12 Hour Island Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
12hour charter fishing adventure to California's Channel IslandsSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests aboardProfessional crew targets multiple island fishing locations
Picture this: you're 20 miles offshore from Long Beach, lines in the water at one of California's premier island fishing destinations. With Wet Willy Charters, you're not just booking another fishing trip – you're getting access to some of the most productive waters on the West Coast. Our 12-hour island charter gives you the whole day to work the kelp beds, rocky reefs, and open water around Catalina, San Clemente, or Santa Barbara Island. It's a full commitment to the sport, and that's exactly why serious anglers keep coming back.
This isn't your typical half-day run to the local grounds. We're talking about a real island adventure that starts before dawn and keeps you fishing until the sun starts setting. You'll have four spots max on the boat, which means plenty of room to work and no crowded rails. The captain knows these island waters like his own backyard – every kelp paddy, every underwater structure that holds fish. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we might hit multiple spots around your chosen island. Some days we're working the shallow reefs for rockfish and lingcod, other days we're trolling the deeper water for yellowtail and barracuda. The beauty of a 12-hour charter is having the time to adapt and chase whatever's hot.
Island fishing around Long Beach requires a mix of techniques, and that's what makes it so rewarding. We'll be working with everything from heavy jigs for deep water rockfish to live bait rigs for yellowtail. The kelp forests around these islands are like underwater cities – they hold everything from small calicos to big lingcod. You'll learn to read the sonar, watch for birds, and feel the difference between a rocky bottom bite and a fish cruising the mid-water column. Live bait fishing is huge out here, especially when the yellowtail are moving through. We'll also work iron jigs and swimbaits when the fish are aggressive. The gear is provided, but if you've got your own setup, bring it along – there's nothing like hooking a big barracuda on your favorite rod.
Atlantic Halibut might seem like an odd name for a Pacific catch, but these flatfish are serious business around the islands. They're ambush predators that lay buried in the sand waiting for baitfish to cruise by. The big ones – we're talking 20 to 40 pounds – are usually found in 60 to 120 feet of water near sandy bottoms adjacent to rocky structure. Spring through fall is prime time, and when you hook into a barn door halibut, you'll know it immediately. They fight with pure weight and stubbornness, making long runs close to the bottom. It's a chess match more than a drag-screaming battle.
Atlantic Bonito are the speed demons of the island waters. These smaller tunas travel in schools and when you find them, the action is fast and furious. They average 3 to 8 pounds but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. Bonito are most active during the warmer months, especially late summer and early fall when they're feeding heavily before winter. They hit small jigs, anchovies, and anything that mimics a fleeing baitfish. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts to the edges of the school.
Redstripe Rockfish are one of the most reliable catches around the island structure. These beautiful fish live in the rocky reefs and underwater pinnacles that surround all three islands. They're not huge – typically 1 to 3 pounds – but they're excellent eating and always willing to bite. The redstripes are year-round residents, which makes them a dependable target when other species are being finicky. They respond well to small jigs, cut bait, and live anchovies fished near the bottom.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the prize of island fishing. These powerful fish can reach 20 to 40 pounds and they fight like they're twice that size. Yellowtail are most abundant during the warmer months, typically showing up in good numbers from June through October. They love live bait – sardines, anchovies, and mackerel – but they'll also crush iron jigs and swimbaits when they're in an aggressive mood. The key is finding them first, which often means looking for kelp paddies, bird activity, or temperature breaks in the open water.
Pacific Barracuda bring serious attitude to the fight. These toothy predators are built for speed and they use every bit of it when hooked. They're most active during the summer and fall months, often found hunting in the upper water column around the islands. Barracuda are sight feeders with excellent vision, so they can be picky about presentation. They love shiny lures, live bait, and anything that moves erratically through the water. A good barracuda will make multiple runs and jump several times before coming to the boat.
A 12-hour island charter with Wet Willy Charters is serious fishing for serious anglers. You're getting access to some of California's best fishing grounds with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. The small group size means personalized attention and room to fish properly. Whether you're after a trophy halibut, a cooler full of rockfish, or the fight of a lifetime with a big yellowtail, this trip delivers. The islands are calling – book your spot and get ready for a full day of world-class fishing action.
Step aboard our 2019 Parker Pilothouse and get ready to chase trophy fish around California's most productive island waters. This solid fishing machine packs a 300HP Yamaha that'll cruise you and three buddies out to Catalina, San Clemente, or Santa Barbara Island at a comfortable 34mph. The boat's equipped with everything serious anglers need - GPS to mark those hot spots, fish finder to locate the schools, radar for those early morning runs, and a live bait well to keep your sardines swimming strong. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long battles with yellowtail and white seabass. With 12 hours on the water, you'll have plenty of time to work the kelp beds, rocky points, and deep water drop-offs that make these islands legendary fishing destinations. The pilothouse design means you can fish in comfort whether you're battling wind or soaking up California sunshine.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are speed demons that can hit 40 mph, making them a blast to target when they're feeding near the surface. These silver rockets with distinctive black stripes average 8-12 pounds and travel in large schools that create quite a commotion when feeding. You'll spot them by the diving birds - they chase baitfish so aggressively they often jump clear out of the water. They prefer coastal waters in the 60-degree range and show up best during warmer months. While they're not great eating here in California, they put up a fantastic fight and make excellent bait for bigger game. They'll hit almost any lure when they're feeding, but here's the trick: troll fast-moving plastic lures or metal jigs through the school. Once you find them feeding, work quickly - they can disappear as fast as they arrived, leaving you wondering if you imagined the whole show.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusAtlantic Halibut are the world's largest flatfish, averaging 30 pounds but capable of reaching massive sizes over 200 pounds. These diamond-shaped giants live in deep, cold waters from 160-6,560 feet, preferring temperatures around 40°F. While they're mainly found in the North Atlantic, they occasionally show up in our deeper waters during certain seasons. What makes them special is their incredible fighting power - they're built like underwater tanks and will test your gear to the limit. The meat is absolutely top-notch, flaky white fillets that make the battle worthwhile. My tip: use heavy tackle and drift with the current when targeting depths of 150-500 feet. Let the waves do the work moving your bait, and be patient - when one hits, you're in for a long, tough fight that'll have you questioning your arm strength.
Sphyraena ArgenteaPacific Barracuda are aggressive silver torpedoes that put on quite a show when hooked, often jumping and thrashing at the surface. They average 3-4 feet and 10 pounds, with excellent eyesight that makes them formidable hunters in kelp forests and around reefs. These fish are surface to mid-water feeders, rarely going deeper than 120 feet, and they love chasing moving targets. Spring and fall bring the best action when mature fish migrate up from Baja waters to our local spots like Catalina Island and Marina del Rey. While they're not the best eating, they're pure fun on lighter tackle and make great live bait for bigger game. They school up to hunt other baitfish, herding them to the surface before attacking from all angles. The secret is making them chase your lure - cast long and reel steady but not too fast. Use live anchovies or sardines when possible, and stick with surface iron lures in purple-white or black-white combinations.
Sebastes ProrigerRedstripe Rockfish are beautiful little fighters with distinctive red lateral stripes and olive-green markings around their eyes. They typically run 13 inches but can reach 20, living up to 55 years in rocky reef areas from 70-900 feet deep. You'll find them hovering near steep drop-offs and rocky structure around our local islands, especially during spring and summer spawning season. What guests love is their excellent table fare - light, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilling. They're not huge fighters, but they make up for it in numbers when you hit a good school. The key is getting your bait down fast to where they live. Use metal jigs or diamond jigs to cut through current, and target the deeper rocky areas around Catalina or San Clemente. Fair warning though - they're sensitive to pressure changes, so have a descending device ready if you're releasing them.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are the crown jewel of our local fishing scene, with their bright yellow fins and serious attitude. Most run 15-25 pounds, but 40-pounders show up regularly around Catalina and San Clemente Islands during summer when the water warms up. These fish are pure muscle - fast, strong swimmers that'll test your drag and your patience. They hang around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and structure from the surface down to 150 feet, feeding on sardines, anchovies, and squid. What makes them special is the combination of great fighting and excellent eating - the meat is perfect for sashimi or grilling. Spring through fall is prime time when they migrate up from Baja waters. My go-to technique: use live bait and don't be afraid to use heavy tackle - 40-50 pound test isn't overkill. Keep steady pressure but let them run when they want to, and whatever you do, wear gloves when handling that braided line.
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