California

204 Fishing Charters

California Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in California

Top California Destinations

California: 204 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(20 reviews)
San Diego
 Instant Confirmation
trips from HK $4,301
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(165 reviews)
Coronado
 Instant Confirmation
trips from HK $5,466
New on FishingBooker
San Diego
 Instant Confirmation
trips from HK $6,256
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(38 reviews)
Bethel Island
 Instant Confirmation
trips from HK $3,519
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(115 reviews)
Newport Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from HK $6,647
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(73 reviews)
Huntington Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from HK $6,060
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(58 reviews)
Los Angeles
 Instant Confirmation
trips from HK $5,865
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(20 reviews)
Huntington Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from HK $5,513
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(101 reviews)
Los Angeles
 Instant Confirmation
trips from HK $3,519
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(206 reviews)
San Diego
 Instant Confirmation
trips from HK $7,624

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in California

According to customer reviews, some of the most popular fishing charters in California are: Full list of top fishing charters in California

The average price for a private 4 hour California fishing trip is $863, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $1,544 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Fishing charters in California that received great reviews from families are:

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in California are:

The top 3 fishing techniques in California are:

The top 3 types of fishing in California are:

Many fishing charters in California provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in California are:

Who are the top awarded captains in California?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in California are:
  • 2-hour fishing trips โ€“ HK $3,519
  • 3-hour fishing trips โ€“ HK $5,787
  • 4-hour fishing trips โ€“ HK $6,301
  • 5-hour fishing trips โ€“ HK $7,689
  • 6-hour fishing trips โ€“ HK $8,273
  • 7-hour fishing trips โ€“ HK $9,286
  • 8-hour fishing trips โ€“ HK $10,979
  • 9-hour fishing trips โ€“ HK $13,763
  • 10-hour fishing trips โ€“ HK $14,679
  • 11-hour fishing trips โ€“ HK $13,424
  • 12-hour fishing trips โ€“ HK $17,047

Featuring over 800 miles of coastline along with some of the most productive rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in the country, the Golden State offers remarkable diversity. California fishing charters present the perfect opportunity to explore all the possibilities, from big game fishing in San Diego to fly fishing in the Sacramento River.

The sheer variety of species you can target in California is fantastic, so it’s important to prioritize. Superb bottom fishing for Halibut, Rockfish, and Lingcod, fantastic Salmon runs, crabbing, lobstering, Albacore Tuna fishing, you can do just about anything in NorCal. If you prefer SoCal, then you can chase Yellowtail Amberjack, Calico Bass, California Sheephead, Barracuda, and even Marlin.

The freshwater action is just as impressive. There are several rivers in the state that are world-known for their Salmon and Trout action, and let’s not forget about the incredible local White Sturgeon population. In lakes and reservoirs, Bass and Kokanee fishing is hot.

California fishing charters offer just about every trip and package under the sun. One day, you can spend several hours on a river with your family; the next, you can go on a 12-hour deep sea fishing expedition that will put you on the bite of ocean royalty like Tuna and Marlin. The only limit here is your fishing ambition.

You’ll easily find a local guide in most coastal cities and beyond. San Francisco, San Diego, Dana Point, and Long Beach are some of the best places to find a fishing professional to put you on your trophy catch.

 

Rules & Regulations

California fishing charters typically include everything you need except for a fishing license. Anglers ages 16 and older can buy one online or at local retailers like Walmart. Bear in mind that going out with a local guide is the best way to fish responsibly, since many fishing grounds have special regulations.

California
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Based on 27688 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

January
There’s plenty to catch in California during January, so head to the water and get started on this year’s bucket list early! Bottom fishing for Halibut and Flounder could be your first stop.
February
There’s no shortage of possibilities in winter. Crabbing in Bodega Bay, Sturgeon fishing in the Delta, trolling in Lake Tahoe for Mackinaw Trout, or fly fishing for Steelhead in the upper Sac River, the choice is yours.
March
Lobster fishing can be excellent this time of year in Southern California, while the north coast promises Halibut, Crab, and more. California lakes offer good Bass and Trout. 
April
Saltwater fishing starts to pick up momentum in April when the seasons for Lingcod and Rockfish open. Yellowtail and Barracuda are showing up near Catalina Island.
May
May is an excellent time to head offshore as big game fish start making their entrance into SoCal waters. Salmon season is open in San Francisco so Chinook’s, the King of all Salmon, is on the menu too.
June
Shad fishing in the Sacramento River is superb this time of year. Meanwhile, deep sea fishing off the coasts of San Francisco, San Diego, and many other cities is slowly reaching its height.
July
In July, some of the best fishing in the state is offshore. Anglers in Lake Tahoe are catching hordes of Kokanee Salmon, while those on the Sac River are gearing up for the start of the fall Salmon run.
August
Depending on where you set sail, your chances of catching Albacore, Yellowfin, Bluefin, or Bigeye Tuna are excellent in August. The Sac River is crowded with anglers hoping to land a record-breaking King Salmon.
September
Unparalleled fishing action continues! From Tuna and monster Sharks offshore to Salmon in the rivers and Bass in the lakes, prepare for the fight of your life!
October
When the weather is fair, you can still head offshore for great deep sea fishing. Meanwhile, the Sac River continues to offer stellar Salmon fishing, while Trout fishing in Lake Tahoe is picking up again.
November
Salmon season is closed in the bays, but you can still catch them in the Sac River through to the end of the year. Many charter boats in the San Francisco Bay Area are fishing the Delta for Sturgeon and Stripers.
December
Lobster and Dungeness Crab are at their peak in December. Bottom fishing for Rockfish and Lingcod will be open until the end of the month. Meanwhile, the lakes are bustling with Trout.

California Fishing Calendar

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Great fishing boat and expert Captain. Arrive to dock at least 30 minutes early for best parking.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Great fishing boat and expert Captain. Arrive to dock at least 30 minutes early for best parking.
Eric  S.
Eric S.
Good options with lots of parking and cleaning areas. Dock and location wasn't packed or rushed.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Good options with lots of parking and cleaning areas. Dock and location wasn't packed or rushed.
Matt  J.
Matt J. Milpitas, CA
There is always something biting in San Diego and anything is possible from rockfish to marlin.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
There is always something biting in San Diego and anything is possible from rockfish to marlin.
Shane  S.
Shane S. Oak Glen, CA
Do the research, the more you know about where the fish are, the better chance you'll have of catching fish
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Do the research, the more you know about where the fish are, the better chance you'll have of catching fish
Matt  A.
Matt A. Sacramento, CA
Find an experienced fisherman to go out with. Itโ€™s a beautiful spot to spend the day too!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Find an experienced fisherman to go out with. Itโ€™s a beautiful spot to spend the day too!
Christine  M.
Christine M. Miami Beach, FL
The weather is really nice and the water is clear. The people and the environment are very nice.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The weather is really nice and the water is clear. The people and the environment are very nice.
Wojciech  W.
Wojciech W. Schaumburg, IL
Be ready for a good fight fishing in San Diego. The captain and staff are very friendly attentive and have great communication on teaching and giving you tips to land the fish or multiple fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be ready for a good fight fishing in San Diego. The captain and staff are very friendly attentive and have great communication on teaching and giving you tips to land the fish or multiple fish.
Ari  T.
Ari T. Yuma, AZ
All the fish you want to catch are spawning and hitting and being caught at this time of year. Book charters out of san fran in july/august
Excellent
5.0 / 5
All the fish you want to catch are spawning and hitting and being caught at this time of year. Book charters out of san fran in july/august
Francis  M.
Francis M. East McKeesport, PA
Donโ€™t reel to quickly the fish have soft mouths and the hooks pop out right at the boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t reel to quickly the fish have soft mouths and the hooks pop out right at the boat
Roman  M.
Roman M. Meadow Vista, California
Water was cold for this time of time of year so there wasn't much action for yellowtail, tuna, or Dorado yet. July was fun, but will probably shoot for an August trip next time to try and get on some more meat for the freezer.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Water was cold for this time of time of year so there wasn't much action for yellowtail, tuna, or Dorado yet. July was fun, but will probably shoot for an August trip next time to try and get on some more meat for the freezer.
Jesse  C.
Jesse C. Phoenix, AZ
Donโ€™t come with any expectations. Enjoy being out in the water and the opportunity to do some world class fishing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t come with any expectations. Enjoy being out in the water and the opportunity to do some world class fishing.
Christopher  K.
Christopher K. Haworth, NJ
If you have never been on the open ocean, make sure you take dramamine the night before and day of.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you have never been on the open ocean, make sure you take dramamine the night before and day of.
Justin  S.
Justin S. Los Angeles, California
Definitely splurge on a charter. With just four guests, the crew was able to help us all individually. It was great fun!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Definitely splurge on a charter. With just four guests, the crew was able to help us all individually. It was great fun!
Wendy  M.
Wendy M. Claremont, CA
They call it fishingโ€ฆ not catchingโ€ฆ there are good days and thereโ€™s bad days. But you learn every time!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
They call it fishingโ€ฆ not catchingโ€ฆ there are good days and thereโ€™s bad days. But you learn every time!
Kahlee  S.
Kahlee S.
Be ready to fish and enjoy the company. Keep an open mind. Relax let the crew and captain do the worrying.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Be ready to fish and enjoy the company. Keep an open mind. Relax let the crew and captain do the worrying.
PERRY  E.  A.
PERRY E. A. Peoria, AZ
We went early in the morning and it was a very smooth trip. A little on the cooler side but that was fine. The sun came out at the end of our three hour trip.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We went early in the morning and it was a very smooth trip. A little on the cooler side but that was fine. The sun came out at the end of our three hour trip.
Amy  P.
Amy P. San Mateo, CA
Have fun it doesnโ€™t have to be a big fish to have fun and take a picture. Find a crew that knows where to go
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Have fun it doesnโ€™t have to be a big fish to have fun and take a picture. Find a crew that knows where to go
Andy  T.
Andy T. Lake Forest, CA
Go with a positive attitude fishing is fishing and can go either way just have a great time.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Go with a positive attitude fishing is fishing and can go either way just have a great time.
Jesse  G.
Jesse G. CEDAR E BETHL, MN
Make sure you have warm clothes on. Take something for motion sickness because the water is VERY choppy.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Make sure you have warm clothes on. Take something for motion sickness because the water is VERY choppy.
Anthony  F.
Anthony F. Holt, MI
Best recommendation I can give is go with a professional like TJ, this will make your trip a success
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Best recommendation I can give is go with a professional like TJ, this will make your trip a success
Robert  B.
Robert B.

Pelican Sportfishing
Pelican Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Diego
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(206 reviews)
Captain Bobby was awesome and showed us all how to catch some fish. Great time
Robert  T.
Robert T. Riverside, California
Silva Scales N' Tales Sportfishing
Silva Scales N' Tales Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Diego
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(14 reviews)
We loved the trip and was a great time. Would recommend everyone to give it a try. We will be coming back!!!
Boe  S.
Boe S. San Diego, California
LA Sportfishing
LA Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Los Angeles
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(43 reviews)
Wonderful day with grandkids. Capt John thoughtful & knowledgeable. Deckhand Bree great with kids. Caught 38 fish. Highly recommended.
Alan  K.
Alan K. South Pasadena, California
Addictive Sport Fishing
Addictive Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Richmond
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(20 reviews)
Captain John and first Mate Johny were extremely knowledgeable and very attentive to our group. We returned wore out and limited out! It was non-stop action. Can not say enough about this trip. Book a trip you will not be sorry.
James  S.
James S. Rancho Cordova, CA
Awol Sportfishing
Awol Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Diego
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(83 reviews)
Capt. Andrew tried hard to put us on the fish when it was a tough day. We ended catching Dorado and Yellow Fish Tuna. All of us were happy.
David  S.
David S. Trabuco Canyon, California
LEAHKLEA Sportfishing
LEAHKLEA Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Los Angeles
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(10 reviews)
The boat was great, plenty of space and clean and organized. We had a blast with Captain Roger, he knew where to go and what to do to get us on a giant bluefin, and coached and helped us to bring it in. Can't wait to go back out on the Leahklea with captain Roger!
FishingBooker Member
FishingBooker Member Torrance, California
Fernandez Charters
Fernandez Charters
Fishing charter in San Diego
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(16 reviews)
It was great! Captain Pablo was thorough and touched base before the trip. I felt prepared and informed! It was our boys first trip on the ocean and he made sure they were comfortable. He taught them techniques and they were able to catch some fish.
Moriah  R.
Moriah R. Williston, ND
David Rooney
David Rooney
Fishing charter in Richmond
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(60 reviews)
Captain Dave and Aaron were awesome and so much fun. Captain Dave has over 30 years experience and makes it his business to know exactly where people are on the bite. I Wilks highly recommend Dave for any fishing you can do in around the Bay. We will be booking another trip when Sturgeon season opens.
Jamie  M.
Jamie M. San Ramon, CA
Sealutions Sportfishing LLC, Newport Beach
Sealutions Sportfishing LLC, Newport Beach
Fishing charter in Newport Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(115 reviews)
We charted a half day with Captain Shannon because of the great reviews and he did not disappoint! The trip was a family birthday celebration for me (the mom) and my husband and son. Capt. Shannon was so patient teaching all of us each step of fishing & even put all of the sardines on the hook for me (the mom). We caught tons of fish and had so much fun! Capt Shannon was so friendly, answered lots of questions and had fun stories to share! We would for sure go again!
Jennifer  V.
Jennifer V. Pasadena, CA
KingTriton SportFishing - WiFi
KingTriton SportFishing - WiFi
Fishing charter in San Diego
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(26 reviews)
Captain Ian and Mick were amazing. We managed to land 6 nice yellowfins for the first time tuna fishing crews, and lost about 8-10 during the fight. Great Captain and we will definitely be back for more trips!
Haotian  W.
Haotian W. Los Angeles, California
Spitfire Sport Fishing 2
Spitfire Sport Fishing 2
Fishing charter in Los Angeles
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(20 reviews)
Our group of 4 aged 20-something to 80-something enjoyed a great day of fishing ith Spitfire Fishing aboard their 33โ€™ Blackfin. Captain Jackson and mate Fabian spared no effort to make sure we caught fishโ€ฆwhich we did! This is a top notch operation that is highly recommended.
Tom  M.
Tom M. Gillette, NJ
Pelican Sportfishing
Pelican Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Diego
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(206 reviews)
I took my two daughters and their friend for a half day of coastal fishing and it could not have been any better. Captain Bobby was patient and informative telling us about the fish we were catching and helping us with our lines and gear. It was a day we wonโ€™t forget!
Scott  C.
Scott C. Riverside, California
Mystic Queen Sportfishing
Mystic Queen Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Los Angeles
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(58 reviews)
Capt. Harry and Ara were great hosts and made sure our party had a great time onboard. They moved us to several spots to make sure the action was sustained. We came away with some very nice Calico and Sand bass that were a hit at our family gathering dinner. We would definitely recommend them.
Rafael  P.
Rafael P. HALNDLE BCH, FL
TC's Fishing Adventures
TC's Fishing Adventures
Fishing charter in San Diego
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(32 reviews)
I was in town one extra day from a work trip and this sounded like the perfect opportunity to get a chance to fish. It was! Caught 6 different species of fish in my first ever west coast experience, and would love to come back and do another. TC loves to fish and loves people, a great combination.
Jason  R.
Jason R. OLD BROWNSBRO, KY
Awol Sportfishing
Awol Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Diego
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(83 reviews)
My husband and I had an amazing time. Captain Tapylor was amazing. We will request him again name yeah. He made it very memorable for our 32nd wedding anniversary. Highly recommended! Thank you Awol you guys are awesome!
Roberta  K.
Roberta K. Queen Creek, AZ
LEAHKLEA Sportfishing
LEAHKLEA Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Los Angeles
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(10 reviews)
Great Tuna trip! The crew is always holding it down. Roger never disappoints, definitely worth every penny! In the water ten minutes and already hooked up on tuna. Highly recommend!
Shawn  H.
Shawn H. Fountain Valley, California
Help U Fish
Help U Fish
Fishing charter in Richmond
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(23 reviews)
We had an amazing experience fishing with Captain Tony and his first mate Rob. Their friendly and personable nature made the trip even more enjoyable. We caught our limit of halibut in just a few hours. I highly recommend booking a fishing charter with Capt. Tony for a fantastic day on the water!
Ken  C.
Ken C. Dunwoody, GA
Diamond Dogs Charters
Diamond Dogs Charters
Fishing charter in San Diego
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(20 reviews)
Had an amazing time with captain Al! He is a true fisherman who appreciates the art of fishing. The knowledge he has and provides is truly priceless. He knows when, where, and what to fish. All together my group of 4 caught over 40 fish. Such a great time and definitely will be doing this charter again. Iโ€™d recommend this trip to anyone and everyone. Thanks again Al!
Antonio  D.
Antonio D. San Diego, CA
Bubba Jean Sportfishing
Bubba Jean Sportfishing
Fishing charter in San Diego
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(88 reviews)
Awesome trip with Captain Mike! Heโ€™s really knowledgeable, patient, down to earth and really easy to talk to! His equipment and boat are top notch. We had a really good time! 100% Will be booking again in the future!
Guillermo  R.
Guillermo R. El Paso, TX
Tahoe Trophy Trout
Tahoe Trophy Trout
Fishing charter in South Lake Tahoe
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
It was our first guided fishing trip and I donโ€™t think it could have been any better. Captain Rob was awesome!!! We caught fish, the conversations were great and the music on the boat was spot on!!! If anyone is looking to book a fishing trip Captain Rob is the best. You canโ€™t go wrong with Captain Rob!!!!!
Scott  B.
Scott B. Abilene, TX