Damn Good Topwater Fishing Charters In California

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

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Recently Booked Topwater Fishing Charters In California

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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 $2,925
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in Los Angeles

6 Hour Local Fishing

100% (15)
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,100
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in San Diego

14 Hour Trip – Trophy Tuna

100% (2)
34 ft 1 - 6 People From $4,300
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
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing in San Diego

Nearshore San Diego

NEW
29 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,200
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people are viewing this trip.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore in Los Angeles

4 Hour Fishing Experience

100% (15)
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $950

Top Cities for Topwater Fishing in California

Top Types of Topwater Fishing Trips in California

What makes Captain Experiences Damn Good?

Damn Good Guides

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Damn Good Guides

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Our US-based team is available 24/7 to help you with any questions or concerns.

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We want to keep everyone safe, so if the weather is bad we'll work with you to reschedule at no cost.

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4.9 / 5 Average Rating

We hand pick our Damn Good Guides, and our network spans across North America and beyond.

4.9 / 5 Average Rating

“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

Top Species for Topwater Fishing in California

More Topwater Fishing Charters In California

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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

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Marina del Rey

Marina Del Rey Fishing Trip

100% (13)
34 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in Los Angeles

6 Hour Local Fishing PM

100% (15)
35 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,100
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Los Angeles

12 Hour Offshore Tuna

100% (15)
35 ft 1 - 4 People From $3,500
Hot Trip
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing in Los Angeles

Socal Bass Fishing Trip

100% (7)
20 ft 1 - 3 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing in Mammoth Lakes

Crowley Lake Trophy Trout

NEW
20 ft 1 - 8 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in San Diego

9-12 Hour Trip – Offshore

100% (2)
34 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,400

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:

Everything to Know About Booking a California topwater fishing charter

What are the best topwater fishing charters in California?

The best topwater fishing charters in California are:

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 20 topwater fishing trips in California, and the most popular trips in the area are Island Charters - PASSPORT REQUIRED guided by Aaron, 6 Hour Local Fishing guided by Harry, and 14 Hour Trip – Trophy Tuna guided by Aaron.

Our guides in California are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 8856 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 topwater fishing guides / fishing lessons in California? Check out our beginner and family friendly topwater fishing guides in California.

What types of topwater fishing charters are common in California?

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

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

How much do California topwater fishing charters cost?

Prices for topwater fishing in California can range anywhere from about $610 to $3,650, but the average price for a half day trip for topwater fishing in California is $984. The average price for a full day trip for topwater fishing in California is $2,254.

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 topwater fishing charter in California?

The most popular season to go on a topwater fishing charter in California is summer, and most anglers book their trips 18 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 guide will always know all the relevant 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

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time. Parker was very knowledgeable and clearly experienced with the local fishery. He gave me a crash course on forward facing sonar and we used it to catch a bunch of fish!

    Michael W. | April 30, 2026

    Trip: Socal Bass Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome experience!! Beautiful boat. Parker was so nice and knowledgeable. Highly recommend. We learned so much and can’t wait to book again!

    Alicia R. | April 29, 2026

    Trip: Socal Bass Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Parker was great. Helpful and super knowledgable. He kept us on fish all day. Very pleasant guy.

    Joseph A. | April 10, 2026

    Trip: Socal Bass Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing time with Captain Harry! Our kids (ages 9 and 6) loved the experience and want to do it again. Very family friendly. Good communication. Will remember this trip forever. Highly recommended.

    Jennifer L. | March 29, 2026

    Trip: 4-10 Hour Offshore Trip

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Last updated: August 7, 2026

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See All Topwater Fishing Trips in California