Family Full Day Amberjack, Halibut & Lingcod Trip
Picture this: you and your crew hauling in trophy-sized lingcod while the kids get their first taste of what makes offshore fishing so addictive. Captain Spivey's family-friendly full day charter takes you into Santa Barbara's most productive waters for a 12-hour adventure that's equal parts fishing clinic and memory-making machine. With room for up to four anglers, this isn't your typical crowded party boat experience. You'll have space to move around, personalized attention, and the kind of hands-on guidance that turns fishing rookies into lifelong anglers. Whether you're teaching the grandkids how to tie knots or watching your teenager battle their first amberjack, this trip delivers the goods both in the cooler and in the smile department.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Spivey knows these Santa Barbara waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the game plan to put you on fish all day long. You'll start early, heading offshore to target multiple species across different depths and structures. The beauty of this 12-hour format is the variety – you're not stuck fishing one spot or one technique all day. Expect to move around, hitting rockfish grounds, kelp beds, and deeper offshore structure where the big amberjack roam. The boat's got plenty of deck space so everyone can fish comfortably without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Captain Spivey keeps things relaxed but productive, making sure the kids stay engaged while the adults get their fishing fix. He'll help with everything from baiting hooks to coaching first-timers through their fights, and he's got a knack for reading the water that keeps the action steady throughout the day.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
You'll be using a mix of bottom fishing and mid-water techniques depending on what species you're targeting. For lingcod and halibut, expect heavy sinkers and live or cut bait fished near the bottom around rocky structure and sandy flats. The amberjack fishing typically involves iron jigs or live bait presentations in deeper water where these hard-fighting fish cruise the mid-water column. Captain Spivey provides all the tackle, but if you've got your own gear, bring medium to heavy action rods with strong reels – these fish don't give up easy. The halibut fishing relies on patience and feel, slowly working baits across the bottom, while lingcod fishing is more about precise drops around rocks and ledges. When the amberjack bite is on, you might switch to iron jigs or yo-yo techniques that really get their attention. Don't worry if you're new to these methods – Captain Spivey walks everyone through the techniques and adjusts the approach based on your skill level.
Customer Stories
"We had a fantastic time with the captain. My crew and I wanted a fishing trip to get away from our busy lives. We thought we were just going fishing. Instead we had a comprehensive tailored guide trip for plenty of fish to not only fill our freezers but a memory to last a lifetime. I cannot wait to go on the trip again. We started with rock fish then headed over to the sheepshead and other specials then ended with king cod fishing. I could tell the captain loved what he did and wanted us to have the best fishing experience, and boy we were not disappointed. I've been on many chartered trips from Alaska to Florida's coast to overseas trips, but this one takes the cake. If you are hesitant about booking, call the captain and he will tailor a specific trip from the novice to the well experienced! Highly recommended and can't wait to go again!!!" - Rodney
Top Catches This Season
Lingcod are the bruisers of this trip – these prehistoric-looking predators can stretch over three feet and put up a fight that'll test your tackle and your technique. They hang around rocky bottoms and kelp edges, ambushing anything that looks like an easy meal. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at trophy lingcod, with summer being prime time when they're most active and aggressive. What makes lingcod so exciting is their unpredictable nature – they might grab your bait the second it hits bottom, or they might follow it up for twenty feet before deciding to strike. Their massive mouths and aggressive feeding style make them a blast for kids and adults alike.
Yellowtail Amberjack bring the speed and endurance that serious anglers crave. These fish are built for long, powerful runs that'll have your drag screaming and your arms burning. They typically show up in Santa Barbara waters during the warmer months, cruising in schools around offshore structure and kelp paddies. Amberjack can push 20-30 pounds in these waters, and they fight every ounce of the way to the boat. They're notorious for making multiple runs, just when you think you've got them whipped. The key to amberjack success is staying patient during the fight and keeping steady pressure – rush them and they'll find a way to break you off.
Atlantic Halibut represent the dinner table gold standard on this trip. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy bottoms waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. Halibut fishing requires finesse and patience – you're feeling for that subtle tap-tap that signals a fish mouthing your bait. They can range from keeper-sized fish perfect for the family dinner table up to genuine trophy specimens that'll have you telling stories for years. The best halibut action typically happens during spring and summer when they move into shallower waters to feed. What anglers love about halibut is the combination of challenge and reward – they're tricky to hook consistently, but when you connect, you know you've got something special on the other end.
Time to Book Your Spot
This family-friendly full day charter hits all the right notes – variety, action, and the kind of personal attention that makes the difference between a goo
5.0(1 Reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Santa Barbara
Full
