Insider Tips and Techniques for Sportfishing the Channel Islands

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By Elisa Parhad on February 13, 2025

Catch the Big One: Insider Tips and Techniques for Sportfishing Success in Ventura County Coast’s Channel Islands

Ventura County is renowned for its beautiful coastline, teeming marine life and prime sportfishing opportunities. No matter your skill level, the waters off Ventura County—particularly around the Channel Islands—offer some of the best fishing experiences in Southern California. This article will give you some tips on how to fish like a pro, including a season-by-season breakdown of what fish you can expect to catch in this slice of coastal sportfishing heaven.

Plan your trip with our fishing destination planning guide. For current fishing regulations, visit California Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Best Seasons for Deep Sea Fishing in Ventura County Coast

Ventura County’s fishing scene is vibrant year-round, but the types of fish you can target change with the seasons. Understanding these seasonal shifts is key to maximizing your success on the water.

📷 large white seabass Channel Islands Sportfishing

Spring (March – May)

Spring marks the beginning of warmer waters, and with it comes an influx of both migratory and resident fish species. As the waters begin to warm up, the fish become more active. This is a prime time for calico bass, sand bass and yellowtail. White seabass is also popular around this time, which are more difficult to find. They tend to appear when the squid show up off the kelp beds.

Expert Tip: Focus on the kelp forests and rocky reefs near the Channel Islands. Casting soft plastics or swimbaits around structure can produce great results, especially when targeting calico bass.

Summer (June – August)

Summer brings some of the best sportfishing opportunities of the year, with fish like bluefin tuna, yellowtail, halibut, and mackerel abundant in the warm waters. As the water temperature rises, these fish become more aggressive, making it an exciting time for anglers.

Expert Tip: Trolling with feather jigs or live bait (such as sardines or mackerel) is highly effective for targeting pelagic fish like yellowtail and tuna. Keep your eye on the water for signs of fish schools, such as diving birds or jumping fish.

Fall (September – November)

Fall sees a continuation of excellent fishing conditions, especially for yellowtail and tuna. The warm water temperature extends into the early part of the season, and fishing remains active, though slightly less frenetic than in the summer months. This is also a good season for catching rockfish and lingcod around the Channel Islands.

Expert Tip: For bottom fishing, use heavier gear and drop baits such as squid or anchovies to the deeper ocean floor. Targeting structures around the islands often yields big catches.

Winter (December – February)

While winter can be cooler, less predictable and have stormy seas, it’s still a great time for anglers to target ocean whitefish, sole, and sand dabs. While offshore fishing slows down, the Channel Islands and coastal reefs still provide excellent opportunities for bottom fishing.

“Bottom fishing, rock fishing, white fish—in all their different varieties—these are the predominant kind of fishing that’s done here,” says Ed Wehan, an avid fisherman who works with Visit Ventura.

Expert Tip: The colder waters can drive fish deeper, so heavier weights and slow, steady retrieves with cut bait (such as squid) will improve your chances. Winter storms often bring nutrient-rich waters, which can attract fish close to shore.

While general seasonality follows patterns, things change. Talking to boat captains and crew, tackle shop workers and other anglers can help you hone in on what’s working and what’s not for specific seasons.

Wehan deems listening to the fishing charter crew to be one of the most important elements of his success. “I have my own tackle. I mean, I still always listen to what the crew has to say, because they’ve been out there daily, they know exactly what fish are biting and where and when.”

Opportunities at Inland Lakes

Inland lakes, such as Lake Casitas, are known for their winter rainbow trout (the lake is stocked) and big bass. In late spring, as waters warm, the fish tend to congregate, which increases your catch. You’ll also find bluegill, crappie and channel catfish along with a fully stocked marina to rent boats, grab a bite to eat and ask around to other anglers to see what fish are biting on.

Know before you go: Current California Ocean Recreational Fishing Regulations for Ventura County Coast.

Fishing in Ventura County offers a wealth of opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. By understanding the seasonal patterns, refining your techniques and using the right gear and bait, you’ll increase your chances of landing the big one. Whether you’re trolling for tuna in the summer or casting for calico bass in the spring, Ventura County’s bountiful waters provide an unforgettable sportfishing experience.

📷 Large kelp bass

📷 provided courtesy of Channel Islands Sport Fishing

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.