Deep Sea Fishing Long Beach | 12 Hour Trip
When you're ready to leave the shoreline behind and chase some serious gamefish, this 12-hour deep sea adventure with Wet Willy Charters is where the magic happens. We're talking about heading way out into the blue water off Long Beach, where the big boys swim and every hookup could be the fish of a lifetime. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're going the distance to reach those prime fishing grounds where Yellowtail Amberjack, Yellowfin Tuna, and Mahi Mahi cruise the open ocean. With only 4 anglers on board, you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be fighting for rail space when the bite gets hot.
What to Expect on the Water
This world-class offshore experience starts early, and trust me, you'll want to be ready to roll when we fire up the engines. We'll be running hard to reach those deep blue waters where the thermoclines set up and the baitfish schools draw in the predators. The boat's equipped with all the heavy tackle you'll need – think 30-50 pound class rods, high-capacity reels, and terminal tackle that can handle whatever we hook into. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the temperature breaks, current edges, and bird activity that signal where the fish are stacked up. You'll spend most of your day working different techniques as conditions change, and with 12 hours on the water, we've got time to really dial in what's working. Pack your own food and drinks since meals aren't included – you'll work up an appetite fighting fish all day.
Techniques That Get Results
Out here in the deep water, we're primarily trolling with a spread of lures and rigged baits, covering water to locate active schools. When we mark fish or see surface activity, we'll switch things up and get into some chunking or live bait fishing. The trolling spread typically includes cedar plugs, feathers, and larger swimming lures that mimic the flying fish and squid these pelagics feed on. Once we find cooperative fish, we might anchor up and chunk with cut bait or deploy the kite rigs if conditions are right. The tackle is serious business – we're using 6/0 to 8/0 circle hooks, 80-100 pound fluorocarbon leaders, and enough drag to turn these fish before they spool you. The deck crew will help get you rigged up and coach you through the fight, but be ready to put in some work when you hook up. These aren't the little rockfish from the local reefs – offshore gamefish have the room to run and they'll use every bit of it.
Top Catches This Season
The Yellowtail Amberjack out here are absolute bulldogs that'll test your back and your tackle. These fish typically run 15-40 pounds, with the occasional bruiser pushing 50-plus. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, and they love structure and current breaks in 200-400 feet of water. What makes them so exciting is their initial run – they'll scream drag for 100 yards before you can even think about gaining line back. They're also fantastic table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for sashimi or grilling. The Yellowfin Tuna are the speed demons of the bunch, and landing one is like hooking into a freight train with fins. These fish can range from school-size 15-pounders up to 60+ pound adults, and they're known for their blistering runs and dogged deep fights. Peak season runs from summer into fall when the water temps hit that sweet spot above 68 degrees. Tuna are pure muscle and endurance – plan on a 20-30 minute fight minimum for anything decent-sized. The meat quality is top-notch, and nothing beats fresh yellowfin sashimi after a day on the water. Mahi Mahi bring the acrobatics to the party with their spectacular jumps and brilliant colors. These fish typically run 10-25 pounds in our waters, though larger bulls show up during peak season in late summer. They're often found around floating debris, kelp patties, or anywhere baitfish are concentrated. What makes them special is their aerial display once hooked – they'll jump repeatedly and put on a show that'll have everyone on deck watching. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them one of the most popular fish on restaurant menus.
Time to Book Your Spot
This customer-favorite 12-hour deep sea adventure represents serious offshore fishing at its finest. You're getting access to some of the best fishing grounds off the Southern California coast, professional guidance from experienced crew, and the chance to tangle with gamefish that most anglers only dream about. With space limited to just 4 anglers, spots fill up fast, especially during prime season when the fish are really chewing. The combination of expert local knowledge, top-rated equipment, and 12 solid hours of fishing time makes this trip a standout choice for anyone serious about their angling. Whether you're looking to check some bucket-list species off your list or just want to experience what real offshore fishing is all about, this is your ticket to the deep blue. Don't let this renowned Long Beach fishing opportunity slip away – book your spot with Wet Willy Charters and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.