Inshore Fishing Adventure - Long Beach, CA
Looking for some solid inshore action without burning a full day on the water? This 2-hour fishing trip out of Long Beach puts you right where the fish are biting. We're talking prime Southern California waters where kelp forests meet sandy bottoms, creating the perfect hunting grounds for some of the coast's most sought-after species. You'll be fishing the productive waters around Huntington Beach, known locally as one of the most consistent spots for year-round action. With space for up to 6 anglers, this trip keeps things intimate so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the crew.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical party boat experience – we're keeping it small and focused on putting fish in the boat. You'll launch from Long Beach and cruise to proven honey holes where the kelp beds create natural ambush points for predatory fish. The 2-hour window might sound short, but trust me, it's perfectly timed for the morning or afternoon bite when these inshore species are most active. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading the conditions and adjusting tactics on the fly. Whether we're working the kelp edges for bass or drifting over sandy patches for halibut, every minute is spent with lines in the water. The boat setup is dialed for inshore fishing – plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up with other anglers.
Tackle & Techniques
We run a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. Live bait is king out here – sardines, anchovies, and mackerel get presented on Carolina rigs and fish finder setups that let the bait swim naturally. For the kelp bass and sheepshead hanging in the rocks, we'll drop baits right into the structure using lighter tackle that gives you a real fight. When we're targeting halibut, it's all about working the sandy bottom with sliding sinker rigs, keeping that bait moving just enough to trigger a strike. The crew provides all the gear you need, but if you've got a favorite setup, bring it along. We're talking medium-heavy conventional gear mostly, with some spinning outfits for the lighter presentations. Hooks are sharp, leaders are fresh, and the tackle box is stocked with everything from egg sinkers to swivels.
Top Catches This Season
Sheepshead are the bread and butter around the local kelp beds and rocky structure. These black and white striped fighters average 2-5 pounds and are absolute bulldogs once hooked. They've got those gnarly teeth designed for crushing shellfish, so they'll test your drag system for sure. Best action happens during cooler months when they move shallow to spawn, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes them special is the fight – they'll dive straight back into the kelp and try to wrap you up every single time.
Sea Bass – both the calico variety and white seabass when we're lucky – patrol these waters like they own the place. Calicos love structure and will slam live bait or jigs worked near the bottom. They're smart fish that require finesse, especially the bigger ones that have seen every lure in the book. White seabass are the trophy fish everyone hopes for, with fish over 20 pounds caught regularly in these waters during their peak season from spring through fall.
Pacific Halibut are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish can surprise you with their size – while most run 5-15 pounds, occasionally a real slab shows up to test your gear. The key is keeping your bait moving just enough to look injured but not spook the fish. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily before the water cools.
Pacific Barracuda bring the speed and aggression to the mix. These silver bullets can hit 30+ mph and will absolutely scream line off your reel when hooked. They show up in schools during warmer months, often chasing bait balls right to the surface. When the 'cuda are around, it's fast-paced fishing that'll get your heart pumping. Their razor-sharp teeth mean wire leaders are a must.
Kelp Bass are the local favorites – scrappy fighters that use every piece of cover available. They're ambush predators that hang in and around the kelp canopy, waiting for baitfish to venture too close. These fish have attitude and will fight dirty, trying to cut your line on anything sharp they can find. Most run 1-4 pounds, but the big ones over 5 pounds are legitimate trophies that require skill and luck to land.
Time to Book Your Spot
This trip delivers exactly what serious anglers want – quality fishing time without the all-day commitment. The crew at Nemo Charters knows these waters and how to put you on fish, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting into saltwater fishing. With only 6 spots available, it books up quick, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot. You're getting access to some of the best inshore fishing Southern California has to offer, guided by pros who live and breathe these waters. Don't sleep on this one – grab your spot and get ready to bend some rods on species that'll test your skills and leave you planning the next trip before you even hit the dock.