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By Elisa Parhad on January 17, 2024
The fertile waters off the Ventura County Coast are full with the possibilities of fishing adventures. What will you choose? From half-day fishing trips to multi-day overnights, the waters are waiting for you. The following will help you know what kind of trip fits your needs, what to expect while out on the water, what fish bite in which season and tips and tricks to ensure your trip is memorable.
Plan your trip with our fishing destination planning guide. For current fishing regulations, visit California Department of Fish & Wildlife.
Ventura Area Landings
Generally, there are three landings that offer deep sea fishing charters for Ventura County: Channel Islands Sportfishing, Ventura Sportfishing, and Hook’s Landing. Both offer easy access to the Channel Islands archipelago with a range of independently owned and operated sportboats, free parking and fully stocked tackle shops. Much of what you’ll need is right here, including fishing licenses (for all anglers 16 years of age and older), fishing tackle, rod rentals and light snacks.
Large Charter Boats vs. Private Charter Experiences
Each sportboat is built for different types of trips and loads. Large charter boats can take up to 75 people at a time, while smaller boats are made for more inclusive trips and private excursions. Some are specially equipped for multi-day outings, with showers and bunk rooms. These longer trips typically offer blue water fishing to more remote waters of the Channel Islands area to target various tuna species.
Shawn Steward captains several boats out of Channel Islands Harbor, each of which provide various levels of fishing charter options. The “Aloha Spirit,” a 50-foot charter boat with 18-20 passengers costs $210 per person, while the “Graylight,” a six-passenger boat with all-inclusive services, including tackle, rod, reels, and fish cleaning, costs $565 per person.
While the larger ships are a cost-effective option, the smaller charters offer more service and added amenities for a more intimate, all-inclusive experience.
The Half-Day Trip for Beginners
The shortest trip available are half-day trips, which allow beginner anglers a taste of the action before they jump in with two feet. Typically, your fishing tackle, rod and reel are not included in the charter cost, but these items can be rented from the landings or your boat. Be sure to let operators know you will be renting gear when you make your reservation and they can help to ensure you get what you need for the season.
📸 Rockfishing at Channel Islands Sportfishing
Ed Wehan, an avid angler who works with Visit Ventura, suggests alerting the crew on your boat that you are new to fishing. Charter boat crews want everyone to be successful—your success is their success—so follow the crews’ lead and they’ll steer you in the right direction.
Longer Trips for More Opportunities
After you’ve tried a charter or two, a longer trip might next. 3/4 day fishing trips, full-day fishing trips, as well as overnight and multi-day fishing boats (complete with with full galleys and bunks) allow for boats to get further into different areas around the Channel Islands to seek out specific fish.
Steward says, “A longer trip gives you way more range and time to fish. Typically, in some of those places, your quality overall is a lot better with the type of fish available.”
📸 trophy sized white seabass
A Fish for Each Season
Ventura is lucky to have year-round opportunities to catch a wide number of fish species, each of which have their own season. Generally, spring is an exciting time for the big game species, such as yellowtail, white seabass and California halibut. In summer, tuna (bluefin and albacore) gets the spotlight, along with swordfish and mahi-mahi (dorado). These fish continue to bite through the fall, which is also another good time to catch the elusive white seabass. As fall folds into winter, the whitefish bottom-dwellers, such as rockfish, lingcod and halibut tend to fill the catch.
📸 California barracuda off the Channel Islands
What to Bring on the Boats
You’ll want to dress warmly in layers, even in the summer months, as wind and early mornings can be chilly. Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses will protect your skin from the sun and you’ll be grateful for a small towel to wipe off sweat or the aftermath of a fish catch.
Anglers over 16 will need a current fishing license, but leave your ice chest in the car for your catch—these are too big for storing on the boat. Unless your boat offers complimentary food and beverages, you’ll also want to pack a sack lunch and some snacks, or be prepared to purchase food on your boat. Always check to ensure food is available on your charter.
While not everyone gets seasick, it is smart to be prepared with Dramamine or other preventative remedies, as well as water to stay hydrated.
Finally, bring cash as a way to pay for extras, such as fish cleaning and gratuities (roughly 20% is customary).
Tips to Ensure a Great Time
Three tips will ensure your Ventura fishing adventure is a memorable one. First, do your best to reserve your fishing trip on a day with favorable weather. While this may not always be possible, it can make a big difference in the quality of your experience.
Second, if you begin to feel seasick, get to fresh air immediately, preferable in the back of the boat. Calm your vestibular system by focusing on the horizon.
📸 California Yellowtail, photo by Channel Islands Sportfishing
Finally, if you are new or unsure what to do, don’t hesitate to ask questions or request help from the crew. Steward explains, “It’s important to get with a crew member and talk to other anglers. If you see that somebody is catching a lot of fish and you’re not doing so well, don’t be afraid to ask, ‘What are you using?'”
Be curious, ask for help and watch what others are doing. After all, it might be the difference between scoring big or an empty cooler on your ride home.
Get Inspired and Plan Your Trip
Get inspiration and travel tips for your stay with our guide to fun things to do in Ventura County.
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