Inshore Fishing Adventure - Long Beach, CA
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour inshore fishing trip targeting multiple speciesSmall group experience with maximum six guests aboardProfessional charter targeting bass, barracuda, and halibut
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This Bayliner center console is your ticket to productive inshore waters around Long Beach. Built for fishing, this motorboat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers while you target sea bass, kelp bass, barracuda, halibut, and sheepshead in the local hotspots. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish, while the fish finder helps you locate schools and bottom features where your targets hang out. GPS navigation keeps you on productive spots, and the VHF radio ensures safe communication with other boats and harbors. The center console design gives everyone room to fight fish and move around the deck. Whether you're dropping bait for halibut in the flats or working jigs around kelp beds for bass, this boat gets you where the fish are biting in Long Beach's productive inshore waters.
Paralabrax ClathratusKelp bass are our bread-and-butter fish around the local kelp beds - olive green with distinctive calico markings that make them easy to spot. Most run 2-5 pounds, but 10+ pounders cruise the deeper edges of the kelp forests. They stick close to structure from 8-69 feet deep, with adults venturing to rockier areas while juveniles hide in the kelp blades. May through October delivers peak action during their spawning period, though you can catch them year-round. Anglers love their scrappy fight and the challenge of pulling them away from cover before they tangle your line. Key tip: the second you hook one, apply steady pressure to keep them out of the kelp. Use braided line and be ready - they'll dive straight back into cover if you give them slack.
Sphyraena ArgenteaPacific barracuda are pure speed and aggression wrapped in silver. These streamlined predators average 35 inches and 10 pounds, but can stretch to 4 feet. They patrol near kelp beds and coastal structure from the surface down to 120 feet, hunting schools of anchovies and sardines. Late spring through early summer and again in fall bring the best fishing when they migrate up from Baja waters. What makes them exciting is that explosive surface strike followed by acrobatic jumps - they'll thrash and fight the whole way to the boat. The meat's decent eating too, though most folks fish them for the sport. Pro tip: keep your bait moving fast and erratic like a fleeing baitfish. Dead or slow baits won't cut it with these apex hunters.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the giants of our flats - these diamond-shaped bottom dwellers can hit 100+ pounds, though most average 20-40 pounds. They cruise sandy and muddy bottoms from 150-500 feet deep, using those strange "right-eyed" faces to ambush prey. Summer brings the best fishing when they move into shallower feeding areas, while winter sees them head deep to spawn. Guests love the challenge of the deep-water fight and the fact that one fish can feed a family for weeks - pure white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Here's what works: use heavy jigs or whole salmon heads on 1-2 pound weights, then work them slowly along the bottom. These fish hunt by scent in deeper water, so fresh bait and patience are your friends out there.
Centropristis StriataSea bass are solid fighters that guests love targeting around our local structure. These dark, elongated fish average around a foot long and 9 pounds, with the occasional 26-incher keeping things interesting. You'll find them schooling near jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottom areas where they hunt aggressively for crabs, shrimp, and small fish. They spawn from January through July, making late winter through summer your best bet for consistent action. What draws people back is their aggressive nature and excellent table fare - these fish end up in high-end restaurants for good reason. My go-to technique is using braid with a fluorocarbon leader since you need to feel every bite on the bottom. They travel in schools, so once you find one, work that area thoroughly.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are one of our most unique catches here - they've got human-like teeth that'll surprise you every time. These gray and black striped fish usually run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though we occasionally see 20-pounders. They hang around any structure they can find - docks, pilings, oil rigs - feeding on barnacles and crabs. Spring through early summer gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes them special is that fight combined with excellent eating - sweet, white meat that's restaurant quality. They're notorious bait thieves, so here's my tip: get your bait right against the structure and set the hook hard the moment you feel them nibbling. They'll try to steal your bait before committing to the bite.
Long Beach, CA