5.0(1 Reviews)Premier Long Beach Fishing Adventures Await You
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday offshore fishing in Long Beach watersSmall group trips with maximum 6 guests aboardTarget multiple fish species with Nemo Charters
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a well-rigged charter boat, watching Long Beach fade into the distance as you head toward some of the most productive offshore waters Southern California has to offer. That's exactly what you'll get with Nemo Charters' top-rated fishing trip. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to add trophy fish to your logbook or someone who just loves the challenge of fighting big game species, this offshore adventure delivers the goods. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and with space for just 6 guests, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a legendary one.
Your day starts at the Long Beach marina where you'll meet your captain and crew. These aren't weekend warriors – they're full-time professionals who've been working these offshore grounds for years. The boat is equipped with everything you need: quality rods and reels, fresh bait, tackle, and all the safety gear required for offshore fishing. You can choose between morning and afternoon trips, though many locals will tell you the morning bite tends to be more consistent, especially during summer months. Once you clear the harbor, it's about a 20-30 minute run to reach the prime fishing zones where kelp beds, underwater structure, and current breaks create perfect hunting grounds for the species you're targeting. The crew will have rods ready and bait in the water before you know it, maximizing your fishing time instead of spending it rigging up.
Offshore fishing here means working a variety of methods depending on conditions and what's biting. You'll likely start with live bait fishing using sardines or mackerel, which is deadly effective for yellowtail and barracuda when they're feeding aggressively. The crew will set you up with appropriate tackle – typically medium to heavy spinning gear or conventional reels that can handle fish in the 10-40 pound range. When the bite is hot, you might switch to iron jigs or plastic swimbaits to cover more water quickly. For the leopard sharks and bass species, you'll often fish closer to structure using lighter tackle and more finesse presentations. The beauty of this trip is that the crew reads the conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the day. One minute you might be dropping live bait into a kelp bed, the next you could be trolling along a temperature break looking for schools of feeding fish. No two trips are exactly alike, which keeps even veteran anglers coming back for more.
Leopard sharks are one of the most consistent catches in these waters, and they're a blast to fight on medium tackle. These spotted beauties typically run 3-5 feet long and put up a solid battle with their powerful tail kicks and stubborn runs. They're most active during warmer months from May through October, often found cruising sandy flats adjacent to kelp beds. What makes leopard sharks special is their predictable nature – once you find them, you can usually count on steady action. Plus, they're completely harmless to handle and make for great photos before release.
Yellowtail amberjack represent the premium gamefish in these waters, and landing one is always a highlight of any trip. These powerful fish can reach 20-40 pounds in local waters, with occasional bruisers pushing even larger. They're most abundant during summer and early fall when water temperatures rise, but spring can produce some of the biggest fish of the year. Yellowtail fight with incredible stamina, making long runs and testing your drag system. They're also excellent table fare, which makes them a customer favorite for anglers who like to take dinner home.
Pacific barracuda bring non-stop action when they're schooled up, which happens regularly from late spring through fall. These silver missiles are built for speed and aggression, often hitting baits with spectacular strikes that'll get your heart pumping. Most barracuda here run 5-15 pounds, perfect for light tackle fishing that emphasizes the fight. They're known for their sharp teeth and acrobatic jumps, making every hookup exciting. Barracuda also respond well to artificial lures, so you might get chances to sight-cast to feeding schools.
Barred sand bass are the bread-and-butter species that keep rods bent throughout the day. These hardy fighters prefer sandy bottom areas and kelp edges, typically weighing 2-6 pounds with occasional larger specimens. They're available year-round but peak during warmer months. Sand bass are perfect for anglers who enjoy consistent action and light tackle fishing. They're also one of the best eating fish in local waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilling.
Kelp bass round out the slam of local favorites, and they're arguably the most fun to catch pound-for-pound. These scrappy fighters live in and around the extensive kelp forests, using the structure to their advantage during fights. They typically run 2-5 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, diving straight for cover the moment they feel the hook. Kelp bass are most active during morning and evening hours, making them perfect targets for both trip options. Their beautiful bronze coloration and feisty nature make them a joy to catch on lighter tackle.
This offshore fishing experience with Nemo Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for: access to productive waters, professional crew, quality equipment, and a small group size that ensures everyone gets plenty of attention. The combination of consistent species like leopard sharks and sand bass with the chance for trophy yellowtail and exciting barracuda action makes every trip a winner. With only 6 spots available per trip, these charters book up quickly, especially during peak season. The crew's local knowledge and commitment to putting you on fish sets this operation apart from larger commercial boats where you might feel like just another number. Whether you're planning a solo fishing adventure, a trip with friends, or looking to introduce someone new to offshore
This Bayliner center console is your ticket to productive fishing in Long Beach's offshore waters. Built for serious anglers, she's equipped with a fish finder to help you locate the best spots and a wireless trolling motor for quiet approaches that won't spook your targets. The GPS navigation keeps you on course to those honey holes, while the VHF radio ensures safe communication with other boats and the harbor. With space for up to 6 fishermen, there's plenty of room to spread out whether you're dropping lines for rockfish, targeting yellowtail, or trying your luck with whatever's running. The center console design gives everyone easy access to the action and room to work their rods without getting tangled up. Perfect for half-day or full-day trips chasing whatever the Pacific has to offer off the Long Beach coast.
Paralabrax NebuliferSand bass are reliable fighters that typically run 2-4 pounds, with trophy fish hitting 8+ pounds. These grumpy-looking fish with their protruding jaws live on sandy bottoms near rocks in 60-100 feet of water. May through October is prime time when they school up during spawning season. Evening and night fishing during full moons produces the best action. Anglers love them because they'll hit almost anything and fight hard for their size. Live squid is the top bait, but dead squid and plastic lures work great too. My go-to technique: find the right depth where they're feeding, then work different levels until you locate the school. Once you find them, you'll catch multiples.
Paralabrax ClathratusKelp bass are the bread and butter of local fishing - olive-green bruisers that average 2-3 pounds but can reach 8-12 pounds. They live almost exclusively in kelp forests from 10-60 feet deep, with bigger fish holding in deeper, rockier areas. Year-round fishing, but May through October brings peak action during warmer months. What makes them special is their challenging fight - they immediately dive for kelp when hooked, testing your skills. Live anchovies and brown jigs work best. Use braided line to cut through kelp when they tangle you up. Key tip: the moment you hook one, pressure it away from the kelp immediately - let them reach cover and you'll lose them every time.
Triakis SemifasciataLeopard sharks are one of our most unique catches - completely harmless despite being sharks. These spotted beauties grow 4-5 feet on average, with females reaching up to 6 feet. They cruise shallow bays and hang around kelp forests, usually in 10-40 feet of water. Best fishing happens during daylight hours since they're less active at night. What guests love is the novelty of catching an actual shark without any danger - they're docile and make for great photos. Use squid chunks or small crabs on a 5/0 circle hook with enough weight to reach bottom. Here's the key tip: position your bait right where sand meets rocks or kelp edges - that's their feeding highway.
Sphyraena ArgenteaPacific barracuda are silver bullets that average 3-4 feet and 8-12 pounds, with some pushing 18 pounds. These aggressive predators love chasing bait near the surface around kelp beds and rocky reefs. Spring and fall bring the biggest adults as they migrate up from Baja. Guests enjoy their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and thrash like crazy. They're surface hunters with excellent eyesight, so they're visual feeders. Live anchovies work best, but shiny lures get their attention too. The secret is to make them chase - cast past them and reel steadily to trigger their predator instinct. Once hooked, they'll put on quite a show jumping out of the water.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are the heavyweight champions around here, averaging 15-25 pounds but capable of hitting 40+ pounds. These bright yellow-finned speedsters love hanging around Catalina Island and our local kelp beds during summer when waters warm up. They're benthopelagic, meaning they cruise near bottom but will chase bait to the surface. Guests go crazy for their powerful runs and long fights - definitely our most athletic fish. Best months are May through September. Use live sardines or anchovies and heavy tackle because these fish will test your gear. Pro tip: when you hook one, don't horse it - let it run and tire itself out, or it'll snap your line on the kelp.
5.0 out of 5.0
Long Beach, CA