Damn Good Guides
Experts Available 24/7
100% Weather Guarantee
Recently Booked Deep Sea Fishing Charters In California
Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Dana Point
So-Cal Sportfishing Or Sharking - 34'
Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Dana Point
Dana Point Extended Offshore Trip
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
Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Sausalito
Halibut / Striped Bass Combo
Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore, Jetty in Long Beach
4 Hour PM Fishing Experience
Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Dana Point
Dana Point 24-Hour Adventure
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?
The best deep sea fishing charters in California are:
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 11 Hour Catalina Fishing Experience guided by Harry, San Diego 3/4 Day Roundup guided by Andrew, and 12 hour Offshore Tuna guided by Harry.
Our guides in California are rated a 4.5 out of 5 based on 3787 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
The Best Places to Fish in California
Featured Cities
- Fishing Charters Near Me
- Austin Fishing Guides
- Biloxi Fishing Charters
- Bradenton Fishing Charters
- Cabo San Lucas Fishing Charters
- Cancun Fishing Charters
- Cape Coral Fishing Charters
- Charleston Fishing Charters
- Clearwater Fishing Charters
- Corpus Christi Fishing Charters
- Dauphin Island Fishing Charters
- Daytona Beach Fishing Charters
- Destin Fishing Charters
- Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters
- Fort Myers Fishing Charters
- Fort Walton Beach Fishing Charters
- Galveston Fishing Charters
- Gulf Shores Fishing Charters
- Hatteras Fishing Charters
- Hilton Head Fishing Charters
- Islamorada Fishing Charters
- Jacksonville Fishing Charters
- Jupiter Fishing Charters
- Key Largo Fishing Charters
- Key West Fishing Charters
- Kona Fishing Charters
- Madeira Beach Fishing Charters
- Marathon Fishing Charters
- Marco Island Fishing Charters
- Miami Fishing Charters
- Montauk Fishing Charters
- Morehead City Fishing Charters
- Naples Fishing Charters
- New Orleans Fishing Charters
- New Smyrna Beach Fishing Charters
- Orange Beach Fishing Charters
- Panama City Beach Fishing Charters
- Pensacola Fishing Charters
- Pompano Beach Fishing Charters
- Port Aransas Fishing Charters
- Rockport Fishing Charters
- San Diego Fishing Charters
- San Juan Fishing Charters
- Sarasota Fishing Charters
- South Padre Island Fishing Charters
- St. Petersburg Fishing Charters
- Tampa Fishing Charters
- Tarpon Springs Fishing Charters
- Venice Fishing Charters
- Virginia Beach Fishing Charters
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:
