Damn Good Inshore Fishing Charters In Long Beach

The best inshore fishing charters in Long Beach are:

• Mystic Queen Sportfishing guided by Harry M.
• Breakwall Fishing Charters guided by Kevin D.
• Graphic Slayer Sportfishing guided by JT L. with 14 years of experience
• All Harbors Charter guided by Gerry M.
• Kamryn Dawson Charters guided by Tj H.

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 10 inshore trips in Long Beach, and the most popular trips in the area are 4 Hour PM Fishing Experience guided by Harry, Sunrise Fishing Trip For Up To 6 guided by Kevin, and 6-8 Hr– Catalina Island Trip guided by Gerry.

Our guides in Long Beach are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 7439 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 inshore guides / fishing lessons in Long Beach? Check out our beginner and family friendly inshore guides in Long Beach.

The most commonly sought after species for inshore fishing are: 1. calico bass, 2. halibut, 3. barracuda, 4. bonito, and 5. rockfish.

The most common fishing techniques in Long Beach are light tackle fishing, bottom fishing, and artificial lure fishing but cut bait fishing and heavy tackle fishing are popular as well.

Prices for inshore fishing in Long Beach can range anywhere from about $885 to $3,600, but the average price for a half day trip for inshore fishing in Long Beach is $1,329. The average price for a full day trip for inshore fishing in Long Beach is $2,779.

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.

The most popular season for inshore fishing in Long Beach is winter, and most anglers book their trips 16 days in advance.

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

Inshore fishing in Long Beach offers a rich and varied experience thanks to the area’s diverse coastal habitats and abundant marine life. Located along the Gulf Coast, Long Beach provides access to numerous inshore environments, including estuaries, marshes, and nearshore reefs. These areas are ideal for a range of fishing activities, from light tackle angling to more specialized techniques. Whether fishing from a boat, kayak, or the shore, anglers can enjoy the scenic beauty and productive waters that Long Beach has to offer.

One of the popular targets for inshore fishing in Long Beach is the **redfish**, also known as red drum. Redfish are well-suited to the shallow waters and estuarine environments found in the area. They are known for their strong fighting abilities and are often caught using live bait such as shrimp or small fish, as well as artificial lures like soft plastics and spoons. Redfish are particularly active in the warmer months, making spring and summer prime times for targeting this species.

Another notable species is the **speckled trout**, which thrives in the grassy shallows and near the structures found in Long Beach's inshore waters. These fish are valued for their taste and the challenge they present. Anglers typically use live bait such as shrimp or minnows, or artificial lures like jigs and topwater plugs to catch speckled trout. The variety of fishing spots and techniques available ensures that inshore fishing in Long Beach remains both enjoyable and productive throughout the year.

Inshore fishing in Long Beach experiences distinct seasonal patterns that influence fishing conditions and fish activity. **Spring** marks the beginning of an active period for inshore fishing. As the weather warms and water temperatures rise, fish such as redfish and speckled trout become more active and start moving into shallower waters. This season is ideal for anglers as fish are feeding more aggressively after the cooler winter months, making it a great time to use live bait or artificial lures. Spring also brings pleasant weather, making fishing trips comfortable and enjoyable.

**Summer** is the peak season for inshore fishing in Long Beach, with warm temperatures and extended daylight hours providing excellent fishing opportunities. During this time, species like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder are abundant and actively feeding in the estuaries and nearshore reefs. The stable weather conditions and higher water temperatures contribute to increased fish activity, allowing anglers to enjoy productive fishing trips. However, it's important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun during these hot months.

As **fall** arrives, inshore fishing in Long Beach continues to be fruitful, though the focus may shift slightly as fish begin to prepare for the cooler months. Redfish and speckled trout remain active and continue to feed heavily as they transition into their winter patterns. The cooler temperatures and reduced fishing pressure compared to summer can offer a more relaxed fishing experience. Fall is also a good time to catch fish that are migrating or feeding more aggressively in preparation for winter, providing anglers with exciting opportunities and a pleasant fishing environment.

Inshore fishing in Long Beach offers a range of techniques suited to the area's diverse coastal environments. One common approach is **bottom fishing**, particularly effective for targeting species like flounder and redfish. This technique involves using weighted rigs with live or cut bait, such as shrimp or small fish, which are dropped to the sandy or muddy bottom where these fish are known to feed. By allowing the bait to settle and then slowly retrieving it, anglers can mimic the movement of prey and attract fish that are resting or hunting on the bottom.

Another popular technique is **casting with artificial lures**, which can be highly effective for targeting species like speckled trout and redfish. Anglers use a variety of lures, including soft plastics, spoons, and crankbaits, to imitate the movement of baitfish or other prey. This method allows for active fishing, as anglers cast and retrieve their lures while covering different areas of the inshore waters. Adjusting the retrieve speed and lure action can help provoke strikes from predatory fish, making this technique versatile and engaging.

**Fly fishing** is also a noteworthy technique in Long Beach, especially for targeting species like redfish in shallow waters. This method involves using lightweight flies that mimic small baitfish or crustaceans, and requires precise casting and presentation. Fly fishing in Long Beach can be particularly rewarding due to the clear waters and the opportunity to sight fish for species that are feeding on the surface or in the shallows. The combination of skill and the natural beauty of the area makes fly fishing a popular and enjoyable option for inshore anglers.

Inshore fishing in Long Beach provides opportunities to catch a variety of sought-after species that thrive in the region’s coastal waters. One of the most popular targets is the **redfish**, or red drum. Known for their powerful runs and strong fights, redfish are commonly found in the shallow estuaries and marshes around Long Beach. They are often caught using live bait such as shrimp or small fish, as well as with artificial lures like soft plastics and spoons. Their aggressive feeding behavior and distinctive appearance make redfish a favorite among local anglers.

Another notable species in Long Beach’s inshore waters is the **speckled trout**. Valued for their excellent taste and the challenge they present, speckled trout are typically found in the grassy shallows and near structures like oyster reefs. Anglers often target them using live bait like shrimp or minnows, or with a variety of artificial lures such as jigs and topwater plugs. The abundance of speckled trout and their active feeding habits during the warmer months make them a prime target for inshore fishing.

The **flounder** is another key species to pursue when inshore fishing in Long Beach. These flatfish are found resting on sandy or muddy bottoms and are known for their distinctive shape and delicious taste. They are often caught using live bait such as minnows or shrimp, or with jigs and other bottom-fishing rigs. Flounder fishing can be particularly productive in the warmer months when these fish are actively feeding. The variety of species available ensures that inshore fishing in Long Beach remains engaging and rewarding throughout the year.