Long Beach Bluefin Tuna Fishing Charter
Looking to tangle with some serious fish? Our 12-hour bluefin tuna charter out of Long Beach puts you right in the heart of Southern California's hottest offshore action. We're talking about chasing some of the most powerful fish in the Pacific, and trust me, when a bluefin decides to make a run, you'll know exactly why anglers travel from all over the world to fish these waters. Captain and crew at Wet Willy Charters know these offshore banks like the back of their hand, and we'll put you on fish using proven techniques that consistently produce results. This isn't your average half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to finding and fighting the fish of a lifetime.
What to Expect on the Water
We launch early from Long Beach Harbor and make the run to the productive offshore zones where bluefin tuna cruise the deep blue. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful day, from top-shelf tackle to live bait wells stocked with the freshest sardines and anchovies. Our small group size of just 4 anglers means you get personal attention from the crew and plenty of room to work when a fish is on. The captain monitors fish finder screens, water temperature, and bird activity to locate schools of tuna. Once we mark fish, we'll set up a drift and get lines in the water. These 12-hour trips give us the flexibility to move around and chase the bite, whether that means working kelp paddies, targeting temperature breaks, or following the birds to feeding schools.
Techniques That Get Results
We run the full arsenal of proven bluefin techniques on these charters. Kite fishing is absolutely deadly when conditions are right – we'll fly live bait from kites to keep them dancing on the surface away from the boat. Trolling cedar plugs and spreader bars covers water fast when we're searching for schools. When fish are up and feeding, nothing beats throwing poppers and stickbaits on spinning gear for pure adrenaline. We also work live bait on the slide, dropping sardines and anchovies down to cruising fish. The crew will match your tackle to the conditions and target size – we're talking 40-80 pound class conventional reels spooled with spectra, plus some spinning setups for surface action. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are provided, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. We carry a full selection of jigs, poppers, and hardware that's proven in these waters.
Bluefin Tuna: The Ultimate Test
Pacific bluefin tuna are absolutely incredible fish that will test every ounce of your angling skill. These torpedo-shaped predators can reach speeds over 40 mph and dive to incredible depths when hooked. The bluefin we target off Long Beach typically range from 40 to 100 pounds, though bigger fish are always possible. Summer through fall offers the best action, with September and October being prime months when schools move through our local waters. What makes bluefin so special is their incredible strength and endurance – a 60-pound bluefin will fight harder and longer than most fish twice its size. They're also incredibly smart, often requiring precise bait presentation and light leaders to get bit. When you finally boat one of these fish, you'll understand why they're considered the ultimate prize for Southern California anglers. The meat quality is second to none – this is the same species that sells for thousands of dollars at Tokyo fish markets.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to test your skills against some of the Pacific's most prized gamefish? This 12-hour bluefin charter with Wet Willy Charters gives you the best shot at hooking up with these amazing fish in Long Beach's productive offshore waters. With our experienced crew, top-notch equipment, and small group size, you'll have everything you need for an epic day on the water. Keep in mind that meals aren't included, so pack plenty of food and drinks for the long day ahead. These trips fill up fast during peak season, especially when the bluefin bite is hot. Don't miss your chance to experience world-class tuna fishing right here in Southern California – book your spot today and get ready for the fight of your life.