Long Beach Sportfishing: 6-Hour Charter Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6hour inshore fishing charter explores Long Beach watersExpert captain guides groups up to 4 guests maximumWet Willy Charters provides complete sportfishing experience
Looking for some serious fishing action right off the California coast? Wet Willy Charters has you covered with our top-rated 6-hour sportfishing trip out of Long Beach. This isn't your average day on the water – we're talking about real deal fishing in one of Southern California's most productive waters. Our captain knows these spots like the back of his hand, and with just 4 anglers max per trip, you'll get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one. The waters around Long Beach are absolutely loaded with fish year-round, from aggressive barracuda that'll test your drag to hefty halibut hiding in the sandy bottom.
Your morning starts early – and trust me, it's worth dragging yourself out of bed for. We'll meet at the dock in Long Beach where our captain will brief everyone on the game plan for the day. The beauty of fishing these local waters is the variety – one minute you might be working the deeper channels for yellowtail, the next you're drifting over structure targeting rockfish. Our boat is rigged with quality tackle, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. The trip runs a full 6 hours, giving us plenty of time to hit multiple spots and really dial in on what's biting. Don't worry about meals – you'll want to pack some snacks and drinks since none are included, but most folks are too busy fishing to think much about food anyway. The captain will keep you moving to the hot spots, reading the water and adjusting tactics based on what we're seeing out there.
We fish smart out here, switching up techniques based on what we're targeting and what the conditions are telling us. For the bottom dwellers like halibut and rockfish, we'll be using heavier tackle with live bait or fresh chunks, working the structure and drop-offs where these fish like to hang out. When the pelagics are running – your barracuda, bonito, and yellowtail – we might switch to lighter gear and work the surface with lures or live anchovies. The captain carries a full spread of tackle options, from conventional reels for the heavy hitters to spinning gear for finesse work. Long Beach waters can be productive year-round, but the bite definitely changes with the seasons. Summer and fall are prime time for most species, but don't sleep on winter fishing – that's when some of the bigger halibut show up. We'll be fishing anywhere from 60 to 200 feet of water depending on what's happening, and the captain's fish finder and GPS will keep us on the productive zones.
Atlantic Halibut are the true prize of Long Beach fishing – these flatfish can grow absolutely massive and they're some of the best eating you'll find in these waters. They like sandy bottoms near structure, usually in 80-150 feet of water, and they're ambush predators that will absolutely slam a well-presented bait. Best fishing is typically spring through fall, with some real monsters showing up in late summer. What makes halibut so special is the fight – they're pure dead weight on the line, and landing a 20-30 pounder feels like you're pulling up a coffee table. Plus, the meat is incredible – firm, white, and perfect for the grill.
Atlantic Bonito might not be the biggest fish we target, but pound for pound they're some of the hardest fighters you'll encounter. These speedsters show up in schools during summer and early fall, and when they're feeding it's absolute chaos on the surface. They're built like little torpedoes and they fight like it – screaming runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your drag and your reflexes. Most bonito run 3-8 pounds, but they make up for size with pure attitude. They're also fantastic eating when prepared right – think sashimi-grade fish with a rich, meaty flavor.
Redstripe Rockfish are the bread and butter of Long Beach bottom fishing – reliable, tasty, and always willing to bite when you find them on structure. These guys live around rocky areas and reefs in 100-300 feet of water, and they're not particularly picky about baits. What's great about rockfish is they travel in schools, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. They're excellent table fare with firm, flaky white meat, and they're perfect for anglers who want consistent action without having to work too hard for it.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the heavyweight champions of Long Beach sportfishing – powerful, aggressive, and absolutely built for battle. These fish can push 30-40 pounds or more, and they'll take you into your backing faster than you can blink. They show up best during warmer months around kelp beds and structure, and they're suckers for live bait presentations. The fight is what yellowtail are all about – long, sustained runs that'll make your arms burn, followed by bulldog battles at the boat. They're also world-class eating, with firm, rich meat that's perfect for steaks or sashimi.
Pacific Barracuda bring the excitement factor to every trip – these toothy predators are aggressive, fast, and absolutely fearless when they're feeding. They show up in massive schools during summer and fall, often feeding on the surface in spectacular displays that'll get your heart pumping. Barracuda will hit just about anything that moves – lures, live bait, even bare hooks if they're fired up enough. They're not huge – most run 3-8 pounds – but they're lightning fast and they'll test your wire leaders with those razor-sharp teeth. The meat is actually quite good when prepared fresh, with a firm texture and mild flavor.
This 6-hour Long Beach charter with Wet Willy Charters delivers everything you want
Meet your fishing machine for Long Beach waters - a 2019 Parker Pilothouse that's built to put you on the fish. This 300HP Yamaha-powered beast cruises at 34mph, getting you to the hot spots fast while keeping up to 4 anglers comfortable in the pilothouse setup. She's loaded with everything serious fishermen need: GPS to mark those productive coordinates, radar for early morning runs when the fog rolls in, and a fish finder that'll show you exactly what's swimming below. The live bait well keeps your sardines and anchovies fresh all day, while the icebox handles your catch and cold drinks. Whether you're targeting calico bass around the breakwater or chasing bonito in deeper water, this rig has the range and electronics to make it happen. Perfect for small groups who want personalized fishing without the crowded party boat scene.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are speed demons that'll hit 40 mph when chasing baitfish. These silver bullets with dark stripes average 8-12 pounds but can push 18. They're pelagic fish, cruising mid-water in large schools that feed aggressively on the surface. While they're more common on the East Coast, when they show up they're unmistakable - look for diving birds and dorsal fins cutting the surface like mini sharks. They prefer water temps in the 60s and hunt in coastal waters. Guests love the fast action once you find a school - they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. The fight is quick and fierce, though they're not great table fare here. My tip: when you see birds working, get there fast and throw small metal jigs or plastics - the bite window can be short but hot.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusAtlantic Halibut are the world's largest flatfish - we're talking monsters that can hit 15 feet and 700+ pounds, though most you'll see run 4-5 feet and 30-50 pounds. These diamond-shaped bruisers live deep, typically 150-500 feet down on rocky bottoms in cold North Atlantic waters. They're not common off Long Beach since they prefer much colder temps, but when hooked, they're absolute tanks. The fight is legendary - they'll test your gear and endurance like few other fish. Their white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality. Best technique is drift fishing with heavy tackle and big baits like whole mackerel or squid. Pro tip: let them tire themselves out completely before trying to boat them - they've been known to break bones with those powerful tail slaps.
Sphyraena ArgenteaPacific Barracuda are the neighborhood bullies - sleek, silver torpedoes with nasty teeth and attitudes to match. They average 3 feet and 10 pounds, but the bigger ones can hit 18 pounds and 4 feet. These surface predators patrol kelp forests and reefs from the surface down to 120 feet, and they're pure aggression when feeding. Spring and fall bring the best action when mature fish move through our waters from Baja. Guests get hooked on their explosive strikes and aerial acrobatics - they'll thrash and jump like tarpon. Despite their fierce looks, they're actually pretty good eating when prepared right. They've got incredible eyesight and love chasing moving baits. My trick: use live anchovies or sardines and work them fast - these guys can't resist a chase, but keep that bait moving or they'll lose interest quick.
Sebastes ProrigerRedstripe Rockfish are pretty little fish with pinkish-red bodies and distinctive olive-green stripes around their eyes. They typically run 13 inches but can reach 20. These guys live deep - usually 500-900 feet down around rocky reefs and steep drop-offs. They're masters at hovering motionless in mid-water, which makes them tricky to spot. Best fishing happens during their spawning season from May through July when they school up. Guests appreciate their excellent table quality - light, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. They don't fight much, but finding them is the real challenge. Here's the key: use heavy jigs or diamond jigs to get down fast in the current, and target steep underwater structure. Just remember to bring a descending device - these deep-water fish need help getting back down safely.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail are the fish that built Southern California's sportfishing reputation. These golden-finned torpedoes average 15-25 pounds but can reach 40+ pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They hang around kelp beds and rocky structure from the surface down to 200 feet, with prime territory near Catalina and San Clemente Islands. Summer's your best bet when warm water brings them north from Baja. Guests love them because they're pure power - long, blistering runs that'll test your drag and stamina. Plus they're fantastic eating, prized for sushi and sashimi. They cruise deep but you can chum them up to the surface. Live bait works best - sardines or anchovies. Here's my tip: when you hook up, pump and wind technique with steady pressure, but don't horse them or they'll dive into the kelp and cut you off.
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