California is a great place for deep sea fishing, with plenty of spots to choose from. Long Beach, San Diego, Catalina Island, the San Francisco Bay Area, Bodega Bay, Yerba Buena Island, Greyhound Rock, and the Samoa State Marine Conservation Area are all excellent locations for offshore fishing. Summer is usually the best time to go deep water fishing, as the higher water temperature makes fish more active and brings them closer to the shore. The Pacific waters off the California coast are home to a wide variety of species, including yellowtail, halibut, red cod, rockfish, Mako sharks, Thresher sharks, Tope sharks, and Blue Sharks.
The daily bag and possession limit for Blue Fin Sharks is one fish with no minimum size limit. The daily limit for catching and possession of Spiny Dogfish is 10 fish within the general limit of 20 fish per bag, and there is no minimum size limit. Halibut, sea bass, calico bass, barracuda, white bass, rockfish and yellowtail are some of the most sought-after game fish in Southern California. Half-day and full-day fishing trips usually yield hundreds of fish per trip.
Coastal fishing is also popular in Southern California; however, a license is required for fishing from the beach. Deep-sea fishing is an excellent way to catch big game fish and enjoy the best that California's waters have to offer. Anglers should familiarize themselves with the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations brochure for complete information on sport fishing regulations. It's also important to note that ocean or sport fishing can be quite different from fishing for trout and other freshwater species.
The daily catch and possession limit is three fish in most areas; however, only one fish can be caught in waters south of Point Conception between March 15 and June 15. If you're going on a long-distance fishing trip south of the border, you'll need a Mexican fishing permit. If you're looking to experience the incredible waters of California for yourself, deep-sea fishing charters have the expertise to make your dreams come true. From beginners to experienced anglers, deep-sea fishing is an unforgettable experience that everyone should try at least once.
