 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 8-10 pounds. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at these tasty fish, and they're absolutely delicious on the table.
Sea Bass are the bread and butter of our inshore trips. These guys are aggressive feeders that'll hit live bait, jigs, and even swimbaits when they're fired up. You'll find them relating to any kind of structure - kelp beds, rocky reefs, or even artificial reefs. They fight hard for their size, and anything over 3 pounds is going to give you a good account of itself. The White Seabass, when they show up, are the prize fish - these silver torpedoes can push 20-30 pounds and will absolutely smoke your drag.
Pacific Halibut are the flatfish that every angler wants to tangle with. These ambush predators bury themselves in the sand and wait for an easy meal to swim by. When a big Halibut takes your bait, you might not even know it at first - they just feel like dead weight until they realize they're hooked. Then it's game on. The smaller ones (which we call "chickens") are fantastic eating, while the larger fish provide the kind of fight that makes your arms burn.
Pacific Barracuda are pure excitement on light tackle. These silver missiles hunt in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They'll hit moving baits with incredible speed and their initial runs will test whatever drag you've got set. Summer and early fall are prime time for Barracuda, and they're surprisingly good eating despite what some people think.
Kelp Bass are probably the most consistent fish we'll target. These olive-green fighters love the kelp forests and provide steady action throughout most of the year. They're smart fish that require some finesse, especially the bigger ones. A 5-pound Kelp Bass will give you a fight you won't forget, using the kelp to try and break you off. They're also world-class table fare when prepared right.
Two hours might not sound like much, but when you're fishing productive water with an experienced crew and quality gear, it's amazing how much action you can pack in. This trip is perfect for families, beginners who want to learn the ropes, or experienced anglers who just want to get out and bend some rods without committing to a full day. The small group size means you'll get personal attention, helpful tips, and the best spots on the boat. Long Beach's inshore waters are some of the most consistent in Southern California, and with Nemo Charters, you're fishing with people who know these waters like the back of their hand. Don't let another weekend pass by wondering what's biting out there - book your spot and find out for yourself why this customer favorite keeps anglers coming back for more.
Our Bayliner center console is perfectly rigged for chasing Long Beach's best inshore species. The boat's wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into those productive spots where the sea bass and halibut like to hang out, while the fish finder helps you locate schools and structure below. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rails when the barracuda are running hot. The GPS keeps you on your favorite kelp bass spots, and the VHF radio ensures you stay connected with harbor patrol and other boats. Whether you're dropping live bait for sheepshead around the breakwater or casting iron for whatever's biting, this boat handles the local waters with ease. The center console design gives everyone clear access to the action, making it simple to move around when fish are coming over the rail from multiple angles.
Paralabrax ClathratusKelp bass are the bread and butter of Southern California fishing, with their distinctive olive-green color and calico markings. These scrappy fighters typically run up to 2.4 feet and 15 pounds, living around kelp forests and rocky structure from 8-200 feet deep. May through October brings the hottest action during their spawning period, though you can catch them year-round. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and the challenge of pulling them away from cover before they dive back into the kelp. They're excellent eating too. Use anchovies, sardines, or brown/olive colored lures that match their natural diet. Essential tip: the moment you hook one, immediately apply pressure and work them away from the kelp - they'll make a beeline straight back to cover and tangle your line if you give them slack.
Sphyraena ArgenteaPacific barracuda are sleek, silver speedsters averaging 35 inches and 10 pounds, with some reaching 4 feet. These aggressive predators cruise near the surface around kelp beds and reefs, typically within 120 feet of the surface. Late spring through early summer is peak season when they migrate north from Baja into Southern California waters, with fall also producing quality fishing for larger adults. Guests love their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll often launch themselves out of the water. They school up to hunt baitfish, making for fast action when you find them. Live anchovies and sardines work best since these apex predators prefer fresh, lively bait over dead offerings. Key tip: keep your bait moving - barracuda love chasing prey, so a slow, steady retrieve that mimics a fleeing fish will trigger more strikes than static presentations.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the giants of the flatfish world, averaging 20-40 pounds but commonly hitting 100+ pounds in our waters. These bottom-dwellers prefer depths of 150-500 feet along sandy and muddy bottoms. Summer is your best shot when they move into shallower feeding areas before heading deep to spawn in winter. What draws anglers is the potential for a true trophy - these diamond-shaped fish can reach massive sizes and provide a memorable battle. They're also outstanding table fare with firm, white meat. Use heavy tackle with 1-2 pound weights to reach bottom, and try salmon heads, herring, or large jigs. My go-to trick: bounce your weight off bottom every few minutes to create noise and movement - halibut rely on sound and vibration to locate prey in deeper water.
Centropristis StriataSea bass are solid fighters with jet-black scales and gray bellies, typically running 1 foot long and around 9 pounds. These aggressive feeders love hard bottom areas near wrecks, reefs, and jetties where they hunt in schools for crabs, shrimp, and small fish. They're year-round targets but really turn on during their January through July spawning period. What guests love about sea bass is their scrappy fight and excellent eating quality - there's a reason high-end restaurants prize these fish. They're not farm-raised, which makes them special. Use squid, clams, or soft plastics near structure. Pro tip: switch to braided line since it has no stretch - you'll feel every tap on the bottom and detect those subtle bites much better than with mono.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are easily recognized by their gray bodies with dark vertical bars - earning them the nickname "convict fish." Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though you might land a trophy up to 20 pounds. These fish hang tight around any structure - docks, pilings, jetties - feeding on barnacles and crabs with their famous human-like teeth. They're notorious bait thieves, so keep your offering snug to the hook. Spring months are prime time when they're more active around structures. What makes them popular is their excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's worth the effort. Local tip: get your bait as close to the structure as possible without spooking them, and when you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard since their mouths are tough.
Long Beach, CA