Damn Good Deep Sea Fishing Charters In California

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

Choose a Date
4.5/5 Average Rating

Damn Good Guides

Experts Available 24/7

100% Weather Guarantee

Recently Booked Deep Sea Fishing Charters In California

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Los Angeles

12 Hour Offshore Tuna

100% (1)
35 ft 1 - 4 People From $3,500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

Full Day Offshore Banks (12 Hr)

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $2,295
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Dana Point

Dana Point 24-Hour Adventure

NEW
36 ft 1 - 4 People From $4,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

3/4 Day - Offshore Banks (9 Hr.)

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,995
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

San Diego Offshore Roundup

100% (1)
28 ft 1 - 5 People From $2,195
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Los Angeles

11 Hour Catalina Fishing Experience

100% (1)
35 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,900

Top Cities for Deep Sea Fishing in California

Top Types of Deep Sea Trips in California

Top Species for Deep Sea 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 Deep Sea Fishing Charters In California

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

Half Day

NEW
1 - 12 People From $1,350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

Offshore Tuna Chase

NEW
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Los Angeles

11 Hour Catalina Rockfish & Lobster

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

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sausalito

Crab/Rockfish Charter

NEW
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $4,400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

Long Run Offshore - 42' Hershine

50% (2)
42 ft 1 - 6 People From $5,100
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sausalito

Halibut / Striped Bass Combo

NEW
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,600
See All Deep Sea Trips in California

Need a Place to Stay?

Everything to Know About Booking a California deep sea fishing charter

What are the best deep sea fishing charters in California?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 27 deep sea trips in California, and the most popular trips in the area are 12 hour Offshore Tuna guided by Harry, 3/4 Day - Offshore Banks (9 hr.) guided by Scottie, and Half Day guided by Frank.

Our guides in California are rated a 4.5 out of 5 based on 3723 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 deep sea guides / fishing lessons in California? Check out our beginner and family friendly deep sea guides in California.

What types of deep sea fishing charters are common in California?

The most commonly sought after species for deep sea fishing are: 1. yellowtail amberjack, 2. yellowfin tuna, 3. mahi mahi, 4. bluefin tuna, and 5. halibut.

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

How much do California deep sea fishing charters cost?

Prices for deep sea fishing in California can range anywhere from about $1,142 to $3,540, but the average price for a half day trip for deep sea fishing in California is $1,224. The average price for a full day trip for deep sea fishing in California is $2,660.

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 deep sea fishing in California?

The most popular season for deep sea fishing 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.

Deep sea fishing in California

California, with its extensive coastline along the Pacific Ocean, is a diverse and abundant destination for offshore fishing. Spanning from the rugged northern shores down to the warmer southern waters, the state offers a wide range of fishing experiences, each unique to its regional marine environment.

Northern California, known for its cooler waters, provides excellent opportunities for catching species like Salmon, Halibut, and various types of Rockfish. The San Francisco Bay area, with access to the Pacific and its rich marine life, is a popular spot for both casual and serious anglers. The area around Monterey Bay is also renowned for its productive fishing grounds, particularly for species like Albacore Tuna.

Central California serves as a transition zone with a mix of northern and southern species. This area is known for its kelp forests and rocky underwater structures, which are ideal habitats for species like Yellowtail and White Seabass. The Channel Islands, off the coast of Southern California, offer some of the best fishing opportunities in the state, with a variety of game fish available.

Southern California, with its warmer waters, is famous for its excellent offshore fishing. The San Diego area is particularly renowned for its access to deep ocean waters, where anglers can target large game fish such as Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, and Dorado (Mahi-Mahi). The region is also known for its long fishing season, thanks to its mild, year-round climate.

California's diverse geography and varied marine environments make it a prime destination for all types of fishing, from light tackle and fly fishing to heavy tackle and deep-sea sportfishing. The state's fishing charters and experienced captains provide a range of trip options, catering to all skill levels and preferences. These charters offer everything from half-day coastal trips to multi-day excursions targeting specific species or fishing grounds.

For sportfishing enthusiasts, California's waters are particularly inviting. The challenge of landing a large Tuna or engaging in a battle with a powerful Marlin offers an exciting experience for those seeking serious fishing adventures. The state's numerous fishing tournaments, particularly in Southern California, attract anglers from around the world.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Went out fishing with Capt Andrew and his first mate Ace. The boat was clean and everything was set up and ready for us to enjoy the day. Unfortunately our day turned out with not any fish, but Capt Andrew and Ace worked very hard trying to find fish and searching all over. Saw a lot of aquatic life on our trip and enjoy the day out in the Pacific Ocean, zero fish but a 10 rating on effort, a very enjoyable day. We will be back to get that big one.

    Guy D. | August 9, 2024

    Trip: San Diego Offshore Roundup

Other Types of Fishing in California

How are fishing conditions in California?

View California Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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:

See All Deep Sea Trips in California