Sport Fishing in Long Beach
Thanks to its prime location on the Southern California coast, Long Beach is a great place for sport fishing. Whether you’re a novice or experienced angler, you’ll find the deep channel between Long Beach and Catalina Island provides a superhighway for sea life, with nutrient-rich waters attracting desirable game fish like tuna and halibut. Here’s how to get out on the water and for a sport fishing trip off Long Beach.
LOCAL OPERATORS
Sport fishing trips depart from two locations in Long Beach. Pierpoint Landing (200 Aquarium Way) on the downtown waterfront operates three large fishing vessels with room for 70 to 90 passengers. Long Beach Sportfishing (555 Pico Ave) is located at Berth 55 within the Port of Long Beach and books trips for eight smaller, privately owned and operated boats. Both outfits offer half-day, full-day, overnight trips, and private charters available for booking online.
DAILY CATCH
The types of fish that anglers can catch on trips out of Long Beach vary based on the season. Bluefin tuna, dorado (also known as mahi mahi), rockfish, sheephead, sculpin, bonito, bass, yellowtail, barracuda, and other species are all in the mix. Check daily reports on the operators’ websites and social media to see what the most recent catches have been. Fish cleaning services are available onboard for a fee, or you can practice catch-and-release.
WHEN AND WHERE
While trips are available year round, the most popular time for sport fishing in Long Beach is late spring to early fall, when the weather is warmer. Boats regularly travel throughout local waters and as far as Huntington Beach and past the Channel Islands. Trips to other locations such as Baja California can also be chartered. Another popular fishing location are Tanner and Cortes Banks, which are highpoints in the open ocean about 100 miles off the coast, where fish such as tuna congregate.
GOOD TO KNOW
After booking your trip online, you can purchase a fishing license and rent your tackle and rod on site. The experienced captain and crew can teach you the basics and help you set up your gear while you’re on board. Kids are welcome, but the staff recommends bringing kids age 6 and older with strong sea legs and the ability to hold on in case the swell gets big. Finally, be sure to bring cash to pay for fish cleaning, gratuities, and food and beverages during the trip (bringing your own food on board is allowed, ice chests and alcohol are not). Boats at both Pierpoint Landing and Long Beach Sport Fishing have full galleys with breakfast and lunch options, snacks, soda, and beer for sale.