Damn Good Live Bait Fishing Charters In California

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

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Recently Booked Live Bait Fishing Charters In California

Hot Trip
people are viewing this trip.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing in Long Beach

Long Beach Nearshore Adventure

100% (10)
20 ft 1 - 4 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing in Richmond

Marin Salmon Fishing

NEW
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,150
Hot Trip
people are viewing this trip.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Los Angeles

11 Hour Catalina Fishing Experience

100% (13)
35 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,950
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing in San Diego

Coronados Half Day Trip

100% (2)
37 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,500
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

Full Day Local Offshore

86% (7)
36 ft 1 - 5 People From $2,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in San Diego

Coronado Islands Adventure

NEW
29 ft 1 - 4 People From $2,000

Top Cities for Live Bait Fishing in California

Top Types of Live Bait Fishing Trips in California

Top Species for Live Bait Fishing in California

“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 Live Bait Fishing Charters In California

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing in San Diego

San Diego Half Day Roundup

100% (2)
28 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,225
Hot Trip
people are viewing this trip.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Marina del Rey

Marina Del Rey Fishing Trip

100% (11)
34 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in San Diego

Island Charters - PASSPORT REQUIRED

100% (2)
34 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,925
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in Berkeley

Lets Go Halibut Fishing

NEW
34 ft 1 - 12 People From $260
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in San Diego

Coronado Islands 9hr

NEW
34 ft 1 - 5 People From $2,500
Hot Trip
people are viewing this trip.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in Los Angeles

6 Hour Local Fishing

100% (13)
35 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,000
See All Live Bait Fishing Trips in California

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Everything to Know About Booking a California live bait fishing charter

What are the best live bait fishing charters in California?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 45 live bait fishing trips in California, and the most popular trips in the area are Long Beach Nearshore Adventure guided by Kevin, Marin Salmon Fishing guided by Anthony, and 11 Hour Catalina Fishing Experience guided by Harry.

Our guides in California are rated a 4.96 out of 5 based on 7153 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 live bait fishing guides / fishing lessons in California? Check out our beginner and family friendly live bait fishing guides in California.

What types of live bait fishing charters are common in California?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for live bait fishing in California as well as nearshore fishing and inshore fishing.

The most commonly sought after species for live bait fishing in California are: 1. yellowtail amberjack, 2. halibut, 3. rockfish, 4. barracuda, and 5. calico bass.

How much do California live bait fishing charters cost?

Prices for live bait fishing in California can range anywhere from about $1,000 to $3,600, but the average price for a half day trip for live bait fishing in California is $1,282. The average price for a full day trip for live bait fishing in California is $2,659.

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 on a live bait fishing charter in California?

The most popular season to go on a live bait fishing charter in California is summer, and most anglers book their trips 32 days in advance.

Do I need a California fishing license and what are the bag limits 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 fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in California.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience ! We took my son and his friend on a bday fishing trip . The crew was great with the kids ! Thank you 😊

    Hodaya D. | May 9, 2026

    Trip: Marina Del Rey Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Had such an amazing time! Kevin knows his fishing holes and how to hook em. Had a great time on the water laughing and reeling them in! Can't wait to go again.

    David A. | May 1, 2026

    Trip: Long Beach Nearshore Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    We absolutely loved our fishing charter with JT. Had 2 of my grandsons age 4 & 11 with as well as my son. It was their first time and they are already asking to do it again. We got several different types of fish and they tasted amazing. If you are looking for a great charter with a fantastic guide, book with JT!

    Lynn G. | April 20, 2026

    Trip: Island Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    My 15 yo son and I had a successful day with Capt TJ. Caught a lot of fish and learned alot on his boat. We are beginning ocean fisherman and he let us get into a groove where it more than met our expectations. Much fun and good memories.

    Edward S. | April 6, 2026

    Trip: Santa Cruz Island Run

  • ★★★★★
    My son and I booked a trip with Kevin's team through Captain Experiences. Our captain out of Long Beach was Jeremy. He was fun, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to be on the water. We did a half day trip which was more than great. My 14 year old son had a blast. I would do it all over again without a doubt.

    George M. | April 6, 2026

    Trip: Long Beach Nearshore Adventure

Other Fishing Techniques in California

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How are fishing conditions in California?

View California Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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See All Live Bait Fishing Trips in California