5.0(1 Reviews)Long Beach Offshore Fishing Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing trip targeting multiple species in clear watersSmall group experience accommodating up to six guests maximumMorning and afternoon departure times available for booking
Picture this: you're cruising out of Long Beach harbor at first light, watching the California coastline shrink behind you as we head into deep blue waters where the big fish live. This isn't your typical pier fishing trip - we're talking serious offshore action where leopard sharks cruise the bottom, yellowtail amberjack patrol the kelp forests, and barracuda slash through baitfish like silver bullets. With Nemo Charters, you'll spend a full day working productive waters that have been delivering trophy catches for decades. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to add some West Coast species to your logbook or a newcomer ready to graduate from catching surf perch, this trip puts you on fish that'll make your arms ache and your reel scream.
Your day starts early at the Long Beach marina, where you'll meet your captain and get the lowdown on conditions, target zones, and what's been biting lately. We keep groups small - just six anglers max - so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the crew. Depending on tides, weather, and recent reports, we'll motor out anywhere from 5 to 15 miles offshore to hit the productive zones where structure, current, and baitfish come together. The boat's equipped with quality tackle, but feel free to bring your own setup if you've got favorites. We'll be working depths from 40 feet down to over 200, so come ready for variety. Morning trips typically launch around 6 AM to catch the dawn bite, while afternoon charters head out around noon to work the evening action. Either way, you're looking at solid hours on productive water with a crew that knows exactly where to find the fish.
Offshore fishing here means adapting to what the fish want on any given day. We'll start with live bait - sardines, anchovies, or mackerel depending on what's available - rigged on circle hooks for that natural presentation that yellowtail and bass can't resist. For the bigger predators like barracuda, we'll switch to wire leaders and work both live bait and artificials. You'll be fishing everything from dropper loops on the bottom for sand bass to freelining baits in the kelp canopy for suspended fish. The crew provides all tackle, but if you've got a favorite 20-30 pound setup, bring it along. We use spinning reels loaded with 20-pound braid for most situations, though we'll bump up to heavier gear when the yellows are running thick. Expect to work jigs, swimbaits, and iron lures when the fish are aggressive, plus plenty of soaking bait when they're being finicky. The key is staying flexible - offshore fishing changes by the hour, and the best captains read the water and adjust accordingly.
Leopard sharks are the workhorses of this fishery, running 3-6 feet long and putting up a solid scrap on medium tackle. These spotted beauties cruise sandy bottoms and kelp edges year-round, though summer and fall produce the most consistent action. They're perfect for newer anglers since they bite reliably and don't require finesse - just fresh squid or mackerel on the bottom and patience. What makes them special is their fight - long, steady runs that'll test your drag and endurance without the head-shaking violence that breaks lines.
Yellowtail amberjack are the crown jewel of Southern California offshore fishing, and Long Beach waters hold some beautiful fish. These golden torpedoes average 15-25 pounds but can push 40-plus when conditions are right. Peak season runs July through October when water temps climb and baitfish schools thicken up. Yellowtail are notorious for their initial blistering runs - they'll strip 100 yards of line before you know what hit you. The trick is keeping steady pressure without horsing them, since they're notorious for throwing hooks when they get their heads up.
Pacific barracuda bring pure excitement to any offshore trip with their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. These silver missiles average 3-8 pounds and hit lures with the subtlety of a freight train. Summer months produce the best action when schools of "cuda move inshore to feed on sardine schools. They're perfect on light tackle - 15-20 pound gear lets you feel every head shake and jump. Fair warning: their razor teeth will slice through mono leaders like butter, so we always use wire or heavy fluorocarbon.
Barred sand bass might not win any beauty contests, but they're reliable biters that keep rods bent when other species are being finicky. These chunky bottom-dwellers love structure - rocky reefs, kelp beds, and drop-offs where they ambush crabs and small fish. They bite year-round but peak in spring and summer. Sand bass average 1-4 pounds but make up for size with numbers - double-digit days are common when you find a good school.
Kelp bass (calico bass) are the technical challenge of the bunch, requiring finesse and local knowledge to consistently hook up. These beautiful, mottled green fish live tight to kelp forests and rocky structure, where they're masters of using cover to their advantage. They're notorious for short-striking lures and spitting hooks, but when you connect with a quality calico in 20-40 feet of water, the fight is pure magic - short, powerful runs combined with head-shaking determination to get back to the rocks.
Long Beach offshore fishing delivers the goods whether you're after your first real saltwater fish or chasing personal bests on proven species. With small group sizes, experienced crew, and access to some of California's most productive offshore waters, this trip sets you up for success from the moment you step aboard. The combination of reliable year-round fishing, multiple target species, and professional guidance makes this a standout choice for anyone serious about saltwater an
Get ready to hit the productive fishing grounds off Long Beach aboard this well-equipped Bayliner center console! This 6-person motorboat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing fish in Southern California waters. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over promising spots without spooking the fish, while the fish finder helps you locate schools and structure below. Stay connected with other anglers and harbor patrol using the VHF radio, and navigate confidently to your favorite fishing holes with the GPS system. Whether you're targeting rockfish, lingcod, or whatever's biting offshore, this boat gives you the range and reliability to make the most of your time on the water. The center console design provides plenty of deck space for fighting fish and room for your whole crew to spread out comfortably. Perfect for half or full-day trips when you want to get serious about filling the cooler with fresh catch from the Pacific.
Paralabrax NebuliferSand bass are the bread and butter of our local fishing - reliable, tasty, and willing to bite almost anything you throw at them. These grumpy-looking fish with their protruding lower jaws typically run 12-18 inches, though 2-3 pounders are common. They hang out in 60-100 feet over sandy bottom near rocks and structure. May through October is prime time, especially during their spawning runs when they school up in good numbers. Night fishing during full moon periods can be outstanding. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it by being cooperative and excellent table fare. Live squid is hard to beat, but they'll hit plastics, anchovies, and even dead bait. Fish right on bottom and vary your depths until you locate the school.
Paralabrax ClathratusKelp bass are crafty fighters that live up to their "calico bass" nickname with beautiful mottled patterns. Running 12-18 inches on average, they're exclusively kelp forest dwellers in 8-70 feet of water. Year-round fishing is good, but May through October offers the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. They're ambush predators that dart out from kelp cover to grab bait, then immediately dive back into the tangle. This makes them challenging on light tackle - you need to turn their head quickly or you'll lose them in the weeds. The fight is all about quick bursts and direction changes rather than long runs. Use braided line to cut through kelp, and the moment you hook up, apply pressure to keep them away from structure.
Triakis SemifasciataThese spotted beauties are completely harmless despite being sharks - they're more like swimming puppies than predators. Most run 3-5 feet long and love munching on crabs, small fish, and ghost shrimp along sandy bottoms near kelp forests and shallow bays. We typically find them in 10-50 feet of water, especially around structure. They're active during the day and put up a decent fight without the drama of bigger sharks. Kids love seeing their leopard-like spots up close. Best fishing happens spring through fall when they cruise the flats looking for food. Pro tip: use fresh squid or mackerel chunks on a fish finder rig with enough weight to stay on bottom - they won't chase bait up in the water column.
Sphyraena ArgenteaDon't let their toothy grin fool you - barracuda are all bark and no bite when it comes to anglers. These silver missiles average 3-4 feet and love chasing bait near the surface around kelp beds and rocky areas. Spring and fall bring the best fishing when adults migrate through our waters. They're aggressive fighters that'll jump and thrash, making for exciting action on lighter tackle. Found anywhere from the surf zone to 120 feet deep, but most productive fishing happens in 20-60 feet near structure. They have amazing eyesight and love fast-moving targets. The key is making long casts and retrieving with erratic action to trigger their chase instinct. Live anchovies work great, but they'll smash surface iron and flashy lures too.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are the speed demons of our local waters, averaging 15-25 pounds but capable of hitting 40+ on a good day. These silver bullets with bright yellow fins show up during summer when warm water pushes in from Baja. You'll find them around Catalina Island, kelp paddies, and rocky structure in 30-100 feet. They're prized for their sashimi-grade meat and blistering runs that'll test your drag system. When hooked, they dive hard for structure, so be ready for a real battle. Summer and early fall offer the best action when schools move through our area. My advice: use live bait when possible and keep steady pressure - if you let them run too far into the rocks, you'll lose both fish and tackle.
5.0 out of 5.0
Long Beach, CA