4 HR Inshore Fishing Trip - Long Beach
Ready to get your lines wet in some of California's most productive inshore waters? This 4-hour fishing charter out of Long Beach puts you right in the sweet spot where the Pacific meets some seriously good fishing grounds. Captain Austin and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're slinging lures for the first time or you've got salt in your veins. With room for up to 6 anglers, this is your chance to target some of Southern California's top inshore species without burning a whole day on the water.
What to Expect on the Water
You'll be fishing the prime inshore zones around Long Beach, where structure and current create perfect ambush points for bass and halibut. The boat heads out to productive depths ranging from 20 to 80 feet, targeting areas with rocky bottom, kelp edges, and sand flats that hold fish year-round. Captain Austin runs a tight ship with quality gear and knows exactly when to move spots if the bite slows down. The 4-hour window gives you plenty of time to work different techniques and locations without feeling rushed. Expect to fish both bait and artificials depending on conditions, and don't worry about bringing tackle - everything you need is provided. The crew keeps things relaxed but focused, making sure everyone gets shots at fish regardless of experience level.
Tackle Talk & Techniques
This inshore fishery calls for medium to medium-heavy spinning gear and conventional setups depending on what you're targeting. You'll be working everything from live bait on the bottom for halibut to casting plastics and swimbaits for bass. The crew sets you up with proper weights and rigs for the conditions - might be Carolina rigs one day and dropper loops the next. Live anchovies and sardines are go-to baits when they're available, but don't overlook the artificials. White and brown jigs work great for halibut, while bass respond well to swimbaits, plastics, and iron. Water depth typically ranges from 30-60 feet in the prime spots, so you're not dealing with crazy deep-water techniques. The key is reading the electronics and adjusting your approach as conditions change throughout the trip.
Customer Stories
"We booked Austin's boat for a bachelor party with a group of 5, and he was fantastic with both his service and equipment. Just be sure to communicate clearly with Austin about your pickup location! Thanks again, Austin!" - Jimmy
Species You'll Want to Hook
Largemouth Bass might surprise you this close to the ocean, but Long Beach's back bays and connected waters hold some quality fish. These guys average 2-4 pounds with the occasional bigger fish pushing 6-7 pounds. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially early morning and late afternoon when they're actively feeding. Largemouth love structure, so expect to fish around docks, pilings, and vegetation edges. They hit hard and put up a solid fight in the shallow water - definitely a crowd-pleaser for anglers who want some rod-bending action.
Smallmouth Bass in these waters are scrappy fighters that punch way above their weight class. Running typically 1-3 pounds, they make up for size with attitude and acrobatics. Rocky areas and current breaks are your best bet, particularly during spring and early summer when they're most active. Smallies are notorious for their jumping ability once hooked, so keep that rod tip up and enjoy the show. They're often more aggressive than their largemouth cousins and will hit both bait and lures with authority.
Pacific Halibut are the true prize of this inshore fishery, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 'chickens' around 5-10 pounds up to genuine door-mats pushing 20-30 pounds or more. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and wait for baitfish to pass overhead. Summer and fall typically produce the best halibut action in 40-80 feet of water. When a big halibut grabs your bait, there's no mistaking it - they pull with steady, powerful runs that will test your drag settings. Plus, they're fantastic eating, making them a top target for anyone wanting to take home a quality dinner.
Time to Book Your Spot
This 4-hour Long Beach inshore charter hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing without committing to a full-day trip. Captain Austin's local knowledge and quality equipment give you the best shot at connecting with bass and halibut in some of Southern California's most consistent inshore waters. Whether you're planning a bachelor party like Jimmy's group or just want to get out with friends for some solid fishing, this trip delivers the goods. The 6-person capacity keeps things comfortable without feeling crowded, and the crew makes sure everyone gets their fair share of action. Don't sleep on booking - the best inshore bite windows fill up fast, especially during prime seasons.