facebook pixel

Damn Good Rockfish Fishing Charters In California

Check real-time availability on California rockfish fishing trips. Online booking | 4.75 / 5 stars | Guides from $913

Experts Available 24/7

Licensed & Insured Guides

100% Weather Guarantee

Recently Booked Rockfish Fishing Charters In California

Fishing in San Diego

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in San Diego

Half Day

NEW
1 - 6 People From $1,350
Fishing in San Diego

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Local Excursion - 31’ Chris Craft

100% (1)
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
Fishing in San Diego

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Close Offshore All Ages Trip

NEW
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,150
Fishing in San Diego

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

San Diego 3/4 Day Roundup

NEW
28 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,375
Fishing in Los Angeles

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Los Angeles

6-Hour Los Angeles Mixed Bag

NEW
32 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,200
Fishing in San Francisco

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Francisco

San Francisco Bay Premier Trip

100% (1)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,140

Most Popular Types of Rockfish Trips in California

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Rockfish Fishing Charters In California

Fishing in San Diego
Fishing in San Diego
Fishing in San Diego
trip description for 6 hr (AM or PM) in San Diego

Hop on board with Captain Shaun and prepare for an action-packed day of inshore fishing in San Diego! The San Diego inshores are home to plenty of reefs and kelp beds that support a great fishery. On this 6-hour trip, Captain Shaun will cruise you along San Diego’s pristine coastline to beautiful shallow waters in Point Loma, Mission Bay, and up to La Jolla. You'll be going after several exciting species such as Barracuda, Calico Bass, California Sheephead, Lingcod, Rockfish, Sculpin, Vermillion Snapper, and Yellowtail Amberjack. You'll be targeting these fish using light tackle, heavy tackle, bottom fishing and trolling depending on what you want to do or what you want to catch. If you have a method or fish in mind, just let Captain Shaun know and he'll get you set up! Captain Shaun fishes aboard a 30' Blackman Billfisher that can hold up to 4 guests. Powered by a 200 HP Volvo Penta engine , this vessel will have no problem traversing the beautiful San Diego coastline! She comes complete with GPS, Fishfinder, a Flybridge, Live Bait Well and an Ice Box to store your catches. Also on board is a Restroom, Bed, Kitchen, Refrigerator and Multimedia System to make you feel at home on your trip. Captain Shaun will provide all rods, reels, bait, tackle, ice, small snacks and water. All you need to bring is a California Fishing License for 16 and older, as well as sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and any food or drinks you might want. There's a cooler provided on board to store your food and drinks. Book your trip today with Captain Shaun! Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

6 Hr (AM Or PM)

100% (2)
30 ft 1 - 4 People From $975
Fishing in San Diego
Fishing in San Diego
Fishing in San Diego
trip description for Local Offshore - 42’ Hershine in San Diego

Explore the inshore nearshore waters of the Pacific Ocean aboard one of the fastest, sleekest boats in San Diego on this trip with Captain Nathan! The cold, rich Pacific currents that flow along California's coast make San Diego an angler's paradise. The inshore and nearshore water here supports a superb marine ecosystem with tons of species, all of which you can go after with Captain Nathan. You'll be targeting Halibut, Barracuda, Rockfish, and Bonito—a smaller relative of the Tuna that puts up a fun fight. Each of these species occupies a different niche: Halibut lurk on the bottom, Barracuda patrol the middle of the water column, Rockfish hang out on the reefs and rocks, and Bonito inhabit the topwater looking for small prey. Naturally, you'll use different techniques to target these species, including trolling, bottomfishing, trolling, and jigging to pick up bites! Depending on the season, weather, and your fishing preferences, Captain Nathan will make sure that you're equipped with the right gear and tackle to get the job done. Captain Nathan runs a luxurious 42' sportfisher, equipped with everything you need for a great fishing trip! With live wells, trolling gear, and more, she's the perfect vessel for a sweet trip. Captain Nathan and his crew will provide all rods, reels, bait, tackle, ice, small snacks and water. All you need to bring is a California Fishing License for 16 and older, as well as sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and any food or drinks you might want. There's also a cooler provided on board to store your food and drinks! Get out there and enjoy yourself on the beautiful Pacific Coast! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Local Offshore - 42’ Hershine

100% (1)
42 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,610
Fishing in Los Angeles
Fishing in Los Angeles
Fishing in Los Angeles
trip description for LA Inshore/Nearshore Classic in Los Angeles

Although LA is know for it's music, celebrities, history, and more, Los Angeles is also a premier fishing destination, with a variety of fish species available to catch year-round. If you're looking for an exciting fishing adventure in Southern California, a charter trip with Captain TJ is the perfect choice! Captain TJ is a local fishing guide with years of experience on the waters of Los Angeles. He offers half and full-day fishing charters, where he will take you to the best fishing spots in the area to chase a variety of popular fish species, including Barracuda, Calico Bass, Rockfish, California Halibut, and Lingcod. These fish are perfect targets for anglers of all levels, and many make excellent eating as well. Since each species occupies a different part of the water column, you'll be able to test out a number of different baits and techniques as you fish. Captain TJ will provide you with top-quality fishing gear for the day, including rods, reels, and tackle. He will also provide expert instruction on how to catch the various fish species in the area! In addition to the fishing, Captain TJ's 48' Uniflite sportfisher is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of room for up to six anglers. She's purpose-built for fishing on the Pacific, and is equipped with all the necessary safety gear and electronics, so you can focus on reeling in your catch and catching some rays. Book a charter fishing trip with Captain TJ and experience the thrill of catching Barracuda, Calico Bass, Rockfish, and Lingcod in the beautiful waters of Los Angeles, California. It's a fishing adventure you won't soon forget! Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Los Angeles

LA Inshore/Nearshore Classic

NEW
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,150
Fishing in San Diego
Fishing in San Diego
Fishing in San Diego
trip description for Nearshore San Diego in San Diego

Discover the Thrills of Nearshore San Diego Fishing with Guide Leng! Get ready for an extraordinary fishing expedition just off the stunning San Diego coast, guided by the expert, Leng. Prepare to be amazed by the picturesque Pacific Ocean and the excitement of catching a variety of impressive fish. Catch a Variety of Fish Your adventure with Leng promises a diverse catch, including the prized Rockfish with their vibrant colors and delicious flavor. Feel the adrenaline as you battle the powerful Yellowtail Amberjack, renowned for their size and strength. Don't forget the elusive Calico Bass, a local favorite that will test your angling skills. Why Choose Leng as Your Guide? Leng is not just a guide; he's a seasoned expert with extensive knowledge of San Diego's waters. With years of experience, he'll take you to the best fishing spots, ensuring you have the best chance of landing a trophy catch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, Leng's patient and friendly approach will make your trip enjoyable and rewarding. Experience Natural Beauty and Adventure As you fish, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the San Diego coastline, and you might even spot some local wildlife. Equipped with a well-maintained boat and top-notch fishing gear, Leng ensures you have everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Book Your Adventure Today! Don't miss this opportunity for an exceptional fishing experience with Leng. Whether you're an experienced angler or just looking for a relaxing day on the water, this Nearshore San Diego fishing trip has something for everyone. Reserve your spot now and get ready for an incredible day of fishing with Guide Leng! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Nearshore San Diego

NEW
29 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,200
Fishing in Richmond
Fishing in Richmond
Fishing in Richmond
trip description for Marin County Bay Trip in Richmond

If the fish are biting, Captain Anthony is fighting 'em on this 4-hour morning trip on San Francisco Bay! And if the fish aren't biting, Captain Anthony will change locations, baits, and tactics until they do. And no matter whether the fish cooperate or not, you'll start your day off right with a beautiful sunrise on the Bay! On this trip, you'll be able to target a diversity of inshore and nearshore species, making this a great trip for people who want to do it all! You'll drift and bottomfish for Striped Bass, Sturgeon, Rockfish, Halibut, and more. These fish are fun for anglers of all levels, and are excellent eating as well! Because there are so many species to target, you'll mix it up with several different fishing techniques. Depending on the season, weather, and your fishing preferences, Captain Anthony will make sure that you're equipped with the right gear and tackle to get the job done. This trip is a great way for beginners to get on a boat and get a feel for sportfishing, without feeling totally exhausted at the end of the day. Anthony runs a newly-refinished 30' Sportcraft fishing vessel that's ideal for this water, and comes equipped with great amenities to enhance your experience, including a full cabin, flybridge, trolling gear, and more. Get out there and catch a bunch! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Richmond

Marin County Bay Trip

NEW
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,150
Fishing in Dana Point
Fishing in Dana Point
Fishing in Dana Point
trip description for Dana Point 24-Hour Adventure in Dana Point

If you're an avid angler looking for the offshore trip of a lifetime, look no further than this adventure with Captain Anton! He's a true specialist when it comes to finding, hooking, and landing top-tier sportfish, including Giant Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin, and even Striped Marlin! On this trip, you'll spend two full days fishing, with one night in between. If you're aiming to catch a personal record, this is the way to do it! Plus, watching the stars at night from out deep on the Pacific is an experience like no other. This area, between Dana Point and Catalina Island, is one of the most productive fisheries in California, attracting pelagic predators such as Tuna as well as nearshore species such as Barracuda, Yellowtail Amberjack, Rockcod, and more. Captain Anton is en expert when it comes to hooking fish out here, and he'll make sure to put you right on the fish. You'll be fishing aboard his 36' Blackman sportfisher. She's a real beauty, and features a large bait capacity, a refrigerated fish-hold for your keepers, Furuno side-scanning sonar, depthfinder, bunks, full onboard bathroom, and a kitchen with a Keurig coffee maker! Plus, she has a wide deck to give you plenty of room to fight the fish. Captain Anton will provide everything you need for a blue-ribbon day out there! Just bring proper clothing and your California fishing license and you'll be set to go. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Dana Point

Dana Point 24-Hour Adventure

NEW
36 ft 1 - 4 People From $4,000
See All Rockfish Trips in California

Need a Place to Stay?

Everything to Know About Booking a California rockfish fishing charter

What are the best rockfish fishing charters in California?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 33 rockfish trips in California, and the most popular trips in the area are Half Day guided by Frank, Dana Point 24-Hour Adventure guided by Anton, and Santa Cruz Island Adventure guided by JT.

Our guides in California are rated a 4.75 out of 5 based on 3300 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and 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 rockfish guides / fishing lessons in California? Check out our beginner and family friendly rockfish guides in California.

What types of rockfish fishing charters are common in California?

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

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

How much do California rockfish fishing charters cost?

Prices for rockfish in California can range anywhere from about $913 to $2,233, but the average price for a half day trip for rockfish in California is $989. The average price for a full day trip for rockfish in California is $1,678.

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 rockfish fishing in California?

The most popular season for rockfish fishing in California is summer, and most anglers book their trips 51 days in advance.

Do I need a California fishing license for rockfish and what are the bag limits for rockfish 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 of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip wonderful time. We caught an astonishing variety of fish! Everyone had a great time.

    John H. with Shaun U. of San Diego, California

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time on our trip with Captain Nathan’s crew! Noah was our skipper, and Nick was the deckhand. They were both helpful and engaging, and always there to lend a hand. Would definitely recommend for both beginner and experienced anglers!

    Elena G. with Nathan B. of San Diego, California

  • ★★★★★
    Bobby was our captain and he treated myself, my son and my grandson like we owned the boat. He was very professional and courteous and answered all our questions. He gave us choices which no other service has in the past. This was much appreciated and I plan on returning again.

    John P. with Shaun U. of San Diego, California

What's biting in California?

View Rockfish 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 licensed, insured and vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick our Damn Good Guides, and our network spans all across the country 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 Rockfish Trips in California