Advanced Lingcod, Amberjack & Halibut Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore adventure targeting trophy amberjack, lingcod, and halibutExpert Captain Spivey provides specialized gear and professional guidanceMaximum 4 guests for personalized deepwater fishing experience
This isn't your typical half-day tourist trip – Captain Spivey's 12-hour offshore adventure is designed for serious anglers who want to test their skills against some of Santa Barbara's most challenging fish. We're talking about heading out to the deep water zones where the big lingcod hide in rocky structure, amberjack patrol the kelp edges, and trophy halibut cruise sandy bottoms. With only four spots available, you'll get personalized attention and prime fishing real estate without fighting crowds at the rail.
Captain Spivey runs a tight ship and knows these Santa Barbara waters like the back of his hand. You'll launch early to maximize your time on the productive grounds, often running 10-15 miles offshore to reach the deeper structure where these species thrive. The boat is rigged with quality electronics including fish finders and GPS to locate the best spots, and Captain Spivey rotates between different areas throughout the day based on conditions and fish activity. Expect to fish depths ranging from 60 feet over kelp beds to 200+ feet on the deeper rockpiles. This is physical fishing – you'll be working heavy jigs, fighting strong currents, and battling fish that don't give up easily. The small group size means you'll have room to work and won't be elbow-to-elbow with other anglers when a fish makes a run.
Captain Spivey provides all the specialized gear you'll need, including heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test line, sturdy rods rated for big fish, and a variety of jigs and rigs designed for each target species. For lingcod, you'll primarily use large swimbaits and heavy jigs worked near the bottom around rocky structure. Amberjack fishing involves both vertical jigging with knife jigs and live bait fishing when conditions allow. Halibut require a different approach entirely – slow trolling with large baits or drifting with live anchovies near sandy bottoms. The captain will coach you on proper technique for each species, including how to work the baits, when to set the hook, and fighting strategies to land these powerful fish. Circle hooks are standard for live bait presentations, while assist hooks on jigs help ensure solid hookups on aggressive strikes.
Lingcod are the bruisers of Santa Barbara's rocky reefs, with fish over 20 pounds common and true giants exceeding 40 pounds possible. These ambush predators have massive mouths filled with sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They typically hold tight to structure in 80-200 feet of water, requiring precise presentations right in their wheelhouse. Fall through early spring offers the best opportunities for trophy-sized fish, as they move shallow for spawning. What makes lingcod so exciting is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll try to wrap you around every rock on the bottom.
Yellowtail amberjack are the speed demons of this trio, capable of blistering runs that will test your drag system. These fish patrol the kelp edges and deeper water columns, often found in 100-300 feet of water around Santa Barbara. Prime time runs from late spring through fall when water temperatures warm up. A good amberjack will go 15-25 pounds, with larger specimens pushing 30+ pounds. They're notorious for making long runs toward structure when hooked, and their stamina can wear out unprepared anglers. The fight combines speed, power, and endurance – exactly what serious anglers crave.
Atlantic halibut represent the ultimate flatfish prize in these waters, with doormat-sized fish over 50 pounds lurking on sandy bottoms and transitions zones. These masters of camouflage can be tricky to locate, but Captain Spivey knows the productive areas where they concentrate. Summer months typically produce the largest fish, though quality halibut can be caught year-round. What makes halibut fishing special is the anticipation – you might go hours between bites, but when a big one grabs your bait, there's no mistaking the heavy weight and head-shaking fight that follows.
Captain Spivey's advanced offshore trips fill up quickly among Santa Barbara's serious fishing crowd, and for good reason. This world-class charter combines expert local knowledge, quality gear, and access to productive waters that many recreational anglers never see. Whether you're after a personal best lingcod, want to experience the raw power of a big amberjack, or dream of landing a trophy halibut, this 12-hour adventure gives you the best shot at connecting with fish of a lifetime. The small group size ensures you'll get the attention and coaching needed to maximize your success, while the extended time on the water means you can target multiple species and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day.
Your battle wagon for this intense 12-hour offshore fishing adventure is a brand-new 2023 Sea Chaser 24-foot center console that's built to handle serious action. Twin 140HP Suzuki outboards push this fishing machine to 26 knots, getting you and up to 3 other anglers to the deep productive waters where trophy amberjack, monster lingcod, and heavyweight halibut lurk. The wide-open deck gives you room to fight these bruisers while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure. When visibility drops, radar keeps you safe, while GPS navigation marks your hot spots for return trips. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the long haul, plus there's a head for comfort on these extended runs. Captain Spivey knows these waters inside and out, and this boat gives him the speed and stability to put you on fish that'll test your tackle and your muscles. Perfect platform for anglers ready to go the distance.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusThese are the giants of the flatfish world - true bottom-dwelling monsters that can live over 25 years and reach massive sizes. Most run 30-50 pounds, but the big females can push 100+ pounds and provide battles you'll remember forever. They stick to deep, cold water from 150-500 feet, lying on sandy or muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Spring through early summer is prime season when they move shallower after spawning. What draws people back is the combination of size, fight, and incredible table fare - firm, white fillets that are restaurant-quality. The key is drifting with heavy jigs and letting the boat movement work your bait naturally. Once hooked, tire them out completely before bringing them up - they've been known to break bones with those powerful tail slaps.
Ophiodon ElongatusThese gnarly-looking fish with massive heads and razor-sharp teeth are perfect ambush predators. Despite their name, they're actually greenlings, not true cod. Most run 15-25 pounds, but females can hit 40+ pounds and live over 20 years. You'll find them hugging rocky bottoms in 30-300 feet, using their mottled coloring to blend into kelp beds and reefs. They're aggressive fighters that would rather battle than flee - makes for some serious rod-bending action. The meat is excellent eating, firm and white. Best trick? Once you hook one, keep steady pressure and work it away from the rocks fast. They love to dive back into their rocky lairs and snap your line on the structure.
Seriola LalandiThese torpedo-shaped speedsters are built for power and endurance. Named for their bright yellow fins, they average 15-25 pounds but can push 40+ pounds when conditions are right. You'll find them around kelp beds and rocky structure, usually deeper water but they'll chase bait to the surface. Summer months are prime time when warm water brings them close to our local islands. What makes them special is the fight - they're fast, strong swimmers that'll test your drag and your arms. The meat is prized for sushi and sashimi, with that rich, oily texture. Pro tip: when you hook up, don't horse them. Let them make their runs and wear themselves out, or they'll dive straight into the kelp and cut you off every time.
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