Book Your Stay
By Elisa Parhad on February 21, 2025
There might not be a better way to spend a day with the family than fishing. Its a great excuse to spend some time on the water and get your daily dose of sunshine, all the while anticipating the hooking of a big one. Ventura offers plenty of accessible freshwater and saltwater options to create lasting memories together, whether you know your way around a rod and reel or you are just starting out.
Eric Huff, owner of Eric’s Tackle Shop in Ventura, sees the benefits of connecting on the water firsthand. “Fishing creates a huge connection with a father, son, mother, daughter,” he says. “A 15 year-old kid and a 45 year-old parent might not have a lot of in common other than a love of fishing. That’s one of the special connections they have together.”
Plan your trip with our fishing destination planning guide. For current fishing regulations, visit California Department of Fish & Wildlife.
Fishing Charters
For beginners, the best bet for success is to be shown the ropes on a fishing charter, where you can ask questions, ensure you have the right gear and be taken to where the fish are. For deep sea fishing, where you can catch tuna, white seabass and lingcod (depending on the season), head to Ventura Sportfishing or Channel Islands Sportfishing for a half-day fishing trip. Michael Fowlkes, creator of the 12-part documentary series on sportfishing, suggests going on a private excursion, if you have the means.
“The private yachts are probably the most personalized and most productive way to fish for the first time if you can afford it,” he says, “especially if you have kids on the younger side.” This allows the flexibility to leave early if needed and get the most hands-on attention, compared to being committed to a larger sportboat trip.
Bass and Trout Fishing at the Lake
To set your sights on rainbow trout, crappie and big bass fish, head out for a fun day on a peaceful inland lake. One idea is to book a chartered pontoon fishing excursion with Fred Klintshaw at Lake Casitas, suggests Huff.
“Fred has a pontoon boat and a couple bass boats,” he says. “And, that’s a real fun experience at Lake Casitas for the entire family.” The service is also available at Lake Castaic and Lake Pyramid. Families can also book their own pontoon boat and rent gear and tackle at the lake marinas.
📷 Largmouth bass caught at Lake Casitas
Pier Fishing
Piers are a popular option for fishing because they provides a great opportunity to get a line in the water quickly and easily. That doesn’t mean it isn’t technical or requires some knowledge, which is why you should head to your local tackle shop to check in about what is in season and what fish are biting on. This also allows you to pick up some bait, such as anchovies, squid or shrimp, as well as a fishing license for anyone that will be fishing over the age of 16. Early mornings and late afternoon tend to be the best times to get nibbles, and don’t forget to wear sun protection.
📷 Yellowfin croaker caught at Ventura Pier
When Ventura Pier gets busy, head to the laid-back Port Hueneme Pier in Oxnard. There, on the fourth Sunday of every month (excluding November and December) you can join Reel Guppy Outdoors for a family-friendly Pier Day where beginners can join a free hands-on family fishing clinic from 8 am to 11 am. Bait and gear is provided, if needed.
Surf Fishing
To try fishing from the shore or rocks, head to Harbor Cove Beach, Oxnard Beach Park or any of the shoreline north of Ventura. While surf fishing can be technical, it offers an affordable and accessible way to dabble in the sport as a newcomer.
“Surf fishing is phenomenal,” says Fowlkes, “and it’s really gaining in popularity along Southern California’s coast, more so now than ever before.” However, he suggests to always do so in an incoming or outgoing tide.
📷 Surf fishing along Pacific Coast Highway
“It’s really important that you’re fishing in some kind of motion in the water to get bites.” One new method is to fish in the white shallow water, instead of casting far out. Mussels from the pier or sand crabs, pulled right out of the sand, can be used as bait.
Not only does surf fishing often offer more solitude compared to the pier, many beaches come with helpful family-friendly amenities, such as park benches, picnic tables, playgrounds, walkable dining establishments and whole stretches of sand for playing, relaxing or simply catching the sunset.
However you choose to get your family out for a day of fishing, Huff suggests getting a mentor to ensure long-term success.
“If someone wants to learn to fish and get into fishing, the most important thing is to find a mentor. I tell everybody, find someone that is better than you and has more knowledge in you in fishing and learn from their mistakes. They’re going to teach you what to do, what not to do. If you go in on your own, it can be difficult and frustrating, so I highly recommended a mentor.”
Get Inspired and Plan Your Trip
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