5.0(1 Reviews)Extreme Full Day Scenic Fishing Trip In Santa Barbara
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore fishing trip targeting halibut, lingcod, and amberjackCaptain Spivey guides small groups along Santa Barbara's scenic coastlineMaximum 4 guests ensures personalized attention and prime fishing spots
Captain Spivey's 12-hour offshore adventure is where serious angling meets California's most jaw-dropping coastline. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about a full commitment to chasing trophy fish while soaking in views that'll make your Instagram followers jealous. With only 4 spots available, you get personalized attention and prime positioning at the rail. From dawn patrol to sunset runs, this top-rated Santa Barbara fishing experience delivers both monster catches and those peaceful moments between strikes when you realize why people fall in love with offshore fishing.
Your day starts early with Captain Spivey firing up the engines as Santa Barbara Harbor comes to life. The boat cuts through calm morning waters, giving you front-row seats to the Channel Islands emerging from the marine layer. This isn't just about getting to fishing spots – it's about experiencing the Central Coast from a perspective most people never see. We'll cruise past kelp forests, rocky points, and hidden coves that hold some of the Pacific's best-kept secrets. Between productive drifts and trolling runs, you'll spot everything from sea lions hauled out on offshore rocks to pelican squadrons working bait schools. The scenic factor here isn't just marketing fluff – it's what sets this charter apart from crowded party boats where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers. With our small group size, everyone gets their shots at quality fish while enjoying unobstructed views of one of California's most beautiful stretches of coast.
Captain Spivey runs a versatile operation that adapts to conditions and what the fish are telling us. We'll work everything from deep-water structure for lingcod to mid-water columns where amberjack patrol. The boat comes rigged with quality tackle, but if you've got your favorite setup, bring it along. Live bait is the name of the game when it's available – nothing beats a lively sardine or mackerel worked near the bottom for big lingcod. For halibut, we'll drift prime sandy areas with whole bait rigs, letting the current do the work while we watch rod tips for that telltale tap. When amberjack are moving through, it's all about positioning near kelp edges and rocky drop-offs where they ambush smaller fish. The captain knows exactly when to hit each spot – this isn't random fishing, it's strategic hunting based on tides, weather, and decades of local knowledge. Pro tip from someone who's been out here plenty: listen when Captain Spivey suggests rain gear. The ride back can get wet, and you don't want to spend the last hour shivering instead of celebrating your catch.
"The boat got us fast to the different fishing locations. As soon as we dropped the line the fish would bite. It is very exciting experience to catch 2 fish on the same line. Captain Spivey knows all the good fishing spots and the time of day you need to arrive at them. Listen to him when he tells you dress in raingear. We wanted to risk it and were dressed in casual clothing and got soaked on the way back to the harbor. That was on us though lol. Overall the trip was a lot of fun." - Timo
Lingcod are the heavyweight champions of Santa Barbara's rocky reefs, and they're exactly why serious anglers book this charter. These prehistoric-looking beasts lurk in caves and crevices 100-300 feet down, ambushing anything that swims by. Peak season runs from late spring through fall when they're most aggressive and feeding heavily before winter. A decent lingcod starts around 10 pounds, but the real trophies push 20-30 pounds of pure muscle and attitude. What makes them so exciting isn't just the size – it's the fight. They'll try every trick in the book, wrapping your line around rocks and using their powerful tail to bulldoze toward structure. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the Pacific, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill or fish tacos.
Yellowtail Amberjack bring the speed and endurance that gets your heart pumping and drags screaming off the reel. These silver bullets cruise Santa Barbara's offshore waters year-round, but summer and early fall offer the most consistent action. They're built for speed with torpedo-shaped bodies that can hit 20-30 pounds when conditions are right. What sets amberjack apart is their relentless fighting style – long, powerful runs that test your tackle and your patience. They're incredibly smart fish that spook easily, which is why having an experienced captain who knows their feeding patterns makes all the difference. Find them near kelp edges, rocky pinnacles, and anywhere baitfish are schooling. The reward for landing one is not just bragging rights but some of the finest sashimi-grade meat you'll ever taste.
Atlantic Halibut represent the ultimate prize for bottom fishermen, and Santa Barbara's sandy flats and channel edges hold some real doormat-sized specimens. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand waiting for prey to swim overhead. What makes halibut fishing so addictive is the anticipation – you never know if that next tap is a keeper or the fish of a lifetime. They can range from legal-sized 22-inchers to absolute slabs pushing 50+ pounds. The fight might not be as flashy as an amberjack, but there's something deeply satisfying about the steady, bulldogging power of a big halibut. Best action typically happens during moving tides when they're actively feeding. Captain Spivey knows the productive spots where structure meets sand, creating the perfect ambush points these bottom-dwellers love.
This world-class Santa Barbara fishing adventure books up fast, especially during peak season when all three target species are firing on all cyl
Your fishing platform is a brand-new 2023 Sea Chaser center console that cuts through Santa Barbara waters with authority. Twin 140HP Suzuki engines push this 24-footer to a cruising speed of 26 knots, getting you to the productive grounds quickly and back to port safely. The center console design gives everyone clear sight lines to spot diving birds and working water while keeping gear organized and accessible. Modern fish finder technology helps locate structure where halibut, lingcod, and amberjack hold, while GPS and radar keep you on course during those early morning runs or late afternoon returns. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 12-hour adventure, and the onboard head means no cutting trips short. Built for serious fishing with comfort in mind, this boat handles Pacific swells smoothly while providing stable casting platforms for up to 4 anglers.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusCalifornia halibut (the Pacific species we target here) are the ultimate flatfish - diamond-shaped bottom dwellers that can surprise you with their size and fight. Most run 10-30 pounds, but 50+ pounders show up regularly on our deeper spots. They prefer sandy bottoms near structure in 80-200 feet, though they'll move shallow to feed. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively hunting. What guests love is the steady pull and head-shaking fight, plus they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. They're ambush feeders that bury in sand waiting for bait to drift by. The key is keeping your offering moving slowly along bottom - dead drift with the current works best. Use whole anchovies or live bait, and don't set the hook hard when you feel that first tap. Let them eat it for a few seconds before lifting into them.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod aren't actually cod at all - they're greenlings with a gnarly appearance thanks to massive teeth and mottled coloring. These ambush predators hang out in rocky areas 30-300 feet down, using kelp and structure to blend in perfectly. Most females run 2+ feet while males stay smaller, but the aggressive nature makes every hookup memorable. They'll eat anything that fits in their bucket-sized mouth and won't back down from a fight. Best caught year-round on metal jigs or live bait near rocky bottom. Since they're lazy and prefer to lie still, once you pull them off structure they're pretty manageable. Pro tip: use 30lb+ braid since they love to wrap around rocks, and don't be surprised if they grab your bait the second it hits bottom.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are fast, powerful fish with bright yellow fins and streamlined bodies built for speed. They typically run 15-25 pounds but can reach 40+ when conditions are right. You'll find them around kelp beds and rocky structure, often deeper during the day but they'll come up to feed. Summer months are prime time when warm water brings them closer to our local islands and reefs. What makes them special is that hard-pulling fight - they're strong swimmers that'll test your drag and stamina. Plus, the meat is top-notch, prized for sushi and sashimi. They'll hit live bait better than artificials, so sardines or mackerel work best. My go-to trick is using chum to bring them up from the depths, then getting live bait down quick before they lose interest and drop back down.
5.0 out of 5.0The boat got us fast to the different fishing locations. As soon as we dropped the line the fish would bite. It is very exciting e...
Santa Barbara