Lobster Hooping in Long Beach Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Catch California spiny lobsters in Long Beach watersSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests aboardAll hooping equipment and gear provided by crew
Nothing beats the rush of pulling up a hoop net loaded with California spiny lobsters on a perfect SoCal morning. This top-rated lobster hooping adventure with Nemo Charters puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive lobster grounds off Long Beach and Huntington Beach. You'll be working the rocky bottom structure where these tasty crustaceans love to hide, and with everything provided for you, all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and appetite for adventure. Our intimate 6-person setup means you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your hoops without bumping into other anglers.
We'll cruise out to proven lobster hotspots where the rocky reef meets sandy bottom – prime real estate for California spiny lobsters. The morning starts early, which is exactly when you want to be dropping hoops since lobsters are most active during dawn and dusk hours. You'll be fishing depths anywhere from 20 to 60 feet, depending on conditions and where the bugs are holding. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will position you over structure that's been producing consistently. Expect to make multiple drops throughout the day, giving you plenty of chances to dial in your technique and maximize your catch. The Pacific waters here stay relatively calm most mornings, making this a comfortable trip for both seasoned hoop netters and first-timers looking to try something new.
Lobster hooping is all about patience and proper bait presentation. We provide regulation hoop nets, fresh bait, and all the gear you need to stay legal and productive. The key is using the right bait – mackerel, sardines, or squid work best – and securing it properly in the center of your hoop so lobsters have to crawl over the mesh to reach it. Once your hoop hits bottom, you wait. Most successful drops involve letting your hoop soak for 10-15 minutes before pulling it up slowly and steadily. Too fast and the lobsters will bail out before reaching the surface. We fish with regulation 36-inch minimum hoop nets, and you'll learn proper measuring techniques to ensure every keeper is legal size. The captain will show you how to read the sonar to identify productive bottom structure and explain why certain spots produce better than others.
California spiny lobsters are the crown jewel of Southern California's inshore fishing scene, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking crustaceans can live over 50 years and grow to impressive sizes, with trophy specimens reaching 5+ pounds. Unlike their East Coast cousins, California spiny lobsters don't have claws but make up for it with their sweet, firm tail meat that's considered some of the best eating in the ocean. They're most active from October through March during lobster season, when water temperatures cool and they move into shallower areas to feed and mate. What makes them so exciting to target is their unpredictable nature – one drop might come up empty while the next could have three keepers crawling around your net. They're surprisingly strong and will put up a good fight even in a hoop net, often trying to back out or grip the mesh with their powerful legs. The Long Beach area produces some of the biggest lobsters in California thanks to the varied bottom structure and abundant food sources, making every pull a potential trophy opportunity.
This world-class lobster hooping experience fills up fast, especially during peak season when the bugs are most active. With only 6 spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of space to work your hoops effectively. The combination of Nemo Charters' local knowledge, quality equipment, and productive fishing grounds makes this a customer favorite that delivers consistent results. Whether you're a seasoned hooper looking to upgrade your usual spots or someone who's always wanted to try lobster fishing, this trip offers the perfect blend of education and action. Book now to secure your spot on one of the best lobster hooping adventures Long Beach has to offer – your taste buds will thank you when you're enjoying fresh California spiny lobster at home.
This reliable Bayliner center console is perfectly rigged for hunting California spiny lobsters along Long Beach's rocky coastline. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into those tight spots where the bugs like to hide without spooking them. With GPS navigation, you'll hit all the productive kelp beds and structure where lobsters congregate, while the fish finder helps identify promising bottom features. The VHF radio keeps you connected to harbor patrol and other hoop netters sharing intel on hot spots. The spacious center console design gives your crew of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work their hoop nets and store your catch. Whether you're dropping nets around the breakwater or exploring deeper structure offshore, this boat handles Long Beach waters with ease. Everything's provided for a solid day of lobster hooping - just bring your California fishing license and get ready to fill the cooler with fresh bugs.
Long Beach, CA