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Halibut Fishing Charters In California

Check real-time availability on California halibut fishing trips. Online booking | 4.5 / 5 stars | Guides from $945

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Recently Booked Halibut Fishing Charters In California

Fishing in San Diego

Inshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

San Diego Bay Half Day Trip

NEW
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,300
Fishing in San Diego

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Local Excursion - 42’ Hershine

100% (1)
42 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,050
Fishing in San Diego

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Half Day Inshore/Coastal

NEW
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $975
Fishing in San Diego

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Full Day Local Offshore

NEW
31 ft 1 - 5 People From $2,000
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
Fishing in San Diego

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Full Day Local Offshore - 42’ Hershine

NEW
42 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,610

Most Popular Types of Halibut 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 Halibut Fishing Charters In California

Fishing in San Diego
Fishing in San Diego
Fishing in San Diego
trip description for Coronado Island Fishing Adventure in San Diego

This trip is one in a million. After leaving the dock in San Diego, you'll cruise offshore to the Coronado Islands, a barren group of rocky outcrops that are home to millions of migratory birds and tons of sea life. This area 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, Rockfish, and more. Captain Sam is an expert when it comes to hooking fish out here, so you can cross your fingers for the trip of a lifetime! Because there are so many species to target, you'll mix it up with several different fishing techniques. That could include trolling for Barracuda and Mahi, which love fast-moving baits and lures, and bottomfishing for Rockfish and Amberjack, which hang out near undersea structure, and even letting out some kites to hit surface-feeding Bluefin. Captain Sam will take everything into account, from the season to the weather to your preferences, and do whatever he can to get you on the fish. Captain Sam runs these trips on his brand new 2022 29-foot Defiance center console which is the ideal vessel for bombing it down to the Coronado Islands and bouncing around honey holes. With twin 300 Yamahas strapped to the back of that bad boy, you can get to the fishing grounds in dependable comfort. Since she can easily cruise up to 30 knots cutting through chop like butter, there is almost nowhere for the fish to hide from this beauty. She's decked out with a full suite of electronics, plus a comfortable forward cabin providing shade and protection for the surf. Everything you need for a great trip is provided for you. Just remember to wear proper clothing and bring some sun protection, a cooler with some snacks and drinks, and a California Fishing License. You'll also need your passport, because this trip will take you into Mexican waters. Get out there and have a blast! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in San Diego

Coronado Island Fishing Adventure

NEW
29 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,693
Fishing in Los Angeles
Fishing in Los Angeles
Fishing in Los Angeles
trip description for 6-Hour Los Angeles Mixed Bag in Los Angeles

This full-day trip is designed to make the most of the world-renowned fishing off the coast of Los Angeles, CA. Here, cold Pacific currents make this area a perfect environment for catching big fish, and you'll be able to hook up a number of species including Barracuda, Calico Bass, Halibut, Sheephead, Rockfish, White Seabass, and more! Captain Tom is an expert angler, and he'll put you right on top of some of the best fishing grounds in the state. You fish the bottom for Rockfish and Halibut, troll for Barracuda, and drift for Bass and other species. Whatever you want to catch, Captain Tom is here to help you do it. You'll get out there aboard a 32' Luhrs sportfisher, purpose-built to handle anything the Pacific can throw your way. Originally built in 1995, she's been equipped with twin Yanmar 315HP engines. Electronics include radar, GPS, full radio communications, and more. Plus, she has outriggers for trolling, a restroom, and way more. Everything is provided for you, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. Just bring some sunscreen and your California Fishing Licenses and you'll be good to go! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Los Angeles

6-Hour Los Angeles Mixed Bag

NEW
32 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,200
Fishing in Richmond
Fishing in Richmond
Fishing in Richmond
trip description for Striped Bass and Halibut Roundup in Richmond

On this trip, Captain Bill will get you out there aboard his 24' pilothouse fishing vessel, built in Bandon, OR for urchin divers on the north coast of California. She's a versatile vessel with the most stable fishing platform for a boat this size, plus 8x13.5' of rear deck fishing area, and a 52-gallon live bait tank. Captain Bill will take you fishing after a wide range of exciting species that live in the San Francisco Bay area, as well as in the Pacific Ocean. You will bottom fish for Rockfish, Halibut, and Lingcod, while you can drift fish for Striped Bass. If you’re up for a solid battle in the Bay, you can also target the famous Leopard Shark! You will use light and heavy tackle on this charter. High-quality gear is provided to you for use, such as Phoenix rods, Shimano reels, and custom Calstar rods. The captain will clean and fillet your catch, so don’t forget to bring a cooler to take your hard-fought dinner home. If you’re looking to spend the afternoon relaxing in San Francisco Bay or feel the heart-pounding action of battling huge beasts in the ocean, Captain Bill is your man! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Richmond

Striped Bass And Halibut Roundup

NEW
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $675
Fishing in Dana Point
Fishing in Dana Point
Fishing in Dana Point
trip description for Dana Point Extended Offshore Trip 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 Mahi Mahi, Giant Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin, and even Striped Marlin! On this trip, you'll spend two full days fishing, with two nights 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 Extended Offshore Trip

NEW
36 ft 1 - 4 People From $5,800
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

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30 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,150
Fishing in Oxnard
Fishing in Oxnard
Fishing in Oxnard
trip description for Santa Cruz Island Adventure in Oxnard

Captain JT is an expert when it comes to sportfishing off of Santa Cruz! Your fishing trip will begin in the morning when the winds are low and the seas calm. On this trip, you'll be able to choose which species you'll target, and can select from wide range of fish, including Rockfish, Halibut, Bonito, Lingcod, Barracuda, Calico Bass, California Sheepshead, and more. These species inhabit the whole water column, from Barracuda up top to Halibut and Rockfish on the bottom. Many of these species are excellent eating, and Captain JT actually specializes in ikejime, a Japanese technique for quickly and humanely killing fish that also ensures the quality of the meat by preventing rigor mortis and cortisol build-up. He's happy to demonstrate the technique, and any keepers you want will be dispatched using this method. When you book a trip with Captain JT, you'll go aboard his 22' center console vessel and get after it! This state-of-the-art boat features a 150HP Yamaha engine, with a full suite of electronics including GPS, sonar, radio, and more, plus bait wells and ice boxes for your catches. Captain JT truly wants to make your time on the water special. Before the trip, he will get a sense of what’s important to your crew. If you have kids, be assured they will have a blast learning about fishing, what it is like to captain a boat and be on the sea. Let him know what you want to catch and he'll do what he can to put you on your target! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Oxnard

Santa Cruz Island Adventure

NEW
22 ft 1 - 3 People From $975
See All Halibut Trips in California

Everything to Know About Booking a California halibut fishing charter

What are the best halibut fishing charters in California?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 27 halibut trips in California, and the most popular trips in the area are San Diego Bay Half Day Trip guided by Kevin, Local Excursion - 42’ Hershine guided by Nathan, and Half Day Inshore/Coastal guided by Scottie.

Our guides in California are rated a 4.5 out of 5 based on 2777 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.

The most popular cities to book a Halibut charter in California are San Diego, Dana Point and Newport Beach.

Looking for kid friendly halibut guides / fishing lessons in California? Check out our beginner and family friendly halibut guides in California.

What types of halibut fishing charters are common in California?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for halibut in California as well as nearshore fishing and inshore 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 halibut fishing charters cost?

for halibut in California prices can range anywhere from about $945 to $2,167, but the average price for a half day trip for halibut in California is $1,027. The average price for a full day trip for halibut in California is $1,675.

What month is best for halibut fishing in California?

The most popular season for halibut fishing in California is spring, and most anglers book their trips 28 days in advance.

Do I need a California fishing license for halibut and what are the bag limits for halibut 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

  • ★★★★★
    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

What's biting in California?

View Halibut Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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See All Halibut Trips in California