Damn Good Halibut Fishing Charters In California

Check real-time availability and compare rates on California halibut fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

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4.9/5 Average Rating

Recently Booked Halibut Fishing Charters In California

Hot Trip
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore in Ventura

Santa Cruz Island Run

100% (8)
22 ft 1 - 3 People From $975
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in San Francisco

Catch And Release Trip

100% (1)
28 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing in Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay Roundup

NEW
28 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Richmond

Bay Area Halibut

100% (3)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in San Diego

Epic Coastal Or Inshore Fishing

100% (9)
28 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,150
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing in San Diego

1/2 DAY

NEW
50 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,680

Top Types of Halibut Trips in California

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We hand pick our Damn Good Guides, and our network spans across North America and beyond.

4.9 / 5 Average Rating

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we've handpicked every single one. We're passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Halibut Fishing Charters In California

Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing in San Diego

Local Excursion - 42’ Hershine

86% (7)
42 ft 1 - 13 People From $850
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing in San Diego

4-12 Hour Trip – Inshore

100% (2)
34 ft 1 - 6 People From $990
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in Los Angeles

6 Hour Local Fishing PM

100% (15)
35 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,100
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Berkeley

Bay Halibut/Stripers Full Day

NEW
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,650
Hot Trip
people are viewing this trip.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Dana Point

Sportfishing Or Sharking - 47'

100% (3)
47 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,095
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing in San Diego

Local Offshore - 42’ Hershine

86% (7)
42 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,610

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick each and every one of them, and our network spans all across the US and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

Everything to Know About Booking a California halibut fishing charter

What are the best halibut fishing charters in California?

The best halibut fishing charters in California are:

Why should I book a halibut fishing charter in California with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 48 halibut trips in California, and the most popular trips in the area are Santa Cruz Island Run guided by JT, Catch And Release Trip guided by Molly, and Bodega Bay Roundup guided by Ty.

Our guides in California are rated a 4.9 out of 5 based on 8854 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly halibut guides / fishing lessons in California? Check out our beginner and family friendly halibut guides in California.

What types of halibut fishing charters are common in California?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for halibut in California as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in California are bottom fishing, light tackle fishing, and trolling but heavy tackle fishing and jigging are popular as well.

How much do California halibut fishing charters cost?

Prices for halibut in California can range anywhere from about $925 to $5,065, but the average price for a half day trip for halibut in California is $1,544. The average price for a full day trip for halibut in California is $2,852.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for halibut fishing in California?

The most popular season for halibut fishing in California is summer, and most anglers book their trips 23 days in advance.

Do I need a California fishing license for halibut and what are the bag limits for halibut in California?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in California, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in California. When in doubt, your guide will always know all the relevant rules and regulations in California.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    I had a great experience with captain Molly. Her navigational skills in the San Francisco sea was exceptional. I will book with her again next time I visit her great city.

    John R. | August 5, 2026

    Trip: San Francisco Bay Fishing Trips

  • ★★★★★
    JT got us the fish we were looking for: California Sheephead, Lingcod & Rockfish. JT is knowledgeable & knew exactly where to look.

    Ryan J. | July 30, 2026

    Trip: Santa Cruz Island Run

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely packed with knowledge, taking us to some of the best spots. Fishing trip so successful we had to return half of our catches so we didnt go over limit. I will be recommending to friends, family, and my future trips. 10/10. He knows all the spots.

    Jovan V. | July 25, 2026

    Trip: Sunrise Fishing Trip For Up To 6

  • ★★★★★
    5

    Demetric R. | July 22, 2026

    Trip: Halibut/Striped Bass

  • ★★★★★
    Had an absolute blast on our charter yesterday! We were targeting cod and salmon, and the crew delivered in every way. The captain put us right on the fish, and the deckhand worked endlessly to keep our lines ready and net our catches smoothly. Both were extremely professional, friendly, and great company throughout the trip. If you’re looking for a top-tier fishing experience, book this charter!

    Kip S. | July 22, 2026

    Trip: Half Moon Bay - Inshore

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Last updated: August 7, 2026

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See All Halibut Trips in California