Fishing in Long Beach

Long Beach sits on the eastern edge of Southern California’s densely populated coast, where urban vibrancy meets the Pacific’s rich fishing grounds. The city spans expansive wetlands and a working port that transitions swiftly to open ocean waters. With nearby attractions like the Queen Mary, lively waterfront dining, and easy freeway access, Long Beach draws casual tourists and serious anglers alike—offering a unique blend of city convenience and marine escape.

From Long Beach’s docks, anglers can reach vastly different environments in minutes. The inner harbor, including Alamitos Bay and Naples Island, offers calm waters just a few feet deep in places, ideal for catching halibut, corbina, croaker, and topsmelt—especially along jetties and tidal edges. Slightly offshore, within 2–5 miles, lies nearshore kelp and reef habitat at depths of 40–100 feet. These underwater structures are home to species such as calico bass, kelp bass, white seabass (in season), vermilion rockfish, and lingcod. Just a short boat ride beyond the shelf — usually 10 to 12 miles offshore — the seafloor plunges into the Cortez Bank and Catalina Channel regions, ranging from 200 to 1,500 feet in depth. These open-water areas are frequented by sportfishing vessels targeting yellowtail, bluefin and yellowfin tuna, dorado (mahi‑mahi), and sometimes swordfish or marlin during the summer months. Long Beach’s prime position means anglers don’t need to run all day to experience big-game fishing.

In Long Beach’s harbor and bay, popular catches include barred sand bass, spotfin croaker, and halibut. Nearshore reefs yield calico bass, rockfish, kelp fish, and occasional white seabass. Offshore trips target larger pelagics like dorado, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail, and even bluefin tuna — depending on the season and canyon conditions. Seasonal visitors such as wahoo and blue marlin may also be encountered during summer months on deep-water excursions.

Anglers recreate a full range of techniques here. Shore and harbor anglers drift or cast finesse gear for halibut and croaker, or fish bait rigs across tidal flats. Nearshore trips employ light spinning and jigging along kelp lines and reefs. Offshore charters use spread trolling, live bait, and deep jigging for pelagics and canyon species. Bottom fishing off wrecks and artificial reefs is effective for snapper, bass, and rockfish. Experienced and licensed crews will match your gear and style—whether you're on your first trip or your fiftieth.