Catalina Island Fishing | 9 Hour Charter Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
9hour inshore fishing charter around scenic Catalina Island watersSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests aboardProfessional charter service operated by Wet Willy Charters
There's nothing quite like a full day on the water around Catalina Island, and this 9-hour charter with Wet Willy Charters puts you right in the heart of some of Southern California's best inshore fishing action. We're talking about crystal-clear waters, dramatic drop-offs, and kelp forests that hold some serious fish. With just 4 anglers max, you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from our crew who know these waters like the back of their hand. This isn't your typical crowded party boat – it's a top-rated fishing experience where you can actually focus on what you came here for.
Your day kicks off early as we motor out from the mainland toward Catalina's legendary fishing grounds. The ride over gives you time to rig up and get your game face on while our captain scouts the conditions and plots our first moves. We'll be working the island's structure – rocky points, kelp beds, and underwater seamounts that attract baitfish and the predators that follow them. The beauty of a 9-hour trip is we're not rushed. If the bite's hot at one spot, we can stay put. If it slows down, we've got time to relocate and find where the fish are stacked up. Expect to cover a lot of water and adapt to what Mother Nature serves up that day.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where we find them. Live bait fishing with sardines or mackerel is our bread and butter – nothing beats a lively bait swimming around structure for drawing strikes from yellowtail and bass. When we're targeting rockfish around the reefs, we'll drop down with heavy jigs and work them through the rocks where the big lingcod like to ambush prey. For barracuda, we might switch to iron jigs or even throw some surface lures when they're feeding up top. All gear is provided, but if you've got your own setup, bring medium to heavy action rods that can handle 20-40 lb line. The rocky bottom and kelp can be tackle-hungry, so we come prepared with plenty of rigs and weights.
Lingcod are the true bruisers of these waters and one of the most sought-after targets on any Catalina trip. These aggressive predators can push 20+ pounds and put up a serious fight once hooked. They're ambush feeders that hang around rocky structure, so expect to work jigs and live bait right in the danger zone near the bottom. Best fishing for lings typically runs from late spring through fall, and they're known for their ugly mugs and excellent table fare. When you hook into a big one, you'll know it – they make powerful runs and try to wrap you up in the rocks.
Redstripe Rockfish might not be the biggest fish in these waters, but they're abundant and fun to catch on lighter tackle. These colorful bottom dwellers live in schools around rocky reefs and respond well to small jigs and cut bait. They're perfect for keeping the action going between shots at bigger game, and they make excellent fish tacos. Peak season runs through the warmer months when they're most active, and you'll often find them mixed in with other rockfish species.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the speed demons that get every angler's heart racing. These fish can exceed 30 pounds around Catalina and are famous for their blistering runs and aerial displays. They're most active during the warmer months, especially late summer and fall when water temperatures peak. Yellowtail are structure-oriented but also roam open water, so we'll target them with live bait around kelp edges and rocky points. When they're feeding, the action can be wide open – but they can also be finicky and require stealth and patience.
Pacific Barracuda bring serious speed and razor-sharp teeth to the mix. These silver bullets can reach impressive sizes around Catalina and provide non-stop action when they're schooled up. They're opportunistic feeders that respond to both live bait and artificial lures, making them perfect targets for anglers who like variety in their techniques. Barracuda fishing peaks during the warmer months, and they're often found near the surface around bait schools. Their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights make them a customer favorite.
Barred Sand Bass are the local favorites that provide consistent action throughout much of the year. These hard-fighting bass love structure and are commonly found around Catalina's rocky shores and kelp beds. They're ambush predators that respond well to live bait presentations, and their tenacious fighting style makes them a joy to battle on appropriate tackle. While they might not reach the massive sizes of yellowtail, their aggressive nature and excellent eating quality make them a prized catch for both novice and experienced anglers.
This world-class Catalina Island charter delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – quality fishing, personalized service, and access to some of the best inshore waters on the West Coast. With only 4 spots available, you're guaranteed the attention and fishing space you deserve, not the crowded chaos of larger boats. Our experienced crew knows how to put you on fish, and the 9-hour format gives us the flexibility to chase the bite wherever it takes us. Whether you're after that trophy yellowtail or just want to load the cooler with fresh rockfish, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its best.
Your fishing adventure awaits aboard our 2019 Parker Pilothouse, perfectly rigged for Catalina's productive waters. This 25-foot sportfisher cuts through the swells at up to 34mph thanks to her reliable 300HP Yamaha, getting you to the hotspots fast and comfortable. Built for serious anglers, she's loaded with all the essentials: GPS to navigate Catalina's coastline, fish finder to locate schools, radar for those foggy mornings, and a live bait well to keep your sardines frisky. The roomy cockpit gives all four anglers plenty of space to work their lines without getting tangled up. When you hook into yellowtail or calico bass, you'll appreciate the solid footing and clean deck layout. Between fishing spots, grab a cold drink from the icebox and enjoy the ride in the enclosed pilothouse - perfect protection when the Pacific breeze picks up. Whether you're targeting rockfish along the kelp beds or chasing pelagics in deeper water, this boat handles Catalina's conditions like a champ.
Paralabrax NebuliferBarred sand bass, or "sand bass" as we call them locally, are one of our most reliable targets around Catalina. These chunky fighters typically run 1-4 pounds with their distinctive dark vertical bars along gray-green sides. You'll find them over sandy bottoms near rocks and kelp in 60-200 feet of water, though the bigger ones usually hold deeper. May through October is prime season, especially during evening and night fishing when they feed most actively. Guests appreciate sand bass because they're scrappy fighters for their size and excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. They're also pretty cooperative - they'll hit both live bait and plastics readily when they're feeding. What's cool is they can actually change from female to male as they age and grow larger. My go-to technique is finding the right depth where they're holding, then working plastics or live squid right on the bottom. Once you locate a school, you can often catch several before they move on.
Ophiodon ElongatusThese gnarly-looking fish are some of the coolest predators around Catalina. Despite their name, lingcod aren't actually cod but rather aggressive greenlings with massive heads and razor-sharp teeth. They typically run 15-30 pounds but can push 40+ pounds if you're lucky. You'll find them lurking in rocky areas and kelp beds from 30-200 feet deep, using their mottled coloring to ambush prey. They're available year-round but bite best during cooler months when they move shallow to spawn. What makes them special is their fierce attitude - they rarely back down from a fight and will actually attack the boat once hooked. The meat is excellent, flaky white fish that's perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack to shake free, as those big teeth can easily tear through lighter tackle if they get their head thrashing.
Sphyraena ArgenteaPacific barracuda are sleek silver predators that provide fast-paced action around Catalina's kelp forests. Most run 3-8 pounds and stretch 2-3 feet long, with their torpedo-shaped bodies built for speed. You'll find them cruising near the surface around kelp beds and rocky structure, usually in 20-80 feet of water. Spring and fall are peak seasons when larger adults move through our waters. What guests love about barracuda is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump clear out of the water multiple times when hooked. They have excellent eyesight and will chase down fast-moving lures, making for exciting visual fishing. The meat is good eating too, with firm white flesh that's great grilled. Despite their fearsome teeth, they're actually pretty skittish around the boat. The secret to consistent barracuda fishing is keeping your lures moving fast and erratic. They love the chase, so don't slow down your retrieve even when they're following your bait.
Sebastes ProrigerThese pretty pink and red rockfish with their distinctive lateral stripes are smaller catches that pack great flavor. Most run 10-15 inches, making them perfect pan-sized fish for a fresh meal. You'll find them schooling in deeper water, usually 200-600 feet down over rocky bottoms and along steep drop-offs. They're available year-round, but spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. While they don't put up a massive fight, guests love them for their excellent table fare - light, flaky meat that's fantastic grilled or fried. They're also beautiful fish with their olive-green markings and bright red fins. The key to catching redstripe rockfish is getting your bait down fast with enough weight. Use a heavy jig or sinker to cut through the current, and once you're on the bottom, you'll often find them stacked up in good numbers for steady action throughout the day.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are hands down one of the most exciting fish we target around Catalina. These golden-finned speedsters typically run 15-25 pounds, but 40-pounders show up regularly during good years. They cruise kelp beds and rocky reefs anywhere from the surface down to 100+ feet, following schools of bait fish. Summer is prime time when warm water brings them north from Baja, with peak action from June through September. What makes yellowtail special is their raw power - they'll make screaming runs that'll test your drag and stamina. Plus, they're absolutely delicious, prized for sushi and grilling. You'll often see them boiling on the surface when they're feeding, which makes for some exciting topwater action. The trick with yellowtail is patience during the fight. Don't horse them or they'll break you off on the kelp. Keep steady pressure but let them run when they want to, and always wear gloves when handling the line.
Los Angeles